UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 20, 2024
IHEARTMEDIA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-38987 | 26-0241222 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(210) 822-2828
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
||
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share | IHRT | Nasdaq Global Select Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 1.01. | Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
On December 20, 2024 (the “Settlement Date”), iHeartCommunications, Inc. ( “iHeartCommunications”) completed its previously announced exchange offers and consent solicitations whereby iHeartCommunications exchanged (i) approximately $755.4 million (or 94.4%) aggregate principal amount of its existing 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Secured Notes”) for approximately $717.6 million aggregate principal amount of its new 9.125% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 (the “2029 First Lien Notes”) and cash consideration of approximately $37.6 million, (ii) approximately $743.0 million (or 99.1%) aggregate principal amount of its existing 5.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Secured Notes”) for approximately $661.3 million aggregate principal amount of its new 7.750% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030 (the “2030 First Lien Notes”), (iii) approximately $223.1 million (or 44.6%) aggregate principal amount of its existing 4.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 for approximately $178.4 million aggregate principal amount of its new 7.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031 (the “2031 First Lien Notes” and, together with the 2029 First Lien Notes and the 2030 First Lien Notes, the “First Lien Notes”), (iv) approximately $844.0 million (or 92.1%) aggregate principal amount of its existing 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Unsecured Notes”) for approximately $675.2 million aggregate principal amount of its new 10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the “Second Lien Notes” and, together with the First Lien Notes, the “New Notes”) and (v) approximately $2,258.7 million (or 99.7%) aggregate principal amount of its existing senior secured first lien term loans due 2026 (the “Existing Term Loans”) for approximately $2,145.7 million aggregate principal amount of its new senior secured first lien term loans due 2029 (the “New Term Loans” and, together with the First Lien Notes, the “First Lien Debt”; the First Lien Debt together with the Second Lien Notes, the “New Debt”) and cash consideration of approximately $112.9 million pursuant to a term loan exchange agreement (the “Term Loan Exchange Agreement”) (collectively, the “Comprehensive Transactions”).
New Indentures; New Term Loan Credit Agreement
The First Lien Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of the Settlement Date (the “First Lien Indenture”), by and among iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors (as defined below) party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (“U.S. Bank”), as trustee and collateral agent for each series of the First Lien Notes. The Second Lien Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of the Settlement Date (the “Second Lien Indenture” and, together with the First Lien Indenture, the “Indentures”), by and among iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank, as trustee and collateral agent. The New Term Loans were incurred under a credit agreement, dated as of the Settlement Date (the “New Term Loan Credit Agreement” and, together with the Indentures, the “Debt Instruments”), by and among iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, and each lender party thereto.
The 2029 First Lien Notes will mature on May 1, 2029, bear interest at an initial rate of 9.125% per annum (subject to decrease in the future upon obtaining certain credit ratings on such 2029 First Lien Notes) and interest will be payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2025. The 2030 First Lien Notes will mature on August 15, 2030, bear interest at an initial rate of 7.750% per annum (subject to decrease in the future upon obtaining certain credit ratings on such 2030 First Lien Notes) and interest will be payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2025. The 2031 First Lien Notes will mature on January 15, 2031, bear interest at an initial rate of 7.000% per annum (subject to decrease in the future upon obtaining certain credit ratings on such 2031 First Lien Notes) and interest will be payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2025. The Second Lien Notes will mature on May 1, 2030, bear interest at an initial rate of 10.875% per annum (subject to decrease in the future upon obtaining certain credit ratings on such Second Lien Notes) and interest will be payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on May 1, 2025. The New Term Loans will mature on May 1, 2029, and bear interest at a rate per annum based on, at iHeartCommunications’ election, either (1) term SOFR, subject to a 0% floor, plus an initial applicable margin of 5.775% (subject to decrease in the future upon iHeartCommunications obtaining certain corporate credit ratings) or (2) an alternate base rate plus an initial applicable margin of 4.775% (subject to decrease in the future upon iHeartCommunications obtaining certain corporate credit ratings). iHeartCommunications is required to make quarterly amortization payments on the New Term Loans in an amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount thereof beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
Each series of the New Debt is guaranteed on a senior secured basis by iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC (the “Parent Guarantor”) and each existing and future material, wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, subject to certain exceptions (the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors”). Each series of the First Lien Debt and the related guarantees are secured, subject to permitted liens and certain other exceptions, by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of iHeartCommunications and the Guarantors (the “Fixed Asset Collateral”), other than the accounts receivable and related assets of iHeartCommunications and the Guarantors (the “ABL Collateral” and, together with the Fixed Asset Collateral, the “Collateral”), and by a second priority lien on the ABL Collateral, and the Second Lien Notes and the related guarantees are secured, subject to permitted liens and certain other exceptions, by a second priority lien on the Fixed Asset Collateral and by a third priority lien on the ABL Collateral.
iHeartCommunications may redeem each series of the New Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 20, 2026, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Notes of such series redeemed, plus a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. iHeartCommunications may redeem each series of the New Notes at its option, in whole or in part, on or after December 20, 2026, at the redemption prices set forth in the First Lien Indenture or Second Lien Indenture, as applicable, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. iHeartCommunications may make voluntary prepayments of the New Term Loans at its option, in whole or in part, subject to a prepayment premium as set forth in the New Term Loan Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence of certain events, including a change of control, asset sales in excess of certain thresholds and, in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes and the New Term Loans, excess cash flows in excess of certain thresholds, iHeartCommunications will be required to repay or make an offer to repurchase, as applicable, the New Debt (or in the case of excess cash flows, the 2029 First Lien Notes and the New Term Loans) pursuant to and subject to the provisions set forth in the applicable Debt Instrument.
The Debt Instruments contain covenants that limit iHeartCommunications’ and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things (and subject to certain exceptions): incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends on, or make distributions in respect of, their capital stock or repurchase their capital stock; make certain investments or other restricted payments; sell certain assets; create liens; merge, consolidate or transfer or dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; repay certain junior indebtedness or existing debt; restrict the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends; make loans or transfer property to iHeartCommunications or its subsidiaries; permit the subsidiaries that hold FCC licenses to engage in other businesses; transfer FCC licenses or incur indebtedness; transfer material assets to non-guarantors; engage in transactions with affiliates; and change lines of business. The Debt Instruments also restrict the Parent Guarantor from engaging in any material business or operations. The Debt Instruments also contain total net leverage ratio requirements (which fall away upon certain conditions being met) tested 30 days prior to the maturity dates of the 2027 Secured Notes, the 2028 Secured Notes and the Unsecured Notes to the extent the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such notes to which such maturity date applies exceeds $50 million on such date.
In connection with the Comprehensive Transactions and on the Settlement Date, iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors and the administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee, as applicable, for each series of New Debt, the Existing Term Loans and the 2028 Secured Notes entered into a Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”). Additionally, on the Settlement Date, (i) the administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee, as applicable, for each series of First Lien Debt entered into joinders to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019 (the “First Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among iHeartCommunications, the grantors from time to time party thereto and the collateral agents party thereto, and (ii) the administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee, as applicable, for each series of New Debt entered into joinders to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019 (the “ABL Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among iHeartCommunications, the grantors from time to time party thereto and the collateral agents party thereto. Such intercreditor agreements set forth the relative rights of, and relationships among, the administrative agents, collateral agents and trustees party thereto, the holders represented by them and the holders (and their representatives) under any future debt of iHeartCommunications and the Guarantors secured by liens on the Collateral (or, in the case of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Collateral) in respect of the exercise of rights and remedies against the Collateral or the ABL Collateral, as applicable.
The descriptions of the First Lien Indenture, the 2029 First Lien Notes, the 2030 First Lien Notes, the 2031 First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Term Loan Exchange Agreement, the New Term Loan Credit Agreement (including the New Term Loans), the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the joinder thereto, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the joinder thereto are qualified in their entirety by references to the complete texts thereof, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Supplemental Indentures
In connection with the Comprehensive Transactions and on the Settlement Date, iHeartCommunications entered into (i) a second supplemental indenture, by and among iHeartCommunications and the trustee and the collateral agent for the 2026 Secured Notes (the “2026 Secured Supplemental Indenture”), to the indenture governing the 2026 Secured Notes (as amended, supplemented or modified prior to the Settlement Date, the “2026 Secured Indenture”), (ii) a second supplemental indenture, by and among iHeartCommunications and the trustee and the collateral agent for the 2027 Secured Notes (the “2027 Secured Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the 2026 Secured Supplemental Indenture, the “Secured Supplemental Indentures”), to the indenture governing the 2027 Secured Notes (as amended, supplemented or modified prior to the Settlement Date, the “2027 Secured Indenture” and, together with the 2026 Secured Indenture, the “Secured Indentures”) and (iii) a second supplemental indenture, by and among iHeartCommunications and the trustee for the Unsecured Notes (the “Unsecured Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Secured Supplemental Indentures, the “Supplemental Indentures”), to the indenture governing the 2027 Secured Notes (as amended, supplemented or modified prior to the Settlement Date, the “Unsecured Indenture” and, together with the Secured Indentures, the “Existing Indentures”), to (a) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, certain events of default and certain other provisions contained in the Existing Indentures, (b) release the guarantees of the guarantors under the Existing Indentures and eliminate related provisions and (c) solely in the case of the Secured Supplemental Indentures, release all liens on the collateral securing the obligations under the Secured Indentures and eliminate related provisions.
The descriptions of the Supplemental Indentures are qualified in their entirety by references to the complete texts thereof, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment
In connection with the Comprehensive Transactions and on the Settlement Date, iHeartCommunications and the Guarantors entered into Amendment No. 5 (the “Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment”) to the existing credit agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019 and as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, by and among iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and BofA, as administrative agent and collateral agent, to, among other things, eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and mandatory prepayment provisions, certain representations and warranties and certain events of default and related provisions, and subordinate the liens on the Collateral securing the obligations thereunder to the liens on the collateral securing the New Debt.
The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Existing Term Loan Credit Agreement Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.8 and is incorporated herein by reference.
ABL Amendment
In connection with the consummation of the Comprehensive Transactions, the provisions set forth in the previously announced and filed Amendment No. 1 (the “ABL Amendment”), dated as of November 6, 2024, to the ABL Credit Agreement dated as of May 17, 2022 and as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, by and among iHeartCommunications, the Guarantors, BofA, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto, providing for, among other things, the applicable rate with respect to the loans provided thereunder to be increased by 0.50% and certain of the affirmative covenants and default provisions to become amended, in each case upon the consummation of the Comprehensive Transactions, became effective as of the Settlement Date.
The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the ABL Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.9 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2.03. | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
The information set forth in Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
Item 8.01. | Other Events. |
On the Settlement Date, iHeartMedia, Inc. issued a press release announcing the closing of the Comprehensive Transactions. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
IHEARTMEDIA, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Scott D. Hamilton |
|
Name: | Scott D. Hamilton | |
Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Assistant Secretary |
Date: December 23, 2024
Exhibit 4.1
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
as the Issuer,
the Guarantors party hereto from time to time
AND
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association,
as Trustee and as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent
Senior Secured Notes due 2029
Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Senior Secured Notes due 2031
INDENTURE
Dated as of December 20, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS | ||||||
SECTION 1.1. | Definitions | 1 | ||||
SECTION 1.2. | Other Definitions | 75 | ||||
SECTION 1.3. | Trust Indenture Act | 77 | ||||
SECTION 1.4. | Rules of Construction | 77 | ||||
SECTION 1.5. | Certain Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions | 77 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
THE FIRST LIEN NOTES | ||||||
SECTION 2.1. | Form, Dating and Terms | 79 | ||||
SECTION 2.2. | Execution and Authentication | 86 | ||||
SECTION 2.3. | Registrar and Paying Agent | 88 | ||||
SECTION 2.4. | Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust | 88 | ||||
SECTION 2.5. | Holder Lists | 89 | ||||
SECTION 2.6. | Transfer and Exchange | 89 | ||||
SECTION 2.7. | Form of Certificate to be Delivered upon Termination of Restricted Period | 93 | ||||
SECTION 2.8. | [Reserved] | 94 | ||||
SECTION 2.9. | Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S | 94 | ||||
SECTION 2.10. | [Reserved] | 96 | ||||
SECTION 2.11. | Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes | 96 | ||||
SECTION 2.12. | Outstanding Notes | 97 | ||||
SECTION 2.13. | Temporary Notes | 98 | ||||
SECTION 2.14. | Cancellation | 98 | ||||
SECTION 2.15. | Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest | 98 | ||||
SECTION 2.16. | CUSIP and ISIN Numbers | 100 | ||||
SECTION 2.17. | Joint and Several Liability | 100 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
COVENANTS | ||||||
SECTION 3.1. | Payment of Notes | 100 | ||||
SECTION 3.2. | Limitation on Indebtedness | 100 | ||||
SECTION 3.3. | Limitation on Restricted Payments | 107 | ||||
SECTION 3.4. | Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Subsidiaries | 111 | ||||
SECTION 3.5. | Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock | 113 | ||||
SECTION 3.6. | Limitation on Liens | 118 | ||||
SECTION 3.7. | Future Guarantees | 119 | ||||
SECTION 3.8. | Limitation on Affiliate Transactions | 120 | ||||
SECTION 3.9. | Limitation on Junior Financing | 121 |
SECTION 3.10. | Limitation on Transfer of Material Assets | 124 | ||
SECTION 3.11. | Change in Nature of Business | 125 | ||
SECTION 3.12. | Financial Covenant | 125 | ||
SECTION 3.13. | Limitation on Activities of the Parent Guarantor | 125 | ||
SECTION 3.14. | License Subsidiaries | 126 | ||
SECTION 3.15. | Change of Control | 127 | ||
SECTION 3.16. | Excess Amount Offer | 130 | ||
SECTION 3.17. | Reports | 133 | ||
SECTION 3.18. | Maintenance of Office or Agency | 136 | ||
SECTION 3.19. | Compliance Certificate | 137 | ||
SECTION 3.20. | Further Instruments and Acts | 137 | ||
SECTION 3.21. | Statement by Officers as to Default | 137 | ||
SECTION 3.22. | Designation of Subsidiaries | 137 | ||
SECTION 3.23. | Payment of Taxes | 138 | ||
SECTION 3.24. | Corporate Existence | 138 | ||
SECTION 3.25. | Maintenance of Ratings | 138 | ||
ARTICLE IV | ||||
SUCCESSOR COMPANY; SUCCESSOR PERSON | ||||
SECTION 4.1. | Merger and Consolidation | 138 | ||
ARTICLE V | ||||
REDEMPTION OF NOTES | ||||
SECTION 5.1. | Notices to Trustee | 141 | ||
SECTION 5.2. | Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased | 141 | ||
SECTION 5.3. | Notice of Redemption | 141 | ||
SECTION 5.4. | Effect of Notice of Redemption | 143 | ||
SECTION 5.5. | Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price | 143 | ||
SECTION 5.6. | Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part | 143 | ||
SECTION 5.7. | Optional Redemption | 144 | ||
SECTION 5.8. | Mandatory Redemption | 146 | ||
ARTICLE VI | ||||
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES | ||||
SECTION 6.1. | Events of Default | 146 | ||
SECTION 6.2. | Acceleration | 149 | ||
SECTION 6.3. | Other Remedies | 151 | ||
SECTION 6.4. | Waiver of Past Defaults | 152 | ||
SECTION 6.5. | Control by Majority | 152 | ||
SECTION 6.6. | Limitation on Suits | 153 | ||
SECTION 6.7. | Rights of Holders to Receive Payment | 153 | ||
SECTION 6.8. | Collection Suit by Trustee | 153 | ||
SECTION 6.9. | Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 153 | ||
SECTION 6.10. | Priorities | 154 | ||
SECTION 6.11. | Undertaking for Costs | 154 |
ARTICLE VII | ||||
TRUSTEE | ||||
SECTION 7.1. | Duties of Trustee | 155 | ||
SECTION 7.2. | Rights of Trustee | 156 | ||
SECTION 7.3. | Individual Rights of Trustee | 158 | ||
SECTION 7.4. | Trustee’s Disclaimer | 158 | ||
SECTION 7.5. | Notice of Defaults | 158 | ||
SECTION 7.6. | [Reserved] | 159 | ||
SECTION 7.7. | Compensation and Indemnity | 159 | ||
SECTION 7.8. | Replacement of Trustee | 160 | ||
SECTION 7.9. | Successor Trustee by Merger | 161 | ||
SECTION 7.10. | Eligibility; Disqualification | 161 | ||
SECTION 7.11. | [Reserved] | 161 | ||
SECTION 7.12. | Trustee’s Application for Instruction from the Issuer | 161 | ||
SECTION 7.13. | Collateral Documents; Intercreditor Agreements | 161 | ||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE | ||||
SECTION 8.1. | Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance; Defeasance | 162 | ||
SECTION 8.2. | Legal Defeasance and Discharge | 162 | ||
SECTION 8.3. | Covenant Defeasance | 163 | ||
SECTION 8.4. | Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance | 164 | ||
SECTION 8.5. | Deposited Money and U.S | 165 | ||
SECTION 8.6. | Repayment to the Issuer | 165 | ||
SECTION 8.7. | Reinstatement | 166 | ||
ARTICLE IX | ||||
AMENDMENTS | ||||
SECTION 9.1. | Without Consent of Holders | 166 | ||
SECTION 9.2. | With Consent of Holders | 168 | ||
SECTION 9.3. | [Reserved] | 172 | ||
SECTION 9.4. | Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers | 172 | ||
SECTION 9.5. | Notation on or Exchange of Notes | 172 | ||
SECTION 9.6. | Trustee and Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments | 173 | ||
ARTICLE X | ||||
GUARANTEE | ||||
SECTION 10.1. | Guarantee | 173 | ||
SECTION 10.2. | Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge | 176 | ||
SECTION 10.3. | Right of Contribution | 177 | ||
SECTION 10.4. | No Subrogation | 177 |
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||||
SECTION 11.1. | Satisfaction and Discharge | 178 | ||||
SECTION 11.2. | Application of Trust Money | 179 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | ||||||
COLLATERAL | ||||||
SECTION 12.1. | Collateral Documents | 179 | ||||
SECTION 12.2. | Release of Collateral | 180 | ||||
SECTION 12.3. | Suits to Protect the Collateral | 181 | ||||
SECTION 12.4. | Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents | 182 | ||||
SECTION 12.5. | Purchaser Protected | 182 | ||||
SECTION 12.6. | Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee | 182 | ||||
SECTION 12.7. | Release Upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations | 182 | ||||
SECTION 12.8. | Collateral Agent | 183 | ||||
SECTION 12.9. | Designations | 192 | ||||
SECTION 12.10. | No Impairment of the Security Interests | 192 | ||||
SECTION 12.11. | Insurance | 193 | ||||
SECTION 12.12. | After Acquired Property | 194 | ||||
SECTION 12.13. | Maintenance of Property | 194 | ||||
SECTION 12.14. | Further Assurances | 194 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
SECTION 13.1. | [Reserved] | 195 | ||||
SECTION 13.2. | Notices | 195 | ||||
SECTION 13.3. | [Reserved] | 196 | ||||
SECTION 13.4. | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent | 196 | ||||
SECTION 13.5. | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion | 197 | ||||
SECTION 13.6. | Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar | 197 | ||||
SECTION 13.7. | Legal Holidays | 197 | ||||
SECTION 13.8. | Governing Law | 197 | ||||
SECTION 13.9. | Jurisdiction | 197 | ||||
SECTION 13.10. | Waivers of Jury Trial | 198 | ||||
SECTION 13.11. | USA PATRIOT Act | 198 | ||||
SECTION 13.12. | No Recourse Against Others | 198 | ||||
SECTION 13.13. | Multiple Originals | 198 | ||||
SECTION 13.14. | Table of Contents; Headings | 199 | ||||
SECTION 13.15. | Force Majeure | 199 | ||||
SECTION 13.16. | Severability | 199 | ||||
SECTION 13.17. | FCC | 199 | ||||
SECTION 13.18. | Intercreditor Agreements | 199 | ||||
SECTION 13.19. | Intended Tax Treatment | 200 |
EXHIBIT B Form of Supplemental Indenture to Add Guarantors
EXHIBIT C Form of Intercompany Note
EXHIBIT D Form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
EXHIBITS A-1, A-2, A-3: Forms of Global Restricted Note INDENTURE dated as of December 20, 2024, among iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors party hereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of $717,588,265 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “2029 Initial First Lien Notes”), issued on the date hereof, $661,285,130 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Initial First Lien Notes”), issued on the date hereof and $178,443,480 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Initial First Lien Notes,” and together with the 2029 Initial First Lien Notes and the 2030 Initial First Lien Notes, the “Initial First Lien Notes”), issued on the date hereof (each of which is being issued as a separate series hereunder), and any 2029 Additional First Lien Notes, 2030 Additional First Lien Notes or 2031 Additional First Lien Notes that may be issued after the Issue Date;
WHEREAS, the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture; and WHEREAS, all things necessary (i) to make the First Lien Notes of each series, when executed and duly issued by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered hereunder, the valid obligations of the Issuer, and (ii) to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer and the Guarantors have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the acquisition of the First Lien Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. Definitions.
“2029 Additional First Lien Notes” means any additional 2029 First Lien Notes (other than the 2029 Initial First Lien Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with SECTIONS 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.
“2029 Applicable Premium” means, with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes, (i) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs prior to December 20, 2026, the 2029 Make-Whole Amount; or (ii) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs on or after December 20, 2026, (x) the applicable redemption price set forth in SECTION 5.7(a)(2) less (y) 100.0%.
1
“2029 Applicable Treasury Rate” means the weekly average for each Business Day during the most recent week that has ended at least two Business Days prior to the date of the notice of redemption of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (or, if such statistical release is not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Issuer in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such applicable date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
“2029 First Lien Notes” means the 2029 Initial First Lien Notes and any 2029 Additional First Lien Notes. The 2029 Initial First Lien Notes issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date and any 2029 Additional First Lien Notes subsequently issued under this Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.
“2029 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2029 First Lien Notes (including Additional 2029 First Lien Notes), the 2029 First Lien Note Guarantees, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“2029 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“2029 Initial First Lien Notes” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“2029 Make-Whole Amount” means, with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes, an amount in cash determined as if each First Lien Note being redeemed was being redeemed as of such date equal to the greater of (A) 1.0% of the principal amount of such 2029 First Lien Note and (B) the excess (to the extent positive) of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the applicable redemption price of such 2029 First Lien Note at December 20, 2026 (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in SECTION 5.7(a)(2) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest)), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such 2029 First Lien Note to and including such date set forth in clause (i) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the 2029 Applicable Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of such 2029 First Lien Note;
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in each case, as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate.
The Trustee shall have no duty to calculate or verify the calculations of the 2029 Make-Whole Amount.
“2030 Additional First Lien Notes” means any additional 2030 First Lien Notes (other than the 2030 Initial First Lien Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with SECTIONS 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.
“2030 Applicable Premium” means, with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes, (i) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs prior to December 20, 2026, the 2030 Make-Whole Amount; (ii) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs on or after December 20, 2026, (x) the applicable redemption price set forth in SECTION 5.7(b)(2) less (y) 100.0%.
“2030 Applicable Treasury Rate” means the weekly average for each Business Day during the most recent week that has ended at least two Business Days prior to the date of the notice of redemption of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (or, if such statistical release is not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Issuer in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such applicable date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
“2030 First Lien Notes” means the 2030 Initial First Lien Notes and any 2030 Additional First Lien Notes. The 2030 Initial First Lien Notes issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date and any 2030 Additional First Lien Notes subsequently issued under this Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.
“2030 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2030 First Lien Notes (including Additional 2030 First Lien Notes), the 2030 First Lien Note Guarantees, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
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“2030 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the Holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“2030 Initial First Lien Notes” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“2030 Make-Whole Amount” means, with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes, an amount in cash determined as if each First Lien Note being redeemed was being redeemed as of such date equal to the greater of (A) 1.0% of the principal amount of such 2030 First Lien Note and (B) the excess (to the extent positive) of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the applicable redemption price of such 2030 First Lien Note at December 20, 2026 (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in the table in SECTION 5.7(b)(2) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest)), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such 2030 First Lien Note to and including such date set forth in clause (i) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the 2030 Applicable Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(b) the outstanding principal amount of such 2030 First Lien Note;
in each case, as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate.
The Trustee shall have no duty to calculate or verify the calculations of the 2030 Make-Whole Amount.
“2031 Additional First Lien Notes” means any additional 2031 First Lien Notes (other than the 2031 Initial First Lien Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with SECTIONS 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.
“2031 Applicable Premium” means, with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes, (i) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs prior to December 20, 2026, the 2031 Make-Whole Amount; (ii) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs on or after December 20, 2026, (x) the applicable redemption price set forth in SECTION 5.7(c)(2) less (y) 100.0%.
“2031 Applicable Treasury Rate” means the weekly average for each Business Day during the most recent week that has ended at least two Business Days prior to the date of the notice of redemption of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (or, if such statistical release is not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Issuer in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such applicable date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
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“2031 First Lien Notes” means the 2031 Initial First Lien Notes and any 2031 Additional First Lien Notes. The 2031 Initial First Lien Notes issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date and any 2031 Additional First Lien Notes subsequently issued under this Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.
“2031 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2031 First Lien Notes (including Additional 2031 First Lien Notes), the 2031 First Lien Note Guarantees, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2031 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“2031 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the Holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“2031 Initial First Lien Notes” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“2031 Make-Whole Amount” means, with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes, an amount in cash determined as if each First Lien Note being redeemed was being redeemed as of such date equal to the greater of (A) 1.0% of the principal amount of such 2031 First Lien Note and (B) the excess (to the extent positive) of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the applicable redemption price of such 2031 First Lien Note at December 20, 2026 (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in the table in SECTION 5.7(c)(2) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest)), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such 2031 First Lien Note to and including such date set forth in clause (i) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the 2031 Applicable Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(b) the outstanding principal amount of such 2031 First Lien Note; The Trustee shall have no duty to calculate or verify the calculations of the 2031 Make-Whole Amount.
in each case, as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate.
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“ABL Credit Agreement” means that certain ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other borrowers and guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, the ABL administrative agent and the entities party from time to time thereto as swing line lender and L/C issuers together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time (including by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024) or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted under this Indenture and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any First Lien Note Document, the ABL Credit Agreement (including any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) shall (A) not constitute “first in last out” loans, (B) not have any obligor or guarantor that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor (or does not become the Issuer or a Guarantor substantially concurrently with the incurrence) or be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral and (C) be subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, among, inter alios, the collateral agent under the ABL Credit Agreement and the other agents party thereto, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
“ABL Obligations” means the “Obligations” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business (determined as if references to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA were references to such Acquired Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries), as applicable, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business.
“Additional First Lien Notes” means any 2029 Additional First Lien Notes, any 2030 Additional First Lien Notes and any 2031 Additional First Lien Notes.
“Additional First Lien Obligations” means all obligations of the Issuer and the other Grantors that shall have been designated as such pursuant to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Additional First Lien Obligations in excess of the amount of indebtedness permitted under this Indenture to be secured on a pari passu basis with the First Lien Notes Obligations in accordance with this Indenture and any fees, interest and expenses related to such excess amount pursuant to the applicable Additional First Lien Obligations Documents shall not constitute Additional First Lien Obligations or First Priority Obligations for purposes of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
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“Additional First Lien Obligations Documents” means the notes, the indentures, security documents or any other agreements or instruments under which Additional First Lien Obligations of any series are issued or incurred and all other instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing or governing Additional First Lien Obligations of such series or providing any guarantee, Lien or other right in respect thereof.
“Additional Restricted Notes” means Additional First Lien Notes that are issued as Restricted Notes.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall any Holder be deemed an Affiliate of the Issuer or a Guarantor solely by virtue of its capacity as a Holder of First Lien Notes.
“All-In Cash Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the portion of the All-In Yield that is required to be paid in cash.
“All-In Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof incurred or payable by the applicable borrower generally to all lenders or holders of such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the sum of (a) the applicable margin plus any credit spread or other similar adjustment; (b) original issue discount and upfront fees; provided that (i) original issue discount and upfront fees shall be equated to interest rate assuming a 4-year life to maturity on a straight line basis (or, if less, the stated life to maturity at the time of incurrence of the applicable Indebtedness); and (ii) “All-In Yield” shall not include bona fide arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees and any similar fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness, reasonable (as determined by the Issuer) consent or amendment fees paid to consenting lenders or holders, ticking fees on undrawn commitments and any other fees not paid or payable generally to all lenders or holders of such Indebtedness and (c) the interest rate (exclusive of margin) after giving effect to any Term SOFR (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) or Base Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) floor.
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“Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|
Test Period ending on March 31, 2025 |
6.35 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2025 |
6.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2025 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2025 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2026 |
6.55 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2026 |
6.20 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 |
5.95 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 |
5.25 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 |
5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 |
5.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 |
5.60 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2027 |
5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2028 |
5.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2028 |
5.15 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2028 |
4.85 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2028 |
4.10 to 1.00 |
“Applicable ECF Amount” means an amount equal to (A) 75.0% of Excess Cash Flow, if any, for the applicable fiscal year minus (B) the sum of (1) all voluntary prepayments or repurchases or redemptions of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement made during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when the applicable Excess Amount Offer is made (including, in the case of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement prepaid pursuant to the terms thereof, the actual purchase price paid in cash pursuant to a “Dutch Auction”), (2) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of loans under the ABL Credit Agreement during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (other than any such prepayment, repurchase or redemption made on the Issue Date in connection with the Transactions) to the extent the commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement are permanently reduced by the amount of such payments, (3) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of First Lien Notes and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the New Credit Agreement and any other Indebtedness, in each case matures on or prior to the Stated Maturity of the 2029 First Lien Notes and is secured on a pari passu basis with the Initial Term Loans, and repurchased or redeemed that on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis with the Initial Term Loans (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Amount Offer is due to be made, (4) the amount of Restricted Payments paid in cash (or committed to be paid) during such period or, at the option of the Issuer, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) pursuant to clause (7) (clauses (a), (b) and (c) only) or clause (9) of SECTION 3.3(b), to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, (5) cash payments by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries made (or committed to be made)
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during such period or, at the option of the Issuer, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) in respect of long-term liabilities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, (6) at the option of the Issuer, an amount up to the aggregate face amount of outstanding Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes that mature on or prior to the twelve month anniversary of the date when such Excess Amount Offer is due to be made and (7) without of duplication of any amounts deducted in the immediately preceding fiscal year pursuant to the foregoing clause (6), all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness (other than revolving loans)) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (which shall be limited to the actual purchase price paid in cash), in the case of each of the immediately preceding clauses (1) through (7), without duplication of any deduction from Excess Cash Flow in any prior period. For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that the aggregate amount of deductions determined pursuant to clauses (B)(1) through (7) above for any fiscal year shall be the same amount for determining the “Excess Amount” under this Indenture and under the corresponding provisions of the New Credit Agreement (as in effect in the Issue Date without giving effect to amendments or waivers thereunder), and if there would otherwise be a difference, the amount yielded from the calculations under the New Credit Agreement shall be used for determining the “Excess Amount” under this Indenture.
“Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 100.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
84.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
81.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
79.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
76.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
74.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 89.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % |
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On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes, the 2029 Applicable Premium, with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes, the 2030 Applicable Premium, and with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes, the 2031 Applicable Premium.
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“Applicable Premium Trigger Event” means, with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the date of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the occurrence of a redemption date (for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions thereto) following the Issuer’s exercise of its option to redeem the First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to the provisions set forth in SECTION 5.7 (solely with respect to the First Lien Notes to be redeemed on such date) or any refinancing, exchange, repayment or discharge of such series of First Lien Notes, or (ii) an acceleration of the First Lien Notes Obligations with respect to such series for any reason, including because of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise); provided, however, that any repurchase of a series of First Lien Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth in SECTION 3.15 or pursuant to an Offer to Purchase shall not constitute an Applicable Premium Trigger Event.
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
“Available Equity Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(1) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than any Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Parent Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent of the Parent Guarantor after the Issue Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Issuer; plus
(2) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital (other than from a Subsidiary) of the Issuer received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Issue Date, in each case, not previously applied for a purpose other than use in the Available Equity Amount; minus
(3) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make Investments pursuant to clause (14)(III) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” after the Issue Date and prior to such time; minus
(4) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of any Junior Financing pursuant to clause (10)(ii) of SECTION 3.9(a) after the Issue Date and prior to such time; minus
(5) the cumulative amount of Investments and Restricted Payments made to the Parent Guarantor or any indirect parent thereof by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and contributed to the Issuer for the purpose of increasing the Available Equity Amount.
“Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) $100,000,000; minus
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(b) any amount of the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount used to make Investments pursuant to clauses (3) and (26) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” after the Issue Date and prior to such time;
provided that the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount may be replenished up to an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (but in no event in excess of $100,000,000) by 100% of the aggregate amount actually received by the Issuer or any Guarantor in cash and Cash Equivalents (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment) from:
(i) the sale (other than to the Issuer or any Subsidiary or any of their respective Affiliates) of the Equity Interests of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(ii) any dividend or other distribution received in respect of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(iii) any interest, returns of principal payments and similar payments received in respect of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investments or joint venture).
“Available Restricted Payments Amount” means, at any time, (a) the amount of Restricted Payments that may be made at the time of determination pursuant to clause (8) of SECTION 3.3(b), minus (b) the amount of the Available Restricted Payments Amount utilized by the Issuer or any Subsidiary to make Investments pursuant to clause (14)(II) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”
“Broadcast Licenses” means the main station licenses issued by the FCC or any foreign Governmental Authority and held by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries for the Broadcast Stations operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Broadcast Stations” means each full-service AM or FM radio broadcast station or full-service television broadcast station now or hereafter owned and operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, New York, New York, United States.
“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities and including in all events all amounts expended or capitalized under Capitalized Leases) by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as capital expenditures on the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries.
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“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries either existing on the Issue Date or created prior to any recharacterization described below (i) that were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor as capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Indenture (including, without limitation, the calculation of Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA) not be treated as capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that unless otherwise elected by the Issuer, for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of January 1, 2015, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may have occurred thereafter. For the avoidance of doubt, solely making an election (without any other action) referred to in this definition will not be treated as an incurrence of Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Software Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary:
(1) Dollars;
(2) such local currencies held by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business (including without limitation Sterling, euro, AUD or any national currency of any participating member state of the Economic and Monetary Union);
(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
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(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4), (7) and (8) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(6) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;
(7) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(11) securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(12) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and
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(13) investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (12) above.
In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (a) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10), (11), (12) and (13) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (b) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (13) and in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts. For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes under this Indenture regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
“Cash Management Services” means any of the following to the extent not constituting a line of credit (other than an overnight draft facility that is not in default): automated clearing house transactions, treasury, depository, credit or debit card, purchasing card, stored value card, electronic fund transfer, treasury services and/or cash management services, including controlled disbursement services, overdraft facilities, foreign exchange facilities, deposit and other accounts and merchant services or other cash management arrangements in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice.
“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
“Change of Control” means:
(1) the Parent Guarantor becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) any “person” or “group” of related persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), other than a Parent Entity, being or becoming the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor; provided that so long as the Parent Guarantor is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity);
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(2) the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in one or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to a Person (other than the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) and any “person” (as defined in clause (1) above), other than any Parent Entity, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as so defined) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the transferee Person in such sale or transfer of assets, as the case may be; provided that so long as the Parent Guarantor is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity);
(3) Parent Guarantor shall cease to own directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Issuer; or
(4) a “change of control” (or similar event) shall occur under the ABL Credit Agreement, the Second Lien Notes Indenture, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, any other Junior Financing documentation or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, as applicable, in respect of any of the foregoing in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Voting Stock subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of the Voting Stock in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement and (ii) the right to acquire Voting Stock (so long as such Person does not have the right to direct the voting of the Voting Stock subject to such right) or any veto power in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Voting Stock will not cause a party to be a beneficial owner.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, (i) the “Collateral” as defined in the applicable First Priority Security Agreement, (ii) all the “Collateral” or “Pledged Assets” or similar term as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series, in each case, pursuant to any Collateral Document.
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“Collateral Documents” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, collectively, any security agreement (including the applicable First Priority Security Agreement), hypothecs, intellectual property security agreements, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreement supplements, pledge agreements, bonds or any similar agreements, guarantees and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien or guarantee in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series.
“Collateral Requirement” means:
(1) the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Issue Date or from time to time pursuant to this Indenture, duly executed by each Person party thereto;
(2) the First Lien Notes Obligations shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Issuer and each Guarantor, and (ii) all Equity Interests of each other Subsidiary (other than any Equity Interests that constitute Excluded Assets), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(3) the First Lien Notes Obligations shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in, and Mortgages on, in the case of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each Guarantor, substantially all now owned or, in the case of real property, fee owned, or at any time hereafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of each such Grantor thereof (including Equity Interests, intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States of America, other general intangibles, Material Real Property and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and (ii) in the case of each other Guarantor, a pledge of (x) the applicable Equity Interests referred to in clause (2) above and (y) each intercompany promissory note or similar debt instrument representing intercompany Indebtedness owed from a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor to the Issuer or applicable Guarantor, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction), in each case with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
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(4) subject to limitations and exceptions of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, to the extent a security interest in and Mortgages on any Material Real Property are required pursuant to clause (3) above or under this Indenture (each, a “Mortgaged Property”), the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, together with evidence such Mortgage has been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each party thereto, in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable, in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien (subject only to Liens described in clause (ii) below) on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Note Secured Parties, and evidence that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable (it being understood that if a mortgage tax will be owed on the entire amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, then the amount secured by the Mortgage shall, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, be limited to 100% of the fair market value of the property (as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable) at the time the Mortgage is entered into if such limitation results in such mortgage tax being calculated based upon such fair market value), (ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s policies of title insurance (or marked-up title insurance commitments having the effect of policies of title insurance) on the Mortgaged Property naming the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent as the insured for its benefit and that of the First Lien Note Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (the “Mortgage Policies”) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company in form and substance and in an amount consistent with the amount provided with respect to the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement (not to exceed 100% of the fair market value of the real properties covered thereby), insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting first priority Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to SECTION 3.6 and other Liens permitted in accordance with the New Credit Agreement or acceptable to the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, each of which shall (A) to the extent reasonably necessary, include such coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements (with provisions for direct access, if reasonably necessary) as shall be consistent with the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement, (B) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement, if available under applicable law (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount), and (C) have been supplemented by such endorsements consistent with the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement (including endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, doing business, non-imputation, public road access, variable rate, environmental lien, subdivision, mortgage recording tax, separate tax lot, revolving credit and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions, to the extent such endorsements are available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates), (iii) opinions of local counsel to the Issuer and each Guarantor, as applicable, in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings, consistent with those delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement and (iv) no later than three Business Days prior to the date on which a Mortgage is executed and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, a completed “life of the loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property on which any “building” (as defined in the Flood Insurance Laws) is located, duly executed and acknowledged by Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the Guarantors, as appropriate, together with evidence of flood insurance as and to the extent required under this Indenture; (5) (i) with respect to all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts that are held by the Issuer and each other Guarantor that are not Excluded Accounts and that are in existence on the Issue Date, within the time periods set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by the Issuer and each other Guarantor which is not an Excluded Account that is established after the Issue Date and, within 180 days of such Deposit Account or Securities Account being established, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received a Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement, as applicable, for such Deposit Account or Securities Account; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is in effect, the obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor under this clause (5) shall be deemed to be satisfied by having appointed the ABL Administrative Agent (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) as agent for the purpose of perfecting the security interests granted under the Collateral Documents with respect to all ABL Controlled Accounts (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or by adding the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent as a secured party to any existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement and (b) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is no longer in effect (and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent was not previously added as a secured party to each applicable existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement), the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each other Guarantor shall, within 180 days of such date, deliver to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each other Guarantor which is not an Excluded Account; and
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(6) except as otherwise contemplated by this Indenture or any Collateral Document, all documents and instruments, including UCC financing statements, and filings with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and all other actions consistent with those delivered or taken pursuant to the New Credit Agreement (including those required by applicable Laws) to be delivered, filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Documents, shall have been delivered, filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Collateral Document.
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Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in addition to other exceptions and limitations described in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to this Indenture shall be subject to exceptions and limitations, including that:
(1) (i) except as expressly provided in clause (5) of this definition, the Collateral Requirement under this Indenture shall not require control agreements with respect to any cash, deposit accounts or securities accounts or any other assets requiring perfection through control agreements and (ii) other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S., or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements, or share charge (or mortgage) agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction, other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., a security agreement, pledge agreement or share charge governed by the laws of such jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is organized);
(2) the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in, and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets (including extensions beyond the Issue Date) or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition consistent with extensions granted in respect of the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement;
(3) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents;
(4) general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, capital maintenance rules, fraudulent preference, “thin capitalisation” rules, retention of title claims and similar principles may limit the ability of a Foreign Subsidiary to provide a Guarantee or Collateral or may require that the Guarantee or Collateral be limited by an amount or otherwise, in each case as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement; and
(5) the security interests in the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes (other than as set forth in the following proviso) will be required to be in place promptly following the Issue Date, but in any event no later than the deadline set forth in the New Credit Agreement (as it may be extended pursuant to the procedures set forth in the New Credit Agreement); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to the perfection of the security interests in assets with respect to which a Lien may be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement, which UCC financing statement will be required to be filed as of the Issue Date.
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It is understood and agreed that prior to the discharge of the Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), to the extent that the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent is satisfied with or agrees to any deliveries or documents required to be provided in respect of any administrative matters relating to the Collateral or make any determination in respect of any administrative matters relating to the Collateral (including, without limitation, extensions of time or waivers for the creation and perfection of security interests in, or the obtaining of legal opinions or other deliverables, if applicable, with respect to, particular assets (including in connection with assets acquired, or Subsidiaries formed or acquired, after the Issue Date)), the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be satisfied with such deliveries and/or documents and the judgment of the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent in respect of any such matters shall be deemed to be the judgment of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in respect of such matters under this Indenture and the Collateral Documents.
“Communications Laws” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the FCC’s rules, regulations, published orders and published and promulgated policy statements, all as may be amended from time to time.
“Comprehensive Transactions” means the transactions described in the Offering Memorandum under “Summary—Transaction Overview—Comprehensive Transactions.”
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period:
(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case (other than with respect to clauses (h), (j) and (n)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations), and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to clauses (1) through (15) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; plus
(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in clauses (1)(i) through (viii) of the definition thereof); plus
(c) the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; plus
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(d) the amount of any actual and identifiable restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), costs and expenses for tax restructurings, start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, severance costs, costs relating to initiatives aimed at profitability improvement, costs or reserves associated with improvements to information technology and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus
(e) any other non-cash charges, including any non-cash write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) Parent Guarantor may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent Parent Guarantor elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus
(f) the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary; plus
(g) the amount of any fees, compensation and indemnities and expenses paid to the members of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of the Issuer or any of its Parent Entities; plus
(h) the amount of pro forma “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies related to mergers and other business combinations, acquisitions, investments, dispositions, divestitures, restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives generated from actions that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in each case, including prior to the Issue Date) or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor) within 12 months after a merger or other business combination, acquisition, investment, disposition or divestiture is consummated or generated by actions (including restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives) that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor), in each case, calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period, as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of the Parent Guarantor and (B) no cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be added pursuant to this clause (h) to the extent duplicative of any synergies, expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period or any period and including amounts in compliance with Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act; plus
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(i) any costs or expense incurred by the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary or a Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor to the extent paid by the Parent Guarantor pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Parent Guarantor or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Parent Guarantor (other than Disqualified Equity Interests); plus
(j) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus
(k) any net losses, charges, expenses, costs or other payments (including all fees, expenses or charges related thereto) (i) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, (ii) in respect of facilities no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries, abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued operations and any losses on disposal of abandoned, closed or discontinued operations and (iii) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor; plus
(l) 100% of the increase in Deferred Revenue as of the end of such period from Deferred Revenue as of the beginning of such period (or minus 100% of any such decrease); plus
(m) amortization of development advance payments which were made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or customers; plus
(n) the amount of net cost savings and net cash flow effect of revenue enhancements related to New Contracts projected by the Parent Guarantor in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or to be taken prior to or during such period (which cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be subject only to certification by management of the Parent Guarantor and shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings or revenue enhancements had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings or revenue enhancements are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such actions have been taken or are to be taken within 12 months after the date of determination to take such action and (C) no cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be added pursuant to this clause (n) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating to such cost savings or revenue enhancements that are included in clause (d) above with respect to such period; provided that the aggregate amount of add backs made relating to New Contracts in respect of which no revenues have been received during such period pursuant to this clause (n) shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (without giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (n));
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provided, further, that the aggregate amount of add backs made pursuant to clauses (d) and (h) (excluding any add backs made pursuant to clause (d) in connection with restructuring charges arising prior to the Issue Date) shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (calculated before giving effect to any adjustments);
(2) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus
(b) any net income from disposed, abandoned, closed or discontinued operations or attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor; plus
(c) any net income attributable to “barter and trade income” and/or “barter revenue” in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services, calculated in a manner consistent with iHeartMedia, Inc.’s past practice prior to the Issue Date.
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” and the calculation of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, but without limiting the adjustments included in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in an Officer’s Certificate.
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There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a “Sold Entity or Business”), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer, disposition).
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means for any period:
(1) the sum, without duplication, of consolidated interest expense of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness and (f) cash interest expense of Indebtedness for which the proceeds are held in Escrow (except, excluding the interest expense in respect thereof that is covered by such proceeds held in Escrow), and excluding (i) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any acquisition, (iii) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (iv) any “additional interest” or “liquidated damages” with respect to the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes, the First Lien Notes or the Second Lien Notes or other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (vi) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Transactions or any acquisitions after the Issue Date including annual agency fees paid pursuant to administrative agents and collateral agents under the New Credit Agreement or other Credit Facilities, and (vii) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty; plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(3) interest income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period.
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For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:
(1) any (x) after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for facilities, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans and (y) restructuring costs and costs and expenses for tax restructurings, in each case, shall be excluded; provided that amounts excluded pursuant to this clause (1) shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Income for any such period;
(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;
(3) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, shall be excluded;
(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, bulk subscriber contract sales) or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded;
(5) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of Parent Guarantor or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;
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(6) the net income for such period of any Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions pursuant to this Indenture), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;
(7) [Reserved];
(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
(10) any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (“equity incentives”), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans, roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Parent Entities shall be excluded;
(11) any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, Investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes and other securities, the incurrence of loans under the New Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement and the syndication and incurrence of any Credit Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes, the New Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, other securities and any Credit Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction-related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), shall be excluded;
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(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions (or within twenty-four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies shall be excluded; provided that amounts paid in respect of such accruals and reserves shall be deducted from Consolidated Net Income when paid in cash;
(13) any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Parent Guarantor has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), shall be excluded;
(14) any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, shall be excluded;
(15) the following items shall be excluded:
(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging,
(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items,
(c) any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation,
(d) effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, and
(e) earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments,
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(16) [Reserved]; and
(17) if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any Parent Entity of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with clause (9)(c) of SECTION 3.3(b) shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Indenture to the extent such expenses and charges reduced Consolidated Net Income.
“Consolidated Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of (i) Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money plus (ii) Disqualified Equity Interests, purchase money indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes, bonds, debentures, loan agreements or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) [Reserved] and (iii) incurred in advance of, and the proceeds of which are to be applied in connection with, the consummation of a transaction solely to the extent and for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the relevant Person (it being understood that in any event, any such proceeds subject to such Escrow shall be deemed to constitute “restricted cash” for purposes of cash netting) (provided that such Escrow is secured only by proceeds of such Indebtedness and the proceeds thereof shall be promptly applied to satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness if the definitive agreement for such transaction is terminated prior to the consummation thereof); it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (x) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (y) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
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“Consolidated Working Capital” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, Current Assets at such date of determination minus Current Liabilities at such date of determination; provided that increases or decreases in Consolidated Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Current Assets or Current Liabilities as a result of any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent. For purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, any changes to Consolidated Working Capital due to non-cash adjustments of Current Assets and/or Current Liabilities shall be ignored.
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Credit Facility” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, indentures or other arrangements, commercial paper facilities and overdraft facilities) with banks, other financial institutions or investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such institutions or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such institutions against such receivables), letters of credit or other Indebtedness, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, refinanced, repaid, increased or extended in whole or in part from time to time (and whether in whole or in part and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other banks or institutions and whether provided under the New Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements, indentures, financing agreements or otherwise) and in each case including all agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with the foregoing (including any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any Guarantee and collateral agreement, patent and trademark security agreement, mortgages or letter of credit applications and other Guarantees, pledges, agreements, security agreements and collateral documents). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Credit Facility” shall include any agreement or instrument (1) changing the maturity of any Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby, (2) adding Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder, (3) increasing the amount of Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or available to be borrowed thereunder or (4) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof.
“Current Assets” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) of the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, assets held for sale or of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) to third parties, pension assets, deferred bank fees and derivative financial instruments.
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“Current Liabilities” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities of the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) accruals of Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding Consolidated Interest Expense that is past due and unpaid), (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals for liabilities of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) from third parties, pension liabilities, and derivative financial instruments, and (e) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally, including in case of the Issuer (a) a winding-up, administration or dissolution including, without limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency, voluntary or involuntary liquidation, composition with creditors , moratorium or reprieve from payment, general settlement with creditors, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and/or (b) a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar officer being appointed.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Deferred Revenue” means the amount of long or short term deferred revenue of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Deposit Account” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Deposit Account, as delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement.
“Derivative Instrument” with respect to a Person, means any contract, instrument or other right to receive payment or delivery of cash or other assets to which such Person or any Affiliate of such Person that is acting in concert with such Person in connection with such Person’s investment in the First Lien Notes of a series (other than a Screened Affiliate) is a party (whether or not requiring further performance by such Person), the value and/or cash flows of which (or any material portion thereof) are materially affected by the value and/or performance of the First Lien Notes of such series and/or the creditworthiness of the Issuer and/or any one or more of the Guarantors (the “Performance References”).
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“Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business (determined as if references to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA (and in the component definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries) as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that (x) “Disposition” and “Dispose” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by the Parent Guarantor of any of its Equity Interests to another Person and (y) no transaction or series of related transactions shall be considered a “Disposition” for purposes of SECTION 3.5 unless the Net Available Cash resulting from such transaction or series of transactions shall exceed $2,500,000.
The following shall not be deemed to be “Dispositions”:
(1) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of immaterial property in the ordinary course of business that is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;
(2) Dispositions of inventory or goods (or other assets, including furniture and equipment) held for sale, intellectual property licensed to customers and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business), in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(3) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(4) Dispositions of property to the Issuer or any Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is the Issuer or a Guarantor, (i) the transferee thereof must be to the Issuer or another Guarantor or (ii) such transaction shall be deemed to be an Investment in a Non-Guarantor and must otherwise be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;
(5) to the extent constituting Dispositions, any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under SECTION 3.3 and the making of any Permitted Payment or Permitted Investment (other than Permitted Investments made pursuant to clause (5) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”), and transactions permitted under SECTION 3.6 and SECTION 4.1 (other than pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 4.1(a)) or a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control (provided that the Equity Interests issued in respect of any such Restricted Payment shall otherwise be exempted as a Disposition under this definition or comply with SECTION 3.5);
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(6) Dispositions of Identified Assets (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) not for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction;
(7) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;
(8) leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;
(9) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;
(10) [Reserved];
(11) [Reserved];
(12) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with any committed receivables, factoring, securitization or similar financing);
(13) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Issue Date shall not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate;
(14) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Issuer;
(15) [Reserved];
(16) the unwinding of any Swap Contract pursuant to its terms;
(17) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(18) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(19) Dispositions of assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate fair market value of less than or equal to $5,000,000 for a single Disposition or series of related Dispositions; provided that, in no event shall Dispositions pursuant to this clause (19) exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year; provided
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that any Disposition of any property pursuant to SECTION 3.5 and this definition of “Disposition” (except pursuant to clauses (5), (9), (16), (18) and (19) and except for Dispositions from the Issuer or a Guarantor to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted under this definition of “Disposition” or pursuant to the provisions set forth under SECTION 3.5 to any Person other than a Guarantor, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Collateral Documents (and such Liens shall be automatically released).
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.5, (A) Dispositions need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Dispositions exempted pursuant to the preceding paragraph but are exempted in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that Dispositions (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Dispositions exempted pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Dispositions (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with the exemptions in the preceding paragraph.
“Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior offer to repurchase the applicable amount of the First Lien Notes), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior offer to repurchase the applicable amount of the First Lien Notes), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Stated Maturity of the 2029 First Lien Notes, 2030 First Lien Notes and 2031 First Lien Notes at the time of issuance of such Equity Interests; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of the Parent Guarantor (or any Parent Entity thereof), the Issuer or the Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
“Dollar” and “$” mean the lawful money of the United States.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor securities clearing agency.
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“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
“Escrow” means an escrow, trust, collateral or similar account or arrangement holding proceeds of Indebtedness solely for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party.
“euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.
“Excess Amount” means the Applicable ECF Amount in excess of $10.0 million for any fiscal year.
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“Excess Cash Flow” means, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, (ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, and (iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on Dispositions by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than sales in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and cash charges included in clauses (1) through (17) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income,” (ii) the aggregate amount of (x) all principal payments of Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries during such period and (y) any premium, make-whole or penalty payments paid (or committed to be paid) in cash by the Issuer and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Issuer, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (it being understood that to the extent such premium, make-whole or penalty payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Indebtedness (including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases, (B) the amount of any scheduled repayment of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement pursuant to the provisions thereof, the Existing Term Loans pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes of any series pursuant to the other provisions of this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Indenture, the Existing Secured Notes of any series pursuant to the provisions of the applicable indenture related thereto and the Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to the indenture related thereto and (C) any mandatory prepayment of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement pursuant to the provisions thereof, the First Lien Notes of any series pursuant to the other provisions of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Indenture, in each case, to the extent required due to a Disposition that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income and not in excess of the amount of such increase but excluding (X) all other prepayments of Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement, (Y) [Reserved] and (Z) all prepayments in respect of any other loans under a revolving credit facility, except to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), in each case, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans unless such revolving loans refinance such revolving loans being repaid), (iii) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on Dispositions by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iv) increases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, (vi) without duplication of amounts deducted from Excess Cash Flow in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “Contract Consideration”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to acquisitions that constitute Investments permitted under this Indenture or Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent expected to be consummated or made, plus any restructuring cash expenses, pension payments or tax contingency payments that have been added to Excess Cash Flow pursuant to clause (a)(ii) above required to be made, in each case during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Parent Guarantor following the end of such period; provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of proceeds utilized to finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall be added to the calculation of Excess Cash Flow at the end of such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (vii) the amount of cash taxes paid in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that any such taxes were not deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income in a prior period), (viii) cash expenditures in respect of Swap Contracts during such fiscal year to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans), (ix) any payment of cash to be amortized or expensed over a future period and recorded as a long-term asset, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans) (it being understood that the amortization or expense of such payment shall not reduce Excess Cash Flow in any future period), (x) the amount of Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent not expensed and Capitalized Software Expenditures accrued or made (or committed to be made) in cash during such period or, at the option of the Issuer, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (it being understood that to the extent such Capital Expenditures or acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement), and (xi) the amount of Investments and acquisitions made (other than Investments and acquisitions made with respect to Indebtedness) (or committed to be made) by the Issuer and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Issuer, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Amount Offer is due to be made (it being understood that to the extent such Investments and acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) and paid (or committed to be paid) in cash pursuant to clause (9) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment,” to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement.
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Notwithstanding anything in the definition of any term used in the definition of Excess Cash Flow to the contrary, all components of Excess Cash Flow shall be computed for the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. For the avoidance of doubt, it is intended that Excess Cash Flow for any fiscal year shall be the same amount for determining the “Excess Amount” under this Indenture and under the corresponding provisions of the New Credit Agreement (as in effect in the Issue Date without giving effect to amendments or waivers thereunder), and if there would otherwise be a difference, the amount yielded from the calculation under the New Credit Agreement shall be used for determining the “Excess Amount” under this Indenture.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Excluded Account” means (i) any deposit account, securities account, commodities account or other account of the Issuer and each Guarantor (and all cash, Cash Equivalents and other securities or investments held therein) exclusively used for all or any of the following purposes: payroll, employee benefits or customs, (ii) accounts used exclusively for the purposes of compliance with legal requirements, to the extent such legal requirements prohibit the granting of a Lien thereon, (iii) cash accounts of the Issuer and each Guarantor, the deposits in which shall not at any time aggregate to more than $20,000,000 (or such greater amount to which the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may agree) for all such cash accounts, (iv) accounts the balance of which is swept at the end of each Business Day into a Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, so long as such daily sweep is not terminated or modified (other than to provide that the balance in such Deposit Account is swept into another Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement) without the consent of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, (v) (x) prior to the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts and (y) upon and after the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, (vi) accounts into which governmental receivables are deposited, (vii) fiduciary or trust accounts, (viii) any deposit accounts designated by the Issuer by written notice to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and containing solely of the proceeds of the Fixed Asset Collateral (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), (ix) escrow accounts permitted under this Indenture (including in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to any Investment or other acquisition of assets or disposition) and (x) in the case of clauses (i) through (ix), the funds or other property held in or maintained in any such account.
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“Excluded Assets” means:
(1) other than in the case of any Electing Guarantors, any property or assets owned by any Excluded Subsidiary,
(2) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the UCC or other applicable Law, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the UCC or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition,
(3) any interest in fee-owned real property other than Material Real Properties,
(4) Excluded Contracts, Excluded Equipment and any interest in leased real property (it being understood that no action shall be required with respect to creation or perfection of security interests with respect to leases, including any requirement to obtain or deliver landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters),
(5) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title except to the extent perfection of a security interest therein may be accomplished by filing of financing statements in appropriate form in the applicable jurisdiction under the UCC,
(6) (A) Margin Stock if any such pledge thereof violates applicable Law and (B) Equity Interests of any Person other than (x) wholly-owned Subsidiaries and (y) other Subsidiaries of the Issuer except, in the case of this clause (B)(y), to the extent and for so long as (I) the pledge thereof in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is not permitted by the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents and after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions set forth in the UCC or any other applicable Law, (II) the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party; provided that this clause (II) shall not apply if (x) such other party is an Affiliate of the Issuer or (y) consent has been obtained to consummate such pledge (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to obligate the Issuer or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent), or (III) a pledge thereof would give any other party (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) to any contract, agreement, instrument, or indenture governing such Equity Interests the right to terminate its obligations thereunder,
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(7) any trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of any Grantor’s “intent to use” such mark and for which a form evidencing use of the mark has not yet been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent that granting a security interest in such trademark application prior to such filing would impair the enforceability or validity of such trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law,
(8) the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Parent Guarantor and any Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor, as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement,
(9) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent a security in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the UCC and other applicable Law,
(10) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable Law whether on the Issue Date or thereafter (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority) after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the UCC and other applicable Law,
(11) all commercial tort claims in an amount less than $2,500,000 in the aggregate,
(12) letter of credit rights in an amount less than $2,500,000, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a UCC financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a UCC financing statement),
(13) any particular assets if, as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Holders under this Indenture,
(14) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or FSHCO if current tax Law relating to pledges of stock of such Subsidiaries is similar to the law as in effect prior to the finalization of Treasury Regulations Section 1.956-1 pursuant to TD 9859, 84 Fed. Reg. 23716 (May 23, 2019), as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement,
(15) any segregated funds held in escrow for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party (including such funds in Escrow),
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(16) any FCC Authorizations to the extent (but only to the extent) that at such time the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein pursuant to applicable Communications Laws, but the Collateral shall include, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all rights incident or appurtenant to the FCC Authorizations (except to the extent requiring approval of the FCC, unless such approval has first been secured consistent with the applicable provisions of this Indenture), the economic value of the FCC Authorizations, and the right to receive all proceeds derived from or in connection with the direct or indirect sale, assignment or transfer of the FCC Authorizations,
(17) [Reserved],
(18) [Reserved], and
(19) proceeds from any and all of the foregoing assets described in clauses (1) through (18) above to the extent such proceeds would otherwise be excluded pursuant to clauses (1) through (18) above, provided, however, that until the discharge of the Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), no property or assets shall constitute “Excluded Assets” under clauses (8) or (13) to the extent such property or assets secures any Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).
“Excluded Contract” means, at any date, any rights or interest of the Issuer or any Guarantor under any agreement, contract, license, instrument, document or other general intangible (referred to solely for purposes of this definition as a “Contract”) to the extent that such Contract by the terms of a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Issuer or any Guarantor or other Affiliate thereof, or any requirement of law, then prohibits, or requires any consent, unless it is first secured, or establishes any other condition, unless it is first secured, for or would terminate because of an assignment thereof or a grant of a security interest therein by the Issuer or a Guarantor; provided that (i) rights under any such Contract otherwise constituting an Excluded Contract by virtue of this definition shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted thereby or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the UCC and (ii) all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral.
“Excluded Equipment” means, at any date, any equipment or other similar assets of the Issuer or any Guarantor which is subject to, or secured by, a Capitalized Lease Obligation or a purchase money obligation if and to the extent that (i) a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or any Affiliate thereof contained in the agreements or documents granting or governing such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other conditions for or would result in the termination of such agreement or document because of an assignment thereof, or a grant of a security interest therein, by the Issuer or any Guarantor and (ii) such restriction relates only to the asset or assets acquired by the Issuer or any Guarantor with the proceeds of such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation and attachments thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations secured by such assets.
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“Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not, directly or indirectly, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, in each case, solely to the extent that such non-wholly owned Subsidiary (i) is a bona fide joint venture that is created or formed for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and (ii) the counterparty to such joint venture is not an Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor, (b) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer that does not have total assets in excess of 2.5% of Total Assets or 2.5% of revenues of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries in each case, individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b) (such Subsidiary, an “Immaterial Subsidiary”), (c) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations (other than any Contractual Obligation in favor of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) existing on the Issue Date (or, in the case of any newly acquired Subsidiary, in existence at the time of acquisition but not entered into in contemplation thereof) from guaranteeing the First Lien Notes Obligations or if guaranteeing the First Lien Notes Obligations would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained), (d) any other Subsidiary with respect to which the burden or cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Holders therefrom as determined in accordance with the New Credit Agreement or as agreed by the Administrative Agent (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), (e) [Reserved], (f) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (g) [Reserved], (h) (A) any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (B) any FSHCO and (C) any Subsidiary of an entity described in (A) or (B), (i) [Reserved], (j) [Reserved], (k) any captive insurance subsidiaries, and (l) [Reserved]; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, “Excluded Subsidiary” shall not include (i) the Issuer, (ii) any Electing Guarantor for so long as such Electing Guarantor constitutes an Electing Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, and (iii) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that constitutes a guarantor under (x) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing.
“Existing 2026 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 issued on the May 2019 Issue Date under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
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“Existing 2027 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 issued on August 7, 2019 under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued on November 22, 2019 under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as in effect as of the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transactions, together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), and as such document may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing Credit Agreement Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Obligations” in the Existing Credit Agreement, together with any refinancing thereof.
“Existing Notes” means the Existing Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes.
“Existing Secured Notes” means the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, the Existing 2027 Secured Notes and the Existing 2028 Secured Notes.
“Existing Secured Notes Obligations” means with respect to each series of Existing Secured Notes, all Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Existing Secured Notes of such series and the indenture, guarantees and collateral documents, if any, relating to such series of Existing Secured Notes.
“Existing Term Loans” means the “Term Loans” under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Unsecured Notes” means the Issuer’s 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 issued on the May 2019 Issue Date under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission of the United States or any Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions of such commission in whole or in part.
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“FCC Authorizations” means all Broadcast Licenses and other licenses, permits and other authorizations issued by the FCC and held by Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of the Subsidiaries.
“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement dated as of the May 2019 Issue Date and supplemented as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the other grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other collateral agents party thereto, as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Indenture and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“First Lien Note Documents” means the 2029 First Lien Note Documents, the 2030 First Lien Note Documents and the 2031 First Lien Note Documents.
“First Lien Note Guarantees” means, with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and the Parent Guarantee.
“First Lien Note Secured Parties” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the Trustee, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series.
“First Lien Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the 2029 First Lien Notes, the 2030 First Lien Notes and the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the 2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, the 2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and/or the 2031 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, “First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” as used in this Indenture shall refer to a First Lien Notes Collateral Agent solely in respect of, and acting on behalf of the Holders of, the series of First Lien Notes that it represents, and not any other series of First Lien Notes.
“First Lien Notes Obligations” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, all Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the First Lien Notes of such series, this Indenture, the First Lien Note Guarantees of the First Lien Notes of such series and the Collateral Documents.
“First Priority Credit Documents” means the New Credit Agreement and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any other First Priority Obligation under Credit Facilities and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any First Priority Obligation under the Credit Facilities (including any intercreditor or joinder agreement among holders of First Priority Obligations but excluding documents governing the First Lien Notes), to the extent such are effective at the relevant time, as each may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, refunded, replaced, refinanced, supplemented, modified or otherwise changed from time to time.
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“First Priority Documents” means the First Priority Credit Documents, the First Lien Note Documents and all other documents governing First Priority Obligations, pursuant to which liens have been granted to secure First Priority Obligations and all other documents, instruments and agreements executed pursuant to any of the foregoing.
“First Priority Liens” means all Liens that secure the First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Obligations” means (a) all New Credit Agreement Obligations, (b) all First Lien Notes Obligations, (c) all the Existing Secured Notes Obligations (to the extent the Liens on the Collateral securing such series of Existing Secured Notes are not released), (d) all Existing Credit Agreement Obligations and (e) all the Additional First Lien Obligations.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2029 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2030 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2031 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Priority Security Agreement (2029 First Lien Notes), the First Priority Security Agreement (2030 First Lien Notes) and/or the First Priority Security Agreement (2031 First Lien Notes).
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person on any determination date, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending immediately prior to such determination date for which internal consolidated financial statements are available to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such four consecutive fiscal quarter period.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;
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(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock during such period; and
(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests during such period.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not a U.S. Subsidiary.
“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity or equity and debt that is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes of (i) a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or (ii) a Person described in this sentence.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided, that (i) if the Issuer elects to amend any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Issue Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision, regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith and (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries at “fair value,” as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Grantors” means the Issuer and the Guarantors.
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication:
(1) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect:
(a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
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(b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services, for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
(c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
(d) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); or
(e) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien);
provided, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Issue Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Indenture (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Guarantors” means, collectively, (i) the Parent Guarantor, (ii) the direct and indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor (other than any Excluded Subsidiary), (iii) any Electing Guarantor, and (iv) any other Subsidiary that Guarantees the First Lien Notes of a series after the Issue Date, until, in each case, such First Lien Note Guarantee is released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“Holder” means each Person in whose name the First Lien Notes of a series are registered on the Registrar’s books, which shall initially be the respective nominee of DTC.
“Incur” means issue, create, assume, enter into any Guarantee of, incur, extend or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Equity Interests of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary and the terms “Incurred” and “Incurrence” have meanings correlative to the foregoing and any Indebtedness pursuant to any revolving credit or similar facility shall only be “Incurred” at the time any funds are borrowed thereunder.
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“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(1) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(2) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;
(3) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(4) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course);
(5) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(6) all Attributable Indebtedness;
(7) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;
if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Parent Guarantor appearing upon the balance sheet of Parent Guarantor solely by reason of push down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded; and
(8) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, (B) in the case of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, exclude (i) all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany royalty and/or
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licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes, (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations) and (D) include outstanding amounts under any receivables, factoring or similar facilities or securitizations whether or not the same would constitute indebtedness or a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP.
The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (5) of this definition shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
“Indenture” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“Initial First Lien Notes” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“Initial Term Loans” means the “Initial Term Loans” under and as defined in the New Credit Agreement.
“Intercompany Note” means a promissory note substantially in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and each other intercreditor agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to this Indenture, in each case to the extent in effect.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan (including by way of a listed Eurobond), advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person excluding, in the case of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, (i) intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in
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each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IP Rights” means the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights and other intellectual property rights, whether owned, licensed or otherwise permitted to be used by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, that are reasonably necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
“Issue Date” means December 20, 2024.
“Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 | 6.85 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 | 6.10 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 | 6.35 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 | 6.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 | 6.55 to 1.00 |
“Junior Lien Priority” means a Lien on Collateral that ranks junior in priority to the Liens securing the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes of each series and other First Priority Obligations and is subject to an intercreditor agreement.
“Junior Priority Indebtedness” means other Indebtedness of the Issuer and/or the Guarantors that is secured by Liens on the Collateral ranking junior in priority to the Liens securing the First Lien Notes of each series and other First Priority Obligations as permitted by this Indenture.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, constitutions, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes, common law and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
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“Liability Management Transaction” means any debt tender offer or exchange, refinancing, restructuring or any similar transaction (either in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions) of or for any existing Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or any subsidiary with any other Indebtedness (or the proceeds of any other Indebtedness) that includes as components thereof (i) contractual, structural or temporal (including as to lien priority or additional collateral) seniority with respect to any of the First Lien Notes (except in the case of Refinancing Indebtedness permitted under this Indenture of any existing Indebtedness that is contractually, structurally or temporally senior to the First Lien Notes immediately prior to such transaction) and (ii) an Investment in, Restricted Payment to, or transfer or disposition of property or assets to, a Person that is not a Guarantor or a designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“License Subsidiary” means a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Issuer substantially all of the assets of which consist of Broadcast Licenses and related rights.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Limited Condition Transaction” means (a) any acquisition, investment of or in any assets, business or Person permitted by this Indenture in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing, (b) any prepayment of Indebtedness for which irrevocable notice has been given and/or (c) distributions that have been publicly declared by one or more of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
“Long Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Make-Whole Amount” means, with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes, the 2029 Make-Whole Amount, with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes, the 2030 Make-Whole Amount, and with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes; the 2031 Make-Whole Amount.
“Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Material Real Property” means any fee owned Real Property located in the United States that is owned by the Issuer or any Guarantor with a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000 (at the Issue Date or, with respect to Real Property acquired after the Issue Date, at the time of acquisition, in each case, as reasonably estimated by the Issuer in good faith).
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“May 2019 Issue Date” means May 1, 2019.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“Mortgaged Property” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral Requirement.”
“Mortgages” means collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, deeds to secure debt, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Issuer or any Guarantor in favor or for the benefit of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent on behalf of the First Lien Note Parties creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property in form and substance substantially consistent with that delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement with such terms and provisions as may be required by the applicable Laws of the relevant jurisdiction, and any other mortgages executed and delivered in accordance with this Indenture, in each case, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified.
“Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the multi-lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of the Issue Date and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, by and among the Issuer and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, the collateral agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, the collateral agent under the Second Lien Indenture and other parties from time to time thereto (including one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of permitted Indebtedness issued or incurred pursuant to SECTION 3.2 that is intended to be secured on a basis junior to the First Lien Notes Obligations), as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Indenture, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization within the meaning of Rule 436 under the Securities Act.
“Net Available Cash” from a Disposition means:
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(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but in each case only as and when received) from any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien (other than a Lien that ranks pari passu with or subordinated to the Liens securing the First Lien Notes or Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment) on the asset subject to such Disposition or Casualty Event and that is required to be repaid (and is timely repaid) in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (other than Indebtedness under the First Lien Note Documents), (iii) in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Available Cash thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (iii)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Parent Guarantor or a wholly-owned Subsidiary as a result thereof, (iv) Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (v) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any Taxes deducted pursuant to clause (iv) above) (x) related to any of the applicable assets and (y) retained by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Available Cash of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction), and
(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.
For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Available Cash, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be disregarded.
“Net Short” means, with respect to a Holder or beneficial owner of First Lien Notes of any series, as of a date of determination, either (i) the value of its Short Derivative Instruments exceeds the sum of the (x) the value of its First Lien Notes plus (y) the value of its Long Derivative Instruments as of such date of determination or (ii) it is reasonably expected that such would have been the case were a Failure to Pay or Bankruptcy Credit Event (each as defined in the 2014 International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Credit Derivatives Definitions) to have occurred with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor immediately prior to such date of determination.
“New Contracts” means binding new agreements or amendments to existing agreements with customers.
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“New Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of the Issue Date among the Issuer, as borrower, the Parent Guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and collateral agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto as in effect as of the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transactions, together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), as amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., including any successor thereto pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement.
“New Credit Agreement Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Obligations” in the New Credit Agreement, together with any refinancing thereof.
“Non-Exclusive Period” means any day after the last day of the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period.
“Non-Guarantor” means any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not a Guarantor (other than the Issuer).
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S).
“Notes Custodian” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the custodian with respect to the Global Notes (as appointed by DTC) of such series or any successor Person thereto, and shall initially be the Trustee.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Issuer or any Guarantor whether or not a claim for Post-Petition Interest is allowed in such proceedings), premiums (including any Applicable Premium), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties under the documentation governing any Indebtedness, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, including and all indemnification obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors owing to any Holder under the Transaction Support Agreement.
“Offering Memorandum” means the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024, as amended on December 4, 2024, relating to the offering by the Issuer of the First Lien Notes.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, (1) the Chairman of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof), the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, any Managing Director, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary (a) of such Person or (b) if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity, of such entity, or (2) any other individual designated as an “Officer” for the purposes of this Indenture by the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of such Person.
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“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of a Person by an Officer of such Person that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries.
“Other Debt Representative” means, with respect to any series Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture on a pari passu or junior Lien basis to the Lien securing the First Lien Notes Obligations, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.
“Parent Entity” means any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer.
“Parent Guarantee” means, with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the Guarantee issued by the Parent Guarantor.
“Parent Guarantor” means iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Paying Agent” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any First Lien Note of such series on behalf of the Issuer.
“Permitted Asset Swap” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of assets used or useful in a Similar Business or a combination of such assets and cash, Cash Equivalents between the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received in excess of the value of any cash or Cash Equivalents sold or exchanged must be applied in accordance with SECTION 3.5.
“Permitted Investment” means (in each case, by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries):
(1) Investments by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;
(2) Loans or advances to officers, directors, managers and employees of the Issuer or a Guarantor (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity directly from such issuing entity (provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Issuer in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time (x) under clause (ii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate and (y) under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;
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(3) Investments by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in any of the Issuer or any Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of any Investment by the Issuer or a Guarantor in a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, (i) the aggregate amount of such Investments made pursuant to this clause (3), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the succeeding clause (26), shall not exceed the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount, (ii) such Investment is made for a bona fide business purpose and (iii) so long as no Event of Default is continuing or would result from such Investment;
(4) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(5) (i) Investments (excluding loans and advances made in lieu of Restricted Payments pursuant to and limited by clause (13) below) consisting of transactions permitted under SECTION 3.2 (other than clauses (3) and (4) of SECTION 3.2(b)), SECTION 3.3, SECTION 3.6, SECTION 3.9 and SECTION 4.1 (other than clauses (3), (4) and (5) of SECTION 4.1(a)), and (ii) Investments consisting of dispositions of assets not constituting a Disposition (other than dispositions not constituting Dispositions pursuant to clauses (4) and (5) of the definition “Disposition”);
(6) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Issue Date and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Issue Date by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in the Issuer or any other Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that, in each case, the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Issue Date or as otherwise permitted by this definition;
(7) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under SECTION 3.2;
(8) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 3.5 to an unaffiliated third party;
(9) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of a Person, or any Equity Interests in a Person that becomes a Subsidiary or a division or line of business of a Person, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (including as a result of an Investment in any such Person so long as such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, the Issuer or a Guarantor); provided that (i) no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) the newly acquired business will comply with SECTION 3.11 and (iii) (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall be acquired by the Issuer or a Guarantor and/or (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor (any such acquisition, a “Permitted Acquisition”);
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(10) [Reserved];
(11) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(12) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;
(13) loans and advances to the Parent Guarantor and any Parent Entity made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction), and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof) Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with clauses (6), (7), (8) or (12) of SECTION 3.3(b) (it being understood that the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made under clauses (6), (7), (8) or (12) of SECTION 3.3(b) shall be reduced by the amount of Investments made pursuant this clause (13));
(14) other Investments made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (14) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the sum of (I) $250,000,000 plus (II) the Available Restricted Payments Amount plus (III) the Available Equity Amount plus (IV) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Cash Equivalents (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in respect of any Investments made pursuant to this clause (14) in an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment); provided, further, that any Investment in a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (14) shall not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate;
(15) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;
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(16) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is contemporaneously made solely with Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Issuer (or any Parent Entity);
(17) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date or of a Person merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Issuer or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Subsidiary in accordance with the provision of SECTION 4.1 after the Issue Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
(18) [Reserved];
(19) [Reserved];
(20) Guarantees by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(21) the licensing and contribution of intellectual property pursuant to bona fide joint venture arrangements with unaffiliated on-air or other talent providers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(22) Investments for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an unaffiliated Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor to the extent that the payment for any such Investment is made with advertising or other media inventory;
(23) [Reserved];
(24) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may make Investments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 calculated on a consolidated basis for the then most recent Test Period ended immediately preceding the date on which Investment is consummated;
(25) Investments in bona fide joint ventures of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date;
(26) Investments in joint ventures of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries after the Issue Date made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction); provided that, the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (26), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the proviso to the foregoing clause (3), shall not exceed the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount (in each case, determined on the date such Investment is made, with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);
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(27) earnest money deposits required in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (or similar Investments); and
(28) contributions to a “rabbi” trust for the benefit of employees or other grantor trusts subject to claims of creditors in the case of bankruptcy of the Issuer.
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.3, in the event that an item of Investment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Investments described in clauses (1) through (28) above, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Investment or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with SECTION 3.3 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Investment in one or more of the above clauses. In the event that a portion of the Investments could be classified as incurred under a “ratio-based” basket (giving pro forma effect to the making of such Investments), the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify such portion of such Investment as having been incurred pursuant to such “ratio-based” basket and thereafter the remainder of the Investments as having been incurred pursuant to one or more of the other clauses of this definition.
“Permitted Junior Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred that:
(1) shall have no obligor (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors);
(2) shall be unsecured or, if secured, (x) shall not be secured by any assets other than the Collateral, (y) shall only be secured by Liens that rank junior in right of security to the Liens securing the First Lien Notes Obligations and (z) the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(3) shall have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Stated Maturity of each series of First Lien Notes at the time such Indebtedness is incurred;
(4) shall not be subject to any mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (other than (x) in the case of notes, customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default and (y) in the case of loans, customary mandatory prepayment provisions upon an asset sale or event of loss (or from the proceeds of Refinancing Indebtedness) and a customary acceleration right after an event of default, in each case subject to the prior repayment in full of the First Lien Notes of each series and all other First Lien Notes Obligations) prior to the Stated Maturity of each series of First Lien Notes; (5) shall either (i) not allow for any cash payments, whether in respect of interest, principal or any fees (however described) to be made prior to the Stated Maturity of each series of First Lien Notes or (ii) in the case of any Permitted Junior Debt the proceeds of which are promptly applied to refinance, repay or otherwise replace any Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, have an All-In Cash Yield that is no greater than the All-In Cash Yield of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes that are being refinanced, repaid or otherwise replaced;
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(6) shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Issuer;
(7) shall only be incurred pursuant to clause (19) of SECTION 3.2(b); and
(8) shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, except as provided in this definition, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Issuer are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Issuer than the terms and conditions of the First Lien Note Documents (when taken as a whole); unless (x) the Holders receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Stated Maturity of each series of First Lien Notes at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(a) (i) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (21)(ii) through (iv) (and clause (vi) in respect thereof) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Obligation is or becomes party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable; (ii) Liens on the Collateral securing Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided, that Liens on the Collateral securing the ABL Credit Agreement must have the priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided, further, that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of the ABL Credit Agreement is a party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of the New Credit Agreement is a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement; (iii) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (21)(v) (and clause (vi) in respect thereof) of SECTION 3.2(b) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations; provided, that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is a party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement; (iv) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (2)(c) of SECTION 3.2(b), with junior priority in right of security on the Collateral as the First Lien Notes; and (v) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (2)(a) of SECTION 3.2(b), but only to the extent the Liens on the Existing Secured Notes of any series are not released on the Issue Date and provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable;
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(b) Liens (x) in existence on the Issue Date (other than Liens incurred pursuant to clause (a) above), and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (x) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under SECTION 3.2, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (y) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted under SECTION 3.2;
(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or not yet payable or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than forty-five (45) days or if more than forty-five (45) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property, and any exceptions on the Mortgage Policies issued in connection with the Mortgaged Properties, that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 6.1;
(i) leases, licenses, subleases, cross-licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;
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(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens (i) on cash advances or Cash Equivalents in favor of (x) the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to clause (9) or clause (14) of the definition “Permitted Investment” or (ii) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a disposition not constituting a Disposition under the definition of “Disposition” (other than clause (5) thereof), in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Issuer or a Subsidiary on assets of a Subsidiary that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor securing permitted intercompany Indebtedness and (ii) in favor of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor, or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Indenture;
(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted to be made as a Permitted Investment;
(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
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(r) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries are located;
(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 365 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
(v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to clause (19) of SECTION 3.2(b) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations in accordance with the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(w) In the case of Liens securing Indebtedness assumed pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 3.2(b), Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Subsidiary pursuant to SECTION 3.22), in each case after the Issue Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral, the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (A) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the First Lien Notes Obligations, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and, (B) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the liens securing the First Lien Notes Obligations, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
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(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(y) to the extent constituting a Lien, Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this definition; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by SECTION 3.2 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(bb) other Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 incurred pursuant to Swap Obligations permitted by clause (6) of SECTION 3.2(b);
(cc) other Liens securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $100,000,000; provided that such Liens secure obligations incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(dd) [Reserved];
(ee) [Reserved];
(ff) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;
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(gg) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Issuer’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises; and
(hh) Liens on proceeds of Indebtedness held in Escrow for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the Issuer or a Subsidiary.
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.6, (A) Liens need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted by this definition of “Permitted Liens” but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) with respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any amount permitted under clause (23) of SECTION 3.2(b) in respect of such Indebtedness.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Post-Acquisition Period” means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated.
“Post-Petition Interest” means any interest or entitlement to fees or expenses or other charges that accrue after the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether or not allowed or allowable as a claim in any such bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.
“Pro Forma Adjustment” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or the Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent Guarantor, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by the Parent Guarantor in good faith as a result of (a) actions that have been taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor) within 12 months after the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business with the operations of Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries; provided that (i) at the election of the Parent Guarantor, such Pro Forma Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $40,000,000, and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such revenue is accrued or costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional revenue or costs, as applicable, will be accrued or incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided, further, that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period and shall be subject to the aggregate caps set forth in the definitions of “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Consolidated Net Income.”
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“Pro Forma Basis,” “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction,” shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries in connection therewith (without giving effect to the netting of any cash proceeds of such Indebtedness to the extent such proceeds are being utilized in connection with any such Specified Transaction), and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that (I) without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with and subject to the caps set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Net Income and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by the Parent Guarantor in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment and (II) in determining Pro Forma Compliance with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, in connection with the incurrence (including by assumption or guarantee) of any Indebtedness, the incurrence of any Indebtedness in respect of the ABL Credit Agreement included in the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to, or simultaneously with, the event for which the Pro Forma Compliance determination of such ratio or other test is being made, shall be disregarded.
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In the event any fixed “baskets” are intended to be utilized together with any incurrence-based “baskets” in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (i) compliance with or satisfaction of any applicable financial ratios or tests for the portion of Indebtedness or any other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any incurrence-based “baskets” shall first be calculated without giving effect to amounts being utilized pursuant to any fixed “baskets,” but giving full pro forma effect to all applicable and related transactions (including, subject to the foregoing with respect to fixed “baskets,” any incurrence and repayments of Indebtedness) and all other permitted Pro Forma Adjustments (except that the incurrence of any Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Agreement immediately prior to or in connection therewith shall be disregarded), and (ii) thereafter, incurrence of the portion of such Indebtedness or other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any fixed “baskets” shall be calculated.
“QIB” means any “qualified institutional buyer” as such term is defined in Rule 144A.
“Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“refinance” means refinance, refund, replace, renew, repay, modify, restate, defer, substitute, supplement, reissue, resell, extend or increase (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) and the terms “refinances,” “refinanced” and “refinancing” as used for any purpose in this Indenture shall have a correlative meaning.
“Refinancing Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 3.2(b), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended, (c) at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended was incurred as Permitted Junior Debt, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension shall constitute Permitted Junior Debt, (e) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is (i) unsecured, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is unsecured, (ii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension shall not have a greater Lien priority than the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended or (iii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension is either (x) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations or (y) unsecured, (f) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is incurred by the Person who is or would have been permitted to be the obligor or guarantor (or any successor thereto) on the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended.
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“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
“Repurchase Trigger” means 90.0% or more of the principal amount of each of the Existing Term Loans, the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, the Existing 2027 Secured Notes, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, outstanding immediately prior to the Issue Date shall have been exchanged (whether on the Issue Date or subsequently pursuant to clause (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9) under SECTION 3.9(a)) for Initial Term Loans, First Lien Notes or Second Lien Notes, as applicable.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Notes” means Initial First Lien Notes and Additional First Lien Notes bearing one of the restrictive legends described in SECTION 2.1(d).
“Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend set forth in SECTION 2.1(d)(1) and, in the case of each Temporary Regulation S Global Note, the legend set forth in SECTION 2.1(d)(2).
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings and any successor thereto.
“Screened Affiliate” means any Affiliate of a Holder of First Lien Notes of a series (i) that makes investment decisions independently from such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate, (ii) that has in place customary information screens between it and such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate and such screens prohibit the sharing of information with respect to the Issuer or its Subsidiaries, (iii) whose investment policies are not directed by such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holder in connection with its investment in the First Lien Notes of such series, and (iv) whose investment decisions are not influenced by the investment decisions of such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holders in connection with its investment in the First Lien Notes of such series.
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“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.
“Second Lien Collateral Documents” means, collectively, any security agreement (including the Second Lien Security Agreement), hypothecs, intellectual property security agreements, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreement supplements, pledge agreements, bonds or any similar agreements, guarantees and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien or guarantee in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Second Lien Notes.
“Second Lien Indenture” means the indenture dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent under which the Second Lien Notes will be issued.
“Second Lien Note Documents” means the Second Lien Notes (including additional Second Lien Notes), the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Second Lien Indenture, the Second Lien Collateral Documents and the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Second Lien Note Guarantees” means the unconditional guarantee of the obligations of the Issuer under the Second Lien Notes and the Second Lien Indenture on a senior secured basis by iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
“Second Lien Notes” means the senior secured second lien notes due 2029 issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date pursuant to the Second Lien Indenture in connection with the exchange of the Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to the “Comprehensive Exchange Offers” as described in the Offering Memorandum.
“Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association in its capacity as collateral agent for the holders of the Second Lien Notes.
“Second Lien Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien other than Indebtedness with respect to Cash Management Services.
“Securities Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in each of the First Priority Security Agreements and the Second Priority Security Agreement (as defined in the Second Lien Indenture).
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“Security Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Securities Account, as delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Short Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Similar Business” means (1) any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date, and any reasonable extension thereof, or (2) any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, incidental, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries are engaged or propose to be engaged on the Issue Date.
“Specified Default” means a default under clause (1), (2), (5) or (6) of SECTION 6.1.
“Specified Holders” means those certain Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) that were identified in writing by the Ad Hoc Group Advisors (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) to the Issuer or its advisors (email being sufficient) prior to the Issue Date.
“Specified Holder Exclusivity Period” means the three (3) month period immediately following the Issue Date; provided that to the extent the Specified Holders have exchanged Existing Notes and/or Existing Term Loans in excess of 10% in the aggregate for all such outstanding Indebtedness immediately after giving effect to the Transactions during such three (3) month period, the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period shall be extended by an additional three (3) months.
“Specified Transaction” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment or Subsidiary designation in respect of which the terms of this Indenture require any test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect.”
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to any person, any Indebtedness which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the First Lien Notes of a series or any First Lien Note Guarantee relating thereto pursuant to a written agreement.
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“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Issuer.
“Subsidiary Guarantee” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of the First Lien Notes of such series issued by a Subsidiary Guarantor.
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, each existing and future Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or an Excluded Subsidiary) of the Parent Guarantor, any Electing Guarantor and any other Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that issues a Subsidiary Guarantee with respect to such series of First Lien Notes.
“Swap” means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.
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“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Holder or any Affiliate of a Holder).
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, duties and withholdings and any charges of a similar nature (including interest, penalties and other liabilities with respect thereto) that are imposed by any government or other taxing authority.
“Test Period” means, for any date of determination under this Indenture, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Issuer for which financial statements have been included in the Offering Memorandum on or prior to the Issue Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to SECTION 3.17.
“Total Assets” means the total assets of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor delivered pursuant to SECTION 3.17.
“Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the New Credit Agreement), the documents related thereto and the transactions contemplated thereby.
“Transaction Support Agreement” means the transaction support agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the creditors of the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Issue Date.
“Transactions” means the “Transactions” as such term is defined in the Transaction Support Agreement and any other transactions contemplated by, relating to or in connection with the Transaction Support Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the execution and delivery of the New Credit Agreement entered into on the Issue Date and the making of loans thereunder in exchange for the Existing Term Loans, (b) the issuance of the First Lien Notes of each series and the Second Lien Notes and the execution and delivery of this Indenture and the Second Lien Indenture, as applicable entered into on the Issue Date and the supplemental indentures in respect of the indentures governing the Existing Secured Notes (other than the Existing 2028 Secured Notes) and the Existing Unsecured Notes and an amendment and other documentation in respect of the Existing Credit Agreement, (c) the payment of the Transaction Expenses and (d) in each case, the other transactions contemplated by or entered into in connection with the foregoing clauses (a) through (c).
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“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Trust Officer” shall mean, when used with respect to the Trustee or First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, any vice president, assistant vice president, any trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee, within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee), who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter relating to this Indenture is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Trustee” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the 2029 First Lien Notes Trustee, the 2030 First Lien Notes Trustee and/or the 2031 First Lien Notes Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, “Trustee” as used in this Indenture shall refer to a Trustee solely in respect of, and acting on behalf of the Holders of, the series of First Lien Notes that it represents, and not any other series of First Lien Notes.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depositary receipt.
“Voting Stock” of a Person means all classes of Equity Interests of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors.
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“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitions.
Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Acceptable Commitment |
3.5(a)(3)(b) | |
Acquired Entity or Business |
“Consolidated EBITDA” | |
Action |
12.8(x) | |
Affiliate Transaction |
3.8(a) | |
Agent Members |
2.1(g)(2) | |
Applicable Premium Deficit |
8.4(1) | |
Asset Disposition Offer |
3.5(b) | |
Asset Sale Payment Date |
3.5(f)(2) | |
Authenticating Agent |
2.2 | |
Automatic Exchange |
2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Date |
2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Notice |
2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Notice Date |
2.6(e) | |
bankruptcy provisions |
6.1(5) | |
Change of Control Offer |
3.15(a) | |
Change of Control Payment Date |
3.15(a)(2) | |
City Code |
1.5 | |
Clearstream |
2.1(b) | |
Collateral Document Order |
12.8(t) | |
Contract Consideration |
“Excess Cash Flow” | |
Control |
“Affiliate” | |
Covenant Defeasance |
8.3 | |
cross acceleration provision |
6.1(4)(b) | |
Custodian |
6.1(5)(c) | |
Declined Excess Amount Proceeds |
3.16(b) | |
Defaulted Interest |
2.15 | |
Defeasance Trust |
8.4(1) | |
Directing Holder |
6.1 | |
Double-Dip Provision |
3.2(h)(2) | |
equity incentives |
“Consolidated Net Income” | |
Euroclear |
2.1(b) | |
Event of Default |
6.1 | |
Excess Amount Offer |
3.16(a) | |
Excess Amount Offer Payment Date |
3.16(f)(2) | |
Excess Proceeds |
3.5(b) | |
Foreign Disposition |
3.5(d) |
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Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Global Notes |
2.1(b) | |
Guaranteed Obligations |
10.1 | |
Immaterial Subsidiary |
“Excluded Subsidiary” | |
Increased Amount |
3.6 | |
Initial Default |
6.2(d) | |
Initial Lien |
3.6 | |
Issuer Order |
2.2 | |
judgment default provision |
6.1(7) | |
Junior Financing |
3.9(a) | |
LCA Election |
1.5 | |
LCA Test Date |
1.5 | |
Legal Defeasance |
8.2 | |
Legal Holiday |
13.7 | |
Master Agreement |
“Swap Contract” | |
Mortgage Policies |
“Collateral Requirement” | |
Noteholder Direction |
6.1 | |
Notes Register |
2.3 | |
payment default |
6.1(4)(a) | |
Performance References |
“Derivative Instrument” | |
Permanent Regulation S Global Note |
2.1(b) | |
Permitted Acquisition |
“Permitted Investment” | |
Permitted Payments |
3.3(b) | |
Position Representation |
6.1 | |
primary obligor |
“Guarantee” | |
protected purchaser |
2.11 | |
Registrar |
2.3 | |
Regulation S Global Note |
2.1(b) | |
Regulation S Notes |
2.1(b) | |
Related Person |
12.8(b) | |
Resale Restriction Termination Date |
2.6(b) | |
Restricted Global Note |
2.6(e) | |
Restricted Payment |
3.3(a) | |
Restricted Period |
2.1(b) | |
Rule 144A Global Note |
2.1(b) | |
Rule 144A Notes |
2.1(b) | |
Senior Indebtedness |
9.2(b)(12) | |
Sold Entity or Business |
“Consolidated EBITDA” | |
Special Flood Hazard Area |
12.11(b) | |
Special Interest Payment Date |
2.15(a) | |
Special Record Date |
2.15(a) | |
Specified Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange |
3.9(a)(6) | |
Specified Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange |
3.9(a)(7) | |
Specified Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange |
3.9(a)(8) | |
Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange |
3.9(a)(5) |
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Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange |
3.9(a)(9) | |
Successor Company |
4.1(a)(4) | |
Tax Group |
3.3(b)(9)(c) | |
Temporary Regulation S Global Note |
2.1(b) | |
Unrestricted Global Note |
2.6(e) | |
USA PATRIOT Act |
13.11 | |
Verification Covenant |
6.1 |
SECTION 1.3. Trust Indenture Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the Trust Indenture Act is not applicable to this Indenture.
SECTION 1.4. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning ascribed to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning ascribed to it in accordance with GAAP;
(3) “of” is not exclusive;
(4) “including” means including without limitation;
(5) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(6) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;
(7) all amounts expressed in this Indenture or in any of the First Lien Notes in terms of money refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America;
(8) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and
(9) unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person consolidated with its Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors, and excludes from such consolidation any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor as if such Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.
SECTION 1.5. Certain Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Indenture with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, for any Specified Transaction that is consummated in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, at the option of the Issuer (the Issuer’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCA Election”) the date of determination for calculation of any such ratios shall be deemed to be either (a) the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into, or (b) solely in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “City Code”) applies, the date on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention to make an offer in respect of such target company is made in compliance with the City Code (the “LCA Test Date”) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and the Specified Transactions to be entered into in connection therewith as if they had occurred at the beginning of the most recent date of determination ending prior to the LCA Test Date, the Issuer could have taken such action on the relevant LCA Test Date in compliance with such ratio or basket, such ratio or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCA Test Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the relevant transaction or action is permitted to be consummated or taken. If the Issuer has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket availability with respect to any other Specified Transaction on or following the relevant LCA Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement for, or “Rule 2.7 announcement” in respect of, as applicable, such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio or basket shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and any associated Lien) have been consummated. In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Indenture which requires that no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, has occurred, is continuing or would result from any such action, as applicable, such condition shall, at the option of the Issuer, be deemed satisfied, so long as no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, exists on the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has exercised its option pursuant to this paragraph, and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the date the definitive agreements for the applicable Limited Condition Transaction were entered into and prior to the consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such Default or Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under clause (1), (2), (5) or (6) of SECTION 6.1) shall be deemed to not have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Transaction is permitted hereunder.
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ARTICLE II
THE FIRST LIEN NOTES
SECTION 2.1. Form, Dating and Terms. The aggregate principal amount of First Lien Notes of a series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The 2029 Initial First Lien Notes issued on the date hereof will be in an aggregate principal amount of $717,588,265. The 2030 Initial First Lien Notes issued on the date hereof will be in an aggregate principal amount of $661,285,130. The 2031 Initial First Lien Notes issued on the date hereof will be in an aggregate principal amount of $178,443,480. In addition, the Issuer may issue, from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, Additional First Lien Notes of each series (as provided herein). Furthermore, First Lien Notes of a series may be authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer, exchange or in lieu of, other First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to SECTIONS 2.2, 2.6, 2.11, 2.13, 5.6 or 9.5, in connection with an Asset Disposition Offer pursuant to SECTION 3.5, in connection with a Change of Control Offer pursuant to SECTION 3.15 or, in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes, in connection with an Excess Amount Offer pursuant to SECTION 3.16.
With respect to any Additional First Lien Notes of a series, the Issuer shall set forth in (i) an Officer’s Certificate or (ii) one or more indentures supplemental hereto, the following information:
(A) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional First Lien Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;
(B) the issue price and the issue date of such Additional First Lien Notes, including the date from which interest shall accrue; and
(C) whether such Additional First Lien Notes shall be Restricted Notes.
In authenticating and delivering Additional First Lien Notes of a series, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the Opinion of Counsel and Officer’s Certificate required by SECTION 13.4, an Opinion of Counsel as to the validity and enforceability of such Additional First Lien Notes.
The Initial First Lien Notes of a series and the Additional First Lien Notes of such series shall be considered collectively as a single class for all purposes of this Indenture. Holders of the Initial First Lien Notes of a series and the Additional First Lien Notes of such series will vote and consent together on all matters to which such Holders of such series of First Lien Notes are entitled to vote or consent as one class, and none of the Holders of the Initial First Lien Notes of a series and the Additional First Lien Notes of such series shall have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter to which such Holders are entitled to vote or consent; provided that if the Additional First Lien Notes of a series are not fungible with the Initial First Lien Notes of such series and other Additional First Lien Notes of such series for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if the Issuer otherwise determines that any Additional First Lien Notes of such series should be differentiated from the Initial First Lien Notes of such series, such Additional First Lien Notes shall bear a separate CUSIP number.
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(a) The Initial First Lien Notes of a series and any Additional Restricted Notes of such series will be placed initially only with (A) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A and (B) Non U.S. Persons in reliance on Regulation S. Such Initial First Lien Notes and Additional Restricted Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs, and purchasers in reliance on Regulation S, in each case, in accordance with the procedures described herein. Initial First Lien Notes of a series and Additional Restricted Notes of a series placed with QIBs in the United States of America in reliance on Rule 144A (each, “Rule 144A Notes”) shall be issued in the form of a permanent global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes, Exhibit A-2 in the case of the 2030 First Lien Notes and Exhibit A-3 in the case of the 2031 First Lien Notes, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture, including the legends set forth in SECTION 2.1(d) and SECTION 2.1(e) (each, a “Rule 144A Global Note”), deposited with the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Rule 144A Global Note of a series may be represented by more than one certificate, if so required by DTC’s rules regarding the maximum principal amount to be represented by a single certificate. The aggregate principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Note of a series may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC or its nominee, as hereinafter provided.
Initial First Lien Notes of a series and any Additional Restricted Notes of a series offered and sold outside the United States of America (each, “Regulation S Notes”) in reliance on Regulation S shall initially be issued in the form of a temporary global Note (each, a “Temporary Regulation S Global Note”).
Beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note of a series will be exchanged for beneficial interests in a corresponding permanent global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes, Exhibit A-2 in the case of the 2030 First Lien Notes and Exhibit A-3 in the case of the 2031 First Lien Notes, including appropriate legends as set forth in SECTIONS 2.1(d) and 2.1(e) (each, a “Permanent Regulation S Global Note” and, together with each Temporary Regulation S Global Note, each a “Regulation S Global Note”) within a reasonable period after the expiration of the Restricted Period (as defined below) upon delivery of the certification contemplated by SECTION 2.7. Each Regulation S Global Note will be deposited upon issuance with, or on behalf of, the Notes Custodian as custodian for DTC in the manner described in this ARTICLE II for credit to the respective accounts of the purchasers (or to such other accounts as they may direct), including, but not limited to, accounts at Euroclear Bank S.A./N. V. (“Euroclear”) or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (“Clearstream”). Prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Initial First Lien Notes (or any Additional First Lien Notes) and the Issue Date (or the issue date of any Additional First Lien Notes) (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Restricted Period”), interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note of a series may only be transferred to Non-U.S. Persons pursuant to Regulation S, unless exchanged for interests in a Global Note in accordance with the transfer and certification requirements described herein.
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Investors may hold their interests in a Regulation S Global Note through organizations other than Euroclear or Clearstream that are participants in DTC’s system or directly through Euroclear or Clearstream, if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. If such interests are held through Euroclear or Clearstream, Euroclear and Clearstream will hold such interests in the applicable Regulation S Global Note on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositaries. Such depositaries, in turn, will hold such interests in the applicable Regulation S Global Note in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC.
The Regulation S Global Note of a series may be represented by more than one certificate, if so required by DTC’s rules regarding the maximum principal amount to be represented by a single certificate. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note of a series may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for DTC or its nominee, as hereinafter provided.
The Rule 144A Global Notes of each series and the Regulation S Global Note of each series are sometimes collectively herein referred to as the “Global Notes” of such series.
The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the First Lien Notes of each series shall be payable at the office or agency of Paying Agent designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of First Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC. Payments in respect of First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of a series of First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made in accordance with the Notes Register or by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).
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The First Lien Notes of each series may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage, in addition to those set forth on Exhibit A-1 in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes Exhibit A-2, in the case of the 2030 First Lien Notes and Exhibit A-3 in the case of the 2031 First Lien Notes, and in SECTIONS 2.1(d) and 2.1(e). The Issuer shall approve any notation, endorsement or legend on the First Lien Notes. Each First Lien Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the First Lien Notes of each series set forth in Exhibit A-1, Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-3, as applicable, are part of the terms of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to be bound by such terms.
(b) Denominations. The First Lien Notes of each series shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1.
(c) Restrictive Legends. Unless and until (i) an Initial First Lien Note or an Additional First Lien Note issued as a Restricted Note is sold under an effective registration statement or (ii) the Issuer and the Trustee receive an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act:
(1) the Rule 144A Global Note of each series and the Regulation S Global Note of each series shall bear the following legend on the face thereof:
THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE, HEREOF AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS ONE YEAR (IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A SECURITIES) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ISSUE DATE OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY ADDITIONAL FIRST LIEN NOTES) AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY OR ANY ADDITIONAL FIRST LIEN NOTE) OR 40 DAYS (IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S SECURITIES) AFTER THE LATER OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY AND ITS ISSUE DATE, ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S.
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PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.
(2) the Temporary Regulation S Global Note of each series shall bear the following additional legend on the face thereof:
THIS SECURITY IS A TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE. PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE RESTRICTED PERIOD APPLICABLE HERETO, BENEFICIAL INTERESTS HEREIN MAY NOT BE HELD BY ANY PERSON OTHER THAN (1) A NON U.S. PERSON OR (2) A U.S. PERSON THAT PURCHASED SUCH INTEREST IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. BENEFICIAL INTERESTS HEREIN ARE NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR PHYSICAL NOTES OTHER THAN A PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE INDENTURE. TERMS IN THIS LEGEND ARE USED AS USED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
(d) Global Note Legend.
Each Global Note of a series, whether or not an Initial First Lien Note of such series, shall bear the following legend on the face thereof:
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
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TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.
(e) [Reserved].
(f) Book Entry Provisions. This SECTION 2.1(g) shall apply only to Global Notes deposited with the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC.
(1) Each Global Note initially shall (x) be registered in the name of DTC or the nominee of DTC, (y) be delivered to the Notes Custodian for DTC and (z) bear legends as set forth in SECTION 2.1(e). Transfers of a Global Note (but not a beneficial interest therein) will be limited to transfers thereof in whole, but not in part, to DTC, its successors or its respective nominees, except as set forth in SECTION 2.1(g)(4) and 2.1(h). If a beneficial interest in a Global Note of a series is transferred or exchanged for a beneficial interest in another Global Note of such series, the Notes Custodian will (x) record a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Note being transferred or exchanged equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange and (y) record a like increase in the principal amount of the other Global Note. Any beneficial interest in one Global Note of a series that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Note of such series, or exchanged for an interest in another Global Note of such series, will, upon transfer or exchange, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and become an interest in the other Global Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer and exchange restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Note for as long as it remains such an interest.
(2) Members of, or participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by DTC or by the Notes Custodian as the custodian of DTC or under such Global Note, and DTC may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.
(3) In connection with any transfer of a portion of the beneficial interest in a Global Note pursuant to SECTION 2.1(h) to beneficial owners who are required to hold Definitive Notes, the Notes Custodian shall reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Note to be transferred, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, one or more Definitive Notes of like tenor and amount.
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(4) In connection with the transfer of an entire Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to SECTION 2.1(h), such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to each beneficial owner identified by DTC in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations.
(5) The registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of the applicable series.
(6) Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book entry system maintained by (i) the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (ii) any holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.
(g) Definitive Notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive Definitive Notes. Definitive Notes of a series shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Note of such series if (A) DTC notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Note of such series or DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, at a time when DTC is required to be so registered in order to act as Depositary, and in each case the Issuer fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days of such notice or (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series under this Indenture and DTC shall have requested in writing the issuance of Definitive Notes of such series. In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in the second preceding sentence or in clause (A) or (B) of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Notes of such series. In addition, any First Lien Note of a series transferred to an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Issuer or evidencing a First Lien Note of a series that has been acquired by an affiliate in a transaction or series of transactions not involving any public offering must, until one year after the last date on which either the Issuer or any affiliate of the Issuer was an owner of the First Lien Note, be in the form of a Definitive Note of such series and bear the legend in SECTION 2.1(d) regarding transfer restrictions. If required to do so pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, beneficial owners may also obtain Definitive Notes of a series in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Note of such series upon written request in accordance with DTC’s and the Registrar’s procedures.
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(1) Any Definitive Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to SECTION 2.1(g) shall, except as otherwise provided by SECTION 2.6(d), bear the applicable legend regarding transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Note set forth in SECTION 2.1(d).
(2) If a Definitive Note of a series is transferred or exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Note of such series, the Trustee will (x) cancel such Definitive Note, (y) record an increase in the principal amount of such Global Note equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange and (z) in the event that such transfer or exchange involves less than the entire principal amount of the canceled Definitive Note, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to the transferring Holder a new Definitive Note of such series representing the principal amount not so transferred.
(3) If a Definitive Note of a series is transferred or exchanged for another Definitive Note of such series, (x) the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Note being transferred or exchanged, (y) the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, one or more new Definitive Notes of such series in authorized denominations having an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange to the transferee (in the case of a transfer) or the Holder of the canceled Definitive Note (in the case of an exchange), registered in the name of such transferee or Holder, as applicable, and (z) if such transfer or exchange involves less than the entire principal amount of the canceled Definitive Note, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder thereof, one or more Definitive Notes of such series in authorized denominations having an aggregate principal amount equal to the untransferred or unexchanged portion of the canceled Definitive Notes, registered in the name of the Holder thereof.
(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, in no event shall a Definitive Note of a series be delivered upon exchange or transfer of a beneficial interest in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note of such series prior to the end of the Restricted Period.
SECTION 2.2. Execution and Authentication. One Officer of the Issuer shall sign the First Lien Notes for the Issuer by manual, facsimile or PDF signature. If the Officer whose signature is on a First Lien Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the First Lien Note, the First Lien Note shall be valid nevertheless.
A First Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized officer of the Trustee manually authenticates the Note. The signature of the Trustee on a First Lien Note shall be conclusive evidence that such First Lien Note has been duly and validly authenticated and issued under this Indenture. A First Lien Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.
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At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery: (1) 2029 Initial First Lien Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $717,588,265, 2030 Initial First Lien Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $661,285,130 and 2031 Initial First Lien Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $178,443,480, (2) subject to the terms of this Indenture, Additional First Lien Notes of each series for original issue in an unlimited principal amount and (3) under the circumstances set forth in SECTION 2.6(e), Initial First Lien Notes of each series in the form of an Unrestricted Global Note in each case upon a written order of the Issuer signed by one Officer (the “Issuer Order”). Such Issuer Order shall specify whether the First Lien Notes of a series will be in the form of Definitive Notes or Global Notes, the amount of the First Lien Notes of such series to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of First Lien Notes of such series is to be authenticated, the holder of the First Lien Notes of such series and whether such First Lien Notes are to be Initial First Lien Notes of such series or Additional First Lien Notes of such series.
The Trustee may appoint an agent (the “Authenticating Agent”) reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the First Lien Notes. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by a Trust Officer, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Issuer. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, any such Authenticating Agent may authenticate First Lien Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by the Authenticating Agent. An Authenticating Agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
In case the Issuer or any Guarantor, pursuant to ARTICLE IV or SECTION 10.2, as applicable, shall be consolidated or merged with or into any other Person or shall convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the successor Person resulting from such consolidation, or surviving such merger, or into which the Issuer or any Guarantor shall have been merged, or the Person which shall have received a conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition as aforesaid, shall have executed an indenture supplemental hereto with the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE IV, any of the First Lien Notes of a series authenticated or delivered prior to such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition may (but shall not be required), from time to time, at the request of the successor Person, be exchanged for other First Lien Notes of such series executed in the name of the successor Person with such changes in phraseology and form as may be appropriate to reflect such successor Person, but otherwise in substance of like tenor as the First Lien Notes of such series surrendered for such exchange and of like principal amount; and the Trustee, upon the Issuer Order of the successor Person, shall authenticate and make available for delivery First Lien Notes of such series as specified in such order for the purpose of such exchange. If First Lien Notes of a series shall at any time be authenticated and delivered in any new name of a successor Person pursuant to this SECTION 2.2 in exchange or substitution for or upon registration of transfer of any First Lien Notes of such series, such successor Person, at the option of the Holders but without expense to them, shall provide for the exchange of all First Lien Notes of such series at the time outstanding for First Lien Notes of such series authenticated and delivered in such new name.
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SECTION 2.3. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency where First Lien Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the “Registrar”) and an office or agency where First Lien Notes may be presented for payment. The Registrar shall keep a register of the First Lien Notes of the applicable series and of their transfer and exchange (with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the “Notes Register”). The Issuer may have one or more co registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent and the term “Registrar” includes any co registrar.
The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of each such agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to SECTION 7.7. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
The Issuer initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes of each series. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as the Registrar and Paying Agent for the First Lien Notes of each series and the Issuer may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders, but upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) acceptance of any appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee and the passage of any waiting or notice periods required by DTC procedures or (ii) written notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee.
SECTION 2.4. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. By 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on each date on which the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any First Lien Note of a series is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest when due. The Issuer shall require the Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by such Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the First Lien Notes of each series (whether such assets have been distributed to it by the Issuer or other obligors on the First Lien Notes of such series), shall notify the Trustee in writing of any default by the Issuer or any Guarantor in making any such payment and shall during the continuance of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the First Lien Notes of such series) in the making of any payment in respect of the First Lien Notes of such series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith deliver to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the First Lien Notes of such series together with a full accounting thereof. If the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund.
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The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds or assets disbursed by such Paying Agent. Upon complying with this SECTION 2.4, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer) shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. Upon any bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to any of the Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the First Lien Notes of each series.
SECTION 2.5. Holder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders of the First Lien Notes of each series. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer, on its own behalf and on behalf of each of the Guarantors, shall furnish or cause the Registrar to furnish to the Trustee, in writing at least five (5) Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders.
SECTION 2.6. Transfer and Exchange. A Holder may transfer a First Lien Note of a series (or a beneficial interest therein) to another Person or exchange a First Lien Note of a series (or a beneficial interest therein) for another First Lien Note or First Lien Notes of such series of any authorized denomination by presenting to the Trustee a written request therefor stating the name of the proposed transferee or requesting such an exchange, accompanied by any certification, opinion or other document required by this SECTION 2.6. The Trustee will promptly register any transfer or exchange that meets the requirements of this SECTION 2.6 by noting the same in the Notes Register maintained by the Trustee for the purpose, and no transfer or exchange will be effective until it is registered in such Notes Register. The transfer or exchange of any First Lien Note (or a beneficial interest therein) may only be made in accordance with this SECTION 2.6 and SECTIONS 2.1(g) and 2.1(h), as applicable, and, in the case of a Global Note (or a beneficial interest therein), the applicable rules and procedures of DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream. The Trustee shall refuse to register any requested transfer or exchange that does not comply with this paragraph.
(a) Transfers of Rule 144A Notes. The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of its original issue and the last date on which the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Rule 144A Note (or any predecessor thereto) (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”):
(1) a registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee in the form as set forth on the reverse of the Rule 144A Note that it is purchasing for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A; provided that no such written representation or other written certification shall be required in connection with the transfer of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Note to a transferee in the form of a beneficial interest in that Rule 144A Global Note in accordance with this Indenture and the applicable procedures of DTC.
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(2) [Reserved].
(3) a registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note or a beneficial interest therein to a Non U.S. Person shall be made upon receipt by the Registrar or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth in SECTION 2.9 from the proposed transferee and the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to the Issuer.
(b) Transfers of Regulation S Notes. The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed transfer of a Regulation S Note prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period:
(1) a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee, in the form of assignment on the reverse of the certificate, that it is purchasing the Regulation S Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A;
(2) [Reserved].
(3) a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a Non U.S. Person shall be made upon receipt by the Registrar or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth in SECTION 2.9 hereof from the proposed transferee and receipt by the Registrar or its agent of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to the Issuer.
After the expiration of the Restricted Period, interests in the Regulation S Note of a series may be transferred in accordance with applicable law without requiring the certification set forth in SECTIONS 2.8, 2.9, 2.10 or any additional certification.
(c) Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of First Lien Notes of a series not bearing a Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver First Lien Notes of such series that do not bear a Restricted Notes Legend.
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Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of First Lien Notes of a series bearing a Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only First Lien Notes of such series that bear a Restricted Notes Legend unless (1) an Initial First Lien Note of such series is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement, (2) Initial First Lien Notes of such series are being exchanged for First Lien Notes of such series that do not bear the Restricted Notes Legend in accordance with SECTION 2.6(e) or (3) there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Issuer stating that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act. Any Additional First Lien Notes of a series sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(d) Automatic Exchange from Global Note Bearing Restricted Notes Legend to Global Note Not Bearing Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, beneficial interests in a Global Note of such series bearing the Restricted Notes Legend (a “Restricted Global Note”) may be automatically exchanged into beneficial interests in a Global Note of such series not bearing the Restricted Notes Legend (an “Unrestricted Global Note”) without any action required by or on behalf of the Holder (an “Automatic Exchange”) at any time on or after the date that is the 366th calendar day after (1) with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series issued on the Issue Date, the Issue Date or (2) with respect to Additional First Lien Notes of such series, if any, the issue date of such Additional First Lien Notes, or, in each case, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (an “Automatic Exchange Date”). Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the Issuer shall (i) provide written notice to DTC and the Trustee at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange Date, instructing DTC to exchange all of the outstanding beneficial interests in a particular Restricted Global Note of such series to the Unrestricted Global Note of such series, which the Issuer shall have previously otherwise made eligible for exchange with DTC, (ii) provide prior written notice (the “Automatic Exchange Notice”) to each Holder of the First Lien Notes of such series at such Holder’s address appearing in the register of Holders at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange Date (the “Automatic Exchange Notice Date”), which notice must include (w) the Automatic Exchange Date, (x) the section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Automatic Exchange shall occur, (y) the “CUSIP” number of the Restricted Global Note from which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred and (z) the “CUSIP” number of the Unrestricted Global Note into which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred, and (iii) on or prior to the Automatic Exchange Date, deliver to the Trustee for authentication one or more Unrestricted Global Notes, duly executed by the Issuer, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Restricted Global Notes to be exchanged into such Unrestricted Global Notes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION 2.6(e), during the fifteen (15) calendar day period prior to an Automatic Exchange Date, no exchanges other than pursuant to this SECTION 2.6(e) shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the Issuer.
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As a condition to any Automatic Exchange, the Issuer shall provide, and the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to the Issuer to the effect that the Automatic Exchange shall be effected in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and that the aggregate principal amount of the particular Restricted Global Note is to be transferred to the particular Unrestricted Global Note by adjustment made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for the Depositary to reflect the Automatic Exchange. Upon such exchange of beneficial interests pursuant to this SECTION 2.6(e), the aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes of a series shall be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for the Depositary, to reflect the relevant increase or decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note resulting from the applicable exchange. The Restricted Global Note from which beneficial interests are transferred pursuant to an Automatic Exchange shall be cancelled following the Automatic Exchange.
(e) Retention of Written Communications. The Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to SECTION 2.1 or this SECTION 2.6. The Issuer shall have the right to inspect and make copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable prior written notice to the Registrar.
(f) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall, subject to the other terms and conditions of this ARTICLE II, execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes and Global Notes at the Issuer’s and Registrar’s written request.
No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require the Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax assessments or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charges payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to SECTIONS 2.2, 2.6, 2.11, 2.13, 3.5, 5.6 or 9.5).
The Issuer (and the Registrar) shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any First Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 calendar days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem such First Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 calendar days before an interest payment date and ending on such interest payment date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any such First Lien Note being redeemed in part.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any First Lien Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a First Lien Note is registered as the owner of such First Lien Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to paragraph 2 of the reverse side of the form of First Lien Notes attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, Exhibit A-2 or Exhibit A-3, as applicable) interest on such First Lien Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, including without limitation the transfer or exchange of such First Lien Note, whether or not such First Lien Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
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All First Lien Notes of a series issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the First Lien Notes of such series surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(g) No Obligation of the Trustee. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in, DTC or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the First Lien Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or purchase) or the payment of any amount or delivery of any First Lien Notes (or other security or property) under or with respect to such First Lien Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders in respect of the First Lien Notes of a series shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any First Lien Note (including any transfers between or among DTC participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof. None of the Trustee, the Registrar or any of their respective agents shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by DTC.
SECTION 2.7. Form of Certificate to be Delivered upon Termination of Restricted Period.
[Date]
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
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U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
Re: iHeartCommunications, Inc. (the “Issuer”)
[Senior Secured Notes due 2029][Senior Secured Notes due 2030][Senior Secured Notes due 2031] (the “Notes”)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter relates to Notes represented by a temporary global Note (the “Temporary Regulation S Global Note”). Pursuant to SECTION 2.1 of the Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 relating to the Notes (the “Indenture”), we hereby certify that the persons who are the beneficial owners of $[ ] principal amount of Notes represented by the Temporary Regulation S Global Note are persons outside the United States to whom beneficial interests in such Notes could be transferred in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Accordingly, you are hereby requested to issue a Permanent Regulation S Global Note representing the undersigned’s interest in the principal amount of Notes represented by the Temporary Regulation S Global Note, all in the manner provided by this Indenture. We certify that we [are] [are not] an Affiliate of the Issuer.
The Trustee and the Issuer are entitled to conclusively rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this letter have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Name of Transferor] | ||
By: |
|
|
Authorized Signature |
SECTION 2.8. [Reserved].
SECTION 2.9. Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S.
[Date]
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iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
Re: iHeartCommunications, Inc. (the “Issuer”)
[Senior Secured Notes due 2029][Senior Secured Notes due 2030][Senior Secured Notes due 2031] (the “Notes”)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with our proposed sale of $[ ] aggregate principal amount of the Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we represent that:
(a) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;
(b) either (i) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States or (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;
(c) no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(a)(2) or Rule 904(a)(2) of Regulation S, as applicable; and
(d) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
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In addition, if the sale is made during a restricted period and the provisions of Rule 903(b)(2), Rule 903(b)(3) or Rule 904(b)(1) of Regulation S are applicable thereto, we confirm that such sale has been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 903(b)(2), Rule 903(b)(3) or Rule 904(b)(1), as the case may be.
We also hereby certify that we [are] [are not] an Affiliate of the Issuer and, to our knowledge, the transferee of the Notes [is] [is not] an Affiliate of the Issuer.
The Trustee and the Issuer are entitled to conclusively rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Name of Transferor] | ||
By: |
|
|
Authorized Signature |
SECTION 2.10. [Reserved].
SECTION 2.11. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes. If a mutilated First Lien Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a First Lien Note claims that such First Lien Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement First Lien Note of the applicable series if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the UCC are met, such that the Holder (a) satisfies the Issuer and the Trustee that such First Lien Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken within a reasonable time after such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar has not registered a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuer and the Trustee prior to such First Lien Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the UCC (a “protected purchaser”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee; provided, however, if after the delivery of such replacement First Lien Note, a protected purchaser of such First Lien Note for which such replacement First Lien Note was issued presents for payment or registration such replaced First Lien Note, the Trustee and/or the Issuer shall be entitled to recover such replacement First Lien Note from the Person to whom it was issued and delivered or any Person taking therefrom, except a protected purchaser, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Issuer or the Trustee in connection therewith. Such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the (i) Trustee to protect the Trustee and (ii) the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar, from any loss which any of them may suffer if a First Lien Note of a series is replaced, and, in the absence of notice to the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee that such First Lien Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Issuer shall execute, and upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in exchange for any such mutilated First Lien Note or in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Note, a new First Lien Note of the applicable series of like tenor and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
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In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in their discretion may, instead of issuing a new First Lien Note of the applicable series, pay such First Lien Note.
Upon the issuance of any new First Lien Note of a series under this SECTION 2.11, the Issuer may require that such Holder pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of counsel and of the Trustee) in connection therewith.
Subject to the proviso in the initial paragraph of this SECTION 2.11, every new First Lien Note of a series issued pursuant to this SECTION 2.11, in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Note of such series shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, any Guarantor (if applicable) and any other obligor upon the First Lien Notes of such series, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other First Lien Notes of such series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this SECTION 2.11 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Notes.
SECTION 2.12. Outstanding Notes. First Lien Notes of a series outstanding at any time are all First Lien Notes of such series authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those paid pursuant to SECTION 2.11 and those described in this SECTION 2.12 as not outstanding.
If a First Lien Note is replaced pursuant to SECTION 2.11 (other than a mutilated Note surrendered for replacement), it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced First Lien Note is held by a protected purchaser. A mutilated First Lien Note ceases to be outstanding upon surrender of such First Lien Note and replacement pursuant to SECTION 2.11.
If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date, an amount of money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest payable on that date with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such First Lien Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
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SECTION 2.13. Temporary Notes. In the event that Definitive Notes of a series are to be issued under the terms of this Indenture, until such Definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes of such series. Temporary First Lien Notes of a series shall be substantially in the form, and shall carry all rights, of Definitive Notes of such series but may have variations that the Issuer consider appropriate for temporary First Lien Note of such series. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes of a series. After the preparation of Definitive Notes of a series, the temporary First Lien Notes of such series shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes of such series upon surrender of the temporary First Lien Notes at any office or agency maintained by the Issuer for that purpose and such exchange shall be without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary First Lien Notes of a series, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, authenticate and make available for delivery in exchange therefor, one or more Definitive Notes of such series representing an equal principal amount of First Lien Notes. Until so exchanged, the Holder of temporary First Lien Notes of a series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as a Holder of Definitive Notes of such series.
SECTION 2.14. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver First Lien Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any First Lien Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all First Lien Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and dispose of such First Lien Notes in accordance with its internal policies and customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act and the Trustee). If the Issuer or any Guarantor acquires any of the First Lien Notes, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented by such First Lien Notes unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to this SECTION 2.14. The Issuer may not issue new First Lien Notes of a series to replace First Lien Notes of such series it has paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for any reason other than in connection with a transfer or exchange.
At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note of a series have either been exchanged for Definitive Notes of such series, transferred, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Note shall be returned by DTC or the applicable Notes Custodian to the Trustee for cancellation or retained and canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note of such series is exchanged for Definitive Notes of such series, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Note of such series, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, the principal amount of First Lien Notes of such series represented by such Global Note shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee (if it is then the Notes Custodian for such Global Note) with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Notes Custodian, to reflect such reduction.
SECTION 2.15. Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest. Interest on any First Lien Note which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such First Lien Note (or one or more predecessor First Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such payment at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3.
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Any interest on any First Lien Note of a series which is payable, but is not paid when the same becomes due and payable and such nonpayment continues for a period of 30 days shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the regular record date, and such defaulted interest and (to the extent lawful) interest on such defaulted interest at the rate borne by the First Lien Notes of such series (such defaulted interest and interest thereon herein collectively called “Defaulted Interest”) shall be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:
(a) The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the First Lien Notes of a series (or their respective predecessor First Lien Notes) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date (as defined below) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each First Lien Note of a series and the date (not less than 30 days after such notice) of the proposed payment (the “Special Interest Payment Date”), and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this SECTION 2.15(a). Thereupon the Issuer shall fix a record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which date shall be not more than 20 calendar days and not less than 15 calendar days prior to the Special Interest Payment Date and not less than 10 calendar days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of such Special Record Date, and in the name of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date and Special Interest Payment Date therefor to be given in the manner provided for in SECTION 13.2, not less than 10 calendar days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date and Special Interest Payment Date therefor having been so given, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid on the Special Interest Payment Date to the Persons in whose names the First Lien Notes of a series (or their respective predecessor First Lien Notes) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the provisions in SECTION 2.15(b).
(b) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the First Lien Notes of a series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this SECTION 2.15(b), such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 2.15, each First Lien Note of a series delivered under this Indenture upon registration of, transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other First Lien Note of such series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other First Lien Note.
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SECTION 2.16. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the First Lien Notes of a series may use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the First Lien Notes of a series or as contained in any notice of a redemption or purchase and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the First Lien Notes of a series, and any such redemption or purchase shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such CUSIP and ISIN numbers. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee, in writing, of any changes in the CUSIP or ISIN numbers.
SECTION 2.17. Joint and Several Liability. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally liable for the performance of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture, the First Lien Notes of each series and the Collateral Documents.
ARTICLE III
COVENANTS
SECTION 3.1. Payment of Notes. The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the First Lien Notes of each series on the dates and in the manner provided in the First Lien Notes of each series and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if by 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture an amount of money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the First Lien Notes of each series, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Issuer may, to the extent required to do so by law, deduct or withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United States of America from principal or interest payments hereunder.
SECTION 3.2. Limitation on Indebtedness. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness.
(a) SECTION 3.2(a) will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following:
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(1) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement (including letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued or created thereunder) in a maximum aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the sum of (a) the Initial Term Loans, plus the Incremental Term Loans (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date, plus (b) $475,000,000 (which shall include, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, any prepayment premium, make-whole premium or exit or similar premium or fee) plus (c) other obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement not constituting principal (other than as set forth in clause (b) above), and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing; provided that (A) to the extent the Issuer or any Subsidiary prepays or repays any Indebtedness outstanding under the New Credit Agreement (other than in connection with Incurring Refinancing Indebtedness thereof), the maximum aggregate principal amount permitted to be outstanding pursuant to this clause (1) shall be reduced by the amount of such prepayment or repayment and (B) Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (1) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this SECTION 3.2 other than by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such Refinancing Indebtedness and any existing commitments unutilized thereunder; provided, further, that with respect to any Refinancing Indebtedness of the New Credit Agreement, (a) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall have the covenants and events of default and other terms and condition that are, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Issuer than the covenants and events of default and other terms and conditions applicable to the New Credit Agreement (except for (i) pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and prepayment and redemption terms (except as otherwise provided in the New Credit Agreement) and (ii) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Stated Maturity of each series of First Lien Notes at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness) and (b) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Persons other than the Issuer and the Guarantors (or Persons that will become Guarantors in connection with the incurrence of such Refinancing Indebtedness);
(2) Indebtedness represented by (a) the Existing Secured Notes (other than any additional Existing Secured Notes of any series issued after the Issue Date), including any Guarantee thereof, outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, (b) the Existing Unsecured Notes (other than any additional Existing Unsecured Notes issued after the Issue Date), including any Guarantee thereof, outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, (c) the Existing Credit Agreement outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, and (d) any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (1) above or subclauses (a), (b) or (c) of this clause (2)) outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Guarantee thereof and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (2)(d) owing by the Issuer or a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall, in each case be unsecured or subordinated in right of payment to the First Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note; (3) Guarantees by the Issuer and any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer otherwise permitted under this Indenture; provided that (a) no Guarantee of (x) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement or the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness of any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guarantee of the First Lien Notes Obligations on the terms set forth in this Indenture, (b) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the First Lien Notes Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the First Lien Notes Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of the First Lien Notes of each series as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness and (c) any such Guarantee by the Issuer or a Guarantor of Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (3) shall be an Investment that must be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
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(4) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or any Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any Parent Entity which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer); provided that any such Indebtedness (i) owing by the Issuer or a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall, in each case be subordinated in right of payment to the First Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note, (ii) owed to the Issuer or a Guarantor by the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be evidenced by the Intercompany Note (which, for the avoidance of doubt, such Intercompany Note shall be pledged to the extent evidencing Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Guarantor) and (iii) owing by any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to the Issuer or any other Guarantor shall be an Investment in a Non-Guarantor that must be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
(5) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) (other than sale and leaseback transactions) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary prior to or within 365 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale and leaseback transactions permitted by clause (13) of the definition of “Disposition,” and (iii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (5) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(6) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
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(7) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Permitted Investment in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50,000,000; provided that (i) any such assumed Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment, (ii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio in effect immediately prior to the making of such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, in each case, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;
(8) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Issuer (or any Parent Entity) or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(9) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to future, present or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity permitted by SECTION 3.3;
(10) Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments;
(11) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;
(12) obligations in respect of Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
(13) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $125,000,000; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (13) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Issuer (other than a Guarantor); provided, further, that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (13) shall not exceed at any time outstanding $25,000,000; provided, further, that if the Issuer or a Guarantor is an obligor of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (13), such Indebtedness (x) shall be unsecured or (y) if secured, (i) the Liens securing such Indebtedness shall rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (ii) may not be secured by any assets other than Collateral;
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(14) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(15) Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 Business Days following the incurrence thereof;
(16) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(17) [Reserved];
(18) Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such letter of credit;
(19) (i) Permitted Junior Debt; provided that (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Indebtedness and (y) either (1) the proceeds of such Permitted Junior Debt are promptly applied to refinance or replace the Existing Credit Agreement or the Existing Notes in accordance with SECTION 3.9 or (2) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not greater than 7.40 to 1.00, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (ii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;
(20) [Reserved];
(21) (i) [Reserved], (ii) the 2029 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional 2029 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2029 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2026 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (6) of SECTION 3.9(a), (iii) the 2030 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional 2030 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2030 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2027 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 3.9(a), (iv) the 2031 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional 2031 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2031 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2028 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (8) of SECTION 3.9(a), (v) the Second Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any additional Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to clause (9) of SECTION 3.9(a), and (vi) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing clauses (i) through (v);
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(22) [Reserved]; and
(23) subject to the restrictions set forth in clause (b)(1)(b) above, all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in the clauses above.
(b) For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred or issued pursuant to and in compliance with, this SECTION 3.2:
(1) in the event that all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in this SECTION 3.2, the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify, and may from time to time reclassify, all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the clauses of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that (i) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof shall be treated as incurred under clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified, (ii) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes and the Existing Credit Agreement shall be treated as incurred under clause (2) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified and (iii) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under First Lien Notes and the Second Lien Notes and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof shall be treated as incurred under clause (21) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified;
(2) additionally, except as set forth in clause (c)(1) above, all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness may later be reclassified as having been Incurred pursuant to any type of Indebtedness described in SECTION 3.2(b) so long as such Indebtedness is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to such provision at the time of reclassification;
(3) Refinancing Indebtedness (and all subsequent refinancings thereof with Refinancing Indebtedness) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness that is permitted to be incurred pursuant to any provision of this SECTION 3.2 other than, in each case, as permitted by the definition of Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to each such incurrence thereof;
(4) Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relating to, or Liens securing, Indebtedness that is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included;
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(5) if obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments are Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility and are being treated as incurred pursuant to any clause of the second paragraph above and the letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relate to other Indebtedness, then such other Indebtedness shall not be included;
(6) [Reserved];
(7) Indebtedness permitted by this SECTION 3.2 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness, but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this SECTION 3.2 permitting such Indebtedness; and
(8) the amount of Indebtedness issued at a price less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined on the basis of GAAP.
(c) Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this SECTION 3.2.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided, that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (a) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced plus (b) the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums (including tender premiums) and other costs and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees or similar fees) incurred in connection with such refinancing.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this SECTION 3.2, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Issuer or a Subsidiary may Incur pursuant to this SECTION 3.2 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.
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(f) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the First Lien Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s First Lien Note Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or in any other First Lien Note Document:
(1) any Indebtedness Incurred after the Issue Date owed by the Issuer or any Guarantor to any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Guarantor shall be unsecured and subordinated in right payment to the First Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note; and
(2) no Indebtedness Incurred by any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, the proceeds of which is or is contemplated to be lent by such Subsidiary to the Issuer or any Guarantor, may be Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Guarantor, nor shall the Issuer or any Guarantor provide any other credit support in respect of such Indebtedness (this clause (2), together with the foregoing clause (1), the “Double-Dip Provision”).
(h) For purposes of this Indenture, (1) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be treated as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured and (2) senior Indebtedness shall not be treated as subordinated or junior to any other senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral or is secured by different collateral or because it is guaranteed by different obligors.
SECTION 3.3. Limitation on Restricted Payments. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) on or in respect of the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary’s Equity Interests (including any such payment in connection with any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests, or on account of any return of capital to the Issuer’s or a Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof);
(2) purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Equity Interests of the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor held by Persons other than the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor;
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(3) purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than (a) any such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case, due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement and (b) any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to SECTION 3.2(b)(3)); or
(4) make any Restricted Investment;
(any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (1) through (4) is referred to herein as a “Restricted Payment”).
(b) SECTION 3.3(a) will not prohibit any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Payments”):
(1) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Issuer, and other Subsidiaries of the Issuer (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to the Issuer and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall directly or indirectly make any Restricted Payment pursuant to this clause (b)(1) to any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor unless it is promptly further contributed to a Guarantor;
(2) the Issuer and each Subsidiary may declare and make Restricted Payments payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by SECTION 3.2) of such Person;
(3) [Reserved];
(4) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(5) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by SECTION 3.8 (other than clauses (3) and (7) of SECTION 3.8(b)), SECTION 4.1 and the definition of “Permitted Investment” (other than clauses (5) or (13) thereof);
(6) repurchases of Equity Interests in the Parent Guarantor (or any Parent Entity) or any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor in the ordinary course of business deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
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(7) the Issuer and each Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (or of the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) from any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, manager, director, officer or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (7) shall not exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum amount of Restricted Payments of $10,000,000 made in any calendar year) and (ii) other than in the case of a non-discretionary repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement, no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom; provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(a) to the extent contributed to the Parent Guarantor, the net cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of any of the Parent Guarantor’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of the Parent Guarantor, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date; plus
(b) the net proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries; less
(c) the amount of Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clause (a) and (b) of this clause (7);
(8) the Issuer may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 minus amounts outstanding at such time (or otherwise applied to the extent such loans and advances are not repaid in cash) in respect of loans and advances to the Parent Guarantor pursuant to clause (13) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”; provided that no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom;
(9) the Issuer may make Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity:
(a) to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries and, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors, managers or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries;
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(b) the proceeds of which shall be used by such Parent Entity to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any other Parent Entity’s) corporate existence or good standing under applicable law;
(c) for any taxable period ending after the Issue Date (A) in which the Parent Guarantor and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group (a “Tax Group”) of which a Parent Entity is the common parent or (B) in which the Parent Guarantor is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes, to pay U.S. federal, state and local and foreign Taxes that are attributable to the taxable income, revenue, receipts, gross receipts, gross profits, capital or margin of the Parent Guarantor and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount of such Taxes that the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay if they were a stand-alone Tax Group with the Parent Guarantor as the corporate common parent of such stand-alone Tax Group;
(d) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investment” if such Parent Entity were subject to this SECTION 3.3; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) such Parent Entity shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Issuer or a Guarantor or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted under SECTION 4.1) of the Person formed or acquired into the Issuer or a Guarantor in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with SECTION 3.7 and SECTION 12.2; provided, further, that in no event shall any contribution pursuant to this clause (9)(d) increase the Available Equity Amount or Investment capacity under the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
(e) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Parent Entity to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries; and
(f) the proceeds of which shall be used by the Issuer to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any Parent Entity to pay) fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by the Issuer (or any Parent Entity) that is directly attributable to the operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries;
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(10) payments made or expected to be made by the Issuer or any of the Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar non-U.S. Taxes with respect to any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;
(11) the Issuer or any Subsidiary may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition; and
(12) any Restricted Payment by the Issuer or any Parent Entity to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this SECTION 3.3, in the event that a Restricted Payment (or portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Payments described in clauses (1) through (12) of SECTION 3.3(b), or is permitted pursuant to one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investment,” the Issuer will be entitled to classify such Restricted Payment or Investment (or portion thereof) on the date of its payment or later reclassify (based on circumstances existing on the date of such reclassification) such Restricted Payment or Investment (or portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this SECTION 3.3, including as an Investment pursuant to one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investment.”
(d) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount, and the fair market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment, property or assets other than cash shall be determined conclusively by the Parent Guarantor acting in good faith.
SECTION 3.4. Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Subsidiaries. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of:
(1) any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions in cash or otherwise on its Equity Interests or pay any Indebtedness or other Obligations owed to the Issuer or any Subsidiary or (ii) make or repay intercompany loans or advances to the Parent Guarantor or any other Guarantor; or
provided that (x) the priority of any preferred stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock and (y) the subordination of (including the application of any standstill requirements to) loans or advances made to the Issuer or any Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary shall not be deemed to constitute such an encumbrance or restriction.
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(b) SECTION 3.4(a) shall not prohibit:
(2) any Guarantor to create, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders with respect to the First Lien Note Documents and the Obligations; (1) (x) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to (a) any Credit Facility, (b) the Existing Secured Notes, (c) the Existing Unsecured Notes, (d) the Second Lien Notes or (e) any other agreement or instrument, in each case, in effect at or entered into on or prior to the Issue Date; and (y) to the extent any encumbrances or restrictions permitted by clause (e) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such encumbrance or restriction and, in the case of subclauses (x)(a) through (x)(d), such Indebtedness constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;
(2) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, First Lien Note Documents, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(3) any encumbrance or restriction that is binding on a Subsidiary at the time such Subsidiary first becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer, so long as such encumbrance or restriction was not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Issuer; provided, that this clause (3) shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions that are binding on a Person that becomes a Subsidiary pursuant to SECTION 3.22;
(4) any encumbrance or restriction representing Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the Issuer which is not a Guarantor which is permitted by SECTION 3.2;
(5) any encumbrance or restriction arising in connection with (i) any disposition that is not a Disposition or (ii) in a disposition that complies with SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 4.1 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such disposition;
(6) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under SECTION 3.3 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(7) any encumbrance or restriction comprising negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under SECTION 3.2, but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness;
(8) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted by this Indenture so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto;
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(9) any encumbrance or restriction comprising restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clauses (5), (7) and (13) of SECTION 3.2(b) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness;
(10) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Issuer or any Subsidiary;
(11) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(12) any encumbrance or restriction comprising restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and
(13) any encumbrance or restriction arising in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under SECTION 3.3 and SECTION 3.6 limited to such cash or deposit.
SECTION 3.5. Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Disposition unless:
(1) the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other Person assuming responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of contractually agreeing to such Disposition), as determined in good faith by the Issuer, of the shares and assets subject to such Disposition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, if such Disposition is a Permitted Asset Swap);
(2) in any such Disposition, or series of related Dispositions with a purchase price in excess of $5.0 million, at least 75% of the consideration from such Disposition received by the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, to the extent that any assets subject to a Disposition were Collateral, the non-cash consideration received is pledged as Collateral under the Collateral Documents substantially simultaneously with such sale, in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents; and
(3) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Disposition is applied, either:
(a) within 365 days from the receipt of such Net Available Cash, to offer to prepay, repay or purchase the First Lien Notes or any other Indebtedness that is secured by a First Priority Lien (including, to the extent secured by a First Priority Lien, the Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or ABL Credit Agreement incurred pursuant to clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b) (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof)) (other than the Existing 2028 Secured Notes), provided that, to the extent the Issuer prepays, repays or purchases any other such Indebtedness, the Issuer shall equally and ratably reduce (or offer to reduce, as applicable) Obligations under the First Lien Notes through open market purchases, by redeeming First Lien Notes as provided under SECTION 5.7, or by making an Asset Disposition Offer;
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(b) to invest in or commit to invest in (i) capital expenditures, (ii) long-term fixed assets or (iii) any other Investment permitted by clauses (9) or (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Indenture) in an amount not to exceed $35.0 million in the aggregate for all such reinvestments made pursuant to this clause (a)(3)(b) in any fiscal year within 365 days from the date of receipt of such Net Available Cash; provided, however, that a binding agreement shall be treated as a permitted application of Net Available Cash from the date of such commitment with the good faith expectation that an amount equal to Net Available Cash will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 90 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”); provided that (x) if any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such amount is applied, then such Net Available Cash shall constitute Excess Proceeds as of the date of such cancellation or termination and (y) such Net Available Cash shall constitute Excess Proceeds if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing;
provided that, (1) pending the final application of the amount of any such Net Available Cash in accordance with clauses (a)(3)(a) and (a)(3)(b) above, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may temporarily reduce Indebtedness or otherwise use such Net Available Cash in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture; and (2) the Issuer (or any Subsidiary, as the case may be) may elect to invest in (i) capital expenditures, (ii) long-term fixed assets or (iii) any other Investment permitted by clauses (9) or (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Indenture) prior to receiving the Net Available Cash attributable to any given Disposition (provided that if the assets subject to the disposition constituted Collateral, any such assets are pledged as Collateral under the Collateral Documents substantially simultaneously with such acquisition in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, such investment shall be made no earlier than the earliest of notice to the Trustee of the relevant Disposition, execution of a definitive agreement for the relevant Disposition, and consummation of the relevant Disposition) and deem the amount so invested to be applied pursuant to and in accordance with clause (b) above with respect to such Disposition.
(b) The amount of any Net Available Cash from Dispositions that is not applied or invested or committed to be applied or invested as provided in clause (a)(3) in excess of $10.0 million will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds” under this Indenture.
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Subject to the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreements, on the day following 365 days after receipt of such Net Available Cash, or earlier if the Parent Guarantor elects, if there are any such Excess Proceeds, the Parent Guarantor will within 10 Business Days be required to make an offer (“Asset Disposition Offer”) to all Holders of First Lien Notes of each series issued under this Indenture and, to the extent the Issuer elects, to all holders of other outstanding First Priority Obligations, to purchase the maximum principal amount of First Lien Notes and any such First Priority Obligations (other than the Existing 2028 Secured Notes) to which the Asset Disposition Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in respect of the First Lien Notes of a series in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the First Lien Notes of such series and any such First Priority Obligations, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing such First Priority Obligations, as applicable, and, with respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000. The Issuer will deliver notice of such Asset Disposition Offer electronically or by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of First Lien Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Disposition and offering to repurchase the First Lien Notes of each series for the specified purchase price on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 10 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered, pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice. The Issuer may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Available Cash from a Disposition by making an Asset Disposition Offer with respect to all Net Available Cash within the relevant 365 day period (or such longer period provided above) or with respect to any unapplied Excess Proceeds.
(c) To the extent that the aggregate amount of First Lien Notes and First Priority Obligations so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes surrendered in any Asset Disposition Offer by Holders and other First Priority Obligations surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Excess Proceeds shall be allocated among the First Lien Notes and First Priority Obligations to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered First Lien Notes and First Priority Obligations provided that no First Lien Notes or other First Priority Obligations will be selected and purchased in an unauthorized denomination. Upon completion of any Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Additionally, the Issuer may, at its option, make an Asset Disposition Offer using proceeds from any Disposition at any time after the consummation of such Disposition. Upon consummation or expiration of any Asset Disposition Offer, any remaining Net Available Cash shall not be deemed Excess Proceeds and the Issuer may use such Net Available Cash for any purpose not prohibited by this Indenture.
(d) To the extent that any portion of Net Available Cash payable in respect of the First Lien Notes is denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the amount thereof payable in respect of the First Lien Notes shall not exceed the net amount of funds in U.S. dollars that is actually received by the Issuer upon converting such portion into U.S. dollars.
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Notwithstanding any other provisions of this SECTION 3.5, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Available Cash of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary (a “Foreign Disposition”) is prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Available Cash so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this SECTION 3.5, and such amounts may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States, provided that the Issuer hereby agrees to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law or other impediment to permit such repatriation; and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Available Cash is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Available Cash will be promptly (and in any event not later than two (2) Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) in compliance with this SECTION 3.5 and (ii) to the extent that the Issuer has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Available Cash of any Foreign Disposition would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Available Cash, such Net Available Cash so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Available Cash so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to this SECTION 3.5, the Issuer applies an amount equal to such Net Available Cash to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Available Cash had been received by the Issuer rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Available Cash had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Available Cash that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary).
(e) For the purposes of SECTION 3.5(a)(2) hereof, the following will be deemed to be cash:
(1) the assumption by the transferee of any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s (or the Subsidiaries’, as applicable) most recent balance sheet provided under this Indenture or in the footnotes thereto) of the Issuer or such Subsidiary, other than Subordinated Indebtedness, that are assumed by the transferee pursuant to a Disposition for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) to a non-Affiliate third party and for which the Issuer and all of its Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing in connection with such Disposition;
(2) securities received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer from the transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of such Disposition; and
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(3) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or the applicable Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed $5.0 million (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents).
(f) Upon the commencement of an Asset Disposition Offer, the Issuer shall send, or cause to be sent, a written notice to the Trustee and to each Holder of First Lien Notes of a series then outstanding at its registered address, or deliver otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holder to tender First Lien Notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer. Any Asset Disposition Offer shall be made to all Holders of the First Lien Notes of each series then outstanding. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Disposition Offer, shall state:
(1) that the Asset Disposition Offer is being made pursuant to this SECTION 3.5 and that, to the extent lawful, all First Lien Notes of each series then outstanding tendered and not withdrawn shall be accepted for payment (unless prorated);
(2) the Asset Disposition Offer payment amount, the Asset Disposition Offer offered price, and the date on which First Lien Notes tendered and accepted for payment shall be purchased, which date shall be at least 10 days and not later than 60 days from the date such notices are delivered (the “Asset Sale Payment Date”);
(3) that any First Lien Notes not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest in accordance with the terms thereof;
(4) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any First Lien Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Asset Sale Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any First Lien Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Disposition Offer shall be required to surrender such First Lien Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the applicable First Lien Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the Asset Sale Payment Date;
(6) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than two Business Days prior to the Asset Sale Payment Date, a notice setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the First Lien Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such First Lien Note purchased;
(7) that if the aggregate principal amount of First Lien Notes of each series then outstanding surrendered by Holders exceeds the Asset Disposition Offer payment amount, the Issuer shall select the First Lien Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuer so that only First Lien Notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 shall be purchased); and (8) that Holders whose First Lien Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new First Lien Notes of the applicable series equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the First Lien Notes of such series surrendered (or transferred by book-entry).
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(g) If the Asset Sale Payment Date is on or after a record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender First Lien Notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer.
(h) On the Asset Sale Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,
(1) accept for payment all First Lien Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer,
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Asset Disposition payment in respect of all First Lien Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the First Lien Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such First Lien Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
(i) To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations, including Rule 14e-l under the Exchange Act, conflict with the provisions of this SECTION 3.5, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws, rules and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.
SECTION 3.6. Limitation on Liens. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) (each, an “Initial Lien”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related guarantee of Indebtedness, upon any asset or property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, unless:
(1) in the case of any asset or property that constitutes Collateral, such Lien expressly has Junior Lien Priority on the Collateral relative to the First Lien Notes and the First Lien Note Guarantees; and
(2) in the case of any asset or property that does not constitute Collateral, the First Lien Notes (or a First Lien Note Guarantee in the case of Liens on assets or property of a Guarantor) are secured equally and ratably with (or on a senior basis to, in the case such Lien secures Subordinated Indebtedness) the Obligations so secured.
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Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the First Lien Notes of any series pursuant to the preceding sentence shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any Liens securing the First Lien Notes on the Issue Date shall not constitute an “Initial Lien.”
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien securing debt for borrowed money on the Equity Interests of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary held by the Issuer or a Guarantor unless such Equity Interests shall also be pledged to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to secure the First Lien Notes Obligations.
With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness. The “Increased Amount” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness.
SECTION 3.7. Future Guarantees. Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by the Parent Guarantor, or (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary (including following the designation of a Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor), the Parent Guarantor will cause such Subsidiary within 60 days after such formation, acquisition, cessation, designation or election, or such longer period as the Trustee may agree in writing in its discretion to:
(1) execute and deliver a supplemental indenture to this Indenture providing for a First Lien Note Guarantee by such Subsidiary; and
(2) to the extent any of such Guarantor’s assets would constitute Collateral, execute and deliver a supplement or joinder to the Collateral Documents or new Collateral Documents and take all actions required under this Indenture (including, for the avoidance of doubt, such actions as are necessary to satisfy the Collateral Requirement) and the Collateral Documents to perfect the Liens created thereunder.
(b) Subject to the conditions set forth in SECTION 3.22, the Parent Guarantor may elect, in its sole discretion, to cause any Subsidiary that is not otherwise required to be a Guarantor to become a Guarantor (an “Electing Guarantor”), in which case, such Subsidiary shall not be required to comply with the time periods described in this SECTION 3.7 and in the definition of “Collateral Requirement” and such Guarantee may be released at any time in the Issuer’s sole discretion, if, at the time of release, such Subsidiary would not be required to Guarantee the First Lien Notes; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 3.7, any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that Guarantees (or is the borrower or issuer with respect to) (i) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement or the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness.
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SECTION 3.8. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of related transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $15,000,000, unless such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable, as determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Parent Guarantor, to the Parent Guarantor or its relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction or the execution of the agreement providing for such transaction by the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis.
(a) SECTION 3.8(a) shall not apply to:
(1) loans and other transactions among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Subsidiary or as a result of such loan or other transaction to the extent permitted under this Indenture;
(2) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions;
(3) Restricted Payments permitted to be made pursuant to SECTION 3.3, or any Permitted Investment;
(4) employment and severance arrangements between the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business;
(5) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries (or any Parent Entity) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;
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(6) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Issue Date or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Holders of the First Lien Notes of any series in any material respect;
(7) payments by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any Parent Entity to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by clause (9)(c) of SECTION 3.3(b);
(8) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Issuer to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof; or
(9) a joint venture which would constitute a transaction with an Affiliate solely as a result of the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary owning an equity interest or otherwise controlling such joint venture or similar entity.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION 3.8, no Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor (other than the Issuer or its Subsidiaries to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Indenture) shall provide Indebtedness to the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of their respective Subsidiaries unless (i) there are non-Affiliate holders of such Indebtedness, (ii) such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such Indebtedness and (iii) such Indebtedness is incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and not to evade the requirements for incurring Indebtedness under SECTION 3.2.
SECTION 3.9. Limitation on Junior Financing. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Issuer shall not, nor shall the Issuer permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) any Indebtedness (i) that is or is required to be subordinated in right of payment to the First Lien Notes Obligations, (ii) for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 that is unsecured (other than the Existing Unsecured Notes or Existing Secured Notes that become unsecured) and under which the Issuer or a Guarantor is an obligor, (iii) that is secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations or (iv) that constitutes Existing 2028 Secured Notes (the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively “Junior Financing”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any documentation with respect to such Junior Financing, except:
(1) (A) the refinancing thereof with the net proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness and, if such Indebtedness was originally incurred pursuant to clause (7) or clause (19) under SECTION 3.2(b), is permitted pursuant thereto to the extent not required to be subject to an Asset Disposition Offer) and (B) the refinancing, redemption or repurchase of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of Permitted Junior Debt;
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(2) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity;
(3) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary to the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note;
(4) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, so long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, unlimited prepayments of Junior Financing, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(5) exchanges of Existing Term Loans in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Term Loans so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of Initial Term Loans (or other term loans with substantially the same terms as the Initial Term Loans), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans so exchanged and otherwise effectuated pursuant to an exchange agreement substantially consistent with the exchange agreement entered into in connection with the Comprehensive Transactions (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (5), a “Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange”);
(6) exchanges of Existing 2026 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2026 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2029 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2029 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2026 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (6), a “Specified Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange”);
(7) exchanges of Existing 2027 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2030 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2030 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2027 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (7), a “Specified Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange”);
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(8) exchanges of Existing 2028 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2031 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2031 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2028 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (8), a “Specified Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange”);
(9) exchanges of Existing Unsecured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (9), a “Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange”);
(11) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, as applicable or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
(12) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of:
(a) the Existing Unsecured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger;
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(b) the Existing 2027 Secured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
(c) the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger.
(10) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances, exchanges and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of (i) $160,000,000 plus (ii) the Available Equity Amount; (b) The Issuer shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Subsidiaries to amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Holders of any series of First Lien Notes any term or condition of any documentation with respect to Junior Financing without the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the First Lien Notes of such series (it being understood that any amendments or modifications to any Junior Financing documentation that cause any such Junior Financing to no longer satisfy the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” shall be deemed materially adverse to the interest of the Holders of the applicable series of First Lien Notes).
(c) For as long as the 2029 First Lien Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the Stated Maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) the 2030 First Lien Notes, the 2031 First Lien Notes or the Second Lien Notes (and, in each case, any successive Refinancing Indebtedness thereof or other Refinancing Indebtedness thereof) or Refinancing Indebtedness of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, except (i) as otherwise permitted under this SECTION 3.9, (ii) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 while the 2029 First Lien Notes are outstanding and (iii) other prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00.
SECTION 3.10. Limitation on Transfer of Material Assets.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or in any other First Lien Note Document, no Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or material intellectual property or other material property or asset that, in each case, is necessary at such time to the operation of the business of the Issuer and the Guarantors (or Equity Interests in the Issuer or any Guarantor that owns any such Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations FCC Authorizations or any such material intellectual property or other material property or asset) that are, in each of the foregoing cases, owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor, may be transferred (whether as an Investment, Restricted Payment, disposition or otherwise) in any respect, whether directly or indirectly or by one or more transactions (including pursuant the release of any Guarantee provided by any Guarantor), by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer that is not a Guarantor, other than pursuant to non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction).
SECTION 3.11. Change in Nature of Business. The Issuer shall not, nor shall the Issuer permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on the Issue Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
SECTION 3.12. Financial Covenant. Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing Unsecured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.35 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
(a) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.40 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
(b) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.55 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
SECTION 3.13. Limitation on Activities of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor shall not conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any material business or operations (including any prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of Indebtedness); provided that the following shall be permitted in any event:
(1) its ownership of the Equity Interests of the Issuer;
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(2) the entry into, and the performance of its obligations with respect to the First Lien Note Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Second Lien Note Documents, the indenture governing the Existing Unsecured Notes, any documentation relating to any Permitted Junior Debt and any documentation relating to any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to the foregoing;
(3) the consummation of the Transactions;
(4) the payment of dividends and distributions permitted to be made to the Parent Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the making of contributions to the capital of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and Guarantees of Indebtedness set forth in clause (a)(2) above and the Guarantees of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness;
(5) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance and performance of activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees and those of its Subsidiaries);
(6) the performing of activities in preparation for and consummating any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) including converting into another type of legal entity;
(7) the participation in tax, accounting and other administrative matters, including compliance with applicable Laws and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees;
(8) the holding of any cash and Cash Equivalents (but not operating any property);
(9) the entry into and performance of its obligations with respect to contracts and other arrangements relating to the indemnification to officers, managers, directors and employees; and
(10) any activities incidental to the foregoing.
SECTION 3.14. License Subsidiaries. So long as any First Lien Notes are outstanding, the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer shall, and shall cause, to the extent applicable, each of its Subsidiaries to:
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(a) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the First Lien Notes, ensure that each License Subsidiary engages only in the business of holding Broadcast Licenses and rights and activities related thereto in all material respects; (b) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the First Lien Notes, ensure that the FCC Authorizations held by each License Subsidiary are not (i) commingled with the property of the Issuer and any Subsidiary thereof other than another License Subsidiary in all material respects or (ii) transferred by such License Subsidiary to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any other License Subsidiary), except in connection with a disposition permitted under SECTION 3.5; and
(c) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the First Lien Notes, ensure that no License Subsidiary has any material Indebtedness or other material liabilities except (i) liabilities arising under the First Priority Documents and the indentures governing the Existing Notes to which it is a party, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the First Lien Note Documents, the Second Lien Note Documents, Permitted Junior Debt, and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing and (ii) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, tax liabilities incidental to ownership of such rights and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, including those in connection with agreements necessary or desirable to operate broadcast stations, including affiliation, programming, syndication, time brokerage, joint sales, lease and similar agreements.
SECTION 3.15. Change of Control. If a Change of Control occurs with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series as provided under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer will make an offer to purchase all of the First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase: provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the First Lien Notes of such series are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of this SECTION 3.15. Within 30 days following any Change of Control with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series, the Issuer will deliver or cause to be delivered a notice of such Change of Control Offer electronically in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC or by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of First Lien Notes of such series at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase the First Lien Notes of such series for the specified purchase price on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 10 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered, pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice, except in the case of a conditional Change of Control Offer made in advance of a Change of Control, as described below:
(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this SECTION 3.15, and that all First Lien Notes of a series subject to the Change of Control Offer properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuer; (3) that any First Lien Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;
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(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 10 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(4) that unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all First Lien Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest, on the Change of Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any First Lien Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such First Lien Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such First Lien Notes completed, to the Paying Agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered First Lien Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such First Lien Notes; provided that the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day prior to the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a notice setting forth the name of the Holder of the First Lien Notes, the principal amount of First Lien Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered First Lien Notes and its election to have such First Lien Notes purchased;
(7) that Holders whose First Lien Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes of the applicable series and such new First Lien Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the First Lien Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the First Lien Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000;
(8) if such notice is delivered prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and
(9) the other instructions, as determined by the Issuer, consistent with this SECTION 3.15, that a Holder must follow.
(b) The Paying Agent will promptly deliver to each Holder of the First Lien Notes tendered the Change of Control Payment for such First Lien Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new First Lien Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the First Lien Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new First Lien Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.
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The Issuer will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
(c) If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid on the relevant interest payment date to the Person in whose name a First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date.
(d) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,
(1) accept for payment all First Lien Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all First Lien Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the First Lien Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such First Lien Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
(e) The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series following a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all First Lien Notes of such series validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) a notice of redemption of all outstanding First Lien Notes of the applicable series has been given pursuant to ARTICLE V of this Indenture, unless and until there is a default in the payment of the redemption price on the applicable redemption date or the redemption is not consummated due to the failure of a condition precedent contained in the applicable redemption notice to be satisfied. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, in connection with any tender offer for the First Lien Notes of a series, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series validly tender and do not withdraw such First Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the First Lien Notes of such series validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior Issuer notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all First Lien Notes of such series that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
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(g) While the First Lien Notes of a series are in global form and the Issuer makes an offer to purchase all of the First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, a Holder may exercise its option to elect for the purchase of the First Lien Notes through the facilities of DTC, subject to its rules and regulations.
(h) To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws, rules or regulations, including Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, conflict with the provisions of this SECTION 3.15, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof. The Issuer may rely on any no-action letters issued by the SEC indicating that the staff of the SEC will not recommend enforcement action in the event a tender offer satisfies certain conditions.
SECTION 3.16. Excess Amount Offer. Not later than five (5) Business Days after the date on which annual financial statements are required to be furnished to the Trustee under SECTION 3.17, commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the Issuer will make an offer to purchase (an “Excess Amount Offer”) from all Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes and from the holders of any First Priority Obligations (to the extent required by the terms thereof, and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the 2030 First Lien Notes and the 2031 First Lien Notes), on a pro rata basis, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing any such First Priority Obligations, the maximum principal amount (expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of the 2029 First Lien Notes and any such First Priority Obligations that may be purchased with the Excess Amount; provided, that an Excess Amount Offer shall only be required if the Applicable ECF Amount for such fiscal year is greater than $10.0 million. The offer price as to each 2029 First Lien Note and any such First Priority Obligations will be payable in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2029 First Lien Note and (solely in the case of First Priority Obligations) no greater than 100% of the principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of such First Priority Obligations, plus in each case accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
(a) To the extent that the aggregate principal amount of 2029 First Lien Notes and any such First Priority Obligations tendered (or otherwise required to be repurchased or repaid) pursuant to an Excess Amount Offer is less than the Excess Amount, the Issuer may use the portion of the Excess Amount not used to purchase 2029 First Lien Notes and First Priority Obligations (“Declined Excess Amount Proceeds”) for general corporate purposes that are not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of 2029 First Lien Notes and any such First Priority Obligations validly tendered and not withdrawn (or elected to be repurchased or repaid) by holders thereof exceeds the Excess Amount, the 2029 First Lien Notes and any such First Priority Obligations to be purchased will be selected on a pro rata basis (based upon the principal amount of 2029 First Lien Notes and the principal amount or accreted value of such First Priority Obligations tendered by each holder) and in accordance with the procedures of DTC. Upon completion of each such Excess Amount Offer, any Declined Excess Amount Proceeds shall no longer constitute Excess Amount or Applicable ECF Amount.
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(b) If the Issuer is obligated to make an Excess Amount Offer, the Issuer will purchase the 2029 First Lien Notes (in whole or in part in minimum amounts of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 above such amount) and First Priority Obligations, at the option of the holders thereof, on a date that is not earlier than 10 days and not later than 60 days from the date the notice of the Excess Amount Offer, as applicable, is given to such holders, or such later date as may be required under the Exchange Act.
(c) If the Issuer is required to make an Excess Amount Offer, the Issuer will comply with the applicable tender offer rules, including Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other applicable securities laws and regulations. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this SECTION 3.16, the Issuer will comply with such securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this covenant by virtue thereof.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION 3.16, (i) to the extent that any or all of the Excess Amount attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Excess Amount so affected will not be required to be applied to an Excess Amount Offer at the times provided in such covenant, but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Issuer hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Excess Amount that would otherwise be required to be used to make an Excess Amount Offer is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Excess Amount will be promptly (and in any event not later than two (2) Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to make an Excess Amount Offer, and (ii) to the extent that the Issuer has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all of the Excess Amount attributable to the Foreign Subsidiary would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Excess Amount, such Excess Amount so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any such Excess Amount would have been required to be applied to an Excess Amount Offer, the Issuer applies an amount equal to such Excess Amount to an Excess Amount Offer as if such Excess Amount had been received by the Issuer rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Excess Amount had been repatriated (or, if less, the Excess Amount that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary); provided that any such Excess Amount Offer pursuant to this clause (ii) shall be deemed a mandatory prepayment, repurchase and/or redemption made pursuant to such covenant and not a voluntary prepayment, repurchase or redemption for purposes of calculating the Applicable ECF Amount or Excess Amount under such covenant.
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(e) Upon the commencement of an Excess Amount Offer, the Issuer shall send, or cause to be sent, a written notice to the Trustee and to each Holder of 2029 First Lien Notes then outstanding at its registered address, or deliver otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holder to tender 2029 First Lien Notes pursuant to the Excess Amount Offer. Any Excess Amount Offer shall be made to all Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes then outstanding. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Excess Amount Offer, shall state:
(1) that the Excess Amount Offer is being made pursuant to this SECTION 3.16 and that, to the extent lawful, all 2029 First Lien Notes tendered and not withdrawn shall be accepted for payment (unless prorated);
(2) the Excess Amount Offer payment amount, the Excess Amount Offer offered price, and the date on which 2029 First Lien Notes tendered and accepted for payment shall be purchased, which date shall be at least 10 days and not later than 60 days from the date such notices are delivered (the “Excess Amount Offer Payment Date”);
(3) that any 2029 First Lien Notes not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest in accordance with the terms thereof;
(4) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any 2029 First Lien Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Excess Amount Offer shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Excess Amount Offer Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any 2029 First Lien Notes purchased pursuant to any Excess Amount Offer shall be required to surrender the 2029 First Lien Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the 2029 First Lien Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the Excess Amount Offer Payment Date;
(6) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than two Business Days prior to the Excess Amount Offer Payment Date, a notice setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the 2029 First Lien Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such 2029 First Lien Note purchased;
(7) that if the aggregate principal amount of 2029 First Lien Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Excess Amount Offer payment amount, the Issuer shall select the 2029 First Lien Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuer so that only 2029 First Lien Notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 shall be purchased); and (8) that Holders whose 2029 First Lien Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new 2029 First Lien Notes of the applicable series equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the 2029 First Lien Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry).
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(f) If the Excess Amount Offer Payment Date is on or after a record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a 2029 First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender 2029 First Lien Notes pursuant to the Excess Amount Offer.
(g) On the Excess Amount Offer Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,
(1) accept for payment all 2029 First Lien Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Excess Amount Offer,
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Excess Amount Offer payment in respect of all 2029 First Lien Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the 2029 First Lien Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such 2029 First Lien Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
For the avoidance of doubt, this SECTION 3.16 is for the benefit of the Holders of 2029 First Lien Notes only and shall not be applicable to the 2030 First Lien Notes or the 2031 First Lien Notes.
SECTION 3.17. Reports. Notwithstanding that the Parent Guarantor may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, from and after the Issue Date, the Parent Guarantor will furnish to the Trustee, within 10 days after the time periods specified below:
(1) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 105 days after the end of such fiscal year), all financial information that would be required to be contained in an annual report on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC, including a “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and a report on the annual financial statements by the Parent Guarantor’s independent registered public accounting firm;
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(2) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal quarter), all financial information that would be required to be contained in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC; and
(3) promptly after the occurrence of any of the following events, all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K or any successor or comparable form (if the Parent Guarantor had been a reporting company under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act); provided, that the foregoing shall not obligate the Parent Guarantor to (i) make available any information otherwise required to be included on a Form 8-K regarding the occurrence of any such events if the Parent Guarantor determines in its good faith judgment that such event that would otherwise be required to be disclosed is not material to the Holders of the First Lien Notes or the business, assets, operations, financial positions or prospects of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) make available copies of any agreements, financial statements or other items that would be required to be filed as exhibits to a current report on Form 8-K:
(A) the entry into or termination of material agreements;
(B) significant acquisitions or dispositions (which shall only be with respect to acquisitions or dispositions that are “significant” pursuant to the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X;
(C) the sale of equity securities;
(D) bankruptcy;
(E) cross-default under direct material financial obligations;
(F) a change in the Parent Guarantor’s certifying independent auditor;
(G) the appointment or departure of directors or executive officers (but only to the extent required by Form 8-K);
(H) non-reliance on previously issued financial statements;
(I) change of control transactions;
(J) triggering events that accelerate or increase a direct financial obligation or an obligation under an off-balance sheet arrangement; and
(K) material impairments,
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in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form, except as described above or below; provided, however, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be required to (i) comply with Regulation G under the Exchange Act or Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K with respect to any “non-GAAP” financial information contained therein or (ii) provide separate financial statements or other information contemplated by Rule 3-09, 3-10 or 3-16 of Regulation S-X, or in each case any successor provisions. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor will not be required to (i) comply with Sections 302, 906 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or (ii) otherwise furnish any information, certificates or reports required by Items 307 or 308 of Regulation S-K. To the extent any such information is not so filed or furnished, as applicable, within the time periods specified above and such information is subsequently filed or furnished, as applicable, the Parent Guarantor will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders under SECTION 6.1 if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding First Lien Notes of any series have declared the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or cancelled prior to such cure. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor shall, for so long as any First Lien Notes of any series are outstanding, furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(b) Substantially concurrently with the furnishing or making such information available to the Trustee pursuant to clause (a) above, the Parent Guarantor shall post copies of such information required by the immediately preceding paragraph on a website (which may be nonpublic and may be maintained by the Parent Guarantor or a third party) to which access will be given to Holders, prospective investors in any series of the First Lien Notes and securities analysts and market making financial institutions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Parent Guarantor. To the extent the Parent Guarantor determines in good faith that it cannot make such reports available in the manner described in the preceding sentence after the use of its commercially reasonable efforts, furnish such reports to the Holders of the First Lien Notes, upon their request. The Parent Guarantor may condition the delivery of any such reports to such Holders, prospective investors in the First Lien Notes and securities analysts and market making financial institutions on the agreement of such Persons to (i) treat all such reports (and the information contained there) and information as confidential, (ii) not use such reports (and the information contained therein) and information for any purpose other than their investment or potential investment in the First Lien Notes of a series and (iii) not publicly disclose any such reports (and the information contained therein) and information.
(c) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt thereof shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable for information contained therein, including the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s compliance with any of the covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).
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(d) The Parent Guarantor will also hold quarterly conference calls for the Holders of First Lien Notes to discuss financial information for the previous quarter (it being understood that such quarterly conference call may be the same conference call as with the Parent Guarantor’s (or as applicable, any of any Parent Entity’s) equity investors and analysts). The conference call will be following the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Parent Guarantor and not later than 20 Business Days from the time that the Parent Guarantor distributes the financial information as set forth in clause (a) above. The Parent Guarantor will issue a press release announcing the time and date of such conference call (which date may be the same date on which the press release is issued) and providing instructions for Holders, securities analysts and prospective investors to obtain access to such call; provided, however, that such press release can be distributed solely to certified users of the website described in the second preceding paragraph.
(e) The Parent Guarantor may satisfy its obligations under this SECTION 3.17 with respect to financial information relating to the Parent Guarantor by furnishing financial information relating to a Parent Entity; provided that the same is accompanied by an explanation of the material differences, if any, between the information relating to such Parent Entity, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand. For the avoidance of doubt, the consolidating information referred to in the proviso in the preceding sentence need not be audited.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, if the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor has furnished the Holders of First Lien Notes and filed with the SEC the reports described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity, the Parent Guarantor shall be deemed to be in compliance with clause (a) above.
SECTION 3.18. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Issuer will maintain an office or agency in the United States where the First Lien Notes will be payable and where, if applicable, the First Lien Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the First Lien Notes and this Indenture may be made. The corporate trust office of the Trustee, which initially shall be located at 333 Commerce Street, Suite 900, Nashville, Tennessee, shall be such office or agency of the Issuer unless the Issuer shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for one or more of such purposes. The Issuer will give written notice to the Trustee of any change in the location of any such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders may be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee, and the Issuer hereby appoint the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations and surrenders.
The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the First Lien Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind any such designation. The Issuer will give written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and any change in the location of any such other office or agency. The office of the Trustee shall not be an office or agency of the Issuer for service of process on the Issuer or any Guarantor.
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SECTION 3.19. Compliance Certificate. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer an Officer’s Certificate, stating that in the course of the performance by the signer of his or her duties as an Officer of the Issuer he or she would normally have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, that a review of the activities of the Issuer during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and whether or not the signer knows of any Default or Event of Default that occurred during the previous fiscal year; provided that no such Officer’s Certificate shall be required for any fiscal year ended prior to the Issue Date. If such Officer does have such knowledge, the certificate shall describe the Default or Event of Default, its status and the action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 3.20. Further Instruments and Acts. Upon request of the Trustee or as necessary to comply with future developments or requirements, the Issuer will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
SECTION 3.21. Statement by Officers as to Default. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days after the Issuer become aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default, its status and the actions which the Issuer is taking or propose to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 3.22. Designation of Subsidiaries. The Parent Guarantor may designate (or re-designate) any Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that (i) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Excluded Subsidiary if it is a guarantor for the purpose of the New Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the indentures governing the Existing Notes, the Second Lien Notes or any other Junior Financing, (ii) any such designation (or redesignation) of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary shall (x) constitute an Investment by the Parent Guarantor or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor) of the Investments held by the Parent Guarantor and/or the applicable Subsidiaries in such Electing Guarantor immediately prior to such designation and such Investments shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (y) not be done for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction, (iii) any Indebtedness or Liens of any Subsidiary designated (or re-designated) as an Electing Guarantor or an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to be incurred after giving effect to such designation and such incurrence shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (iv) after giving effect to any re-designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be an Immaterial Subsidiary.
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(a) Any designation of an Excluded Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor as an Electing Guarantor will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the preceding conditions and was permitted by SECTION 3.3.
SECTION 3.23. Payment of Taxes. The Parent Guarantor shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, all income and other material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon or with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their income, profits or assets; provided, however, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions and for which appropriate reserves, are being maintained as and to the extent required in accordance with GAAP.
SECTION 3.24. Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in ARTICLE IV and subject to the ability of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries to convert (or similar action) to another form of legal entity under the laws of the jurisdiction under which the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary then exists, as applicable, the Parent Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its limited liability company existence and the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of each Subsidiary unless otherwise permitted by this Indenture.
SECTION 3.25. Maintenance of Ratings. The Issuer will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause not later than forty-five (45) days after the Issue Date the First Lien Notes to be continuously rated (but not any specific rating) by S&P and Moody’s.
ARTICLE IV
SUCCESSOR COMPANY; SUCCESSOR PERSON
SECTION 4.1. Merger and Consolidation. Neither the Issuer nor any of the Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:
(1) any Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Issuer (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Issuer into a new jurisdiction); provided that the Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving Person and such merger does not result in the Issuer ceasing to be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) one or more other Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Subsidiary Guarantor is merging with a Subsidiary, a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
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(2) (i) any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor; (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Issuer) may liquidate or dissolve if (x) the Issuer determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders, the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and (y) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary Guarantor, any assets or business not otherwise disposed of or transferred as a Permitted Investment permitted under this Indenture (other than transactions under clauses (5) or (8) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”) or in accordance with SECTION 3.5 or as a disposition not constituting a Disposition that is permitted under this Indenture, or in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to otherwise owned or conducted by another Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor will remain a Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Subsidiary Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder), and (iii) the Issuer or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Issuer determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and all actions are taken to maintain the perfection of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s Liens on the Collateral;
(3) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Issuer or to another Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Subsidiary Guarantor, then either (i) the transferee must be a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer or (ii) such disposition shall be made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and constitute an Investment in a Non-Guarantor and must be permitted by clauses (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;
(4) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Issuer may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Issuer (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the other First Lien Note Documents to which the Issuer is a party pursuant to a supplement thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, (C) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the First Lien Note Documents, (D) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the First Lien Note Documents, (E) if requested by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the First Lien Note Documents, (F) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the related financing transaction (including the use of proceeds therefrom), either (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries would not be higher, or (ii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would not be lower, in each case than it was immediately prior to giving effect to such transaction; and (G) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Indenture or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer under this Indenture;
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(5) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or exempted under the definition of “Disposition” (other than a Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries); and
(6) the Transactions may be consummated.
For purposes of this SECTION 4.1, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer. Any reference to the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Issuer or any other entity, or the conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer or any other entity, shall include any such transaction by way of a plan of arrangement and any arrangement having a similar effect.
(b) The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under the First Lien Notes and this Indenture but in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor company will not be released from its obligations under such First Lien Notes or this Indenture.
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ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF NOTES
SECTION 5.1. Notices to Trustee. If the Issuer elects to redeem First Lien Notes of a series pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of SECTION 5.7 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the following, at least five (5) days before the notice of redemption is sent to Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to SECTION 5.3 (or such shorter period as the Trustee may agree):
(1) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(2) the redemption date;
(3) the principal amount of First Lien Notes to be redeemed; and
(4) the redemption price.
The Issuer may cancel any optional redemption referenced in such Officer’s Certificate at any time prior to notice of redemption being sent to any Holder and thereafter such Officer’s Certificate shall be null and void.
SECTION 5.2. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased. If less than all of the First Lien Notes of a series are to be redeemed or purchased at any time, the Trustee will select the First Lien Notes of such series for redemption or purchase in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which such First Lien Notes are listed and in compliance with the requirements of DTC in the case of global notes, or if such First Lien Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection and such First Lien Notes are not held through DTC or DTC prescribes no method of selection, on a pro rata basis, subject to adjustments so that no First Lien Note in an unauthorized denomination remains outstanding after such redemption; provided, however, that no First Lien Note of $2,000 in aggregate principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part. The Issuer may elect, in its sole discretion, to redeem only the 2029 First Lien Notes, only the 2030 First Lien Notes, only the 2031 First Lien Notes or any combination thereof.
SECTION 5.3. Notice of Redemption. At least 10 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Issuer will send electronically or cause to be sent electronically or, at the Issuer’s option, mail or caused to be mailed, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose First Lien Notes are to be redeemed at the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, except that redemption notices may be delivered more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a legal or covenant defeasance of the First Lien Notes of a series or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to a series of First Lien Notes pursuant to ARTICLES VIII or XI hereof.
The notice will identify the First Lien Notes of the applicable series (including the CUSIP or ISIN number) to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the redemption price;
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(3) if any First Lien Note of such series is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such First Lien Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such First Lien Note, a new First Lien Note or First Lien Notes of such series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued upon cancellation of the original First Lien Note;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(5) that First Lien Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
(6) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, interest, if any, on First Lien Notes of such series called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(7) the paragraph of the First Lien Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the First Lien Notes of such series called for redemption are being redeemed;
(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the First Lien Notes of such series; and
(9) any conditions to redemption.
(b) Notice of any redemption of the First Lien Notes of a series may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction or event (including an equity offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent (including conditions precedent applicable to different amounts of First Lien Notes of such series to be redeemed), including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction or event. If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
(c) If any First Lien Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that First Lien Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed, in which case a portion of the original First Lien Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original First Lien Note. In the case of a global note, an appropriate notation will be made on such First Lien Note to decrease the principal amount thereof to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof. Subject to the terms of the applicable redemption notice (including any conditions contained therein), First Lien Notes of a series called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption.
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On and after the redemption date, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest ceases to accrue on First Lien Notes or portions of them called for redemption.
(d) At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee at least five (5) days prior to the date that such notice of redemption is to be delivered to Holders (or such shorter period as the Trustee may agree), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in SECTION 5.3(a) in the form of such notice.
SECTION 5.4. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is sent in accordance with hereof, First Lien Notes of a series called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price stated in such notice, as such date may be delayed, unless such redemption is cancelled as set forth in SECTION 5.3(b).
SECTION 5.5. Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price. By 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest, if any, on, all First Lien Notes of a series to be redeemed or purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest, if any, on, all First Lien Notes of a series to be redeemed or purchased.
If the Issuer complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest, if any, will cease to accrue on the First Lien Notes or the portions of First Lien Notes called for redemption or purchase. If a First Lien Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date shall be paid on the redemption date to the Person in whose name such First Lien Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any First Lien Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the First Lien Notes of the applicable series and in SECTION 3.1 hereof.
SECTION 5.6. Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part. Upon surrender of a First Lien Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Issuer will issue and, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuer a new First Lien Note of the same series in equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided, that each such new First Lien Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000.
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SECTION 5.7. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2029 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2029 First Lien Notes plus the 2029 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
(2) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2029 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2029 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
103.0 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.0 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(3) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 First Lien Notes being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to this Indenture plus the 2029 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(b) (1) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2030 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2030 First Lien Notes plus the 2030 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
(2) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2030 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2030 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
105.8125 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.9375 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
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(3) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2030 First Lien Notes being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to this Indenture plus the 2030 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(c) (1) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2031 First Lien Notes plus the 2031 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
(2) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2031 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
103.50 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.75 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(3) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 First Lien Notes being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to this Indenture plus the 2031 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(d) If the optional redemption date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date will be paid on the redemption date to the Holder in whose name the First Lien Note of the series being redeemed is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose First Lien Notes of such series will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(e) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the First Lien Notes of any series or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
(f) Except pursuant to clauses (a), (b) or (c) of this SECTION 5.7, the First Lien Notes of each series will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option. The Issuer will not, however, be prohibited from acquiring the First Lien Notes of any series by means other than a redemption, whether pursuant to a tender offer, open market purchase or otherwise, so long as the acquisition does not violate the terms of this Indenture.
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SECTION 5.8. Mandatory Redemption. The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to any series of First Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase First Lien Notes as described under SECTION 3.5 and SECTION 3.15, and, in the case of the 2029 First Lien Notes, SECTION 3.16.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.1. Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default” with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series:
(1) default in any payment of interest on any First Lien Note of such series when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
(2) default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any First Lien Note of such series when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(3) failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 60 days after written notice by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or by the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series with any agreement or obligation contained in this Indenture; provided that in the case of a failure to comply with SECTION 3.17, such period of continuance of such default or breach shall be 90 days after written notice described in this clause (3) has been given;
(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness, at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) provided in such Indebtedness (a “payment default”); or
(b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its stated final maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”);
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default of principal at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates to $20.0 million or more at any time outstanding;
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(5) the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) (the “bankruptcy provisions”):
(a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding;
(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding;
(c) consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer (a “Custodian”) for it or for all or any material part of its property;
(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
(e) consents to or acquiesces in the institution of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it;
(f) takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or
(g) becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy;
(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(a) is for relief against the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary), in an involuntary case;
(b) (appoints a Custodian of the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary), for substantially all of its property;
(c) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary); or
(d) any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order, decree or relief remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(7) failure by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary, to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $20.0 million other than any judgments covered by indemnities provided by, or insurance policies issued by, reputable and creditworthy companies, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed (the “judgment default provision”);
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(8) any Guarantee of the First Lien Notes of such series ceases to be in full force and effect, other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(9) (i) any Collateral Document or any material portion thereof, after delivery thereof pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents, shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof and thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Indenture) cease to be in full force and effect with respect to any material portion of the Collateral; (ii) any security interest in any material portion of the Collateral created, or purported to be created, by any Collateral Document for any reason ceases to be enforceable and of the same effect and priority purported to be created thereby, (x) except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the terms of the definition of “Collateral Requirement” or any loss thereof results from the failure of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file UCC continuation statements and (y) except as to Collateral consisting of Real Property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage; or (iii) any of the Equity Interests of the Issuer shall for any reason cease to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents, in each case except as otherwise permitted under the Indenture and the other First Lien Note Documents; or
(10) the failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 60 days after notice with its other agreements contained in the Collateral Documents except for a failure that would not be material to the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series and would not materially affect the value of the Collateral taken as a whole.
However, with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series, a Default under clauses (3) or (10) of this paragraph will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series notify the Issuer of the Default and, with respect to clauses (3) and (10), the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified in clauses (3) and (10), as applicable, of this paragraph after receipt of such notice; provided that a notice of Default may not be given with respect to any action taken, and reported publicly or to Holders, more than two years prior to such notice of Default. Any notice of Default, notice of acceleration or instruction to the Trustee to provide a notice of Default, notice of acceleration or take any other action (a “Noteholder Direction”) provided by any one or more Holders (each a “Directing Holder”) must be accompanied by a written representation from each such Holder to the Issuer and the Trustee that such Holder is not (or, in the case such Holder is DTC or its nominee, that such Holder is being instructed solely by beneficial owners that have represented to such Holder that they are not) Net Short (a “Position Representation”), which representation, in the case of a Noteholder Direction relating to a notice of Default shall be deemed repeated at all times until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the First Lien Notes of a series are accelerated.
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In addition, each Directing Holder must at the time of providing a Noteholder Direction covenant, provide the Issuer with such other information as the Issuer may reasonably request from time to time in order to verify the accuracy of such Noteholder’s Position Representation within five Business Days of request therefor (a “Verification Covenant”). In any case in which the Holder is DTC or its nominee, any Position Representation or Verification Covenant required hereunder shall be provided by the beneficial owner of the First Lien Notes of such series in lieu of DTC or its nominee.
If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series, the Issuer determines in good faith that there is a reasonable basis to believe a Directing Holder was, at any relevant time, in breach of its Position Representation and provides to the Trustee evidence that the Issuer has filed papers with a court of competent jurisdiction seeking a determination that such Directing Holder was, at such time, in breach of its Position Representation, and seeking to invalidate any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction, the cure period with respect to such Event of Default shall be automatically stayed pending a final and non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction on such matter. If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series, the Issuer provides to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that a Directing Holder failed to satisfy its Verification Covenant, the cure period with respect to any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction shall be automatically stayed pending satisfaction of such Verification Covenant. Any breach of the Position Representation shall result in such Holder’s participation in such Noteholder Direction being disregarded; and, if, without the participation of such Holder, the percentage of First Lien Notes of such series held by the remaining Holders that provided such Noteholder Direction would have been insufficient to validly provide such Noteholder Direction, such Noteholder Direction shall be void ab initio, with the effect that such Event of Default shall be deemed never to have occurred.
SECTION 6.2. Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(5) or SECTION 6.1(6) with respect to the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer) with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by written notice to the Issuer or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the First Lien Notes of such series to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately.
(a) In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series because an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(4) has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series shall be automatically rescinded if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to SECTION 6.1(4) shall be remedied or cured, or waived by the holders of the Indebtedness, or the Indebtedness that gave rise to such Event of Default shall have been discharged in full, in each case, within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and the annulment of the acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any time period to cure any alleged default or Event of Default may be extended or stayed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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(b) If an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(5) or SECTION 6.1(6) with respect to the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series occurs and is continuing, the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the First Lien Notes of such series will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.
(c) (i) If a Default for a failure to report or failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default (the “Initial Default”) occurs, then at the time such Initial Default is cured, such Default for a failure to report or failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default that resulted solely because of that Initial Default will also be cured without any further action and (ii) any Default or Event of Default for the failure to comply with the time periods prescribed in SECTION 3.17 or otherwise to deliver any notice or certificate pursuant to any other provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to be cured upon the delivery of any such report required by such covenant or such notice or certificate, as applicable, even though such delivery is not within the prescribed period specified in this Indenture; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding First Lien Notes of a series have declared the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or cancelled prior to such cure.
(d) The Applicable Premium with respect to a series of First Lien Notes payable pursuant to this Indenture shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each Holder of the First Lien Notes of such series as a result of the redemption or repurchase of the First Lien Notes of such series (and not intended to act as a penalty or to punish the First Lien Note Parties for any such redemption or repurchase). Any redemption or repurchase, whether optional or mandatory, of the First Lien Notes of a series upon the occurrence of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event shall be accompanied by all unpaid accrued interest on the principal amount redeemed or repurchased, together with the Applicable Premium that is or would be payable as of such date if the First Lien Notes of such series were being optionally redeemed or repaid as of such date pursuant to SECTION 5.7. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or any other First Lien Note Document, it is understood and agreed that if the First Lien Notes of any series are accelerated as a result of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise), the Applicable Premium applicable to the First Lien Notes of such series, determined as of the date of acceleration as if the First Lien Notes of such series were optionally redeemed pursuant to SECTION 5.7 on such date, will also be due and payable with respect to the accelerated First Lien Notes of such series without any declaration or other act on the part of the First Lien Notes Trustee or any Holder and will be treated and deemed as though the First Lien Notes of such series were optionally redeemed as of such date and shall constitute part of the First Lien Notes Obligations for all purposes herein.
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The Applicable Premium with respect to a series of First Lien Notes shall also be payable in the event the First Lien Notes of such series (and/or this Indenture with respect to such series) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding or otherwise), deed in lieu of foreclosure or by any other similar means). EACH OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS EXPRESSLY WAIVES (TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LAWFULLY DO SO) THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE OR LAW THAT PROHIBITS OR MAY PROHIBIT THE COLLECTION OF THE FOREGOING APPLICABLE PREMIUMS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACCELERATION. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors expressly agrees that (i) the Applicable Premium with respect to each series of First Lien Notes is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel, (ii) the Applicable Premium with respect to a series of First Lien Notes shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time redemption or repurchase is made, (iii) there has been a course of conduct between the Holders of each series of First Lien Notes, the Issuer and the Guarantors giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the relevant Applicable Premium, (iv) the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be estopped hereafter from claiming differently than as agreed to pursuant to this paragraph, (v) their respective agreement to pay or guarantee the payment of the relevant Applicable Premium is a material inducement to the Holders to acquire the First Lien Notes of each series, and (vi) the relevant Applicable Premium represents a good faith, reasonable estimate and calculation of the lost profits or damages of the Holders of First Lien Notes of each series and that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to ascertain the actual amount of damages to such Holders or profits lost by such Holders as a result of any applicable prepayment.
SECTION 6.3. Other Remedies. If a Default with respect to the First Lien Notes of a series occurs and is continuing and the Trustee is informed of such occurrence by the Issuer, the Trustee must give notice of the Default to the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series within 60 days after being notified by the Issuer. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any First Lien Note of a series, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the First Lien Notes of a series or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.
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SECTION 6.4. Waiver of Past Defaults. With respect to the First Lien Notes of a series, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series by written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all of the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes, (a) waive, by their consent (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the First Lien Notes of such series), a past or an existing Default or Event of Default with respect to such series of First Lien Notes and its consequences under this Indenture except (i) a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest which may only be waived with the consent of each affected Holder or (ii) a Default or Event of Default in respect of a provision that under SECTION 9.2 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected and (b) rescind any acceleration with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series and its consequences if (1) such rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, (2) all existing Events of Default with respect to such series of First Lien Notes have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration, (3) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid, (4) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances and (5) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in clause (4) of SECTION 6.1, the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. When a Default or Event of Default is waived with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any consequent right with respect to such series of First Lien Notes or any other series of First Lien Notes.
SECTION 6.5. Control by Majority. With respect to the First Lien Notes of a series, subject to certain restrictions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. In the event an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to a series of First Lien Notes and is actually known by a Trust Officer, the Trustee will be required in the exercise of its powers to use the degree of care that a prudent person would use in the conduct of its own affairs. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to SECTIONS 7.1 and 7.2, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any actions are unduly prejudicial to such Holders) or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it against all fees, losses, liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses) caused by taking or not taking such action.
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SECTION 6.6. Limitation on Suits. Subject to SECTION 6.7, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of a series unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series have requested in writing the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holders have offered in writing and, if requested, provided to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the written request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series have not given the Trustee a written direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).
SECTION 6.7. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture (including, without limitation, SECTION 6.6), the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the First Lien Notes of a series held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the First Lien Notes of such series, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in SECTIONS 6.1(1) or 6.1(2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as Trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest, if any, to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in SECTION 7.7.
SECTION 6.9. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, their Subsidiaries or its or their respective creditors or properties and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may be entitled and empowered to participate as a member of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a Trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under SECTION 7.7.
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No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the First Lien Notes of any series or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
SECTION 6.10. Priorities. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, if the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this ARTICLE VI it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee and Collateral Agent for amounts due to it under SECTION 7.7;
SECOND: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the First Lien Notes of such series for principal of, or premium, if any, and interest, if any, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the First Lien Notes of such series for principal of, or premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and THIRD: to the Issuer, or to the extent the Trustee collects any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.
(a) The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this SECTION 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall send or cause to be sent to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This SECTION 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by the Issuer, a suit by a Holder pursuant to SECTION 6.7 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in outstanding principal amount of the First Lien Notes of the applicable series.
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ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.1. Duties of Trustee. If an Event of Default has occurred with respect to a series of First Lien Notes and is continuing and is actually known by a Trust Officer, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth as duties of the Trustee in this Indenture, the First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates, opinions or orders furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes, as the case may be. However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform, on their face, to the requirements of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes, as the case may be (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(b) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this SECTION 7.1;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to the terms of this Indenture; and
(4) No provision of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of any series shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.
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(c) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) of this SECTION 7.1.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.
(e) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(f) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this SECTION 7.1.
SECTION 7.2. Rights of Trustee. Subject to SECTION 7.1:
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document. The Trustee shall receive and retain financial reports and statements of the Issuer as provided herein, but shall have no duty to review or analyze such reports or statements to determine compliance with covenants or other obligations of the Issuer.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts and powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of counsel relating to this Indenture or the First Lien Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder or under the First Lien Notes in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
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(f) Except with respect to SECTION 3.1 hereof, the Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Issuer with respect to the covenants contained in ARTICLE 3 hereof. The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default or whether any entity constitutes an Immaterial Subsidiary unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has received written notification thereof at the corporate trust office of the Trustee specified in SECTION 3.11, and such notice references the First Lien Notes of the applicable series and this Indenture.
(g) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.
(h) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of any series at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered, and if requested, provided, to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby.
(i) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any fact or matter unless such fact or matter is actually known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee.
(j) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of any series the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder or thereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate.
(k) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine, during business hours and upon reasonable notice, the books, records and premises of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuer and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(l) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.
(m) In no event shall the Trustee be liable to any Person for special, punitive, indirect, consequential or incidental loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage.
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(n) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuer shall be sufficient if signed by one Officer of the Issuer.
(o) The permissive rights of the Trustee to act hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.
(p) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with any direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of a series, with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, permitted to be given by them under this Indenture.
SECTION 7.3. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of First Lien Notes of a series and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co registrar or co paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with SECTIONS 7.10 and 7.11. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the SEC for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
SECTION 7.4. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes of any series, shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee or any money paid to the Issuer pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the issuance of the First Lien Notes or in the First Lien Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.
SECTION 7.5. Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of First Lien Notes and if a Trust Officer has received written notification thereof, the Trustee shall send electronically or by first class mail to each Holder of such series at the address set forth in the Notes Register notice of the Default or Event of Default within 60 days after it is actually known to a Trust Officer. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, or premium, if any, interest, if any, on any First Lien Note (including payments pursuant to the optional redemption or required repurchase provisions of such First Lien Note), the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
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SECTION 7.6. [Reserved].
SECTION 7.7. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its services hereunder and under the First Lien Notes as the Issuer and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including, but not limited to, costs of collection, costs of preparing reports, certificates and other documents, costs of preparation and mailing of notices to Holders. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the agents, counsel, accountants and experts of the Trustee. The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee, its officers, directors, employees and agents against any and all fees, loss, liability, damages, claims or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon the income of the Trustee) (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ and agents’ fees and expenses) incurred by it without willful misconduct or gross negligence, as determined by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction, on its part in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder and under the First Lien Notes, including the fees, costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (including this SECTION 7.7) and the First Lien Notes and of defending itself against any claims (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or otherwise). The Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity of which it has received written notice. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuer’s expense in the defense. The Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may each have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to pay the fees and expenses of such separate counsel if it assumes the Trustee’s defense, and, in the reasonable judgment of outside counsel to the Trustee, there is no conflict of interest between the Issuer and the Trustee in connection with such defense provided further that, the Issuer shall be required to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel in evaluating such conflict.
To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this SECTION 7.7, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the First Lien Notes of each series on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular First Lien Notes of such series. Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the termination of this Indenture for any reason or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. The Trustee’s respective right to receive payment of any amounts due under this SECTION 7.7 shall not be subordinate to any other liability or Indebtedness of the Issuer.
The Issuer’s payment obligations pursuant to this SECTION 7.7 shall survive the discharge of this Indenture, the resignation or removal of the Trustee pursuant to SECTION 7.8 and any termination or rejection under any Bankruptcy Law. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee incurs fees, expenses or renders services after the occurrence of a Default specified in SECTION 6.1(5) or 6.1(6), the fees and expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
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SECTION 7.8. Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such resignation. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the First Lien Notes of a series may remove the Trustee with respect to such series by so notifying the removed Trustee in writing not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such removal and may appoint a successor Trustee with the Issuer’s written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with SECTION 7.10 hereof;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the First Lien Notes of a series and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee as described in the preceding paragraph, or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall, at the expense of the Issuer, promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided that all sums owing to the Trustee have been paid, and subject to the lien provided for in SECTION 7.7.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the First Lien Notes may petition, at the Issuer’s expense, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
If the Trustee fails to comply with SECTION 7.10, any Holder, who has been a bona fide holder of a First Lien Note of a series for at least six months, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this SECTION 7.8, the Issuer’s obligations under SECTION 7.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee. The predecessor Trustee shall have no liability for any action or inaction of any successor Trustee.
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SECTION 7.9. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the First Lien Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee, and deliver such First Lien Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the First Lien Notes of a series shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such First Lien Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; provided that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or authenticate First Lien Notes of a series in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall only apply to its successor or successors by merger, consolidation or conversion.
SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. This Indenture shall always have a Trustee. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
SECTION 7.11. [Reserved].
SECTION 7.12. Trustee’s Application for Instruction from the Issuer. Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Issuer may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date any Officer of the Issuer actually receives such application, unless any such Officer shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.
SECTION 7.13. Collateral Documents; Intercreditor Agreements. By their acceptance of the First Lien Notes of a series, the Holders hereby authorize and direct the Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to execute and deliver each Intercreditor Agreement and any other Collateral Documents in which the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, is named as a party, including any Collateral Documents executed after the Issue Date, and in the case of the Trustee, to authorize the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take any action permitted under the First Lien Note Documents. It is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed that, in doing so, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent are (a) expressly authorized to make the representations attributed to Holders in any such agreements and (b) not responsible for the terms or contents of such agreements, or for the validity or enforceability thereof, or the sufficiency thereof for any purpose.
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Whether or not so expressly stated therein, in entering into, or taking (or forbearing from) any action under, each Intercreditor Agreement or any other Collateral Documents, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent each shall have all of the rights, benefits, immunities, indemnities and other protections granted to it under this Indenture (in addition to those that may be granted to it under the terms of such other agreement or agreements).
ARTICLE VIII
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.1. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance; Defeasance. With respect to any series of First Lien Notes, the Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have either SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof be applied to all outstanding First Lien Notes of such series upon compliance with the conditions set forth in this ARTICLE VIII. To the extent the Issuer exercises its option to effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance (each as defined below), such election may be made with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes only, the 2030 First Lien Notes only, the 2031 First Lien Notes only, or any combination thereof.
SECTION 8.2. Legal Defeasance and Discharge. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.2, the Issuer and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding First Lien Notes of such series (including the First Lien Note Guarantees with respect to such series of First Lien Notes) on the date the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding First Lien Notes of a series (including the First Lien Note Guarantees with respect to such series of First Lien Notes), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of SECTION 8.5 hereof and the other SECTIONS of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all of their other obligations under such First Lien Notes, such First Lien Note Guarantees, this Indenture and the Collateral Documents (and the Trustee, on written demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute such instruments reasonably requested by the Issuer acknowledging the same) and to have cured all then existing Events of Default, except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:
(1) the rights of Holders of First Lien Notes of such series issued under this Indenture to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such First Lien Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust referred to in SECTION 8.4 hereof;
(2) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series under ARTICLE II concerning issuing temporary First Lien Notes, registration of such First Lien Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen First Lien Notes and SECTION 3.18 hereof concerning the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust; Subject to compliance with this SECTION 8.2, the Issuer may exercise its option under SECTION 8.2 with respect to a series of First Lien Notes notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under SECTION 8.3 hereof with respect to such series of First Lien Notes.
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(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee and the Issuer’s or Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) this ARTICLE VIII with respect to provisions relating to Legal Defeasance.
SECTION 8.3. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.3 with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the Issuer and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants contained in SECTIONS 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, 3.22, 3.23, 3.25 and SECTION 4.1 (except SECTION 4.1(a)(4) (other than subclauses (ii)(E) and (F)) and SECTION 4.1(b)) hereof with respect to the outstanding First Lien Notes of such series on and after the date the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the First Lien Notes of such series will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding First Lien Notes of a series and Note Guarantees related thereto, the Issuer and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under SECTION 6.1 hereof, but, except as specified in this SECTION 8.3, the remainder of this Indenture and such First Lien Notes and related First Lien Note Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.3 with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, SECTIONS 6.1(3) (solely with respect to the defeased covenants listed above), 6.1(4), 6.1(5), 6.1(6), 6.1(7), 6.1(8), 6.1(9) and 6.1(10) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default with respect to such series of First Lien Notes.
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SECTION 8.4. Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof with respect to a series of First Lien Notes:
(1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust (the “Defeasance Trust”) cash in Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof for the payment without reinvestment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on such First Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be; provided, that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium for such series of First Lien Notes calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of redemption (any such amount, the “Applicable Premium Deficit”) only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption. Any Applicable Premium Deficit shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the deposit of such Applicable Premium Deficit that confirms that such Applicable Premium Deficit shall be applied toward such redemption; and the Issuer must specify whether such First Lien Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions confirming that:
(i) the Issuer have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or
(ii) since the issuance of such First Lien Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law;
in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of such First Lien Notes, in their capacity as beneficial owners of such First Lien Notes, will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner, and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of such First Lien Notes, in their capacity as beneficial owners of such First Lien Notes, will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred; SECTION 8.5.
(4) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying, defrauding or preferring any creditors of the Issuer; and
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(5) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.
Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to SECTION 8.6 hereof, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying Trustee, collectively for purposes of this SECTION 8.5, the “Trustee”) pursuant to SECTION 8.4 hereof in respect of the outstanding First Lien Notes of a series will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such First Lien Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such First Lien Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Issuer will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to SECTION 8.4 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding First Lien Notes of the applicable series.
Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE VIII to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon the request of the Issuer any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in SECTION 8.4 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under SECTION 8.4(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
SECTION 8.6. Repayment to the Issuer. Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any First Lien Note of a series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on their written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person or (if then held by the Issuer) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such First Lien Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Issuer for payment thereof unless an abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as Trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, shall at the expense of the Issuer cause to be published once, in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.
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SECTION 8.7. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the First Lien Notes of the applicable series and the related First Lien Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuer makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any First Lien Note of such series following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such First Lien Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 9.1. Without Consent of Holders. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, notwithstanding SECTION 9.2 of this Indenture, the Issuer, any Guarantor (with respect to its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes or this Indenture), if applicable, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may amend, supplement or modify the First Lien Note Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements (or enter into new Intercreditor Agreements), without the consent of any Holder of such series, to:
(1) cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect, error or inconsistency, conform any provision to any provision under the heading “Description of the New Communications 1L Notes” in the Offering Memorandum or reduce the minimum denomination of the First Lien Notes of such series;
(2) provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer or a Guarantor under any First Lien Note Document or in connection with its compliance with SECTION 4.1;
(3) provide for uncertificated First Lien Notes of such series in addition to or in place of certificated First Lien Notes of such series;
(4) add to the covenants or provide for a First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes for the benefit of the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer or any Subsidiary;
(5) make any change (including changing the CUSIP or other identifying number on any First Lien Notes of such series) that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series or that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of First Lien Notes of such series in any material respect (as determined in the good faith of the Issuer); (7) make such provisions as necessary (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) for the issuance of Additional First Lien Notes of such series in compliance with this Indenture;
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(6) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification or maintenance of the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
(8) to add security to or for the benefit of the First Lien Notes of such series, or to confirm and evidence the release, termination, discharge or retaking of any Guarantee or Lien with respect to or securing the First Lien Notes of such series when such release, termination, discharge or retaking is provided for under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, as applicable;
(9) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee or successor Paying Agent in respect of such series of First Lien Notes pursuant to the requirements thereof or to provide for the accession by the Trustee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes to any First Lien Note Document;
(10) make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of First Lien Notes of such series as permitted by this Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of First Lien Notes of such series; provided, however, that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in First Lien Notes of such series being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of Holders of such series of First Lien Notes to transfer First Lien Notes of such series in any material respect;
(11) to enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien in respect of such series of First Lien Notes pursuant to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(13) comply with the rules and procedures of any applicable securities depositary.
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(12) secure Junior Priority Indebtedness or First Priority Obligations to the extent permitted under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements; or With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, subject to SECTION 9.2 upon the request of the Issuer, or amendment or supplement to the applicable First Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents, or entry into a new Intercreditor Agreement, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, of the documents described in SECTIONS 9.6 and 13.4 hereof, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, will join with the Issuer and the Guarantors, if applicable, in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the applicable First Lien Note Documents with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents, or such new Intercreditor Agreement, unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee or First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the applicable First Lien Note Documents with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents.
SECTION 9.2. With Consent of Holders. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, except as provided in this SECTION 9.2, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the applicable First Lien Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of such series then outstanding and issued under this Indenture, including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, First Lien Notes of such series, and, subject to SECTIONS 6.4 and 6.7 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the First Lien Notes of such series, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of the applicable First Lien Note Documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series issued under this Indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, First Lien Notes). SECTION 2.12 hereof shall determine which First Lien Notes of a series are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this SECTION 9.2.
With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, upon the request of the Issuer, and upon the filing with the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (if applicable) of evidence of the consent of the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, of the documents described in SECTIONS 9.6 and 13.4 hereof, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, will join with the Issuer and the Guarantors, if applicable, in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other applicable First Lien Note Documents in respect of such series of First Lien Notes unless such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other applicable First Lien Note Documents directly affects the Trustee’s or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, may in their discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other applicable First Lien Note Documents.
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(a) Notwithstanding SECTION 9.2(a) hereof, without the consent of each Holder of First Lien Notes of a series affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not, with respect to any First Lien Notes of such series and held by a nonconsenting Holder:
(1) reduce the principal amount of such First Lien Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;
(2) reduce the stated rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any such First Lien Note or change the amount of interest payment in cash thereon, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay interest on any date;
(3) reduce the principal of, or extend the Stated Maturity of, or change the amount of principal payable in cash on, any such First Lien Note, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay principal on any date;
(4) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any such First Lien Note or change the time at which any such First Lien Note may be redeemed, in each case as provided in SECTION 5.7; provided, any amendment to the minimum notice requirement that is set forth under ARTICLE V may be made with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series;
(5) reduce the premium payable upon a Change of Control or, at any time after a Change of Control has occurred, change the time at which the Change of Control Offer relating thereto must be made or at which the First Lien Notes of a series must be repurchased pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, including amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;
(6) [Reserved];
(7) make any such First Lien Note payable in currency other than that stated in such First Lien Note;
(8) impair the right of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of and interest on such Holder’s First Lien Notes of such series on or after the due dates therefor;
(9) waive a Default or Event of Default with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration of the First Lien Notes of such series by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of such First Lien Notes of such series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration); (10) make any change in the provisions of an Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture relating to the application of proceeds of Collateral that would adversely affect the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series in any material respect;
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(11) make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions which require the Holders’ consent described in this sentence or any other provision specifying the percentage in principal amount outstanding required to take any action under the First Lien Note Documents;
(12) (A) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Indenture or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) the First Lien Notes Obligations with respect to such series of First Lien Notes in right of payment to any Indebtedness for borrowed money or (B) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Indenture or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) any Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the First Lien Notes Obligations with respect to such series of First Lien Notes to the Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing any Indebtedness for borrowed money (any such Indebtedness to which such Liens securing any of such obligations or such obligations, as applicable, are subordinated, “Senior Indebtedness”), in the case of each of clause (A) and (B), except (1) any Indebtedness that is expressly permitted by this Indenture as in effect on the Issue Date to rank senior in payment or lien priority to the First Lien Notes Obligations or (2) in connection with a “debtor in possession” financing pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar financing arrangement in an insolvency proceeding in a non-U.S. jurisdiction);
(13) waive, amend or modify the provisions related to the payment waterfall in the case of an Event of Default in a manner that would by its terms alter the order of applicable payments required thereby (or add or change any other provision of this Indenture that has the effect of making any such alteration to such provisions); or
(14) waive, amend or modify this Indenture or any other First Lien Notes Document that would authorize the incurrence of additional Indebtedness under this Indenture for the primary purpose of influencing any voting threshold required under this Indenture in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such additional Indebtedness.
(b) Notwithstanding SECTIONS 9.2(a) or (b), without the consent of the Holders of at least 65% in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of a series then outstanding, no amendment or waiver in respect of such series of First Lien Notes may:
(1) amend, modify or waive any provisions or definitions under this Indenture that would permit additional transfers of assets from the Issuer or the Guarantors to Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, including SECTIONS 3.3, 3.5 and 4.1 and the definitions of “Disposition” and “Permitted Investment;” or
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(2) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders (other than for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction);
(c) Notwithstanding SECTIONS 9.2(a), (b) or (c), without the consent of the Holders of at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of a series then outstanding, no amendment or waiver in respect of such series of First Lien Notes may:
(1) amend, modify or waive the provisions set forth in SECTION 10.2(b) in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders;
(2) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders;
(3) permit the creation or existence of any Subsidiary or otherwise amend the definition of “Subsidiary” in a manner that would result in any Subsidiary or any other Person being “unrestricted” or otherwise generally excluded from the requirements, taken as a whole, applicable to Subsidiaries pursuant to this Indenture (including the covenants herein);
(4) amend, modify or waive the Double-Dip Provision;
(5) amend, modify or waive the provisions set forth under SECTION 3.10;
(6) amend, modify or waive any requirement in this Indenture that an action be taken, or prohibiting an action from not being taken, for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(7) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series; or
(8) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the First Lien Notes of such series.
(d) It shall not be necessary to obtain the consent of the Holders of a series of First Lien Notes under this Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver of any First Lien Note Document in respect of such series of First Lien Notes, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder of First Lien Notes of a series given in connection with a tender or exchange of such Holder’s First Lien Notes of such series will not be rendered invalid by such tender or exchange.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment, modification or waiver of this Indenture in respect of a series of First Lien Notes may involve the payment by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, through participation in any transaction in which Parent Guarantor or any of its Affiliate participates) of any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder of First Lien Notes of such series for or as an inducement to such amendment, modification or waiver unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Holders of First Lien Notes of such series which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, modification or waiver (other than the reimbursement of counsel fees and other expenses in connection with the negotiation of the terms of such transaction).
SECTION 9.3. [Reserved].
SECTION 9.4. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a First Lien Note of such series is a continuing consent by the Holder of such First Lien Note and every subsequent Holder of a First Lien Note or portion of a First Lien Note of such series that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s First Lien Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on any First Lien Note. However, any such Holder of a First Lien Note of a series or subsequent Holder of a First Lien Note of such series may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder’s First Lien Note or portion of its First Lien Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver in respect of a series of First Lien Notes becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder of First Lien Notes of such series.
The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of a series of First Lien Notes entitled to give their consent or take any other action described in this SECTION 9.4 or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders of such series of First Lien Notes at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders of such series of First Lien Notes after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
SECTION 9.5. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any First Lien Note of a series thereafter authenticated. The Issuer in exchange for all First Lien Notes of a series may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, authenticate new First Lien Notes of such series that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new First Lien Note of such series will not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
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SECTION 9.6. Trustee and Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the First Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents authorized pursuant to this ARTICLE IX in respect of such series of First Lien Notes if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the applicable First Lien Note Documents of a series of First Lien Notes, Intercreditor Agreement or any other Collateral Documents, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent will be entitled to receive and (subject to SECTIONS 7.1 and 7.2 hereof) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, in addition to the documents required by SECTION 13.4 hereof, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and is valid, binding and enforceable against the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, in accordance with its terms.
ARTICLE X
GUARANTEE
SECTION 10.1. Guarantee. With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE X, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees (the “First Lien Note Guarantees”), as primary obligor and not merely as surety, jointly and severally with each other Guarantor to each Holder of the First Lien Notes of such series and to the Trustee, and its successors and assigns the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by required prepayment, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the First Lien Notes of such series, fees, expenses, indemnities and all other Obligations and liabilities of the Issuer under this Indenture from time to time (including, without limitation, any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws, and the obligations under SECTION 7.7) (all the foregoing with respect to each series of First Lien Notes being hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations will rank equally in right of payment with other Indebtedness of such Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor, except to the extent such other Indebtedness is subordinate to the Guaranteed Obligations, in which case the obligations of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors under the applicable First Lien Note Guarantees will rank senior in right of payment to such other Indebtedness.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, to evidence its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes set forth in this SECTION 10.1, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors by an Officer of such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes set forth in SECTION 10.1 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the First Lien Notes of any series.
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If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the First Lien Note of a series, the First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall be valid nevertheless.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees (to the extent permitted by law) that the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound under this ARTICLE X notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation in respect of such series of First Lien Notes.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors waives notice of any default under the First Lien Notes of each series or the Guaranteed Obligations.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees that its First Lien Note Guarantee herein in respect of such series of First Lien Notes constitutes a Guarantee of payment when due (and not a Guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, except as set forth in SECTION 10.2, the obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and with respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, the Guaranteed Obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (a) the failure of any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other person under this Indenture, the First Lien Notes of such series or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the First Lien Notes of such series or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes for the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes; (e) the failure of any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor; (f) any change in the ownership of the Issuer; (g) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes; or (h) any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.
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With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors agrees that its First Lien Note Guarantee herein in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes or such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor is released from its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes in compliance with SECTION 10.2, ARTICLE VIII or ARTICLE XI. With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors further agrees that its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of, premium, if any, interest, if any, on any of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, in furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes has at law or in equity against any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay any of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, each Parent Guarantor and Guarantor hereby promises to and will, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes or the Trustee on behalf of the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) (including interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to the Issuer or any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor whether or not a claim for post filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding).
With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees that, as between such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in this Indenture for the purposes of such First Lien Note Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of such Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any such declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Parent Guarantor or Guarantor for the purposes of this First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes.
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With respect to the First Lien Notes of each series, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors also agrees to pay any and all fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, Trustee or the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes in enforcing any rights under this ARTICLE X.
SECTION 10.2. Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge. Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereunder will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors in respect of the obligations of such other Parent Guarantor or Guarantors under its First Lien Note Guarantee in respect of such series of First Lien Notes or pursuant to its contribution obligations under this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Parent Guarantor or Guarantors under such First Lien Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal, foreign or state law and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
(a) With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, any First Lien Note Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged:
(1) if, in compliance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture, (i) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of any Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred to a person or persons that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor (or a Person that is required to become a Guarantor as a result of such sale or other transfer) or (ii) any Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that such Subsidiary Guarantee shall not terminate as a result of such Person becoming an Excluded Subsidiary unless at the time such Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary, (1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) if such Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of such Person becoming a non-wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, a FSHCO or a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or a FSHCO, the primary purpose of the transaction by which such Subsidiary Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary was not to evade the obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantee and was consummated on an arms’ length basis with an unaffiliated third-party and (3) at the time of such release (after giving effect thereto), all outstanding Indebtedness of, and Investments in, such Subsidiary Guarantor would then be permitted to be made in accordance with the relevant provisions under SECTION 3.2 and SECTION 3.3 (with the Issuer being required to reclassify any such items in reliance upon the respective Subsidiary being a Subsidiary Guarantor on another basis as would be permitted by the applicable covenant),
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(2) upon defeasance or discharge of the First Lien Notes of such series, as provided in ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE XI, or
(3) upon the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of any Subsidiary Guarantor with and into the Issuer or another Guarantor or upon the liquidation of such Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case, in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 10.3. Right of Contribution. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that to the extent that any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made on the obligations under the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of such series of First Lien Notes, such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against the Issuer or any other Parent Guarantor or Guarantor who has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. The provisions of this SECTION 10.3 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors to the Trustee and the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes and each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes for the full amount guaranteed by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor hereunder in respect of such series of First Lien Notes.
SECTION 10.4. No Subrogation. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, notwithstanding any payment or payments made by each of the Parent Guarantor or Guarantors hereunder in respect of such series of First Lien Notes, none of the Guarantors, including the Parent Guarantor, shall be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Trustee or any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes against the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the Trustee or any Holder of such series of First Lien Notes for the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes, nor shall any Parent Guarantor or Guarantors seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Issuer or any other Parent Guarantor or Guarantors in respect of payments made by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantors hereunder in respect of such series of First Lien Notes, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes by the Issuer on account of such Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, if any amount shall be paid to any Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Guaranteed Obligations in respect of such series of First Lien Notes shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor in trust for the Trustee and the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes, segregated from other funds of such Guarantor or Parent Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor (duly endorsed by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against such Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Guarantor owing to a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor and permitted pursuant to clause (2) or (4) of SECTION 3.2(b) shall be unsecured or subordinated to the Obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.
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ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 11.1. Satisfaction and Discharge. With respect to any series of First Lien Notes, this Indenture will be discharged and cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of transfer or exchange of the First Lien Notes of such series and indemnification rights of the Trustee as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding First Lien Notes of such series issued hereunder, when:
(a) either:
(1) all First Lien Notes of such series previously authenticated and delivered (other than certain lost, stolen or destroyed First Lien Notes of such series and certain First Lien Notes of such series for which provision for payment was previously made and thereafter the funds have been released to the Issuer) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(2) all First Lien Notes of such series not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer;
(b) the Issuer has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, money in Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, as applicable, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the First Lien Notes of such series not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of First Lien Notes of such series that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be; provided that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium with respect to the First Lien Notes of such series, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium for such series of First Lien Notes calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any Applicable Premium Deficit only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption, and any Applicable Premium Deficit shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the deposit of such Applicable Premium Deficit that confirms that such Applicable Premium Deficit shall be applied toward such redemption; (c) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under this Indenture with respect to such series of First Lien Notes; and
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(d) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that all conditions precedent under this SECTION 11.1 relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series of First Lien Notes have been complied with; provided that any such counsel may rely on any Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact (including as to compliance with the foregoing SECTIONS 11.1(a), 11.1(b) and 11.1(c)).
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to any series of First Lien Notes, the provisions of SECTION 7.7 hereof will survive and, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (b) of this SECTION 11.1, the provisions of SECTIONS 8.6 and 11.2 hereof will survive.
SECTION 11.2. Application of Trust Money. Subject to the provisions of SECTION 8.6 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to SECTION 11.1 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable series of First Lien Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with SECTION 11.1 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the First Lien Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to SECTION 11.1 hereof; provided that if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any First Lien Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such First Lien Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE XII
COLLATERAL
SECTION 12.1. Collateral Documents. The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and interest on the First Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium and interest on the First Lien Notes and performance of all other First Lien Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Holders, the Trustee or First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture, the First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, shall be secured as provided in the Collateral Documents, which define the terms of the Liens that secure the First Lien Notes Obligations, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements.
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Each Holder, by accepting a First Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the possession, use, release and foreclosure of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreements, and authorizes and directs the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Issuer shall deliver to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent copies of all documents required to be filed pursuant to the Collateral Documents, and will do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the next sentence of this SECTION 12.1, to assure and confirm to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent the security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Collateral Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the First Lien Notes secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. The Issuer shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries of the Issuer to, take any and all actions and make all filings (including the filing of UCC financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto) required to cause the Collateral Documents to create and maintain, as security for the First Lien Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the First Lien Notes Secured Parties under this Indenture, the First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, a valid and enforceable perfected Lien and security interest in and on all of the Collateral (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents), in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of itself, the Holders of the applicable series of First Lien Notes, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral Requirement.
SECTION 12.2. Release of Collateral. Subject to SECTIONS 12.2(b), 12.2(c) and 12.2(d) hereof, the Liens securing a series of First Lien Notes will be automatically released, and the Trustee shall execute documents evidencing such release, or instruct the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to execute, as applicable, the same at the Issuer’s sole cost and expense, under one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) in whole upon:
(i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the First Lien Notes of such series and all other Obligations related to such series of First Lien Notes under this Indenture, the First Lien Note Guarantees of such series of First Lien Notes and the Collateral Documents with respect to such series of First Lien Notes that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, are paid;
(ii) satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to such series of First Lien Notes as set forth under ARTICLE XI; or (iii) a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of this Indenture with respect to such series of First Lien Notes as set forth under ARTICLE VIII;
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(2) in whole or in part with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, with the consent of the requisite Holders of the First Lien Notes of such series in accordance with ARTICLE IX of this Indenture, including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the First Lien Notes of such series;
(3) in part, as to any asset constituting Collateral:
(i) that is sold or otherwise disposed of (I) by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors to any Person that is not an Issuer or a Guarantor in a transaction not prohibited by this Indenture (to the extent of the interest sold or disposed of), or (II) in connection with the taking of an enforcement action by the Controlling Collateral Agent (as defined in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) in accordance with the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under the applicable Collateral Documents;
(ii) that is owned by a Guarantor upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under this Indenture with respect to a series of First Lien Notes; or
(iii) that is otherwise released in accordance with, and as expressly provided for by the terms of, this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Collateral Documents.
(b) With respect to any release of Collateral, the Trustee shall, or shall cause the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to, execute, deliver or acknowledge (at the Issuer’s expense) such instruments or releases to evidence the release of any Collateral permitted to be released pursuant to this Indenture or the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements.
(c) At any time when the maturity of the First Lien Notes of a series has been accelerated (whether by declaration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms hereof and the Trustee has delivered notice of acceleration to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, no release of Collateral pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents shall be effective as against the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes, except as otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.3. Suits to Protect the Collateral. Subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VII hereof and the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee, without the consent of the Holders, on behalf of the Holders of the applicable series of First Lien Notes, may or may direct the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take all actions it determines in order to:
(a) enforce any of the terms of the Collateral Documents; and
(b) collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Obligations hereunder.
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Subject to the provisions of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have power to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Collateral Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral. Nothing in this SECTION 12.3 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent.
SECTION 12.4. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents. Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the applicable Collateral Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 12.5. Purchaser Protected. In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to ascertain the authority of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee to execute the release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this ARTICLE XII to be sold be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Issuer or the applicable Guarantor to make any such sale or other transfer.
SECTION 12.6. Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee. In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this ARTICLE XII upon the Issuer or a Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or Trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Issuer or a Guarantor or of any Officer or Officers thereof required by the provisions of this ARTICLE XII; and if the Trustee shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee.
SECTION 12.7. Release Upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, in the event that the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying that (i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any, on, the First Lien Notes of such series and all other Obligations related to such series of First Lien Notes under this Indenture, the First Lien Notes of such series, the First Lien Note Guarantees of such series of First Lien Notes and the Collateral Documents of such series that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any, are paid or (ii) the Issuer shall have exercised its Legal Defeasance option or its Covenant Defeasance option with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, in each case in compliance with the provisions of ARTICLE VIII, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral (other than with respect to funds held by the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE VIII), and any rights it has under the Collateral Documents with respect to such series, and upon receipt by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent of such notice, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to hold a Lien in the Collateral with respect to such series of First Lien Notes on behalf of the Trustee and shall do or cause to be done (at the expense of the Issuer) all acts reasonably requested by the Issuer to release such Lien (and/or provide confirmation in writing thereof) as soon as is reasonably practicable.
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SECTION 12.8. Collateral Agent. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the Trustee and each of the Holders thereof by acceptance of the First Lien Notes of such series hereby designates and appoints the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent as the collateral agent under this Indenture for such series of First Lien Notes, the applicable Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and the Trustee and each of the Holders by acceptance of the First Lien Notes hereby irrevocably authorizes the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Indenture, the applicable Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent by the terms of this Indenture, the applicable Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and consents and agrees to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and each applicable Collateral Document, as the same may be in effect or may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with their respective terms; provided that the First Lien Collateral Agent shall be directed by the Holders of the applicable series of First Lien Notes in accordance with the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this SECTION 12.8. The provisions of this SECTION 12.8 are solely for the benefit of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and none of the Trustee, any of the Holders nor the Issuer or any of the Guarantors shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions contained herein other than as expressly provided in SECTION 12.3. Each Holder agrees that any action taken by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with the provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the applicable Collateral Documents, and the exercise by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies set forth herein and therein shall be authorized and binding upon all Holders of the applicable series. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the duties of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and in the other First Lien Note Documents to which the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is a party, nor shall the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any trust or other fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any Holder or the Issuer or any Guarantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements or otherwise exist against the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent.
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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the First Lien Notes Collateral 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.
(a) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may perform any of its duties under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements by or through receivers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates, and the respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and attorneys-in-fact of such Person and its Affiliates, (a “Related Person”) and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in taking action in reliance upon any advice or opinion given by legal counsel. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or willful misconduct of any receiver, agent, employee, attorney-in-fact or Related Person that it selects as long as such selection was made in good faith.
(b) None of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction) or under or in connection with any Collateral Document or the Intercreditor Agreements or the transactions contemplated thereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Trustee or any Holder for any recital, statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Issuer or any Guarantor or Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor, or any Officer or Related Person thereof, contained in this Indenture, or any other First Lien Note Documents, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, or for any failure of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any other party to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. None of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall be under any obligation to the Trustee or any Holder to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements or to inspect the properties, books, or records of the Issuer or any Guarantor or the Issuer’s or any of the Guarantors’ Affiliates.
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(c) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, certification, telephone message, statement, or other communication, document or conversation (including those by telephone or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Issuer or any Guarantor), independent accountants and other experts and advisors selected by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document. With respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents with respect to such series or the Intercreditor Agreements unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of such series as it determines and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Holders against any and all liability, loss and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements in accordance with (x) the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Holders of First Lien Notes of such series or (y) a request, direction, instruction or consent of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Holders of such series of First Lien Notes.
(d) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless a Trust Officer of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from the Trustee or the Issuer referring to this Indenture, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Trustee in accordance with ARTICLE VI or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of such series (subject to this SECTION 12.8).
(e) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may resign at any time by notice to the Trustee and the Issuer, such resignation to be effective upon the acceptance of a successor agent to its appointment as Collateral Agent. If the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent resigns under this Indenture, the Issuer shall appoint a successor collateral agent. If no successor collateral agent is appointed prior to the intended effective date of the resignation of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (as stated in the notice of resignation), the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Trustee, subject to the consent of the Issuer (which shall not be unreasonably withheld and which shall not be required during a continuing Event of Default), a successor collateral agent. If no successor collateral agent is appointed and consented to by the Issuer pursuant to the preceding sentence within thirty (30) days after the intended effective date of resignation (as stated in the notice of resignation) the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to, at the expense of the Issuer, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor.
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Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor collateral agent hereunder, such successor collateral agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent, and the term “First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor collateral agent, and the retiring First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this SECTION 12.8 (and SECTION 7.7) shall continue to inure to its benefit and the retiring Collateral Agent shall not by reason of such resignation be deemed to be released from liability as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture.
(f) U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association shall initially act as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent with respect to each series of First Lien Notes and shall be authorized to appoint co-collateral agents as necessary in its sole discretion. Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein or in the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees or agents or other Related Persons shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(g) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is authorized and directed to (i) enter into the Collateral Documents to which it is party, whether executed on or after the Issue Date, (ii) enter into the Intercreditor Agreements, (iii) make the representations of the Holders set forth in the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreements, (iv) bind the Holders on the terms as set forth in the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and (v) perform and observe its obligations under the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
(h) If at any time or times the Trustee shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, set-off or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations arising under, or relating to, this Indenture, except for any such proceeds or payments received by the Trustee from the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, or (ii) payments from the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in excess of the amount required to be paid to the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE VI, the Trustee shall promptly turn the same over to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent such proceeds to be applied by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
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(i) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is each Holder’s agent for the purpose of perfecting the Holders’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC can be perfected only by possession or control. Should the Trustee obtain possession of any such Collateral, upon request from the Issuer, the Trustee shall notify the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent thereof and promptly shall deliver such Collateral to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s instructions (to the extent applicable).
(j) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Trustee or any of the Holders and the Trustee shall have no obligation to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of the Holders to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by the Issuer or any Guarantor or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, maintained or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to determine whether all of the Issuer’s or any of the Guarantor’s property constituting collateral intended to be subject to the Lien and security interest of the Collateral Documents has been properly and completely listed or delivered, as the case may be, or the genuineness, validity, marketability or sufficiency thereof or title thereto, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure, or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities, and powers granted or available to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to this Indenture, any Collateral Document or the Intercreditor Agreements other than pursuant to the instructions of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes of any series, or as otherwise provided in the Collateral Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission, or event related thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to the Trustee or any Holder as to any of the foregoing.
(k) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of First Priority Obligations at any time when neither the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting First Priority Obligations entitled to the benefit of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the First Priority Obligations so incurred, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders of each series on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
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(l) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of ABL Obligations at any time when neither the ABL Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting ABL Obligations entitled to the benefit of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the ABL Obligations so incurred, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders of each series on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
(m) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of Junior Priority Indebtedness at any time when neither the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting Junior Priority Indebtedness entitled to the benefit of a junior lien intercreditor agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the Junior Priority Indebtedness so incurred, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders of each series on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
(n) No provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or any Collateral Document shall require the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or the Trustee) to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or to take or omit to take any action hereunder or thereunder or take any action at the request or direction of Holders (or the Trustee in the case of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent) if it shall have received indemnity satisfactory to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent against potential costs and liabilities incurred by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent relating thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Collateral Documents, in the event the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is entitled or required to commence an action to foreclose or otherwise exercise its remedies to acquire control or possession of the Collateral, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to commence any such action or exercise any remedy or to inspect or conduct any studies of any property under the mortgages or take any such other action if the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent has determined that the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may incur personal liability as a result of the presence at, or release on or from, the Collateral or such property, of any hazardous substances unless the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent has received security or indemnity from the Holders in an amount and in a form all satisfactory to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, protecting the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent from all such liability. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall at any time be entitled to cease taking any action described in this clause if it no longer reasonably deems any indemnity, security or undertaking from the Issuer or the Holders to be sufficient.
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(o) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent (i) shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in connection with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents or instrument referred to herein or therein, except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Issuer (and money held in trust by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law) and (iii) may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel. The grant of permissive rights or powers to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be construed to impose duties to act.
(p) Neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include but not be limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, epidemics, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters. Neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to lost profits) whatsoever, even if it has been informed of the likelihood thereof and regardless of the form of action.
(q) Neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee assumes any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to the Holders or any other Person for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any First Lien Note Documents or in any certificate, report, statement, or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or any Collateral Document; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of the Intercreditor Agreements and any Collateral Documents of any other party thereto; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, effectiveness, enforceability, sufficiency, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any obligor; or for any failure of any obligor to perform its Obligations under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents.
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The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to any Holder or any other Person to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or performance by any obligor of any terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and any Collateral Documents. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection or other proceeding under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents unless expressly set forth hereunder or thereunder. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions from the Holders with respect to the administration of the First Lien Note Documents with respect to a series of First Lien Notes.
(r) The parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not assume, be responsible for or otherwise be obligated for any liabilities, claims, causes of action, suits, losses, allegations, requests, demands, penalties, fines, settlements, damages (including foreseeable and unforeseeable), judgments, expenses and costs (including but not limited to, any remediation, corrective action, response, removal or remedial action, or investigation, operations and maintenance or monitoring costs, for personal injury or property damages, real or personal) of any kind whatsoever, pursuant to any environmental law as a result of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements, the Collateral Documents or any actions taken pursuant hereto or thereto. Further, the parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that in the exercise of its rights under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may hold or obtain indicia of ownership primarily to protect the security interest of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in the Collateral and that any such actions taken by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be construed as or otherwise constitute any participation in the management of such Collateral.
(s) Upon the receipt by the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee of a written request of the Issuer signed by one Officer of the Issuer (a “Collateral Document Order”), the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee are hereby authorized to execute and enter into, and shall execute and enter into, without the further consent of any Holder, any Collateral Document to be executed after the Issue Date. Such Collateral Document Order shall (i) state that it is being delivered to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee pursuant to, and is a Collateral Document Order referred to in, this SECTION 12.8(t), and (ii) instruct the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee (if applicable) to execute and enter into such Collateral Document. Any such execution of a Collateral Document shall be at the direction and expense of the Issuer, upon delivery to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent of an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of the Collateral Document have been satisfied. The Holders, by their acceptance of the First Lien Notes of a series, hereby authorize and direct the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to execute such Collateral Documents.
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(t) With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, subject to the provisions of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, each Holder, by acceptance of the First Lien Notes of such series, agrees that the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents with respect to such series to which it is a party and all agreements, documents and instruments incidental thereto, and act in accordance with the terms thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to a series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no discretion under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the applicable Collateral Documents and shall not be required to make or give any determination, consent, approval, request or direction without the written direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series or the Trustee, as applicable, or as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements.
(u) After the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Trustee acting in accordance with the terms of this Indenture may direct the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.
(v) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the Holders distributed under the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements and to the extent not prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreements, for turnover to the Trustee to make further distributions of such funds to itself, the Trustee and the Holders in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 6.10 hereof and the other provisions of this Indenture.
(w) With respect to a series of First Lien Notes, in each case that the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may or is required hereunder or under any other First Lien Note Document with respect to such series of First Lien Notes to take any action (an “Action”), including without limitation to make any determination, to give consents, to exercise rights, powers or remedies, to release or sell Collateral or otherwise to act hereunder or under any other First Lien Note Document with respect to such series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent may seek direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series. The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any Action taken or omitted to be taken by it with respect to a series of First Lien Notes in accordance with the direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series or as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements. If the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall request direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of a series with respect to any Action, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such Action unless and until the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding First Lien Notes of such series, and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining.
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(x) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or any other Note Document, in no event shall the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, or have any duty or obligation with respect to, the recording, filing, registering, perfection, protection or maintenance of the security interests or Liens intended to be created by this Indenture or the other First Lien Note Documents (including without limitation the filing or continuation of any UCC financing or continuation statements or similar documents or instruments), nor shall the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, and neither the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee makes any representation regarding, the validity, effectiveness or priority of any of the Collateral Documents or the security interests or Liens intended to be created thereby.
(y) Before the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting in each case at the request or direction of the Issuer or the Guarantors, it may require an Officer’s Certificate, which shall conform to the provisions of SECTION 13.5. the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.
(z) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall act pursuant to the instructions of the Holders and the Trustee solely with respect to the Collateral Documents and the Collateral, except as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements.
(aa) The Issuer shall pay compensation to, reimburse expenses of and indemnify the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with SECTION 7.7 and the Intercreditor Agreements.
(bb) The First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to all of the rights, privileges and immunities of the collateral agent (or such similar agent) as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements, as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 12.9. Designations. Except as provided in the next sentence, for purposes of the provisions hereof and the Intercreditor Agreements requiring the Issuer to designate Indebtedness for purposes of the term “First Lien Obligations”, “Additional First Lien Obligations” (as each such term is defined in the applicable Intercreditor Agreement), “Junior Priority Indebtedness” or any other such designations hereunder or under the Intercreditor Agreements, any such designation shall be sufficient if the relevant designation is set forth in writing, signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements. For all purposes hereof and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Issuer hereby designates the Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement as “First Lien Obligations” under the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.10. No Impairment of the Security Interests. Except as otherwise permitted under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, neither the Issuer nor any of the Guarantors will be permitted to take any action, or knowingly omit to take any action, which action or omission would have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Collateral for the benefit of the Trustee, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders of the First Lien Notes.
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SECTION 12.11. Insurance. The Parent Guarantor shall maintain insurance, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain insurance, with financially sound and reputable insurers (and the Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to name the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent as an additional insured or lenders loss payee, as applicable, as soon as possible after the Issue Date), with respect to such of its properties and business, against such risks, casualties and contingencies and in such types and amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons, it being understood that this SECTION 12.11 shall not prevent the use of deductible or excess loss insurance and shall not prevent (i) the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer or any of their Subsidiaries from acting as a self-insurer or maintaining insurance with another Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor so long as such action is reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries or (ii) the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer from obtaining and owning insurance policies covering activities of its Subsidiaries.
(a) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a special flood hazard area (a “Special Flood Hazard Area”) with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as in effect on the Issue Date or thereafter or any successor act thereto), then the Issuer shall, or shall cause each other Grantor to, (i) maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer (except to the extent that any insurance company insuring the Mortgaged Property of such Grantor ceases to be financially sound and reputable after the Issuer Date, in which case, such Grantor shall promptly replace such insurance company with a financially sound and reputable insurance company), flood insurance in an amount as the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) promptly upon request of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any Holder, will deliver to First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee for distribution to the Holders, evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and such Holder, including, without limitation, evidence of annual renewals of such insurance.
(b) All such liability and casualty insurance (other than business interruption insurance) as to which the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee shall have reasonably requested to be so named, shall name the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent as additional insured or lender loss payee, as applicable.
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SECTION 12.12. After Acquired Property. No later than ninety (90) days after the acquisition by the Issuer or any Guarantor of any Material Real Property as determined by the Issuer (acting reasonably and in good faith and in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable) (or such longer period consistent with extensions granted in respect of the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement) that is required to be provided as Collateral pursuant to this Indenture or the Collateral Documents, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall cause such property to be subject to a Lien and Mortgage in favor of the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Notes Secured Parties of each series and take, or cause the relevant Guarantor to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Trustee to grant and perfect or record such Lien, in each case to the extent required by, and subject to the limitations and exceptions of, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to otherwise comply with the Collateral Requirement and the other requirements of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.13. Maintenance of Property. The Parent Guarantor will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain, preserve and protect all of their respective tangible or intangible property and equipment necessary in the operation of the business of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in good working order, repair and condition (including, in the case of IP Rights, by maintaining, preserving and protecting such rights, including by maintaining and renewing registrations and reasonably prosecuting applications therefor), ordinary wear and tear and fire, casualty and condemnation excepted; provided, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be obligated to comply with the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 12.13 to the extent that the failure to do so is not adverse in any material respect to Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 12.14. Further Assurances. The Issuer and the Guarantors, at their sole cost and expense and subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, will do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register, as applicable, any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other agreements or instruments and shall take all further action, as may be required from time to time in order to:
(a) carry out the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents;
(b) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral;
(c) subject to the Liens created by any of the Collateral Documents all of the properties, rights or interests required to be encumbered thereby, including all assets of any Guarantor (other than Excluded Assets) or newly acquired assets of a Guarantor;
(d) perfect and maintain the validity, enforceability, effectiveness and priority of any of the Collateral Documents and the Liens created thereby; and
(e) assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent any of the rights granted now or hereafter intended by the parties thereto to be granted to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents or under any other instrument executed in connection herewith.
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If the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent reasonably determines, in consultation with the First Lien Notes Secured Parties, that it is required by applicable Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of the Issuer or any Guarantor subject to a Mortgage constituting Collateral, the Issuer shall provide to the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.1. [Reserved].
SECTION 13.2. Notices. Any notice, request, direction, consent or communication made pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture or the First Lien Notes shall be in writing and delivered in person, sent by facsimile, sent by electronic mail in pdf format, delivered by commercial courier service or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
if to the Issuer, or any Guarantor:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
if to the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, at its corporate trust office, which corporate trust office for purposes of this Indenture is at the date hereof located at:
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
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The Issuer, the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent by written notice to each other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication to the Issuer, or the Guarantors shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered or if delivered electronically, in pdf format; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and seven calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee). Any notice or communication to the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed delivered upon receipt.
Any notice or communication sent to a Holder shall be electronically delivered or mailed to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears in the Notes Register and shall be sufficiently given if so sent within the time prescribed.
Failure to mail or deliver electronically a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except that notices to the Trustee shall be effective only upon receipt.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any First Lien Note, where this Indenture or any First Lien Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption or purchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to DTC (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from DTC or its designee.
SECTION 13.3. [Reserved].
SECTION 13.4. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officer’s Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in SECTION 13.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture, the First Lien Notes or the Collateral Documents relating to the proposed action have been satisfied and all covenants have been complied with; and SECTION 13.5.
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in SECTION 13.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been satisfied and all covenants have been complied with.
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Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture, the First Lien Notes or Collateral Documents shall include:
(1) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
In giving such Opinion of Counsel, counsel may rely as to factual matters on an Officer’s Certificate or on certificates of public officials.
SECTION 13.6. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by, or at meetings of, Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 13.7. Legal Holidays. A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions are authorized or required to be closed in New York, New York or the state of the place of payment. If a payment date or redemption date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
SECTION 13.8. Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE, THE FIRST LIEN NOTES AND THE FIRST LIEN NOTE GUARANTEES AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 13.9. Jurisdiction. The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that any suit, action or proceeding against the Issuer or any Guarantor brought by any Holder or the Trustee arising out of or based upon this Indenture, the First Lien Note Guarantee or the First Lien Notes may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of them irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The Issuer and the Guarantors irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any suit, action, or proceeding that may be brought in connection with this Indenture, the First Lien Note Guarantee or the First Lien Notes, including such actions, suits or proceedings relating to securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or on the ground that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
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The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, are subject by a suit upon such judgment.
SECTION 13.10. Waivers of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, THE TRUSTEE, THE FIRST LIEN NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE HOLDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS INDENTURE AND THE FIRST LIEN NOTES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE FIRST LIEN NOTES OR THE FIRST LIEN NOTE GUARANTEES AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
SECTION 13.11. USA PATRIOT Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent with such information as each may request in order to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.
SECTION 13.12. No Recourse Against Others. No director, member, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a First Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the First Lien Notes. The parties acknowledge such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
SECTION 13.13. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. Any signature to this Indenture may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. Federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
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SECTION 13.14. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross reference table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
SECTION 13.15. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, it being understood that the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall use reasonable best efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
SECTION 13.16. Severability. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the First Lien Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 13.17. FCC. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the First Lien Note Documents, neither the Trustee, nor the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, nor the Holders, nor any of their agents, will take any action pursuant to any First Lien Note Documents that would constitute or result in (i) any violation of the Communications Laws, or (ii) any assignment of any FCC Authorization or any transfer of control thereof, within the meaning of 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 or other Communications Law, if such assignment of license or transfer of control thereof would require thereunder the prior approval of the FCC, without first obtaining such approval of the FCC. Each of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the Subsidiaries will cooperate fully in the preparation and prosecution of such FCC applications as may be necessary to secure such approvals of the FCC for such assignments of licenses or transfers of control in a manner consistent with the First Lien Note Documents.
SECTION 13.18. Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by its acceptance of a First Lien Note, authorizes (without any further consent of the Holders of the First Lien Notes) the Issuer, the Trustee and/or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into joinders to the Intercreditor Agreements.
(a) Each Holder of the First Lien Notes, by accepting such First Lien Note, will be deemed to have (i) appointed and authorized the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee to give effect to the provisions in the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents and perform the duties and exercise the rights, powers and discretions that are specifically given to it under the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents securing such Indebtedness, together with any other incidental rights, power and discretions; (ii) agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents; and (iii) irrevocably appointed the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee to act on its behalf to enter into and comply with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents (including the execution of, and compliance with, any waiver, modification, amendment, renewal or replacement expressed to be executed by the Trustee or the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent on its behalf).
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(b) The parties acknowledge and agree that U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association is entering into the Intercreditor Agreements or joinders thereto in its capacity as an Authorized Representative (under and as defined in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) for the First Lien Notes or Additional Junior Priority Representative, as applicable, thereunder. In the event of any conflict between this Indenture or any other Note Document and an Intercreditor Agreement, the terms of such Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.
SECTION 13.19. Intended Tax Treatment. For United States federal, and applicable state and local, income Tax purposes, the Issuer, Guarantors, Trustee and all beneficial owners of the First Lien Notes agree to treat the First Lien Notes as indebtedness issued by the Issuer that is not a “contingent payment debt instrument” described under United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.1275-4. To the extent applicable, the Issuer, Guarantors, Trustee and all beneficial owners of the First Lien Notes agree to file all United States federal, and applicable state and local, income tax returns consistently with the foregoing unless otherwise require pursuant to a “determination” described under Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law).
[Signatures on following pages]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the date and year first written above.
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
ANDO MEDIA, LLC BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC JELLI, LLC KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. M STREET CORPORATION PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC SPREAKER, INC. STUFF MEDIA, LLC TRITON DIGITAL, INC. TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC TTWN NETWORKS, LLC UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. VOXNEST, INC. |
||
By: | /s/ Jordan Fasbender | |
Name: Jordan Fasbender | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2029 First Lien Notes | ||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2030 First Lien Notes | ||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2031 First Lien Notes | ||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
EXHIBIT A-1: FORM OF 2029 FIRST LIEN NOTES
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]
[Global Note Legend, if applicable]
[Temporary Regulation S Legend, if applicable]
[Original Issue Discount Legend, if applicable. THE 2029 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE 2029 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE ISSUER AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]
A-1-1
No. [ ] | Principal Amount $[•] [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto]1 | |
CUSIP No. [•]2 |
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2029
iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars, [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto], on May 1, 2029.
Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1, commencing on February 1, 20253
Record Dates: January 15 and July 15 Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
1 | Insert in Global Notes only. |
2 | 144A: 45174HBJ5 |
Reg S: U45057AN3
3 | In the case of Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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TRUSTEE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the 2029 First Lien Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee for the 2029 First Lien Notes |
||
By: | ||
Authorized signatory |
Dated: |
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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2029
Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.
1. Interest iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate (i) initially following the Issue Date, of 9.125% per annum, (ii) if and when the 2029 First Lien Notes receive a rating of B from S&P and a rating of B2 from Moody’s, of 8.625% per annum, and (iii) if and when the 2029 First Lien Notes receive a rating of BB- from S&P or a rating of Ba3 from Moody’s, of 8.375% per annum, from December 20, 20244 until maturity. The Issuer will pay interest semiannually in arrears every February 1 and August 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the 2029 First Lien Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be February 1, 20255. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified herein, and it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest on the 2029 First Lien Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year comprised of twelve 30 day months.
2. Method of Payment
By no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the date on which any principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any 2029 First Lien Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest when due. Interest on any 2029 First Lien Note which is payable, and is timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such 2029 First Lien Note (or one or more predecessor First Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the preceding January 15 and July 15 at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture. The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the 2029 First Lien Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of the Paying Agent or Registrar designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes
4 | In the case of 2029 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
5 | In the case of 2029 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of 2029 First Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depository. Payments in respect of 2029 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2029 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). If an Interest Payment Date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
The Issuer initially appoints U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, the trustee (the “Trustee”), as Registrar and Paying Agent for the 2029 First Lien Notes. The Issuer may change any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
4. Indenture
The Issuer issued the 2029 First Lien Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee and Collateral Agent. The terms of the 2029 First Lien Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2029 First Lien Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of those terms. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the 2029 First Lien Notes and the terms of the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall prevail.
5. Covenants
The terms of the 2029 First Lien Notes contain covenants of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to those set forth in Articles III and IV of the Indenture.
6. Guarantees
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including post filing or post-petition interest) on the 2029 First Lien Notes, the Obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2029 First Lien Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2029 First Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the 2029 First Lien Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors will unconditionally Guarantee (and future guarantors, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, will fully and unconditionally Guarantee) such obligations on a senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
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7. Redemption
(a) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2029 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of the 2029 First Lien Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the 2029 First Lien Notes to be redeemed) equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2029 First Lien Notes redeemed plus the 2029 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
(b) Except pursuant to clause (a) of this paragraph 7 or as otherwise set forth below, the 2029 First Lien Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option.
(c) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2029 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2029 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
103.0 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.0 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(d) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of 2029 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 First Lien Notes of the applicable series being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to the Indenture plus the 2029 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(e) Notice of any redemption of the 2029 First Lien Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an equity offering, incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction.
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conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such (f) If the optional Redemption Date is on or after a record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date will be paid on the Redemption Date to the Holder in whose name the 2029 First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose 2029 First Lien Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(g) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the 2029 First Lien Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(h) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 7 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 5.1 through SECTION 5.6 of the Indenture.
The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase the 2029 First Lien Notes under SECTION 3.5, SECTION 3.15 and SECTION 3.16 of the Indenture. Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer and its Affiliates, may from time to time seek to purchase the Issuer’s outstanding debt securities or loans, including the 2029 First Lien Notes, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.
8. Repurchase Provisions
If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase all of the 2029 First Lien Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase; provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the 2029 First Lien Notes are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding 2029 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture.
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In connection with any tender offer for the 2029 First Lien Notes, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2029 First Lien Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2029 First Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the 2029 First Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all 2029 First Lien Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
Upon certain Dispositions, the Issuer may be required to use the Excess Proceeds from such Dispositions to offer to offer to purchase 2029 First Lien Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in SECTION 3.5 and in ARTICLE V of the Indenture.
Commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, if certain criteria are satisfied as provided in SECTION 3.16 of the Indenture, the Issuer may be required to make an Excess Amount Offer with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in SECTION 3.16.
9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The 2029 First Lien Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form in minimum denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2029 First Lien Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange of any 2029 First Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem 2029 First Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 days before an Interest Payment Date and ending on such Interest Payment Date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any 2029 First Lien Note being redeemed in part.
10. Persons Deemed Owners
The registered Holder of this 2029 First Lien Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
11. [Reserved].
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12. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain exceptions and conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the 2029 First Lien Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, on the 2029 First Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be pursuant to the terms of Articles VIII and XI of the Indenture.
13. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions contained in the Indenture, the 2029 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees of the 2029 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or a Default thereunder may be waived, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2029 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of Article IX of the Indenture. Without notice to or the consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the Indenture, the 2029 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2029 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements as provided in the Indenture.
14. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any other monetary obligations on all the 2029 First Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal, premium, interest, if any, and other monetary obligations will be due and payable immediately. If a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and any other monetary obligations on all the 2029 First Lien Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 2029 First Lien Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes and its consequences pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture.
15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, the Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of 2029 First Lien Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the Commission for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
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16. No Recourse Against Others
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as such (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors), shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2029 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2029 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a 2029 First Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the 2029 First Lien Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
17. Authentication
This 2029 First Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent acting on its behalf) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2029 First Lien Note.
18. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (= joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= custodian) and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
19. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, to be printed on the First Lien Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the First Lien Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or purchase and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
20. Governing Law
This 2029 First Lien Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
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21. Security
The 2029 First Lien Notes will be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. The Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes, in each case pursuant to the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by accepting this 2029 First Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the foreclosure and release of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and to perform their obligations and exercise their rights thereunder in accordance therewith.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this 2029 First Lien Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this 2029 First Lien Note to:
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code) | ||
(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. No.) |
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this 2029 First Lien Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: | Your Signature: |
Signature Guarantee: |
||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
||
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2029 First Lien Note. |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
The undersigned hereby certifies that it ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer and that, to its knowledge, the proposed transferee ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer.
In connection with any transfer or exchange of any of the 2029 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such 2029 First Lien Notes and the last date, if any, on which such 2029 First Lien Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such 2029 First Lien Notes are being:
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CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:
(1) ☐ acquired for the undersigned’s own account, without transfer; or
(2) ☐ transferred to the Issuer; or
(3) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
(4) ☐ transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
(5) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act; or
(6) ☐ transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the 2029 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5) or (6) is checked, the Issuer may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the 2029 First Lien Notes, in its sole discretion, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer may reasonably request to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.
|
|
|||
Signature | ||||
Signature Guarantee: | ||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) | Signature |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF BOX (1) OR (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this 2029 First Lien Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144 A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 A.
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The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
Dated: |
[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
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SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTES
The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount of this Global Note |
Amount of increase in Principal Amount Of this Global Note |
Principal Amount of this Global Note following such Decrease or increase |
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee or Notes Custodian |
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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you elect to have this 2029 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5, SECTION 3.15 or SECTION 3.16 of the Indenture, check the applicable box:
SECTION 3.5 ☐ SECTION 3.15 ☐ SECTION 3.16 ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this 2029 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5, SECTION 3.15 or SECTION 3.16 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount (must be in denominations of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) of the 2029 First Lien Notes to be issued to the Holder for the portion of the within 2029 First Lien Note not being repurchased (in the absence of any such specification, one such 2029 First Lien Note will be issued for the portion not being repurchased):
Date: |
Your Signature | |||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other Side of the 2029 First Lien Note) |
||||
Signature Guarantee: |
||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad 15.
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EXHIBIT A-2: FORM OF 2030 FIRST LIEN NOTES
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]
[Global Note Legend, if applicable]
[Temporary Regulation S Legend, if applicable]
[Original Issue Discount Legend, if applicable. THE 2030 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE 2030 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE ISSUER AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]
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No. [ ] | Principal Amount $[•] [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto]6 | |
CUSIP No. [•]7 |
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2030
iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars, [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto], on August 15, 2030.
Interest Payment Dates: February 15 and August 15, commencing on February 15, 20258
Record Dates: February 1 and August 1
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
6 | Insert in Global Notes only. |
7 | 144A: 45174HBM8 |
Reg S: U45057AR4
8 | In the case of Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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TRUSTEE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the 2030 First Lien Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee for the 2030 First Lien Notes |
||
By: | ||
Authorized signatory |
Dated: |
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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2030
Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.
1. Interest iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate (i) initially following the Issue Date, of 7.750% per annum, (ii) if and when the 2030 First Lien Notes receive a rating of B from S&P and a rating of B2 from Moody’s, of 7.350% per annum, and (iii) if and when the 2030 First Lien Notes receive a rating of BB- from S&P or a rating of Ba3 from Moody’s, of 7.150% per annum, from December 20, 20249 until maturity. The Issuer will pay interest semiannually in arrears every February 1 and August 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the 2030 First Lien Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be February 15, 202510. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified herein, and it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest on the 2030 First Lien Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year comprised of twelve 30 day months.
2. Method of Payment
By no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the date on which any principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any 2030 First Lien Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest when due. Interest on any 2030 First Lien Note which is payable, and is timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such 2030 First Lien Note (or one or more predecessor First Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the preceding February 1 and August 1 at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture. The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the 2030 First Lien Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of the Paying Agent or Registrar designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes
9 | In the case of 2030 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
10 | In the case of 2030 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of 2030 First Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depository. Payments in respect of 2030 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2030 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). If an Interest Payment Date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
The Issuer initially appoints U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, the trustee (the “Trustee”), as Registrar and Paying Agent for the 2030 First Lien Notes. The Issuer may change any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
4. Indenture
The Issuer issued the 2030 First Lien Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee and Collateral Agent. The terms of the 2030 First Lien Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2030 First Lien Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of those terms. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the 2030 First Lien Notes and the terms of the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall prevail.
5. Covenants
The terms of the 2030 First Lien Notes contain covenants of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to those set forth in Articles III and IV of the Indenture.
6. Guarantees
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including post filing or post-petition interest) on the 2030 First Lien Notes, the Obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2030 First Lien Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2030 First Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the 2030 First Lien Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors will unconditionally Guarantee (and future guarantors, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, will fully and unconditionally Guarantee) such obligations on a senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
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7. Redemption
(a) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2030 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of the 2030 First Lien Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the 2030 First Lien Notes to be redeemed) equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2030 First Lien Notes redeemed plus the 2030 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
(b) Except pursuant to clause (a) of this paragraph 7 or as otherwise set forth below, the 2030 First Lien Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option.
(c) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2030 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2030 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
105.8125 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.9375 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(d) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of 2030 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2030 First Lien Notes of the applicable series being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to the Indenture plus the 2030 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(e) Notice of any redemption of the 2030 First Lien Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an equity offering, incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction.
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conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such (f) If the optional Redemption Date is on or after a record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date will be paid on the Redemption Date to the Holder in whose name the 2030 First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose 2030 First Lien Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(g) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the 2030 First Lien Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(h) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 7 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 5.1 through SECTION 5.6 of the Indenture.
The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase the 2030 First Lien Notes under SECTION 3.5 and SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture. Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer and its Affiliates, may from time to time seek to purchase the Issuer’s outstanding debt securities or loans, including the 2030 First Lien Notes, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.
8. Repurchase Provisions
If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase all of the 2030 First Lien Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase; provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the 2030 First Lien Notes are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding 2030 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture.
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In connection with any tender offer for the 2030 First Lien Notes, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2030 First Lien Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2030 First Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the 2030 First Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all 2030 First Lien Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
Upon certain Dispositions, the Issuer may be required to use the Excess Proceeds from such Dispositions to offer to offer to purchase 2030 First Lien Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in SECTION 3.5 and in ARTICLE V of the Indenture.
9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The 2030 First Lien Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form in minimum denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2030 First Lien Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange of any 2030 First Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem 2030 First Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 days before an Interest Payment Date and ending on such Interest Payment Date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any 2030 First Lien Note being redeemed in part.
10. Persons Deemed Owners
The registered Holder of this 2030 First Lien Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
11. [Reserved].
12. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain exceptions and conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the 2030 First Lien Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, on the 2030 First Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be pursuant to the terms of Articles VIII and XI of the Indenture.
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13. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions contained in the Indenture, the 2030 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees of the 2030 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or a Default thereunder may be waived, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2030 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of Article IX of the Indenture. Without notice to or the consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the Indenture, the 2030 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2030 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements as provided in the Indenture.
14. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any other monetary obligations on all the 2030 First Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal, premium, interest, if any, and other monetary obligations will be due and payable immediately. If a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and any other monetary obligations on all the 2030 First Lien Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 2030 First Lien Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes and its consequences pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture.
15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, the Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of 2030 First Lien Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the Commission for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
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16. No Recourse Against Others
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as such (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors), shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2030 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2030 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a 2030 First Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the 2030 First Lien Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
17. Authentication
This 2030 First Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent acting on its behalf) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2030 First Lien Note.
18. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (= joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= custodian) and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
19. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, to be printed on the First Lien Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the First Lien Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or purchase and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
20. Governing Law
This 2030 First Lien Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
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21. Security
The 2030 First Lien Notes will be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. The Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes, in each case pursuant to the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by accepting this 2030 First Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the foreclosure and release of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and to perform their obligations and exercise their rights thereunder in accordance therewith.
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this 2030 First Lien Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this 2030 First Lien Note to:
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code) |
(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. No.) |
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this 2030 First Lien Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: | Your Signature: |
Signature Guarantee: | ||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
||
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2030 First Lien Note. |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
The undersigned hereby certifies that it ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer and that, to its knowledge, the proposed transferee ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer.
In connection with any transfer or exchange of any of the 2030 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such 2030 First Lien Notes and the last date, if any, on which such 2030 First Lien Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such 2030 First Lien Notes are being:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:
(1) ☐ acquired for the undersigned’s own account, without transfer; or
(2) ☐ transferred to the Issuer; or
(3) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
(4) ☐ transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
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(5) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act; or
(6) ☐ transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the 2030 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5) or (6) is checked, the Issuer may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the 2030 First Lien Notes, in its sole discretion, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer may reasonably request to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.
Signature | ||||||
Signature Guarantee: |
||||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
Signature |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF BOX (1) OR (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this 2030 First Lien Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144 A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 A.
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
Dated: |
[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
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SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTES
The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount of this Global Note |
Amount of increase in Principal Amount Of this Global Note |
Principal Amount of this Global Note following such Decrease or increase |
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee or Notes Custodian |
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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you elect to have this 2030 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, check the applicable box:
SECTION 3.5 ☐ SECTION 3.15 ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this 2030 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount (must be in denominations of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) of the 2030 First Lien Notes to be issued to the Holder for the portion of the within 2030 First Lien Note not being repurchased (in the absence of any such specification, one such 2030 First Lien Note will be issued for the portion not being repurchased):
Date: | Your Signature | |||||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other Side of the 2030 First Lien Note) |
Signature Guarantee: | ||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad 15.
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EXHIBIT A-3: FORM OF 2031 FIRST LIEN NOTES
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]
[Global Note Legend, if applicable]
[Temporary Regulation S Legend, if applicable]
[Original Issue Discount Legend, if applicable. THE 2031 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE 2031 FIRST LIEN NOTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE ISSUER AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]
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No. [ ] | Principal Amount $[•] [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto]11 | |
CUSIP No. [•]12 |
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2031
iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars, [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto], on January 15, 2031.
Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15, 202513
Record Dates: January 1 and July 1
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
11 | Insert in Global Notes only. |
12 | 144A: 45174HBK2 |
Reg S: U45057AP8
13 | In the case of Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||||
By: |
||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
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TRUSTEE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the 2031 First Lien Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee for the 2031 First Lien Notes | ||
By: | ||
Authorized signatory |
Dated: |
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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Notes due 2031
Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.
1. Interest iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate (i) initially following the Issue Date, of 7.000% per annum, (ii) if and when the 2031 First Lien Notes receive a rating of B from S&P and a rating of B2 from Moody’s, of 6.600% per annum, and (iii) if and when the 2031 First Lien Notes receive a rating of BB- from S&P or a rating of Ba3 from Moody’s, of 6.400% per annum, from December 20, 202414 until maturity. The Issuer will pay interest semiannually in arrears every January 15 and July 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the 2031 First Lien Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be January 15, 202515. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified herein, and it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest on the 2031 First Lien Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year comprised of twelve 30 day months.
2. Method of Payment
By no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the date on which any principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any 2031 First Lien Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest when due. Interest on any 2031 First Lien Note which is payable, and is timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such 2031 First Lien Note (or one or more predecessor First Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the preceding January 1 and July 1 at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture. The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the 2031 First Lien Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of the Paying Agent or Registrar designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes
14 | In the case of 2031 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
15 | In the case of 2031 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of 2031 First Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depository. Payments in respect of 2031 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2031 First Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). If an Interest Payment Date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
The Issuer initially appoints U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, the trustee (the “Trustee”), as Registrar and Paying Agent for the 2031 First Lien Notes. The Issuer may change any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
4. Indenture
The Issuer issued the 2031 First Lien Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee and Collateral Agent. The terms of the 2031 First Lien Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The 2031 First Lien Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of those terms. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the 2031 First Lien Notes and the terms of the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall prevail.
5. Covenants
The terms of the 2031 First Lien Notes contain covenants of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to those set forth in Articles III and IV of the Indenture.
6. Guarantees
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including post filing or post-petition interest) on the 2031 First Lien Notes, the Obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2031 First Lien Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuer under the Indenture and the 2031 First Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the 2031 First Lien Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors will unconditionally Guarantee (and future guarantors, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, will fully and unconditionally Guarantee) such obligations on a senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
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7. Redemption
(a) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of the 2031 First Lien Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the 2031 First Lien Notes to be redeemed) equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2031 First Lien Notes redeemed plus the 2031 Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
(b) Except pursuant to clause (a) of this paragraph 7 or as otherwise set forth below, the 2031 First Lien Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option.
(c) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the 2031 First Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the 2031 First Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
103.50 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
101.75 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(d) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of 2031 First Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the 2031 First Lien Notes of the applicable series being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to the Indenture plus the 2031 Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(e) Notice of any redemption of the 2031 First Lien Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an equity offering, incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction.
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conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such (f) If the optional Redemption Date is on or after a record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date will be paid on the Redemption Date to the Holder in whose name the 2031 First Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose 2031 First Lien Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(g) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the 2031 First Lien Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(h) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 7 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 5.1 through SECTION 5.6 of the Indenture.
The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase the 2031 First Lien Notes under SECTION 3.5 and SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture. Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer and its Affiliates, may from time to time seek to purchase the Issuer’s outstanding debt securities or loans, including the 2031 First Lien Notes, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.
8. Repurchase Provisions
If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase all of the 2031 First Lien Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase; provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the 2031 First Lien Notes are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding 2031 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture.
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In connection with any tender offer for the 2031 First Lien Notes, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2031 First Lien Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such 2031 First Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the 2031 First Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all 2031 First Lien Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
Upon certain Dispositions, the Issuer may be required to use the Excess Proceeds from such Dispositions to offer to offer to purchase 2031 First Lien Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in SECTION 3.5 and in ARTICLE V of the Indenture.
9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The 2031 First Lien Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form in minimum denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1. A Holder may transfer or exchange 2031 First Lien Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange of any 2031 First Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem 2031 First Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 days before an Interest Payment Date and ending on such Interest Payment Date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any 2031 First Lien Note being redeemed in part.
10. Persons Deemed Owners
The registered Holder of this 2031 First Lien Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
11. [Reserved].
12. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain exceptions and conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the 2031 First Lien Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, on the 2031 First Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be pursuant to the terms of Articles VIII and XI of the Indenture.
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13. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions contained in the Indenture, the 2031 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees of the 2031 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or a Default thereunder may be waived, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2031 First Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of Article IX of the Indenture. Without notice to or the consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the Indenture, the 2031 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2031 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements as provided in the Indenture.
14. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any other monetary obligations on all the 2031 First Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal, premium, interest, if any, and other monetary obligations will be due and payable immediately. If a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and any other monetary obligations on all the 2031 First Lien Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 2031 First Lien Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes and its consequences pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture.
15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, the Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of 2031 First Lien Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the Commission for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
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16. No Recourse Against Others
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as such (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors), shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the 2031 First Lien Notes, the First Lien Note Guarantees in respect of the 2031 First Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a 2031 First Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the 2031 First Lien Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
17. Authentication
This 2031 First Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent acting on its behalf) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this 2031 First Lien Note.
18. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (= joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= custodian) and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
19. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, to be printed on the First Lien Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the First Lien Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or purchase and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
20. Governing Law
This 2031 First Lien Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
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21. Security
The 2031 First Lien Notes will be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. The Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes, in each case pursuant to the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by accepting this 2031 First Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the foreclosure and release of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and to perform their obligations and exercise their rights thereunder in accordance therewith.
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this 2031 First Lien Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this 2031 First Lien Note to:
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(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code) |
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(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. No.) |
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this 2031 First Lien Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: | Your Signature: | |||||||
Signature Guarantee: | ||||||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
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Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this 2031 First Lien Note. |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
The undersigned hereby certifies that it ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer and that, to its knowledge, the proposed transferee ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer.
In connection with any transfer or exchange of any of the 2031 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such 2031 First Lien Notes and the last date, if any, on which such 2031 First Lien Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such 2031 First Lien Notes are being:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:
(1) ☐ acquired for the undersigned’s own account, without transfer; or
(2) ☐ transferred to the Issuer; or
(3) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
(4) ☐ transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
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(5) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act; or
(6) ☐ transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the 2031 First Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5) or (6) is checked, the Issuer may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the 2031 First Lien Notes, in its sole discretion, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer may reasonably request to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.
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Signature | ||||
Signature Guarantee: |
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(Signature must be guaranteed) | Signature |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF BOX (1) OR (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this 2031 First Lien Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144 A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 A.
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
Dated: |
[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
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SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTES
The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of |
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount of this Global Note |
Amount of increase in Principal Amount Of this Global Note |
Principal Amount of this Global Note following such Decrease or increase |
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee or Notes Custodian |
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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you elect to have this 2031 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, check the applicable box:
SECTION 3.5 ☐ SECTION 3.15 ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this 2031 First Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount (must be in denominations of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) of the 2031 First Lien Notes to be issued to the Holder for the portion of the within 2031 First Lien Note not being repurchased (in the absence of any such specification, one such 2031 First Lien Note will be issued for the portion not being repurchased):
Date: | Your Signature | |||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other Side of the 2031 First Lien Note) |
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Signature Guarantee: |
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(Signature must be guaranteed) |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad 15.
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EXHIBIT B
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Add Guarantors
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by and among the parties that are signatories hereto with respect to the Indenture referred to below.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, each of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $[•] of Senior Secured Notes due 2029, $[•] of Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and $[•] of Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “First Lien Notes”) of the Issuer;
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent a supplemental indenture to which such Subsidiary (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”) shall unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis with the other Guarantors, all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the First Lien Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “Note Guarantee”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to SECTION 9.1 of the Indenture, the Issuer, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend or supplement the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, the Issuer, the Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the First Lien Notes as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.
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ARTICLE II
AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND; GUARANTEE
SECTION 2.1 Agreement to be Bound. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby becomes a party to the Indenture as a Guarantor and as such will have all of the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.
SECTION 2.2 Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees, on a joint and several basis with all the existing Guarantors, to fully, unconditionally and irrevocably Guarantee to each Holder of the First Lien Notes and the Trustee the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to ARTICLE X of the Indenture on a senior basis.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 3.1 Notices. All notices and other communications to the Guarantor shall be given as provided in the Indenture to the Guarantor, at its address set forth below, with a copy to the Issuer as provided in the Indenture for notices to the Issuer.
SECTION 3.2 Release of Guarantee. This First Lien Note Guarantee shall be released in accordance with SECTION 10.2 of the Indenture.
SECTION 3.3 Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders and the Trustee, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
SECTION 3.4 Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 3.5 Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
SECTION 3.6 Benefits Acknowledged. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s First Lien Note Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to this First Lien Note Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
SECTION 3.7 Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
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SECTION 3.8 The Trustee and the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. Neither the Trustee nor the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
SECTION 3.9 Counterparts. The parties hereto may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
SECTION 3.10 Execution and Delivery. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the First Lien Note Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each First Lien Note a notation of any such First Lien Note Guarantee.
SECTION 3.11 Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
[SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR], as a Guarantor |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ADDRESS FOR NOTICES] |
Acknowledged by: IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as | ||
Trustee and Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
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Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT C
Form of Intercompany Note
INTERCOMPANY NOTE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned, to the extent a borrower from time to time from any other entity listed on the signature page hereto (each, in such capacity, an “Issuer”), hereby promises to pay on demand to such other entity listed below (each, in such capacity, a “Holder” and, together with each Issuer, a “Note Party”), in immediately available funds at such location as the applicable Holder shall from time to time designate, the unpaid principal amount of all loans and advances or other credit extensions (including trade payables) made by such Holder to such Issuer and all intercompany receivables and obligations owed by such Issuer to such Holder from time to time (collectively, the “Specified Obligations”), in such currencies as shall be agreed from time to time. Each Issuer promises also to pay interest, if any, on the unpaid principal amount of all such Specified Obligations in like money at said location from the date of such Specified Obligations until paid at such rate per annum as shall be agreed upon from time to time by such Issuer and such Holder. Unless defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Credit Agreement (as defined below) shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
This note (“Note”) is an Intercompany Note referred to in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower”), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and each Lender from time to time party thereto and is subject to the terms thereof, and shall be pledged by each Holder pursuant to the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the terms thereof and the terms of the Credit Agreement. Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (if any), the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent may exercise all rights and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Documents with respect to this Note.
Anything in this Note to the contrary notwithstanding, the Specified Obligations evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is the Borrower or a Guarantor to any Holder (the Specified Obligations of such Issuers, collectively, the “Subordinated Obligations”) shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to (i) all Obligations of such Issuer under the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, where applicable, under such Issuer’s Guaranty of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) all other Indebtedness of such Issuer or any Guaranty thereof, other than Indebtedness that by its terms expressly provides that it shall not be Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) hereunder (such Obligations under the Loan Documents and such Indebtedness and other indebtedness and obligations in connection with any renewal, refunding, restructuring or refinancing thereof, including interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any Bankruptcy Proceedings (as defined below), whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in such proceeding, being hereinafter collectively referred to as “Senior Indebtedness”).
The foregoing shall apply, notwithstanding the availability of other collateral to any of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or any of the holders of the Subordinated Obligations or the actual date and time of execution, delivery, recordation, filing or perfection of security interests granted with respect to any of the Senior Indebtedness or any of the Subordinated Obligations, or the lien or priority of payment thereof, and in any instance wherein any of the Senior Indebtedness or any claim for any of the Senior Indebtedness is subordinated, avoided or disallowed, in whole or in part, under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law.
(i) In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relative to any Issuer or to its creditors, as such, or to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such Issuer, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy (any of the foregoing, a “Bankruptcy Proceeding”), then (x) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness before any Holder is entitled to receive (whether directly or indirectly), or make any demands for, any payment on account of this Note and (y) until the holders of Senior Indebtedness are paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness, any payment or distribution to which such Holder would otherwise be entitled (other than debt securities of such Issuer that are subordinated, to at least the same extent as this Note, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding (such securities being hereinafter referred to as “Restructured Debt Securities”)) shall be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness;
(ii) if any default occurs and is continuing with respect to any Senior Indebtedness (including any Default under the Credit Agreement), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character shall be made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any other Person on its behalf with respect to this Note;
(iii) notwithstanding any other provision applicable to the Subordinated Obligations, if any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities), in respect of this Note shall (despite these subordination provisions) be received by any Holder in violation of clause (i) or (ii) before all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and promptly shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Indebtedness (or their representatives) in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreements (if any), ratably according to the respective aggregate amounts remaining unpaid thereon, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full in cash;
(iv) no Holder shall object to the entry of any order or orders approving any cash collateral stipulations, adequate protection provisions or similar stipulations executed by the holders of Senior Indebtedness in any Bankruptcy Proceeding or any other proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code and each Holder waives any marshaling rights with respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness in any Bankruptcy Proceeding or any other proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code;
(v) if any Holder shall acquire by indemnification, subrogation or otherwise, any lien, estate, right or other interest in any of the assets or properties of any Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, such lien, estate, right or other interest shall be subordinate in right of payment to the Senior Indebtedness and the lien of the Senior Indebtedness, and such Holder hereby waives any and all rights it may acquire by subrogation or otherwise to any lien of the Senior Indebtedness or any portion thereof;
(vi) no Holder shall, without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, if any) accelerate all or any part of the Subordinated Obligations or commence, or join or participate in, any enforcement action with respect to the obligations of any Issuer or any of its respective Subsidiaries to pay any amounts relating to the Subordinated Obligations or take any enforcement action against any asset or property of any Issuer or its Subsidiaries; and
(vii) if, at any time, all or part of any payment with respect to Senior Indebtedness theretofore is made is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or any reason whatsoever (including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization or any Note Party, any of its Subsidiaries or such other Persons), the subordination provisions set forth herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, all as though such payment had not been made.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, no present or future holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be prejudiced in its right to enforce the subordination of this Note nor shall such right be waived by any act, failure to act or delay on the part of any Issuer or by any act, failure to act or delay on the part of such holder or any trustee or agent for such holder nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right hereunder. Each Holder and each Issuer hereby agree that the subordination of this Note is for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders under the Credit Agreement and such parties are obligees under this Note to the same extent as if their names were written herein as such and the Administrative Agent may, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, proceed to enforce the subordination provisions herein.
The Specified Obligations evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is not the Borrower or a Guarantor shall not be subordinated to, and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with, any other obligation of such Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) nothing contained in the subordination provisions set forth above is intended to or will impair, as between each Issuer and each Holder, the obligations of such Issuer, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay to such Holder the principal of and interest on this Note as and when due and payable in accordance with its terms, or is intended to or will affect the relative rights of such Holder and other creditors of such Issuer other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness and (ii) with respect to any indebtedness owing from any Issuer to any Holder with a “works council” or other employee representative body, such Indebtedness shall, unless such body has been consulted with respect to such subordination, and, if and to the extent required, unconditionally approved such subordination (by means of a prior positive advice or otherwise), not be subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness to the extent, and only to the extent, that the terms of such subordination would require the approval of or consultation with such entity before such subordination could be effective.
Each Holder is hereby authorized to record all Specified Obligations made by it to any Issuer (all of which shall be evidenced by this Note), and all repayments or prepayments thereof, in its books and records, such books and records constituting prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information contained therein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Note as between each Issuer and each Holder contains additional terms to any agreement between them evidencing intercompany loans and this Note does not in any way replace such intercompany loans or other obligations between them nor does this Note in any way change the principal amount of any intercompany loans or other obligations between them.
Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC or any subsidiary of iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC of a counterpart signature page hereto, such subsidiary shall become a Note Party hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Note Party hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Note Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Note Party as a party to this Note. This Note may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Upon the earlier to occur of (x) the commencement of any Bankruptcy Proceeding relating to any Issuer or (y) any exercise of any remedies upon an Event of Default (including any acceleration of loans or the termination of the commitments) pursuant to the Loan Documents, the aggregate unpaid principal amount hereof shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note. Each Issuer hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note. All payments under this Note shall be made without offset, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.
Each party hereto agrees to be fully bound by all terms and provisions contained in this Note, both with respect to any Subordinated Obligations (including guarantees thereof and security therefor) owned to it, and with respect to all Subordinated Obligations (including guarantees thereof and security therefor) owing by it. In case any one or more of the provisions in this Note, or any application thereof, shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein, and any application thereof, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC | ||
as both Issuer and Holder, | ||
By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. as both Issuer and Holder, |
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By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
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JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION | ||
PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC., each, as both Issuer and Holder, | ||
By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
ALLONGE
This allonge is attached to, and by this reference is made a part of, that certain Intercompany Note, dated December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercompany Note”), by and among the undersigned, for the purpose of annexing thereto the following endorsement.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned hereby assigns and transfers all of its rights, title and interest as a Holder in such Intercompany Note pursuant to the following endorsement with the same force and effect as if such endorsement were set forth at the end or on the reverse of such Intercompany Note:
PAY TO THE ORDER OF: | ||||||
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Dated: | ____________________ |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Allonge to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC | ||
By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
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JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION | ||
PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC | ||
By: |
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Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT D
Form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
by and among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
the other Grantors party hereto,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties and as a Second Priority Representative,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative,
and
the other Representatives from time to time party hereto.
Dated as of December 20, 2024
This MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among:
(i) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(ii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2029) Representative”), |
(iii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2030) Representative”), |
(iv) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2031) Representative”), |
(v) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Existing 2028 Notes Representative”), |
(vi) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Second Lien Notes Representative”), |
(vii) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(viii) | any Additional First Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09, |
(ix) | any Additional Second Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10, |
(x) | any Additional Third Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11, and |
(xi) | iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors (as defined below) party hereto. |
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Collateral Agent and Designated Junior Priority Representative (as such terms are defined therein), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Notes Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein) and each Additional Junior Priority Representative party thereto (as such term is defined therein), as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional First Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional First Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional First Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional First Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and First Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Facilities for purposes of the First Priority Debt Documents or the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional First Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional First Priority Representative in an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.09, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional First Priority Facility.
“Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereof required to be delivered by an Additional First Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09 in order to include Additional First Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional First Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional First Priority Representative.
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“Additional Second Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Second Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Second Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the Second Lien Notes Indenture for purposes of the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional Second Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Second Priority Representative in an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.10, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Second Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10 in order to include Additional Second Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Second Priority Representative.
“Additional Third Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Third Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Third Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Third Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral on a junior basis to the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
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“Additional Third Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under an Additional Third Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Third Priority Representative in an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.11, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit D hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Third Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11 in order to include Additional Third Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Third Priority Representative.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Authorized Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
“Bankruptcy Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, administration, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar federal, state or foreign debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, or where the registered office of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative is located, are authorized or required by law to close.
“Collateral” means all assets now or hereafter subject to a Lien created pursuant to any Collateral Document securing any First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations.
“Collateral Documents” means the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Debt Documents” means the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Designated First Priority Representative” means the Controlling Collateral Agent as defined in and determined in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
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“Designated Second Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Second Priority Representative, such Second Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Designated Third Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Third Priority Representative, such Third Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“DIP Financing” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.
“Discharge” means (i) payment in full in cash of the principal of, interest (including interest accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding at the rate set forth in the applicable Debt Documents, whether or not allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and premium (if any) on all applicable Obligations outstanding under the applicable Debt Documents, (ii) payment in full in cash of all other Obligations that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing under or in connection with the applicable Debt Documents at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid or commitments referred to in the following clause (iii) are terminated (other than any contingent obligations for which no demand or claim has been made), and (iii) termination of all other commitments of the applicable Secured Parties to extend credit under the applicable Debt Documents, in each case without giving effect to any limitations on the enforceability thereof, or the enforceability or allowance of the applicable Obligations under applicable Bankruptcy Laws or otherwise (including, without limitation, with respect to interest, fees, or expenses which accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or which would accrue but for the operation of Bankruptcy Laws); except, with respect to the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and Third Priority Obligations, to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.06 and Section 6.04.
“Disposition” means any conveyance, sale, lease, assignment, transfer, license or other disposition.
“Enforcement Action” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.
“Event of Default” shall mean “Event of Default” (or similar term) as defined under any applicable Facility.
“Existing 2028 Notes Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, issued by the Company pursuant to the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time), by and among the Company, each of the guarantors named therein, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, as trustee and collateral agent; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative.
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“Facility” means each of the First Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Facilities and the Third Priority Facilities.
“First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Facilities); provided (a) that the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and (b) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative or the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the “First Lien Credit Agreement” (and not an Additional First Priority Obligation) hereunder.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor administrative agent as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2029)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2030)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement.
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“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2031)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, Holdings, the other Grantors party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative and certain other parties thereto from time to time, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2030), and the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2031), with respect to the issuance of (1) the First Lien Notes (2029), (2) the First Lien Notes (2030), and (3) the First Lien Notes (2031), as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“First Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any First Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any First Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable First Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any First Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any First Priority Secured Party.
“First Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the First Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any First Priority Obligation from time to time or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
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“First Priority Debt Documents” means the First Priority Facilities, the First Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Facilities” means the debt facilities arising under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“First Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement or the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, in its capacity as administrative agent and the collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2030), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iv) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2031), the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (v) with respect to the Obligations under the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent and (vi) with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations or Additional First Priority Secured Parties, the Additional First Priority Representative under the applicable Additional First Priority Facility. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to “the First Priority Representative” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative, including any successor administrative agent, collateral agent and trustee as provided in the First Priority Facilities. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to the “the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other “First Priority Secured Party” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative on behalf of the First Priority Secured Parties for which it serves as a Representative.
“First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the First Priority Representatives.
“Grantors” means the Company and each Subsidiary that has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document (including any Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as contemplated by Section 8.07) to secure any Secured Obligations.
“Holdings” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means an assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any Grantor, whether or not voluntary; or any case or proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law, whether or not voluntary; or any proceeding by or against the Company or any Grantor seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking receivership, liquidation, dissolution, marshaling of assets or liabilities, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, administration, protection, relief, or composition of
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it or its debts, in each case, whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, monitor, trustee, administrator or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and assets, whether or not voluntary; or any event or action analogous to or having a substantially similar effect to any of the events or actions set forth in this definition (other than a solvent reorganization) under the law of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company or any Grantor.
“Lien” means, any lien, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, charge, assignment by way of security, security interest, preference, priority, encumbrance, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar lien, in each case of any kind and whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest, fees, expenses and other amounts accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other amounts are an allowed or allowable claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any indebtedness.
“Officer’s Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.08.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, division of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, estate, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Pledged or Controlled Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.05(a).
“Proceeding” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.12(a).
“Proceeds” means (x) the proceeds of any sale, collection, disposition or other liquidation of Shared Collateral and any payment or distribution made in respect of, or attributable to, the Shared Collateral or the value thereof, including in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any distribution of equity or debt securities or other instruments or any additional or replacement collateral provided during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and (y) any amounts received by the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, or any other Third Priority Secured Party in respect of Shared Collateral.
“Purchase Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Refinance” means, in respect of any indebtedness or other obligation, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend and restate, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other indebtedness or other obligation in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness or other obligation in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrower and/or guarantors, and including in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness or other obligation has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. “Refinancing” and “Refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning.
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“Representative” means any First Priority Representative, any Second Priority Representative and any Third Priority Representative.
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the Second Priority Representative, as trustee and collateral agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Second Lien Notes Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement and shall include any successor trustee or collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture.
“Second Lien Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Second Lien Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representative.
“Second Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Second Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Second Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Second Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Second Priority Secured Party.
“Second Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Second Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Second Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Second Priority Debt Documents” means the Second Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Second Priority Obligations.
“Second Priority Facilities” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and any Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Second Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Second Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Second Lien Indenture or the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties, the Second Lien Notes Representative, and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations or Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Second Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility.
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“Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representatives.
“Secured Obligations” means the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations.
“Secured Parties” means the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Shared Collateral” means at any time, Collateral in which any holder of First Priority Obligations (or the First Priority Representative), any holder of Second Priority Obligations (or the Second Priority Representative) and/or any holder of Third Priority Obligations (or the Third Priority Representative) hold, or are purported or deemed to hold (including pursuant to this Agreement) or are required to be granted, a Lien at such time, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien.
“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any specified Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of capital stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Unless specified otherwise, any reference to a “Subsidiary” shall be deemed to be a reference to a Subsidiary of Holdings.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the Third Existing Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, Amendment No. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement, and shall include any successor administrative agent or collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, in such capacity, and the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative..
“Third Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Third Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Third Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Third Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Third Priority Secured Party.
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“Third Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Third Lien Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Third Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Third Priority Debt Documents” means the Third Priority Facilities, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Third Priority Obligations.
“Third Priority Facilities” means the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“Third Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Third Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement or the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and shall include any successor administrative agent and collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations or Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Third Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Third Priority Representatives.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in the State of New York; provided that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, priority or remedies.
Section 1.01. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. Unless the context shall otherwise require, the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, and all references herein to Sections and Exhibits shall be deemed references to Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement. All references herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns.
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Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to any agreement or instrument will be deemed to include a reference to that agreement or instrument as assigned, amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
PRIORITIES AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO SHARED COLLATERAL AND OTHER PROPERTY
Section 2.01. Subordination.
(a) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case, on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Parties, any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
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(b) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
Section 2.02. Nature of First Priority Obligation Claims. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and the First Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the First Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the First Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Second Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Second Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations.
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Section 2.03. Nature of Second Priority Obligation Claims. Each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the Second Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the Second Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 2.04. Prohibition on Contesting Liens or Claims. (a) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any First Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, (b) each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, (c) each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, and (d) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, in each case as provided in Section 2.01) or any of the First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents or Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable.
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Section 2.05. Perfection of Liens.
(a) Except for the limited agreements of the First Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the First Priority Representatives or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the First Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each Second Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(b) Except for the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Second Priority Representatives or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
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(c) Except for the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Second Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
ARTICLE III
ENFORCEMENT
Section 3.01. Exercise of Remedies.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (i) none of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party, or Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, will (A) initiate any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against any Grantor or any Subsidiary of any Grantor, (B) assert any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available to junior secured creditors, (C) exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Shared Collateral, or any other First Priority Collateral or in the case of the Third Priority Representative or of any other Third Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Collateral, or instituting any action or proceeding with respect to such rights and remedies (including any action of foreclosure), or (D) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or other action brought with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral or any other property of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party in respect of the First Priority Obligations, the exercise of any right by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (or any agent or sub-agent on behalf thereof) in respect of the First Priority Obligations under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral, of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor, or otherwise in respect of the First Priority Collateral or the First Priority Obligations (each an “Enforcement Action”), or object to the forbearance by the First Priority Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Shared Collateral in respect of First Priority Obligations and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the
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Designated First Priority Representative on behalf of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff, recoupment and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (x) the Second Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (y) the Third Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Third Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (B) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations or the rights of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Shared Collateral, (C) to the extent not inconsistent with or prohibited by this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise their rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, to the extent provided and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 5.04, (D) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may exercise the rights and remedies provided for in Section 6.03, and may vote on a proposed plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Section 6.12), and (E) each Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, each Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may file any necessary or appropriate responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims or Liens of the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in each case in the foregoing clauses (A) through (E), to the extent such action is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement. In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the First Priority Collateral, the Designated First Priority Representative may enforce the provisions of the First Priority Debt Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of the Designated First Priority Representative to sell or otherwise dispose of Shared Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), (x) each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Second Priority Obligations and (y) each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Third Priority Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, unless and until both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred), (x) the sole right of
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the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and (y) the sole right of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Third Priority Obligations pursuant to the Third Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
(c) (i) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that neither it nor any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, will take any action that would hinder, delay or interfere with any exercise of remedies in respect of the Shared Collateral undertaken by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents, including any Disposition of the Shared Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, (ii) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives any and all rights it or any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Parties seek to enforce the Liens granted on any of the First Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Party is adverse to the interests of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties.
(d) Each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Priority Debt Document or Third Priority Debt Document, shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement or the other First Priority Debt Documents.
(e) (i) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto and (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Second Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations; provided further, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Third Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Third Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
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Section 3.02. Cooperation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, (x) unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral and (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated Second Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
Section 3.03. Actions Upon Breach.
(a) Should the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any First Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against such Second Priority Representative, other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agree that the First Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the First Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party.
(b) Should the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any Second Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against the Third Priority Representative or such other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agrees that the Second Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority
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Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the Second Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party.
ARTICLE IV
PAYMENTS
Section 4.01. Application of Proceeds. So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced, the Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, collection on, or recovery on such Shared Collateral or Proceeds of Shared Collateral (x) upon the exercise of remedies or (y) at any time after any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has commenced, shall be applied by the Designated First Priority Representative to the First Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Second Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Second Priority Representative to the Second Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Third Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Third Priority Representative to the Third Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
Section 4.02. Payments Over.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Priority
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Representative for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated First Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated Second Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
Section 4.03. Method of Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the First Priority Obligations to as provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the First Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Designated Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Second Priority Obligations as provided for in the Second Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
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(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, all payments received by the Designated Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Third Priority Obligations as provided for in the Third Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
ARTICLE V
OTHER AGREEMENTS
Section 5.01. Releases.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, in the event of a Disposition of any specified item of Shared Collateral (x) following an Event of Default, (y) in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative or (z) if not following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative, so long as such Disposition or release is permitted by the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents, the (x) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties to secure Second Priority Obligations and (y) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties to secure Third Priority Obligations, each shall terminate and be released, automatically and without any further action, concurrently with the termination and release of all Liens granted upon such Shared Collateral to secure First Priority Obligations. Upon delivery to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative of an Officer’s Certificate stating that any such termination and release of Liens securing the First Priority Obligations has become effective (or shall become effective concurrently with such termination and release of the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative, and/or the other Third Priority Secured Parties) and any necessary or proper instruments of termination or release prepared by the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative will promptly execute, deliver or acknowledge, at the Company’s or the other Grantor’s sole cost and expense and without any representation or warranty, such instruments to evidence such termination and release of the Liens. Nothing in this Section 5.01(a) will be deemed to affect (x) any agreement of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents or (y) any agreement of the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Third Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Designated First Priority Representative and any officer or agent of the Designated First Priority Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Second Priority Representative, such other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, such other Third Party Secured Party or in the Designated First Priority Representative’s own name, from time to time in the Designated First Priority Representative’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Section 5.01(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of Section 5.01(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
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(c) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consent to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of First Priority Obligations pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(c) shall be construed to prevent or impair (x) the rights of the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Second Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement or (y) the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(d) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and unless and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(d) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Priority Collateral Document or any Third Priority Collateral Document, in the event the terms of (x) a First Priority Collateral Document, (y) a Second Priority Collateral Document and/or and (y) a Third Priority Collateral Document each require any Grantor (i) to make payment in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, (ii) to deliver or afford control over any item of Shared Collateral to, or deposit any item of Shared Collateral with, (iii) to register ownership of any item of Shared Collateral in the name of or make an assignment of ownership of any Shared Collateral or the rights thereunder to, (iv) cause any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other Person acting in a similar capacity to agree to comply, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, with instructions or orders from, or to treat, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, as the entitlement holder, (v) hold any item of Shared Collateral in trust for (to the extent such item of Shared Collateral cannot be held in trust for multiple parties under applicable law), (vi) obtain the agreement of a bailee or other third party to hold any item of Shared Collateral for the benefit of or subject to the control of or, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, to follow the instructions of or (vii) obtain the agreement of a landlord with respect to access to leased premises where any item of Shared Collateral is located or waivers or subordination of rights with respect to any item of Shared Collateral in favor of, in any case, each of the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and/or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, such Grantor may, until the applicable Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, comply with such requirement under the Second Priority Collateral Document and/or Third Priority Collateral Document, as it relates to such Shared Collateral, by taking any of the actions set forth above only with respect to, or in favor of, the Designated First Priority Representative.
Section 5.02. Insurance and Condemnation Awards.
(a) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any person authorized by it) and the First Priority Secured Parties shall, as between the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, have the sole and exclusive right, subject in each case to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents, (i) to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Shared Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (ii) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Shared Collateral.
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(b) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents and to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation), if in respect of the Shared Collateral, shall be paid (i) first, prior to the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Designated First Priority Representative for the benefit of First Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) second, after the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, (iii) third, after the occurrence of both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, to the Third Priority Representative for the benefit of the Third Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents and (iv) fourth, if no Third Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or First Priority Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated First Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02. After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated Second Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02.
Section 5.03. Certain Amendments.
(a) Without limitation to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, no Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral, as applicable, would be prohibited by or inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Second Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Second Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Second Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust
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Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case (under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(c) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Third Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(d) In the event that the First Priority Representative and/or the First Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any First Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in First Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any First Priority Obligation, then
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such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of (x) each comparable Second Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Second Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor and (y) each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor, in each case unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(c), as applicable, or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case without its consent. The First Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(e) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative and/or the Second Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the Second Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Second Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in Second Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any Second Priority Obligation, then such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(c) or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Third Priority Representative without its consent. The Second Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(f) The First Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the First Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that, without the consent of each Second Priority Representative and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
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(g) The Second Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Second Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities), the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Part; provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative, and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
(h) The Third Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Third Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of (x) the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities) or (y) the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the Second Priority Facilities); provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative and each Second Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
Section 5.04. Rights as Unsecured Creditors.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors (including the ability to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Company and any other Grantor arising under either applicable Bankruptcy Laws, any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any express provision of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral.
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(b) The Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any provision of this Agreement (including any provision prohibiting or restricting the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties from taking various actions or making various objections, which actions or objections the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not pursue whether acting in such capacities or in any other capacity). Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Third Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Third Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect (x) any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral or (y) any rights or remedies the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the Second Priority Collateral.
Section 5.05. Gratuitous Bailee for Perfection.
(a) Each Representative acknowledges and agrees that if it shall at any time hold a Lien on any Shared Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Shared Collateral or of any account in which such Shared Collateral is held, and if such Shared Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of such Representative, or of agents or bailees of such Person (such Shared Collateral being referred to herein as the “Pledged or Controlled Collateral”), or if it shall at any time obtain any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights in or access to Shared Collateral, such Representative shall also hold such Pledged or Controlled Collateral, or take such actions with respect to such landlord waiver, bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, as sub-agent or gratuitous bailee for (i) in the case of a First Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the applicable First Priority Secured Parties under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, in the case of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties under the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (iii) in all cases, as bailee for the benefit of or agent on behalf of the other Representatives and other Secured Parties, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the Liens granted under the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents, respectively, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(b) In the event that the First Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the First Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for (x) the relevant Second Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents and (y) the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist.
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The rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) The First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the First Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Second Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative and the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(e) The First Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waive and release the First Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the First Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(f) Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Second Priority Representative (or, if the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations previously occurred, the Designated Third Priority Representative), to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated First Priority Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated Third Priority Representative) is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The First Priority Representative has no obligations to follow instructions from the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(g) Neither the First Priority Representative nor any of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party under the First
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Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
(h) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(i) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(j) The Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the Second Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (h) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(k) The Second Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Third Priority Collateral Documents or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives and releases the Second Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the Second Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(l) Upon both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Third Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional
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insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Third Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) has no obligations to follow instructions from the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(m) After the discharge of First Priority Obligations, neither the Second Priority Representative nor any of the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party under the Second Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
Section 5.06. When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.
(a) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any First Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of First Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of First Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of First Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such First Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a First Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such First Priority Obligations shall be the First Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new First Priority Representative), the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative each shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new First Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new First Priority Representative the rights of a First Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such First Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Second Priority Representative or any Third Priority Representative, or any of their agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new First Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
(b) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred and solely to the extent permitted by the First Priority Debt Documents, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any Second Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of
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Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of Second Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a Second Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such Second Priority Obligations shall be the Second Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Second Priority Representative), the Third Priority Representative shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new Second Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Second Priority Representative the rights of a Second Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such Second Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Third Priority Representative, or any of its agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new Second Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
Section 5.07. Purchase Right.
(a) Without prejudice to the enforcement of any of the First Priority Secured Parties’ remedies under the First Priority Debt Documents, this Agreement, at law or in equity or otherwise, the First Priority Secured Parties agree that upon the occurrence of (i) an acceleration of any of the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) a payment default under any First Priority Debt Document that has not been cured or waived by the applicable First Priority Secured Parties within 60 days of the occurrence thereof and (iii) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor (each of such events for purposes of this paragraph, a “Triggering Event”), the Designated First Priority Representative will promptly deliver a notice of the occurrence of each Triggering Event to the Second Priority Representative (provided that none of the Designated First Priority Representative nor any First Priority Secured Party shall have any liability for failure of such notice to be delivered), and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall have the option, but not the obligation, to deliver a written notice to the Designated First Priority Representative (a “Purchase Notice”) no later than the 15th Business Day after the occurrence of any Triggering Event (or, if later, the date that notice of such Triggering Event is delivered by the Designated First Priority Representative to the Second Priority Representative) that they commit to purchase from the First Priority Secured Parties the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) of outstanding First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties at the Purchase Price without warranty or representation or recourse except as provided in Section 5.07(d), on a pro rata basis from the First Priority Secured Parties. A Purchase Notice may be delivered by less than all of the Second Priority Secured Parties so long as all the purchasing Second Priority Secured Parties shall, when taken together, commit to purchase the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) as set forth above.
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(b) The “Purchase Price” will equal the sum of (1) the full amount of all First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties then-outstanding and unpaid at par (including principal, accrued but unpaid interest and fees, applicable premiums and any other unpaid amounts, including any prepayment penalties or premiums, make whole obligations, and breakage costs), (2) the cash collateral to be furnished to the First Priority Secured Parties providing letters of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in such amount (not to exceed 103% thereof) as such First Priority Secured Parties determine is reasonably necessary to secure such First Priority Secured Parties in connection with any such outstanding and undrawn letters of credit and (3) all accrued and unpaid fees, expenses and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) owed to the First Priority Secured Parties under or pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents on the date of purchase.
(c) A Purchase Notice delivered by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be irrevocable, and the Second Priority Secured Parties and the other parties shall endeavor to close promptly after delivery thereof. Such purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations shall be exercised pursuant to documentation mutually acceptable (with such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to each of the First Priority Representative and the Second Priority Representative. Each First Priority Secured Party will retain all rights to indemnification provided in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents for all claims and other amounts relating to periods prior to the purchase of the First Priority Obligations pursuant to this Section 5.07.
(d) The purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties under this Section 5.07 will be without recourse and without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Priority Secured Parties, except that the First Priority Secured Parties shall severally and not jointly represent and warrant to the Second Priority Secured Parties, on the date of such purchase, immediately before giving effect to the purchase:
(i) the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and premium on the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties, and the fees and expenses thereof owed to the respective First Priority Secured Parties, are as stated in any assignment agreement prepared in connection with the purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations; and
(ii) each First Priority Secured Party owns the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties purported to be owned by it free and clear of any Liens (other than participation interests not prohibited by the First Priority Debt Documents, in which case the Purchase Price will be appropriately adjusted so that the Second Priority Secured Parties, do not pay amounts represented by participation interests to the extent that the Second Priority Secured Parties, expressly assume the obligations under such participation interests).
ARTICLE VI
INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS
Section 6.01. Financing Issues.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that if the Designated First Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to
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(if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing (provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party from objecting to any such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing in their capacity as unsecured creditors) and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Second Priority Collateral and/or the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations and/or the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated First Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of First Priority Obligations or the First Priority Collateral made by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any First Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid First Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the First Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated First Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Designated First Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Second Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, (x) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any
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such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (y) (A) the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative are not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, except as provided in Section 6.01(b), without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, none of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may, directly or indirectly, provide DIP Financing to the Company, any Grantor or any of their Subsidiaries.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 6.01(a), nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from providing DIP Financing to the Company or any other Grantor so long as (i) (A) any liens securing such DIP Financing are junior in priority to the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations and (B) the order approving such DIP Financing (1) includes customary stipulations as to the validity, priority, perfection, enforceability and non-avoidability of the First Priority Obligations and the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations and (2) provides for adequate protection of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations that includes (I) periodic cash payments to the Designated First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, in the amount of interest (including any default interest) accruing on the First Priority Obligations; (II) payment of the reasonable fees and expenses of the First Priority Secured Parties to the extent provided under the First Priority Debt Documents; (III) customary superpriority claims for diminution in value of the First Priority Collateral, senior in right of payment to such DIP Financing and any superpriority claim provided to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (IV) customary adequate protection Liens securing such superpriority claims on all collateral that secures such DIP Financing, senior in priority to such DIP Financing and to any adequate protection liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (V) any other right granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party as adequate protection including, for the avoidance of doubt, the right to terminate the consent to the use of collateral or cash collateral upon the occurrence of agreed termination events or (ii) such DIP Financing provides for the Discharge of the First Priority Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right of the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties to object to such DIP Financing for any reason is expressly preserved.
(c) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that if the Designated Second Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to (if requested by the Designated Second Priority
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Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated Second Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of Second Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Collateral made by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any Second Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid Second Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the Second Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated Second Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Second Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (x) (A) the Third Priority Representative is not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. .
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Section 6.02. Relief from the Automatic Stay.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative.
Section 6.03. Adequate Protection.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the First Priority Representative’s or any First Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the First Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all First Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that the First Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
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(b) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Second Priority Representative’s or any Second Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the Second Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all Second Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that the Second Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Third Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04. Preference Issues.
(a) If any First Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “First Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the First Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of First Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such First Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority
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Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.
(b) If any Second Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Second Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Second Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Second Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Second Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Second Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
(c) If any Third Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Third Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Third Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Third Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Third Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Third Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
Section 6.05. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classifications.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that
(i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens,
(ii) the respective claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the First Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors,
(iii) the claims of the Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors, and
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(iv) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Priority Obligations, and the Second Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the Third Priority Obligations, and each must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan proposed, confirmed, or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
(b) To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that any claims of the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties constitute a single class of claims (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then
(i) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were three separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Second Priority Obligations or the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Designated First Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties), and
(ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were two separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Second Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Third Priority Secured Parties).
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Section 6.06. No Waivers of Rights.
(a) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by (x) any Second Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Second Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise or (y) any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
(b) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
Section 6.07. Application. This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, shall be effective and enforceable before, during and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. The relative rights as to the Shared Collateral and Proceeds shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition therefor, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor. All references herein to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor.
Section 6.08. Other Matters.
(a) To the extent that the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Representative has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, to the extent that the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
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Section 6.09. 506(c) Claims.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
Section 6.10. Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of, or in connection with, the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing), then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing) are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations (it being understood and agreed that nothing in this Section 6.10 shall entitle the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties to receive a distribution pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan).
Section 6.11. Post-Petition Interest.
(a) No Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of First Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(c) No First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Second Priority Collateral of such Second Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Second Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
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(d) No First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Third Priority Representative or any Third Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Third Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Third Priority Collateral of such Third Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Third Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 6.12. Voting.
(a) No Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement other than with the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan unless such plan (i) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all First Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of First Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation and (ii) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all Second Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of Second Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation.
ARTICLE VII
RELIANCE; ETC.
Section 7.01. Reliance. The (x) consent by the First Priority Secured Parties to the execution and delivery of the First Priority Debt Documents permitted under the First Priority Debt Documents, and (y) all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the First Priority Secured Parties to the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. The First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other First Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and
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based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the First Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the First Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Second Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Second Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Second Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Third Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Third Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement.
Section 7.02. No Warranties or Liability.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the First Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The First Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the First Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges and agrees that neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Second Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Second Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Second Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion,
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deem appropriate, and the Second Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(c) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectability of any of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) any Grantor’s title to or right to transfer any of the Shared Collateral, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereto or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Section 7.03. Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document;
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any First Priority Debt document, of the terms of any Second Priority Debt Document or of the terms of any Third Priority Debt Document;
(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Shared Collateral or any other collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee thereof;
(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or
(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, (i) the Company, Holdings or any other Grantor in respect of any Secured Obligations or (ii) the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case in respect of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01. Conflicts. Subject to Section 8.21, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the agreements in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement among the holders of ABL Obligations and Junior Priority Debt Obligations, the provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement shall govern. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the provisions of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
Section 8.02. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
Section 8.03. Amendments; Waivers.
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 8.03(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) This Agreement may be amended in writing signed by each Representative (in each case, acting in accordance with the documents governing the applicable Facility); provided that any such amendment, supplement or waiver that, by the terms of this Agreement, requires the Company’s consent or that increases the obligations or reduces the rights of, or otherwise adversely affects, Company or any Grantor shall require the consent of the Company. Any such amendment, supplement or waiver shall be in writing and shall be binding upon the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a First Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.09 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Second Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.10 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Third Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.11 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any Refinancing in full of any Facility, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to designate the credit facility that Refinances the Facility as a replacement Facility, in which case such designated credit facility shall thereafter constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable; provided that each such predecessor Facility shall continue to be bound by (and entitled to the benefits of) the provisions of this Agreement as applied to such Facilities, the related agreements and all obligations thereunder prior to the Refinancing thereof.
(g) Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement Facility (as contemplated by preceding clause (d)):
(i) The Company shall deliver to the Representatives an Officer’s Certificate stating that the applicable Grantors in the case of preceding clause (d), intend to enter or have entered into a Refinancing, in whole or in part, of the Facility, as the case may be, that such agreement shall thereafter (upon any such Refinancing in full) constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable, and certifying that the issuance or incurrence of such Refinancing is permitted by the Debt Documents. The Representatives shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the determination of the Company that such issuance and/or incurrence does not violate the provisions of Debt Documents; provided, however, that such determination will not affect whether or not each applicable Grantor has complied with its undertakings in the Debt Documents; and
(ii) in the case of the preceding clause (d), the Company shall provide written notice of the Refinancing Facility to each Representative, together with copies thereof, and identifying the new administrative agent or trustee (as applicable) and collateral agent thereunder, and providing its notice information for purposes hereof, and such administrative agent or trustee, as the case may be, and collateral agent shall each execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, and upon such execution shall be deemed First Priority Representatives, Second Priority Representatives or Third Priority Representatives, as applicable, hereunder.
Section 8.04. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that any of the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party, it shall be under no obligation to (a) make, and the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the
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other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (b) provide any additional information or provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (c) undertake any investigation or (d) disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
Section 8.05. Subrogation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
Section 8.06. Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, (x) all payments received by the First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied, to such part of the First Priority Obligations as the First Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Second Priority Obligations as the Second Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (z) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Third Priority Obligations as the Third Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and/or the Second Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.
Section 8.07. Additional Grantors. Each of the Company and Holdings agrees that, if any Subsidiary shall become a Grantor after the date hereof, it shall promptly cause such Subsidiary to become party hereto by executing and delivering an instrument in the form of Exhibit A. Upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary will become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect
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as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereunder, and will be acknowledged by each of the Representatives. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
Section 8.08. Dealings with Grantors. Upon any application or demand by the Company or any other Grantor to any Representative to take or permit any action under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document (if such action is subject to the provisions hereof), the Company or such other Grantor, as appropriate, shall furnish to such Representative a certificate of an Authorized Officer (an “Officer’s Certificate”) stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Section 8.09. Additional First Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional First Priority Obligations under an Additional First Priority Facility. Any such Additional First Priority Obligations may be secured by a first priority Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant First Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional First Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional First Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.09.
(b) In order for an Additional First Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional First Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.09 are satisfied with respect to the Additional First Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional First Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional First Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a first priority basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
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(iii) the Additional First Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional First Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional First Priority Obligations.
Section 8.10. Additional Second Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Second Priority Obligations under an Additional Second Priority Facility. Any such Additional Second Priority Obligations may be secured by a second priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Second Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Second Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.10.
(b) In order for an Additional Second Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Second Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.10 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Second Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Second Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Second Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a second priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Second Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Second Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 8.11. Additional Third Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Third Priority Obligations under an Additional Third Priority Facility. Any such Additional Third Priority Obligations may be secured by a third priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Third Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Third Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.11.
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(b) In order for an Additional Third Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Third Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.11 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Third Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative or Second Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Third Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Third Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a third priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Third Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Third Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Third Priority Obligations.
Section 8.12. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the city of New York with respect to actions brought against it as a defendant in respect of any suit, action or proceeding or arbitral award arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Collateral Documents, the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents (a “Proceeding”), and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may do so under applicable law, trial by jury and any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(b) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
(c) Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, in any proceedings anywhere (whether for an injunction, specific performance or otherwise), no immunity (to the extent that it may at any time exist, whether on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from such proceedings, from attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) of its assets or from execution of judgment shall be claimed by
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it or on its behalf or with respect to its assets, except to the extent required by applicable law, any such immunity being irrevocably waived, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, where permitted by applicable law, it and its assets are, and shall be, subject to such proceedings, attachment or execution in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 8.13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by mail, telecopy or hand delivery:
(a) | If to the Company or any other Grantor: |
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
Attn: Treasury Department
Telephone: (210) 832-3311
Fax: (210) 832-3884
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Patrick Ryan
Telephone: 212-455-3463
Email: pryan@stblaw.com
(b) If to the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte, NC 28255
Attention Priscilla Ruffin
Office: 980.386.3475 l
Fax : 704.409.0918
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Moore & Van Allen PLLC
100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Attn: Tripp Monroe
T/F: 704-331-1107
Email: trippmonroe@mvalaw.com
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(c) If to the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, First Lien Notes (2030) Representative or First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, each a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(d) If to the Second Lien Notes Representative, a Second Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(e) If to any Additional First Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.09.
(f) If to any Additional Second Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.10.
(g) If to any Additional Third Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.11.
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Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by fax or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 8.13 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 8.13. As agreed to among Company, each First Priority Representative, each Second Priority Representative, each Third Priority Representative and the applicable holders of Secured Obligations from time to time, notices and other communications may also be delivered by e-mail to the email address of a representative of the applicable Person provided from time to time by such Person.
Section 8.14. Further Assurances. Each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, agrees that it will take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the other parties hereto may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of, and the Lien priorities contemplated by, this Agreement.
Section 8.15. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
(b) EACH OF PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER SECURED DEBT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 8.16. Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the Representatives and the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein or in any Collateral Document is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement, any Collateral Document, or the Shared Collateral. All obligations of the Grantors hereunder will inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of, and be enforceable by, the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, and each present and future holder of Secured Obligations and all of their respective successors and assigns.
Section 8.17. Headings. Section, subsection and other headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 8.18. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Agreement, including in electronic .pdf format. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Agreement. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication or electronic mail), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.19. Electronic Signatures. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, including without limitation, digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to the
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First Priority Representative by any other authorized representative), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative, including the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.
Section 8.20. Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement. The First Priority Representative represents and warrants that its entry into this Agreement is authorized by the First Priority Facilities. The Second Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Third Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Third Priority Secured Parties.
Section 8.21. Third Party Beneficiaries; Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. The Lien priorities set forth in this Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder in respect of such Lien priorities shall inure solely to the benefit of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties the Third Priority Representative, the other Third Priority Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person (including the Grantors, or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert such rights; provided that the Company and each Grantor may assert the benefits of Section 5.01(d), Section 5.03(d), Section 5.06, Section 8.03, Section 8.08, Section 8.12 and Section 8.21. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligation of any Grantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the Secured Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
Section 8.22. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
Section 8.23. Representatives. It is understood and agreed that (a) each First Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the First Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the First Priority Representatives hereunder, (b) each Second Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Second Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Second Priority Representatives hereunder and (c) each Third Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Third Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Third Priority Representatives hereunder.
Section 8.24. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Section 8.25. Successors. For the avoidance of doubt, any successor administrative agent, collateral agent or trustee appointed under any series of Secured Obligations may replace the applicable Representative hereunder with respect to such series of Secured Obligations by executing a counterpart signature page hereto and delivering such signature page to each party hereto.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
Name: |
Title: |
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
Name: |
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Notes Representative, and as a Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
Bank of America, N.A., as Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and as a Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC |
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By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
iHeartCommunications, Inc. |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this “Grantor Joinder Agreement”), to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Grantors have entered into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Pursuant to certain First Priority Debt Documents, certain Second Priority Debt Documents and certain Third Priority Debt Documents, certain newly acquired or organized Subsidiaries of Holdings are required to enter into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Subsidiaries may become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Grantor Joinder Agreement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “New Grantor”) is executing this Grantor Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Grantor agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Grantor had originally been named therein as a Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Representatives and the other Secured Parties that this Grantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
A-1
SECTION 3. This Grantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Grantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 6. In case any provision contained in this Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Company as specified in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. The Company, Holdings or the New Grantor shall reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Grantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
A-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Representatives have duly executed this Grantor Joinder Agreement acknowledging the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
Acknowledged by:
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional First Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional First Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and to have such Additional First Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a first priority basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional First Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional First Priority Representative, Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional First Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional First Priority Obligations and such Additional First Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional First Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional First Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
B-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional First Priority Representative and First Priority Representative and to the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional First Priority Representative” or “First Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
Address for notices: |
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Attn: |
||
Tel: |
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Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
B-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
B-4
Schedule I to the
Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
B-5
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Second Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Second Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Second Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a second priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Second Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Second Priority Representative, Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Second Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Second Priority Obligations and such Additional Second Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Second Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Second Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
C-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Second Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative and to the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Second Priority Representative” or “Second Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
C-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
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Attn: |
||
Tel: |
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Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
C-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
C-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
C-5
EXHIBIT D
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Third Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Third Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Third Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a third priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Third Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Third Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Third Priority Representative, Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Third Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Third Priority Obligations and such Additional Third Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Third Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Third Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
D-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Third Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative and to the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Third Priority Representative” or “Third Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
||
Attn: |
||
Tel: |
||
Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
D-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
||
Title: |
D-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
D-5
Exhibit 4.5
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
as the Issuer,
the Guarantors party hereto from time to time
AND
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association,
as Trustee and as Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent
Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030
INDENTURE
Dated as of December 20, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS | ||||||
SECTION 1.1. | Definitions | 1 | ||||
SECTION 1.2. | Other Definitions | 69 | ||||
SECTION 1.3. | Trust Indenture Act | 71 | ||||
SECTION 1.4. | Rules of Construction | 71 | ||||
SECTION 1.5. | Certain Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions | 71 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
THE SECOND LIEN NOTES | ||||||
SECTION 2.1. | Form, Dating and Terms | 73 | ||||
SECTION 2.2. | Execution and Authentication | 80 | ||||
SECTION 2.3. | Registrar and Paying Agent | 81 | ||||
SECTION 2.4. | Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust | 82 | ||||
SECTION 2.5. | Holder Lists | 82 | ||||
SECTION 2.6. | Transfer and Exchange | 82 | ||||
SECTION 2.7. | Form of Certificate to be Delivered upon Termination of Restricted Period | 87 | ||||
SECTION 2.8. | [Reserved] | 88 | ||||
SECTION 2.9. | Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S | 88 | ||||
SECTION 2.10. | [Reserved] | 89 | ||||
SECTION 2.11. | Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes | 89 | ||||
SECTION 2.12. | Outstanding Notes | 90 | ||||
SECTION 2.13. | Temporary Notes | 91 | ||||
SECTION 2.14. | Cancellation | 91 | ||||
SECTION 2.15. | Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest | 92 | ||||
SECTION 2.16. | CUSIP and ISIN Numbers | 93 | ||||
SECTION 2.17. | Joint and Several Liability | 93 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
COVENANTS | ||||||
SECTION 3.1. | Payment of Notes | 93 | ||||
SECTION 3.2. | Limitation on Indebtedness | 94 | ||||
SECTION 3.3. | Limitation on Restricted Payments | 100 | ||||
SECTION 3.4. | Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Subsidiaries | 105 | ||||
SECTION 3.5. | Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock | 106 | ||||
SECTION 3.6. | Limitation on Liens | 112 | ||||
SECTION 3.7. | Future Guarantees | 113 | ||||
SECTION 3.8. | Limitation on Affiliate Transactions | 113 | ||||
SECTION 3.9. | Limitation on Junior Financing | 115 |
SECTION 3.10. | Limitation on Transfer of Material Assets | 117 | ||||
SECTION 3.11. | Change in Nature of Business | 118 | ||||
SECTION 3.12. | Financial Covenant | 118 | ||||
SECTION 3.13. | Limitation on Activities of the Parent Guarantor | 118 | ||||
SECTION 3.14. | License Subsidiaries | 119 | ||||
SECTION 3.15. | Change of Control | 120 | ||||
SECTION 3.16. | [Reserved] | 123 | ||||
SECTION 3.17. | Reports | 123 | ||||
SECTION 3.18. | Maintenance of Office or Agency | 126 | ||||
SECTION 3.19. | Compliance Certificate | 126 | ||||
SECTION 3.20. | Further Instruments and Acts | 127 | ||||
SECTION 3.21. | Statement by Officers as to Default | 127 | ||||
SECTION 3.22. | Designation of Subsidiaries | 127 | ||||
SECTION 3.23. | Payment of Taxes | 128 | ||||
SECTION 3.24. | Corporate Existence | 128 | ||||
SECTION 3.25. | Maintenance of Ratings | 128 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
SUCCESSOR COMPANY; SUCCESSOR PERSON | ||||||
SECTION 4.1. | Merger and Consolidation | 128 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
REDEMPTION OF NOTES | ||||||
SECTION 5.1. | Notices to Trustee | 130 | ||||
SECTION 5.2. | Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased | 131 | ||||
SECTION 5.3. | Notice of Redemption | 131 | ||||
SECTION 5.4. | Effect of Notice of Redemption | 133 | ||||
SECTION 5.5. | Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price | 133 | ||||
SECTION 5.6. | Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part | 133 | ||||
SECTION 5.7. | Optional Redemption | 133 | ||||
SECTION 5.8. | Mandatory Redemption | 134 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES | ||||||
SECTION 6.1. | Events of Default | 134 | ||||
SECTION 6.2. | Acceleration | 138 | ||||
SECTION 6.3. | Other Remedies | 140 | ||||
SECTION 6.4. | Waiver of Past Defaults | 140 | ||||
SECTION 6.5. | Control by Majority | 141 | ||||
SECTION 6.6. | Limitation on Suits | 141 | ||||
SECTION 6.7. | Rights of Holders to Receive Payment | 142 | ||||
SECTION 6.8. | Collection Suit by Trustee | 142 | ||||
SECTION 6.9. | Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 142 | ||||
SECTION 6.10. | Priorities | 142 | ||||
SECTION 6.11. | Undertaking for Costs | 143 |
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
TRUSTEE | ||||||
SECTION 7.1. | Duties of Trustee | 143 | ||||
SECTION 7.2. | Rights of Trustee | 144 | ||||
SECTION 7.3. | Individual Rights of Trustee | 146 | ||||
SECTION 7.4. | Trustee’s Disclaimer | 147 | ||||
SECTION 7.5. | Notice of Defaults | 147 | ||||
SECTION 7.6. | [Reserved] | 147 | ||||
SECTION 7.7. | Compensation and Indemnity | 147 | ||||
SECTION 7.8. | Replacement of Trustee | 148 | ||||
SECTION 7.9. | Successor Trustee by Merger | 149 | ||||
SECTION 7.10. | Eligibility; Disqualification | 149 | ||||
SECTION 7.11. | [Reserved] | 150 | ||||
SECTION 7.12. | Trustee’s Application for Instruction from the Issuer | 150 | ||||
SECTION 7.13. | Collateral Documents; Intercreditor Agreements | 150 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE | ||||||
SECTION 8.1. | Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance; Defeasance | 150 | ||||
SECTION 8.2. | Legal Defeasance and Discharge | 150 | ||||
SECTION 8.3. | Covenant Defeasance | 151 | ||||
SECTION 8.4. | Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance | 152 | ||||
SECTION 8.5. | Deposited Money and U | 153 | ||||
SECTION 8.6. | Repayment to the Issuer | 154 | ||||
SECTION 8.7. | Reinstatement | 154 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
AMENDMENTS | ||||||
SECTION 9.1. | Without Consent of Holders | 154 | ||||
SECTION 9.2. | With Consent of Holders | 156 | ||||
SECTION 9.3. | [Reserved] | 160 | ||||
SECTION 9.4. | Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers | 160 | ||||
SECTION 9.5. | Notation on or Exchange of Notes | 160 | ||||
SECTION 9.6. | Trustee and Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments | 161 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
GUARANTEE | ||||||
SECTION 10.1. | Guarantee | 161 | ||||
SECTION 10.2. | Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge | 163 | ||||
SECTION 10.3. | Right of Contribution | 164 | ||||
SECTION 10.4. | No Subrogation | 165 |
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||||
SECTION 11.1. | Satisfaction and Discharge | 165 | ||||
SECTION 11.2. | Application of Trust Money | 166 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | ||||||
COLLATERAL | ||||||
SECTION 12.1. | Collateral Documents | 167 | ||||
SECTION 12.2. | Release of Collateral | 168 | ||||
SECTION 12.3. | Suits to Protect the Collateral | 169 | ||||
SECTION 12.4. | Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents | 169 | ||||
SECTION 12.5. | Purchaser Protected | 169 | ||||
SECTION 12.6. | Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee | 169 | ||||
SECTION 12.7. | Release Upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations | 170 | ||||
SECTION 12.8. | Collateral Agent | 170 | ||||
SECTION 12.9. | Designations | 179 | ||||
SECTION 12.10. | No Impairment of the Security Interests | 179 | ||||
SECTION 12.11. | Insurance | 180 | ||||
SECTION 12.12. | After Acquired Property | 181 | ||||
SECTION 12.13. | Maintenance of Property | 181 | ||||
SECTION 12.14. | Further Assurances | 181 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
SECTION 13.1. | [Reserved] | 182 | ||||
SECTION 13.2. | Notices | 182 | ||||
SECTION 13.3. | [Reserved] | 183 | ||||
SECTION 13.4. | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent | 183 | ||||
SECTION 13.5. | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion | 184 | ||||
SECTION 13.6. | Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar | 184 | ||||
SECTION 13.7. | Legal Holidays | 184 | ||||
SECTION 13.8. | Governing Law | 184 | ||||
SECTION 13.9. | Jurisdiction | 184 | ||||
SECTION 13.10. | Waivers of Jury Trial | 185 | ||||
SECTION 13.11. | USA PATRIOT Act | 185 | ||||
SECTION 13.12. | No Recourse Against Others | 185 | ||||
SECTION 13.13. | Multiple Originals | 185 | ||||
SECTION 13.14. | Table of Contents; Headings | 186 | ||||
SECTION 13.15. | Force Majeure | 186 | ||||
SECTION 13.16. | Severability | 186 | ||||
SECTION 13.17. | FCC | 186 | ||||
SECTION 13.18. | Intercreditor Agreements | 186 | ||||
SECTION 13.19. | Intended Tax Treatment | 187 |
EXHIBIT B Form of Supplemental Indenture to Add Guarantors
EXHIBIT C Form of Intercompany Note
EXHIBIT D Form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Exhibit 4.5
EXHIBIT A: Form of Global Restricted Note INDENTURE dated as of December 20, 2024, among iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors party hereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee and as Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance of $675,165,443 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030, issued on the date hereof the “Initial Second Lien Notes”), issued on the date hereof, and any Additional Second Lien Notes that may be issued after the Issue Date;
WHEREAS, the Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture; and WHEREAS, all things necessary (i) to make the Second Lien Notes, when executed and duly issued by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered hereunder, the valid obligations of the Issuer, and (ii) to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer and the Guarantors have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the acquisition of the Second Lien Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. Definitions.
“2029 First Lien Notes” means the senior secured notes due 2029 to be issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date in connection with the exchange of the Existing 2026 Secured Notes pursuant to the “Comprehensive Exchange Offers” as described in the Offering Memorandum.
“2029 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2029 First Lien Notes (including additional 2029 First Lien Notes), the 2029 First Lien Note Guarantees, the First Lien Indenture, the collateral documents with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes.
“2029 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the holders of the 2029 First Lien Notes under this Indenture.
“2030 First Lien Notes” means the senior secured notes due 2030 to be issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date in connection with the exchange of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes pursuant to the “Comprehensive Exchange Offers” as described in the Offering Memorandum.
“2030 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2030 First Lien Notes (including additional 2030 First Lien Notes), the 2030 First Lien Note Guarantees, the First Lien Indenture, the collateral documents with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the holders of the 2030 First Lien Notes.
“2030 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the holders of the 2030 First Lien.
“2031 First Lien Notes” means the senior secured notes due 2031 to be issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date in connection with the exchange of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes pursuant to the “Comprehensive Exchange Offers” as described in the Offering Memorandum.
“2031 First Lien Note Documents” means the 2031 First Lien Notes (including additional 2031 First Lien Notes), the 2031 First Lien Note Guarantees, the First Lien Indenture, the collateral documents with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“2031 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent for the holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“2031 First Lien Notes Trustee” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as trustee for the holders of the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“ABL Credit Agreement” means that certain ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other borrowers and guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, the ABL administrative agent and the entities party from time to time thereto as swing line lender and L/C issuers together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time (including by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024) or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted under this Indenture and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Lien Note Document, the ABL Credit Agreement (including any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) shall (A) not constitute “first in last out” loans, (B) not have any obligor or guarantor that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor (or does not become the Issuer or a Guarantor substantially concurrently with the incurrence) or be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral and (C) be subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
2
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, among, inter alios, the collateral agent under the ABL Credit Agreement and the other agents party thereto, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
“ABL Obligations” means the “Obligations” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business (determined as if references to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA were references to such Acquired Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries), as applicable, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business.
“Additional First Lien Obligations” means all obligations of the Issuer and the other Grantors that shall have been designated as such pursuant to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Additional First Lien Obligations in excess of the amount of indebtedness permitted under the First Priority Documents to be secured on a pari passu basis with the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the First Priority Documents and any fees, interest and expenses related to such excess amount pursuant to the applicable Additional First Lien Obligations Documents shall not constitute Additional First Lien Obligations or First Priority Obligations for purposes of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
“Additional First Lien Obligations Documents” means the notes, the indentures, security documents or any other agreements or instruments under which Additional First Lien Obligations of any series are issued or incurred and all other instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing or governing Additional First Lien Obligations of such series or providing any guarantee, Lien or other right in respect thereof.
“Additional Restricted Notes” means Additional Second Lien Notes that are issued as Restricted Notes.
“Additional Second Lien Notes” means any additional Second Lien Notes (other than the Initial Second Lien Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with SECTIONS 2.1 and 2.2 hereof.
“Additional Second Lien Obligations” means all obligations of the Issuer and the other Grantors that shall have been designated as such pursuant to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, together with any refinancing thereof.
3
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall any Holder be deemed an Affiliate of the Issuer or a Guarantor solely by virtue of its capacity as a Holder of Second Lien Notes.
“All-In Cash Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the portion of the All-In Yield that is required to be paid in cash.
“All-In Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof incurred or payable by the applicable borrower generally to all lenders or holders of such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the sum of (a) the applicable margin plus any credit spread or other similar adjustment; (b) original issue discount and upfront fees; provided that (i) original issue discount and upfront fees shall be equated to interest rate assuming a 4-year life to maturity on a straight line basis (or, if less, the stated life to maturity at the time of incurrence of the applicable Indebtedness); and (ii) “All-In Yield” shall not include bona fide arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees and any similar fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness, reasonable (as determined by the Issuer) consent or amendment fees paid to consenting lenders or holders, ticking fees on undrawn commitments and any other fees not paid or payable generally to all lenders or holders of such Indebtedness and (c) the interest rate (exclusive of margin) after giving effect to any Term SOFR (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) or Base Rate (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) floor.
“Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2025 |
6.35 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2025 |
6.40 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2025 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2025 |
6.50 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2026 |
6.55 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2026 |
6.20 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 |
5.95 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 |
5.25 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 |
5.45 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 |
5.50 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 |
5.60 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2027 |
5.45 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2028 |
5.40 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2028 |
5.15 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2028 |
4.85 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2028 |
4.10 to 1.00 |
4
“Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 100.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
84.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
81.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
79.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
76.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
74.0 | % |
5
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 89.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
6
“Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
7
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Premium” means (i) if the Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs prior to December 20, 2026, the Make-Whole Amount, or (ii) if the, Applicable Premium Trigger Event occurs on or after December 20, 2026, (x) the applicable redemption price set forth in SECTION 5.7 less (y) 100.0%.
“Applicable Premium Trigger Event” means the date of the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the occurrence of a redemption date (for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of any conditions thereto) following the Issuer’s exercise of its option to redeem the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the provisions set forth in SECTION 5.7 (solely with respect to the Second Lien Notes to be redeemed on such date) or any refinancing, exchange, repayment or discharge of the Second Lien Notes, or (ii) an acceleration of the Second Lien Notes Obligations for any reason, including because of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise); provided, however, that any repurchase of the Second Lien Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth in SECTION 3.15 or pursuant to an Offer to Purchase shall not constitute an Applicable Premium Trigger Event.
“Applicable Treasury Rate” means the weekly average for each Business Day during the most recent week that has ended at least two Business Days prior to the date of the notice of redemption of the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (or, if such statistical release is not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Issuer in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to December 20, 2026 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such applicable date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
8
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
“Available Equity Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(1) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than any Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Parent Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent of the Parent Guarantor after the Issue Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Issuer; plus
(2) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital (other than from a Subsidiary) of the Issuer received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Issue Date, in each case, not previously applied for a purpose other than use in the Available Equity Amount; minus
(3) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make Investments pursuant to clause (14)(III) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” after the Issue Date and prior to such time; minus
(4) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of any Junior Financing pursuant to clause (10)(ii) of SECTION 3.9(a) after the Issue Date and prior to such time; minus
(5) the cumulative amount of Investments and Restricted Payments made to the Parent Guarantor or any indirect parent thereof by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and contributed to the Issuer for the purpose of increasing the Available Equity Amount.
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“Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) $100,000,000; minus
(b) any amount of the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount used to make Investments pursuant to clauses (3) and (26) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” after the Issue Date and prior to such time;
provided that the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount may be replenished up to an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (but in no event in excess of $100,000,000) by 100% of the aggregate amount actually received by the Issuer or any Guarantor in cash and Cash Equivalents (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment) from:
(i) the sale (other than to the Issuer or any Subsidiary or any of their respective Affiliates) of the Equity Interests of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(ii) any dividend or other distribution received in respect of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(iii) any interest, returns of principal payments and similar payments received in respect of any Person that is not a Guarantor (including any minority investments or joint venture).
“Available Restricted Payments Amount” means, at any time, (a) the amount of Restricted Payments that may be made at the time of determination pursuant to clause (8) of SECTION 3.3(b), minus (b) the amount of the Available Restricted Payments Amount utilized by the Issuer or any Subsidiary to make Investments pursuant to clause (14)(II) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”
“Broadcast Licenses” means the main station licenses issued by the FCC or any foreign Governmental Authority and held by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries for the Broadcast Stations operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Broadcast Stations” means each full-service AM or FM radio broadcast station or full-service television broadcast station now or hereafter owned and operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, New York, New York, United States.
“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities and including in all events all amounts expended or capitalized under Capitalized Leases) by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as capital expenditures on the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries.
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“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries either existing on the Issue Date or created prior to any recharacterization described below (i) that were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor as capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Indenture (including, without limitation, the calculation of Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA) not be treated as capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that unless otherwise elected by the Issuer, for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of January 1, 2015, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may have occurred thereafter. For the avoidance of doubt, solely making an election (without any other action) referred to in this definition will not be treated as an incurrence of Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Software Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary:
(1) Dollars;
(2) such local currencies held by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business (including without limitation Sterling, euro, AUD or any national currency of any participating member state of the Economic and Monetary Union);
(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
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(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4), (7) and (8) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(6) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;
(7) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(11) securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(12) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and
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(13) investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (12) above.
In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (a) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10), (11), (12) and (13) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (b) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (13) and in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts. For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes under this Indenture regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
“Cash Management Services” means any of the following to the extent not constituting a line of credit (other than an overnight draft facility that is not in default): automated clearing house transactions, treasury, depository, credit or debit card, purchasing card, stored value card, electronic fund transfer, treasury services and/or cash management services, including controlled disbursement services, overdraft facilities, foreign exchange facilities, deposit and other accounts and merchant services or other cash management arrangements in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice.
“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
“Change of Control” means:
(1) the Parent Guarantor becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) any “person” or “group” of related persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), other than a Parent Entity, being or becoming the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor; provided that so long as the Parent Guarantor is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity);
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(2) the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition in one or a series of related transactions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to a Person (other than the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) and any “person” (as defined in clause (1) above), other than any Parent Entity, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as so defined) of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the transferee Person in such sale or transfer of assets, as the case may be; provided that so long as the Parent Guarantor is a Subsidiary of any Parent Entity, no Person shall be deemed to be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent Guarantor unless such Person shall be or become a beneficial owner of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent Entity (other than a Parent Entity that is a Subsidiary of another Parent Entity);
(3) Parent Guarantor shall cease to own directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Issuer; or
(4) a “change of control” (or similar event) shall occur under the ABL Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes Indenture, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, any other Junior Financing documentation or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, as applicable, in respect of any of the foregoing in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Voting Stock subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of the Voting Stock in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement and (ii) the right to acquire Voting Stock (so long as such Person does not have the right to direct the voting of the Voting Stock subject to such right) or any veto power in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Voting Stock will not cause a party to be a beneficial owner.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means (i) the “Collateral” as defined in the Second Priority Security Agreement, (ii) all the “Collateral” or “Pledged Assets” or similar term as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to any Collateral Document.
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“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, any security agreement (including the Second Priority Security Agreement), hypothecs, intellectual property security agreements, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreement supplements, pledge agreements, bonds or any similar agreements, guarantees and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien or guarantee in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Second Lien Notes.
“Collateral Requirement” means:
(1) the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Issue Date or from time to time pursuant to this Indenture, duly executed by each Person party thereto;
(2) the Second Lien Notes Obligations shall have been secured by a second-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Issuer and each Guarantor, and (ii) all Equity Interests of each other Subsidiary (other than any Equity Interests that constitute Excluded Assets), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(3) the Second Lien Notes Obligations shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in, and Mortgages on, in the case of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each Guarantor, substantially all now owned or, in the case of real property, fee owned, or at any time hereafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of each such Grantor thereof (including Equity Interests, intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States of America, other general intangibles, Material Real Property and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and (ii) in the case of each other Guarantor, a pledge of (x) the applicable Equity Interests referred to in clause (2) above and (y) each intercompany promissory note or similar debt instrument representing intercompany Indebtedness owed from a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor to the Issuer or applicable Guarantor, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in Second Lien Indenture and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction), in each case with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
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(4) subject to limitations and exceptions of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, to the extent a security interest in and Mortgages on any Material Real Property are required pursuant to clause (3) above or under this Indenture (each, a “Mortgaged Property”), the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, together with evidence such Mortgage has been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each party thereto, in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable, in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien (subject only to Liens described in clause (ii) below) on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Note Secured Parties, and evidence that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable (it being understood that if a mortgage tax will be owed on the entire amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, then the amount secured by the Mortgage shall, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, be limited to 100% of the fair market value of the property (as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable) at the time the Mortgage is entered into if such limitation results in such mortgage tax being calculated based upon such fair market value), (ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s policies of title insurance (or marked-up title insurance commitments having the effect of policies of title insurance) on the Mortgaged Property naming the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent as the insured for its benefit and that of the Second Lien Note Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (the “Mortgage Policies”) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company in form and substance and in an amount consistent with the amount provided with respect to the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement (not to exceed 100% of the fair market value of the real properties covered thereby), insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting second priority Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to SECTION 3.6 and other Liens permitted in accordance with the New Credit Agreement or acceptable to the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, each of which shall (A) to the extent reasonably necessary, include such coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements (with provisions for direct access, if reasonably necessary) as shall be consistent with the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement, (B) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement, if available under applicable law (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount), and (C) have been supplemented by such endorsements consistent with the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement (including endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, doing business, non-imputation, public road access, variable rate, environmental lien, subdivision, mortgage recording tax, separate tax lot, revolving credit and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions, to the extent such endorsements are available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates), (iii) opinions of local counsel to the Issuer and each Guarantor, as applicable, in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings, consistent with those delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement and (iv) no later than three Business Days prior to the date on which a Mortgage is executed and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, a completed “life of the loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property on which any “building” (as defined in the Flood Insurance Laws) is located, duly executed and acknowledged by Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the Guarantors, as appropriate, together with evidence of flood insurance as and to the extent required under this Indenture; (5) (i) with respect to all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts that are held by the Issuer and each other Guarantor that are not Excluded Accounts and that are in existence on the Issue Date, within the time periods set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by the Issuer and each other Guarantor which is not an Excluded Account that is established after the Issue Date and, within 180 days of such Deposit Account or Securities Account being established, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received a Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement, as applicable, for such Deposit Account or Securities Account; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is in effect, the obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor under this clause (5) shall be deemed to be satisfied by having appointed the ABL Administrative Agent (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) as agent for the purpose of perfecting the security interests granted under the Collateral Documents with respect to all ABL Controlled Accounts (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or by adding the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent as a secured party to any existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement and (b) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is no longer in effect (and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent was not previously added as a secured party to each applicable existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement), the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each other Guarantor shall, within 180 days of such date, deliver to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or its counsel) Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and each other Guarantor which is not an Excluded Account; and
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(6) except as otherwise contemplated by this Indenture or any Collateral Document, all documents and instruments, including UCC financing statements, and filings with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and all other actions consistent with those delivered or taken pursuant to the New Credit Agreement (including those required by applicable Laws) to be delivered, filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Documents, shall have been delivered, filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Collateral Document.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in addition to other exceptions and limitations described in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to this Indenture shall be subject to exceptions and limitations, including that:
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(1) (i) except as expressly provided in clause (5) of this definition, the Collateral Requirement under this Indenture shall not require control agreements with respect to any cash, deposit accounts or securities accounts or any other assets requiring perfection through control agreements and (ii) other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S., or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements, or share charge (or mortgage) agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction, other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., a security agreement, pledge agreement or share charge governed by the laws of such jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is organized);
(2) the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in, and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets (including extensions beyond the Issue Date) or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition consistent with extensions granted in respect of the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement;
(3) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Indenture and the Collateral Documents;
(4) general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, capital maintenance rules, fraudulent preference, “thin capitalisation” rules, retention of title claims and similar principles may limit the ability of a Foreign Subsidiary to provide a Guarantee or Collateral or may require that the Guarantee or Collateral be limited by an amount or otherwise, in each case as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement; and
(5) the security interests in the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes (other than as set forth in the following proviso) will be required to be in place promptly following the Issue Date, but in any event no later than the deadline set forth in the New Credit Agreement (as it may be extended pursuant to the procedures set forth in the New Credit Agreement); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to the perfection of the security interests in assets with respect to which a Lien may be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement, which UCC financing statement will be required to be filed as of the Issue Date.
It is understood and agreed that prior to the discharge of the Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), to the extent that the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent is satisfied with or agrees to any deliveries or documents required to be provided in respect of any administrative matters relating to the Collateral or make any determination in respect of any administrative matters relating to the Collateral (including, without limitation, extensions of time or waivers for the creation and perfection of security interests in, or the obtaining of legal opinions or other deliverables, if applicable, with respect to, particular assets (including in connection with assets acquired, or Subsidiaries formed or acquired, after the Issue Date)), the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be satisfied with such deliveries and/or documents and the judgment of the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent in respect of any such matters shall be deemed to be the judgment of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in respect of such matters under this Indenture and the Collateral Documents.
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“Communications Laws” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the FCC’s rules, regulations, published orders and published and promulgated policy statements, all as may be amended from time to time.
“Comprehensive Transactions” means the transactions described in the Offering Memorandum under “Summary—Transaction Overview—Comprehensive Transactions.”
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period:
(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case (other than with respect to clauses (h), (j) and (n)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations), and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to clauses (1) through (15) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; plus
(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in clauses (1)(i) through (viii) of the definition thereof); plus
(c) the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; plus
(d) the amount of any actual and identifiable restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), costs and expenses for tax restructurings, start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, severance costs, costs relating to initiatives aimed at profitability improvement, costs or reserves associated with improvements to information technology and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus
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(e) any other non-cash charges, including any non-cash write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) Parent Guarantor may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent Parent Guarantor elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus
(f) the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary; plus
(g) the amount of any fees, compensation and indemnities and expenses paid to the members of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of the Issuer or any of its Parent Entities; plus
(h) the amount of pro forma “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies related to mergers and other business combinations, acquisitions, investments, dispositions, divestitures, restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives generated from actions that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in each case, including prior to the Issue Date) or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor) within 12 months after a merger or other business combination, acquisition, investment, disposition or divestiture is consummated or generated by actions (including restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives) that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor), in each case, calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period, as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of the Parent Guarantor and (B) no cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be added pursuant to this clause (h) to the extent duplicative of any synergies, expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period or any period and including amounts in compliance with Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act; plus
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(i) any costs or expense incurred by the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary or a Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor to the extent paid by the Parent Guarantor pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Parent Guarantor or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Parent Guarantor (other than Disqualified Equity Interests); plus
(j) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus
(k) any net losses, charges, expenses, costs or other payments (including all fees, expenses or charges related thereto) (i) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, (ii) in respect of facilities no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries, abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued operations and any losses on disposal of abandoned, closed or discontinued operations and (iii) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor; plus
(l) 100% of the increase in Deferred Revenue as of the end of such period from Deferred Revenue as of the beginning of such period (or minus 100% of any such decrease); plus
(m) amortization of development advance payments which were made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or customers; plus
(n) the amount of net cost savings and net cash flow effect of revenue enhancements related to New Contracts projected by the Parent Guarantor in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or to be taken prior to or during such period (which cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be subject only to certification by management of the Parent Guarantor and shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings or revenue enhancements had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings or revenue enhancements are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such actions have been taken or are to be taken within 12 months after the date of determination to take such action and (C) no cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be added pursuant to this clause (n) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating to such cost savings or revenue enhancements that are included in clause (d) above with respect to such period; provided that the aggregate amount of add backs made relating to New Contracts in respect of which no revenues have been received during such period pursuant to this clause (n) shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (without giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (n));
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provided, further, that the aggregate amount of add backs made pursuant to clauses (d) and (h) (excluding any add backs made pursuant to clause (d) in connection with restructuring charges arising prior to the Issue Date) shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (calculated before giving effect to any adjustments);
(2) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus
(b) any net income from disposed, abandoned, closed or discontinued operations or attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor; plus
(c) any net income attributable to “barter and trade income” and/or “barter revenue” in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services, calculated in a manner consistent with iHeartMedia, Inc.’s past practice prior to the Issue Date.
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” and the calculation of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, but without limiting the adjustments included in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in an Officer’s Certificate.
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There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a “Sold Entity or Business”), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer, disposition).
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means for any period:
(1) the sum, without duplication, of consolidated interest expense of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness and (f) cash interest expense of Indebtedness for which the proceeds are held in Escrow (except, excluding the interest expense in respect thereof that is covered by such proceeds held in Escrow), and excluding (i) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any acquisition, (iii) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (iv) any “additional interest” or “liquidated damages” with respect to the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes, the First Lien Notes or the Second Lien Notes or other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (vi) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Transactions or any acquisitions after the Issue Date including annual agency fees paid pursuant to administrative agents and collateral agents under the New Credit Agreement or other Credit Facilities, and (vii) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty; plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(3) interest income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
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“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication:
(1) any (x) after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for facilities, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans and (y) restructuring costs and costs and expenses for tax restructurings, in each case, shall be excluded; provided that amounts excluded pursuant to this clause (1) shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Income for any such period;
(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;
(3) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, shall be excluded;
(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, bulk subscriber contract sales) or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded;
(5) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of Parent Guarantor or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;
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(6) the net income for such period of any Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions pursuant to this Indenture), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;
(7) [Reserved];
(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
(10) any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (“equity incentives”), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans, roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Parent Entities shall be excluded;
(11) any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, Investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes and other securities, the incurrence of loans under the New Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement and the syndication and incurrence of any Credit Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes, the New Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, other securities and any Credit Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction-related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), shall be excluded;
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(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions (or within twenty-four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies shall be excluded; provided that amounts paid in respect of such accruals and reserves shall be deducted from Consolidated Net Income when paid in cash;
(13) any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Parent Guarantor has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), shall be excluded;
(14) any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, shall be excluded;
(15) the following items shall be excluded:
(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging,
(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items,
(c) any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation,
(d) effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, and
(e) earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments,
(16) [Reserved]; and
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(17) if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any Parent Entity of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with clause (9)(c) of SECTION 3.3(b) shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Indenture to the extent such expenses and charges reduced Consolidated Net Income.
“Consolidated Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of (i) Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money plus (ii) Disqualified Equity Interests, purchase money indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes, bonds, debentures, loan agreements or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) [Reserved] and (iii) incurred in advance of, and the proceeds of which are to be applied in connection with, the consummation of a transaction solely to the extent and for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the relevant Person (it being understood that in any event, any such proceeds subject to such Escrow shall be deemed to constitute “restricted cash” for purposes of cash netting) (provided that such Escrow is secured only by proceeds of such Indebtedness and the proceeds thereof shall be promptly applied to satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness if the definitive agreement for such transaction is terminated prior to the consummation thereof); it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (x) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (y) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
“Consolidated Working Capital” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, Current Assets at such date of determination minus Current Liabilities at such date of determination; provided that increases or decreases in Consolidated Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Current Assets or Current Liabilities as a result of any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent.
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For purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, any changes to Consolidated Working Capital due to non-cash adjustments of Current Assets and/or Current Liabilities shall be ignored.
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Credit Facility” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, indentures or other arrangements, commercial paper facilities and overdraft facilities) with banks, other financial institutions or investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such institutions or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such institutions against such receivables), letters of credit or other Indebtedness, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, refinanced, repaid, increased or extended in whole or in part from time to time (and whether in whole or in part and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other banks or institutions and whether provided under the New Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements, indentures, financing agreements or otherwise) and in each case including all agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with the foregoing (including any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any Guarantee and collateral agreement, patent and trademark security agreement, mortgages or letter of credit applications and other Guarantees, pledges, agreements, security agreements and collateral documents). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Credit Facility” shall include any agreement or instrument (1) changing the maturity of any Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby, (2) adding Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder, (3) increasing the amount of Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or available to be borrowed thereunder or (4) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof.
“Current Assets” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) of the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, assets held for sale or of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) to third parties, pension assets, deferred bank fees and derivative financial instruments.
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“Current Liabilities” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities of the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) accruals of Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding Consolidated Interest Expense that is past due and unpaid), (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals for liabilities of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) from third parties, pension liabilities, and derivative financial instruments, and (e) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally, including in case of the Issuer (a) a winding-up, administration or dissolution including, without limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency, voluntary or involuntary liquidation, composition with creditors , moratorium or reprieve from payment, general settlement with creditors, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and/or (b) a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar officer being appointed.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Deferred Revenue” means the amount of long or short term deferred revenue of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Deposit Account” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Deposit Account, as delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement.
“Derivative Instrument” with respect to a Person, means any contract, instrument or other right to receive payment or delivery of cash or other assets to which such Person or any Affiliate of such Person that is acting in concert with such Person in connection with such Person’s investment in the Second Lien Notes (other than a Screened Affiliate) is a party (whether or not requiring further performance by such Person), the value and/or cash flows of which (or any material portion thereof) are materially affected by the value and/or performance of the Second Lien Notes and/or the creditworthiness of the Issuer and/or any one or more of the Guarantors (the “Performance References”).
“Designated First Priority Representative” has the meaning set forth in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
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“Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business (determined as if references to the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA (and in the component definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries) as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that (x) “Disposition” and “Dispose” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by the Parent Guarantor of any of its Equity Interests to another Person and (y) no transaction or series of related transactions shall be considered a “Disposition” for purposes of SECTION 3.5 unless the Net Available Cash resulting from such transaction or series of transactions shall exceed $2,500,000.
The following shall not be deemed to be “Dispositions”:
(1) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of immaterial property in the ordinary course of business that is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;
(2) Dispositions of inventory or goods (or other assets, including furniture and equipment) held for sale, intellectual property licensed to customers and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business), in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(3) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(4) Dispositions of property to the Issuer or any Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is the Issuer or a Guarantor, (i) the transferee thereof must be to the Issuer or another Guarantor or (ii) such transaction shall be deemed to be an Investment in a Non-Guarantor and must otherwise be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;
(5) to the extent constituting Dispositions, any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under SECTION 3.3 and the making of any Permitted Payment or Permitted Investment (other than Permitted Investments made pursuant to clause (5) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”), and transactions permitted under SECTION 3.6 and SECTION 4.1 (other than pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 4.1(a))
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or a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control (provided that the Equity Interests issued in respect of any such Restricted Payment shall otherwise be exempted as a Disposition under this definition or comply with SECTION 3.5);
(6) Dispositions of Identified Assets (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) not for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction;
(7) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;
(8) leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;
(9) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;
(10) [Reserved];
(11) [Reserved];
(12) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with any committed receivables, factoring, securitization or similar financing);
(13) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Issue Date shall not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate;
(14) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Issuer;
(15) [Reserved];
(16) the unwinding of any Swap Contract pursuant to its terms;
(17) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(18) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(19) Dispositions of assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate fair market value of less than or equal to $5,000,000 for a single Disposition or series of related Dispositions; provided that, in no event shall Dispositions pursuant to this clause (19) exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year; provided
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that any Disposition of any property pursuant to SECTION 3.5 and this definition of “Disposition” (except pursuant to clauses (5), (9), (16), (18) and (19) and except for Dispositions from the Issuer or a Guarantor to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted under this definition of “Disposition” or pursuant to the provisions set forth under SECTION 3.5 to any Person other than a Guarantor, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Collateral Documents (and such Liens shall be automatically released).
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.5, (A) Dispositions need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Dispositions exempted pursuant to the preceding paragraph but are exempted in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that Dispositions (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Dispositions exempted pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Dispositions (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with the exemptions in the preceding paragraph.
“Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior offer to repurchase the applicable amount of the Second Lien Notes), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior offer to repurchase the applicable amount of the Second Lien Notes), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes at the time of issuance of such Equity Interests; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of the Parent Guarantor (or any Parent Entity thereof), the Issuer or the Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
“Dollar” and “$” mean the lawful money of the United States.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor securities clearing agency.
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“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
“Escrow” means an escrow, trust, collateral or similar account or arrangement holding proceeds of Indebtedness solely for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party.
“euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Excluded Account” means (i) any deposit account, securities account, commodities account or other account of the Issuer and each Guarantor (and all cash, Cash Equivalents and other securities or investments held therein) exclusively used for all or any of the following purposes: payroll, employee benefits or customs, (ii) accounts used exclusively for the purposes of compliance with legal requirements, to the extent such legal requirements prohibit the granting of a Lien thereon, (iii) cash accounts of the Issuer and each Guarantor, the deposits in which shall not at any time aggregate to more than $20,000,000 (or such greater amount to which the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may agree) for all such cash accounts, (iv) accounts the balance of which is swept at the end of each Business Day into a Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, so long as such daily sweep is not terminated or modified (other than to provide that the balance in such Deposit Account is swept into another Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement) without the consent of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, (v) (x) prior to the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts and (y) upon and after the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, (vi) accounts into which governmental receivables are deposited, (vii) fiduciary or trust accounts, (viii) any deposit accounts designated by the Issuer by written notice to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and containing solely of the proceeds of the Fixed Asset Collateral (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), (ix) escrow accounts permitted under this Indenture (including in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to any Investment or other acquisition of assets or disposition) and (x) in the case of clauses (i) through (ix), the funds or other property held in or maintained in any such account.
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“Excluded Assets” means:
(1) other than in the case of any Electing Guarantors, any property or assets owned by any Excluded Subsidiary,
(2) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the UCC or other applicable Law, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the UCC or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition,
(3) any interest in fee-owned real property other than Material Real Properties,
(4) Excluded Contracts, Excluded Equipment and any interest in leased real property (it being understood that no action shall be required with respect to creation or perfection of security interests with respect to leases, including any requirement to obtain or deliver landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters),
(5) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title except to the extent perfection of a security interest therein may be accomplished by filing of financing statements in appropriate form in the applicable jurisdiction under the UCC,
(6) (A) Margin Stock if any such pledge thereof violates applicable Law and (B) Equity Interests of any Person other than (x) wholly-owned Subsidiaries and (y) other Subsidiaries of the Issuer except, in the case of this clause (B)(y), to the extent and for so long as (I) the pledge thereof in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is not permitted by the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents and after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions set forth in the UCC or any other applicable Law, (II) the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party; provided that this clause (II) shall not apply if (x) such other party is an Affiliate of the Issuer or (y) consent has been obtained to consummate such pledge (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to obligate the Issuer or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent), or (III) a pledge thereof would give any other party (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) to any contract, agreement, instrument, or indenture governing such Equity Interests the right to terminate its obligations thereunder,
(7) any trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of any Grantor’s “intent to use” such mark and for which a form evidencing use of the mark has not yet been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent that granting a security interest in such trademark application prior to such filing would impair the enforceability or validity of such trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law,
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(8) the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Parent Guarantor and any Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor, as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement,
(9) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent a security in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the UCC and other applicable Law,
(10) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable Law whether on the Issue Date or thereafter (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority) after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the UCC and other applicable Law,
(11) all commercial tort claims in an amount less than $2,500,000 in the aggregate,
(12) letter of credit rights in an amount less than $2,500,000, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a UCC financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a UCC financing statement),
(13) any particular assets if, as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Holders under this Indenture,
(14) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or FSHCO if current tax Law relating to pledges of stock of such Subsidiaries is similar to the law as in effect prior to the finalization of Treasury Regulations Section 1.956-1 pursuant to TD 9859, 84 Fed. Reg. 23716 (May 23, 2019), as reasonably determined by the Issuer in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement,
(15) any segregated funds held in escrow for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party (including such funds in Escrow),
(16) any FCC Authorizations to the extent (but only to the extent) that at such time the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein pursuant to applicable Communications Laws, but the Collateral shall include, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all rights incident or appurtenant to the FCC Authorizations (except to the extent requiring approval of the FCC, unless such approval has first been secured consistent with the applicable provisions of this Indenture), the economic value of the FCC Authorizations, and the right to receive all proceeds derived from or in connection with the direct or indirect sale, assignment or transfer of the FCC Authorizations, (18) any assets not pledged to secure the First Priority Obligations, and
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(17) [Reserved],
(19) proceeds from any and all of the foregoing assets described in clauses (1) through (18) above to the extent such proceeds would otherwise be excluded pursuant to clauses (1) through (18) above, provided, however, that until the discharge of the Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), no property or assets shall constitute “Excluded Assets” under clauses (8) or (13) to the extent such property or assets secures any Obligations (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).
“Excluded Contract” means, at any date, any rights or interest of the Issuer or any Guarantor under any agreement, contract, license, instrument, document or other general intangible (referred to solely for purposes of this definition as a “Contract”) to the extent that such Contract by the terms of a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Issuer or any Guarantor or other Affiliate thereof, or any requirement of law, then prohibits, or requires any consent, unless it is first secured, or establishes any other condition, unless it is first secured, for or would terminate because of an assignment thereof or a grant of a security interest therein by the Issuer or a Guarantor; provided that (i) rights under any such Contract otherwise constituting an Excluded Contract by virtue of this definition shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted thereby or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the UCC and (ii) all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral.
“Excluded Equipment” means, at any date, any equipment or other similar assets of the Issuer or any Guarantor which is subject to, or secured by, a Capitalized Lease Obligation or a purchase money obligation if and to the extent that (i) a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or any Affiliate thereof contained in the agreements or documents granting or governing such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other conditions for or would result in the termination of such agreement or document because of an assignment thereof, or a grant of a security interest therein, by the Issuer or any Guarantor and (ii) such restriction relates only to the asset or assets acquired by the Issuer or any Guarantor with the proceeds of such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation and attachments thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Issuer or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations secured by such assets.
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“Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not, directly or indirectly, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, in each case, solely to the extent that such non-wholly owned Subsidiary (i) is a bona fide joint venture that is created or formed for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and (ii) the counterparty to such joint venture is not an Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor, (b) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer that does not have total assets in excess of 2.5% of Total Assets or 2.5% of revenues of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries in each case, individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b) (such Subsidiary, an “Immaterial Subsidiary”), (c) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations (other than any Contractual Obligation in favor of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) existing on the Issue Date (or, in the case of any newly acquired Subsidiary, in existence at the time of acquisition but not entered into in contemplation thereof) from guaranteeing the Second Lien Notes Obligations or if guaranteeing the Second Lien Notes Obligations would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained), (d) any other Subsidiary with respect to which the burden or cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Holders therefrom as determined in accordance with the New Credit Agreement or as agreed by the Administrative Agent (as defined in the New Credit Agreement), (e) [Reserved], (f) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (g) [Reserved], (h) (A) any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (B) any FSHCO and (C) any Subsidiary of an entity described in (A) or (B), (i) [Reserved], (j) [Reserved], (k) any captive insurance subsidiaries, and (l) [Reserved]; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, “Excluded Subsidiary” shall not include (i) the Issuer, (ii) any Electing Guarantor for so long as such Electing Guarantor constitutes an Electing Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, and (iii) any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that constitutes a guarantor under (x) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing.
“Existing 2026 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 issued on the May 2019 Issue Date under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing 2027 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 issued on August 7, 2019 under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
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“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the Issuer’s 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued on November 22, 2019 under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee and as collateral agent with respect to such series of notes, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as in effect as of the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transactions, together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), and as such document may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Existing Credit Agreement Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Obligations” in the Existing Credit Agreement, together with any refinancing thereof.
“Existing Notes” means the Existing Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes.
“Existing Secured Notes” means the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, the Existing 2027 Secured Notes and the Existing 2028 Secured Notes.
“Existing Secured Notes Obligations” means with respect to each series of Existing Secured Notes, all Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Existing Secured Notes of such series and the indenture, guarantees and collateral documents, if any, relating to such series of Existing Secured Notes.
“Existing Term Loans” means the “Term Loans” under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Unsecured Notes” means the Issuer’s 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 issued on the May 2019 Issue Date under an indenture, by and among the Issuer, the Parent Guarantor, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission of the United States or any Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions of such commission in whole or in part.
“FCC Authorizations” means all Broadcast Licenses and other licenses, permits and other authorizations issued by the FCC and held by Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of the Subsidiaries.
“First Lien Indenture” means the indenture dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent under which the First Lien Notes will be issued.
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“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement dated as of the May 2019 Issue Date and supplemented as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the other grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other collateral agents party thereto, as may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of the First Lien Indenture and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“First Lien Note Documents” means the 2029 First Lien Note Documents, the 2030 First Lien Note Documents and the 2031 First Lien Note Documents.
“First Lien Note Secured Parties” means, with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, the First Lien Trustee, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the holders of the First Lien Notes of such series.
“First Lien Notes” means the 2029 First Lien Notes, the 2030 First Lien Notes and the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the 2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, the 2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and/or the 2031 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent. For the avoidance of doubt, “First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” as used in this Indenture shall refer to a First Lien Notes Collateral Agent solely in respect of, and acting on behalf of the holders of, the series of First Lien Notes that it represents, and not any other series of First Lien Notes.
“First Lien Notes Obligations” means with respect to each series of First Lien Notes, all Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the First Lien Notes of such series, the First Lien Indenture, the First Lien Note Guarantees of the First Lien Notes of such series and the Collateral Documents.
“First Lien Trustee” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the 2029 First Lien Notes Trustee, the 2030 First Lien Notes Trustee and/or the 2031 First Lien Notes Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, “First Lien Trustee” as used in this Indenture shall refer to a First Lien Trustee solely in respect of, and acting on behalf of the holders of, the series of First Lien Notes that it represents, and not any other series of First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Credit Documents” means the New Credit Agreement and each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any other First Priority Obligation under Credit Facilities and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any First Priority Obligation under the Credit Facilities (including any intercreditor or joinder agreement among holders of First Priority Obligations but excluding documents governing the First Lien Notes), to the extent such are effective at the relevant time, as each may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, refunded, replaced, refinanced, supplemented, modified or otherwise changed from time to time.
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“First Priority Documents” means the First Priority Credit Documents, the First Lien Note Documents and all other documents governing First Priority Obligations, pursuant to which liens have been granted to secure First Priority Obligations and all other documents, instruments and agreements executed pursuant to any of the foregoing.
“First Priority Liens” means all Liens that secure the First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Obligations” means (a) all New Credit Agreement Obligations, (b) all First Lien Notes Obligations, (c) all the Existing Secured Notes Obligations (to the extent the Liens on the Collateral securing such series of Existing Secured Notes are not released), (d) all Existing Credit Agreement Obligations and (e) all the Additional First Lien Obligations.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2029 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time with respect to the 2029 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2030 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time with respect to the 2030 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement (2031 First Lien Notes)” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time with respect to the 2031 First Lien Notes.
“First Priority Security Agreement” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Priority Security Agreement (2029 First Lien Notes), the First Priority Security Agreement (2030 First Lien Notes), and/or the First Priority Security Agreement (2031 First Lien Notes).
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person on any determination date, the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending immediately prior to such determination date for which internal consolidated financial statements are available to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such four consecutive fiscal quarter period.
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“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;
(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock during such period; and
(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests during such period.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not a U.S. Subsidiary.
“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity or equity and debt that is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes of (i) a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or (ii) a Person described in this sentence.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided, that (i) if the Issuer elects to amend any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Issue Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision, regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith and (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries at “fair value,” as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Grantors” means the Issuer and the Guarantors.
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication:
(1) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect:
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(a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
(b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services, for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
(c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation;
(d) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); or
(e) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien);
provided, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Issue Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Indenture (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Guarantors” means, collectively, (i) the Parent Guarantor, (ii) the direct and indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor (other than any Excluded Subsidiary), (iii) any Electing Guarantor, and (iv) any other Subsidiary that Guarantees the Second Lien Notes after the Issue Date, until, in each case, such Second Lien Note Guarantee is released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“Holder” means each Person in whose name the Second Lien Notes are registered on the Registrar’s books, which shall initially be the respective nominee of DTC.
“Incur” means issue, create, assume, enter into any Guarantee of, incur, extend or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Equity Interests of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary and the terms “Incurred” and “Incurrence” have meanings correlative to the foregoing and any Indebtedness pursuant to any revolving credit or similar facility shall only be “Incurred” at the time any funds are borrowed thereunder.
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“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(1) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(2) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;
(3) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(4) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course);
(5) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(6) all Attributable Indebtedness;
(7) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;
if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Parent Guarantor appearing upon the balance sheet of Parent Guarantor solely by reason of push down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded; and
(8) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, (B) in the case of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, exclude (i) all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany royalty and/or
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licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes, (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations) and (D) include outstanding amounts under any receivables, factoring or similar facilities or securitizations whether or not the same would constitute indebtedness or a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP.
The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (5) of this definition shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
“Indenture” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“Initial Second Lien Notes” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals hereto.
“Initial Term Loans” means the “Initial Term Loans” under and as defined in the New Credit Agreement.
“Intercompany Note” means a promissory note substantially in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and each other intercreditor agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to this Indenture, in each case to the extent in effect.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan (including by way of a listed Eurobond), advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person excluding, in the case of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, (i) intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in
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each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IP Rights” means the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights and other intellectual property rights, whether owned, licensed or otherwise permitted to be used by the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, that are reasonably necessary for the operation of the respective businesses of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
“Issue Date” means December 20, 2024.
“Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 |
6.85 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 |
6.10 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 |
6.35 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 |
6.40 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 |
6.55 to 1.00 |
“Junior Lien Priority” means a Lien on Collateral that ranks junior in priority to the Liens securing the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes and other Second Priority Obligations and is subject to an intercreditor agreement.
“Junior Priority Indebtedness” means other Indebtedness of the Issuer and/or the Guarantors that is secured by Liens on the Collateral ranking junior in priority to the Liens securing the Second Lien Notes and other Second Priority Obligations as permitted by this Indenture.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, constitutions, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes, common law and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
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“Liability Management Transaction” means any debt tender offer or exchange, refinancing, restructuring or any similar transaction (either in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions) of or for any existing Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or any subsidiary with any other Indebtedness (or the proceeds of any other Indebtedness) that includes as components thereof (i) contractual, structural or temporal (including as to lien priority or additional collateral) seniority with respect to any of the Second Lien Notes (except in the case of Refinancing Indebtedness permitted under this Indenture of any existing Indebtedness that is contractually, structurally or temporally senior to the Second Lien Notes immediately prior to such transaction) and (ii) an Investment in, Restricted Payment to, or transfer or disposition of property or assets to, a Person that is not a Guarantor or a designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“License Subsidiary” means a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Issuer substantially all of the assets of which consist of Broadcast Licenses and related rights.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Limited Condition Transaction” means (a) any acquisition, investment of or in any assets, business or Person permitted by this Indenture in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing, (b) any prepayment of Indebtedness for which irrevocable notice has been given and/or (c) distributions that have been publicly declared by one or more of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
“Long Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Make-Whole Amount” means, on any redemption date, an amount in cash determined as if each Second Lien Note being redeemed was being redeemed as of such date equal to the greater of (A) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Second Lien Note and (B) the excess (to the extent positive) of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the applicable redemption price of such Second Lien Note at December 20, 2026 (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in the table under SECTION 5.7 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest)), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Second Lien Note to and including such date set forth in clause (i) (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the Applicable Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the outstanding principal amount of such Second Lien Note; in each case, as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate.
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The Trustee shall have no duty to calculate or verify the calculations of the Make-Whole Amount.
“Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Material Real Property” means any fee owned Real Property located in the United States that is owned by the Issuer or any Guarantor with a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000 (at the Issue Date or, with respect to Real Property acquired after the Issue Date, at the time of acquisition, in each case, as reasonably estimated by the Issuer in good faith).
“May 2019 Issue Date” means May 1, 2019.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“Mortgaged Property” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral Requirement.”
“Mortgages” means collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, deeds to secure debt, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Issuer or any Guarantor in favor or for the benefit of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent on behalf of the Second Lien Note Parties creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property in form and substance substantially consistent with that delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement with such terms and provisions as may be required by the applicable Laws of the relevant jurisdiction, and any other mortgages executed and delivered in accordance with this Indenture, in each case, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified.
“Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the multi-lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of the Issue Date and substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, by and among the Issuer and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, the New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, the collateral agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and other parties from time to time thereto (including one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of permitted Indebtedness issued or incurred pursuant to SECTION 3.2 that is intended to be secured on a basis junior to the Second Lien Notes Obligations), as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Indenture, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms thereof.
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“Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization within the meaning of Rule 436 under the Securities Act.
“Net Available Cash” from a Disposition means:
(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but in each case only as and when received) from any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien (other than a Lien that ranks pari passu with or subordinated to the Liens securing the Second Lien Notes or Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment) on the asset subject to such Disposition or Casualty Event and that is required to be repaid (and is timely repaid) in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (other than Indebtedness under the Second Lien Note Documents), (iii) in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Available Cash thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (iii)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Parent Guarantor or a wholly-owned Subsidiary as a result thereof, (iv) Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (v) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any Taxes deducted pursuant to clause (iv) above) (x) related to any of the applicable assets and (y) retained by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Available Cash of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction), and “Net Short” means, with respect to a Holder or beneficial owner of Second Lien Notes as of a date of determination, either (i) the value of its Short Derivative Instruments exceeds the sum of the (x) the value of its Second Lien Notes plus (y) the value of its Long Derivative Instruments as of such date of determination or (ii) it is reasonably expected that such would have been the case were a Failure to Pay or Bankruptcy Credit Event (each as defined in the 2014 International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Credit Derivatives Definitions) to have occurred with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor immediately prior to such date of determination.
(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.
For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Available Cash, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be disregarded.
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“New Contracts” means binding new agreements or amendments to existing agreements with customers.
“New Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of the Issue Date among the Issuer, as borrower, the Parent Guarantor, the other guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and collateral agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto as in effect as of the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transactions, together with the related documents thereto (including the revolving loans thereunder, any letters of credit and reimbursement obligations related thereto, any Guarantees and security documents), as amended, restated, supplemented, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“New Credit Agreement Collateral Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., including any successor thereto pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement.
“New Credit Agreement Obligations” has the meaning assigned to the term “Obligations” in the New Credit Agreement, together with any refinancing thereof.
“Non-Exclusive Period” means any day after the last day of the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period.
“Non-Guarantor” means any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that is not a Guarantor (other than the Issuer).
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S).
“Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to the Global Notes (as appointed by DTC), or any successor Person thereto and shall initially be the Trustee.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Issuer or any Guarantor whether or not a claim for Post-Petition Interest is allowed in such proceedings), premiums (including any Applicable Premium), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties under the documentation governing any Indebtedness, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, including and all indemnification obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors owing to any Holder under the Transaction Support Agreement.
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“Offering Memorandum” means the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024, as amended on December 4, 2024, relating to the offering by the Issuer of the Second Lien Notes.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, (1) the Chairman of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof), the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, any Managing Director, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary (a) of such Person or (b) if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity, of such entity, or (2) any other individual designated as an “Officer” for the purposes of this Indenture by the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of such Person.
“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of a Person by an Officer of such Person that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries.
“Other Debt Representative” means, with respect to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture on a pari passu or junior Lien basis to the Lien securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.
“Parent Entity” means any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer.
“Parent Guarantee” means the Guarantee issued by the Parent Guarantor.
“Parent Guarantor” means iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Second Lien Note on behalf of the Issuer.
“Permitted Asset Swap” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of assets used or useful in a Similar Business or a combination of such assets and cash, Cash Equivalents between the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received in excess of the value of any cash or Cash Equivalents sold or exchanged must be applied in accordance with SECTION 3.5.
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“Permitted Investment” means (in each case, by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries):
(1) Investments by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;
(2) Loans or advances to officers, directors, managers and employees of the Issuer or a Guarantor (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity directly from such issuing entity (provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Issuer in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time (x) under clause (ii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate and (y) under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;
(3) Investments by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in any of the Issuer or any Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of any Investment by the Issuer or a Guarantor in a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, (i) the aggregate amount of such Investments made pursuant to this clause (3), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the succeeding clause (26), shall not exceed the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount, (ii) such Investment is made for a bona fide business purpose and (iii) so long as no Event of Default is continuing or would result from such Investment;
(4) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(5) (i) Investments (excluding loans and advances made in lieu of Restricted Payments pursuant to and limited by clause (13) below) consisting of transactions permitted under SECTION 3.2 (other than clauses (3) and (4) of SECTION 3.2(b)), SECTION 3.3, SECTION 3.6, SECTION 3.9 and SECTION 4.1 (other than clauses (3), (4) and (5) of SECTION 4.1(a)), and (ii) Investments consisting of dispositions of assets not constituting a Disposition (other than dispositions not constituting Dispositions pursuant to clauses (4) and (5) of the definition “Disposition”);
(6) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Issue Date and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Issue Date by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in the Issuer or any other Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that, in each case, the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Issue Date or as otherwise permitted by this definition;
(7) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under SECTION 3.2;
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(8) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 3.5 to an unaffiliated third party;
(9) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of a Person, or any Equity Interests in a Person that becomes a Subsidiary or a division or line of business of a Person, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (including as a result of an Investment in any such Person so long as such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, the Issuer or a Guarantor); provided that (i) no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) the newly acquired business will comply with SECTION 3.11 and (iii) (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall be acquired by the Issuer or a Guarantor and/or (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor (any such acquisition, a “Permitted Acquisition”);
(10) [Reserved];
(11) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(12) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;
(13) loans and advances to the Parent Guarantor and any Parent Entity made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction), and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof) Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with clauses (6), (7), (8) or (12) of SECTION 3.3(b) (it being understood that the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made under clauses (6), (7), (8) or (12) of SECTION 3.3(b) shall be reduced by the amount of Investments made pursuant this clause (13));
(14) other Investments made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (14) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the sum of (I) $250,000,000 plus (II) the Available Restricted Payments Amount plus (III) the Available Equity Amount plus (IV) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Cash Equivalents (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary in respect of any Investments made pursuant to this clause (14) in an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment); provided, further, that any Investment in a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (14) shall not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate;
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(15) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;
(16) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is contemporaneously made solely with Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Issuer (or any Parent Entity);
(17) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date or of a Person merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Issuer or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Subsidiary in accordance with the provision of SECTION 4.1 after the Issue Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
(18) [Reserved];
(19) [Reserved];
(20) Guarantees by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(21) the licensing and contribution of intellectual property pursuant to bona fide joint venture arrangements with unaffiliated on-air or other talent providers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(22) Investments for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an unaffiliated Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor to the extent that the payment for any such Investment is made with advertising or other media inventory;
(23) [Reserved];
(24) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may make Investments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 calculated on a consolidated basis for the then most recent Test Period ended immediately preceding the date on which Investment is consummated;
(25) Investments in bona fide joint ventures of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date;
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(26) Investments in joint ventures of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries after the Issue Date made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction); provided that, the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (26), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the proviso to the foregoing clause (3), shall not exceed the Available Non-Guarantor Investment Amount (in each case, determined on the date such Investment is made, with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);
(27) earnest money deposits required in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (or similar Investments); and
(28) contributions to a “rabbi” trust for the benefit of employees or other grantor trusts subject to claims of creditors in the case of bankruptcy of the Issuer.
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.3, in the event that an item of Investment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Investments described in clauses (1) through (28) above, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Investment or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with SECTION 3.3 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Investment in one or more of the above clauses. In the event that a portion of the Investments could be classified as incurred under a “ratio-based” basket (giving pro forma effect to the making of such Investments), the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify such portion of such Investment as having been incurred pursuant to such “ratio-based” basket and thereafter the remainder of the Investments as having been incurred pursuant to one or more of the other clauses of this definition.
“Permitted Pari Passu Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred that:
(1) shall have no obligor (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors);
(2) shall be unsecured or, if secured, (x) shall not be secured by any assets other than the Collateral, (y) shall only be secured by Liens that rank pari passu or junior in right of security to the Liens securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations and (z) the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(3) shall have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes at the time such Indebtedness is incurred;
(4) shall not be subject to any mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (other than (x) in the case of notes, customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default and (y) in the case of loans, customary mandatory prepayment provisions upon an asset sale or event of loss (or from the proceeds of Refinancing Indebtedness) and a customary acceleration right after an event of default, in each case subject to the prior repayment in full of the Second Lien Notes and all other Second Lien Notes Obligations) prior to the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes;
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(5) shall either (i) not allow for any cash payments, whether in respect of interest, principal or any fees (however described) to be made prior to the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes or (ii) in the case of any Permitted Pari Passu Debt the proceeds of which are promptly applied to refinance, repay or otherwise replace any Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, have an All-In Cash Yield that is no greater than the All-In Cash Yield of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes that are being refinanced, repaid or otherwise replaced;
(6) shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Issuer;
(7) shall only be incurred pursuant to clause (19) of SECTION 3.2(b); and
(8) shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, except as provided in this definition, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Issuer are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Issuer than the terms and conditions of the Second Lien Note Documents (when taken as a whole); unless (x) the Holders receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(a) (i) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (21)(ii) through (iv) (and clause (vi) in respect thereof) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Obligation is or becomes party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable; (ii) Liens on the Collateral securing Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided, that Liens on the Collateral securing the ABL Credit Agreement must have the priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided, further, that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of the ABL Credit Agreement is a party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of the New Credit Agreement is a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement; (iii) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (21)(v) (and clause (vi) in respect thereof) of SECTION 3.2(b) that rank pari passu in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations; provided, that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is a party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement; (iv) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (2)(c) of SECTION 3.2(b), with junior priority in right of security on the Collateral as the First Lien Notes; and (v) Liens on the Collateral securing Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (2)(a) of SECTION 3.2(b), but only to the extent the Liens on the Existing Secured Notes of any series are not released on the Issue Date and provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable;
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(b) Liens (x) in existence on the Issue Date (other than Liens incurred pursuant to clause (a) above), and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (x) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under SECTION 3.2, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (y) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted under SECTION 3.2;
(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or not yet payable or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than forty-five (45) days or if more than forty-five (45) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property, and any exceptions on the Mortgage Policies issued in connection with the Mortgaged Properties, that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
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(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 6.1;
(i) leases, licenses, subleases, cross-licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;
(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens (i) on cash advances or Cash Equivalents in favor of (x) the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to clause (9) or clause (14) of the definition “Permitted Investment” or (ii) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a disposition not constituting a Disposition under the definition of “Disposition” (other than clause (5) thereof), in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Issuer or a Subsidiary on assets of a Subsidiary that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor securing permitted intercompany Indebtedness and (ii) in favor of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor, or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Indenture;
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(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted to be made as a Permitted Investment;
(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(r) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries are located;
(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 365 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
(v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to clause (19) of SECTION 3.2(b) that rank pari passu or junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations in accordance with the definition of “Permitted Pari Passu Debt” and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
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(w) In the case of Liens securing Indebtedness assumed pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 3.2(b), Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Subsidiary pursuant to SECTION 3.22), in each case after the Issue Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral, the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (A) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a first-priority basis (but without regard to the control of remedies), the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and, (B) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu or junior priority basis to the liens securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(y) to the extent constituting a Lien, Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this definition; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by SECTION 3.2 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(bb) other Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 incurred pursuant to Swap Obligations permitted by clause (6) of SECTION 3.2(b);
(cc) other Liens securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $100,000,000; provided that such Liens secure obligations incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(dd) [Reserved];
(ee) [Reserved];
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(ff) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;
(gg) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Issuer’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises; and (hh) Liens on proceeds of Indebtedness held in Escrow for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the Issuer or a Subsidiary.
For purposes of determining compliance with SECTION 3.6, (A) Liens need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted by this definition of “Permitted Liens” but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) with respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any amount permitted under clause (23) of SECTION 3.2(b) in respect of such Indebtedness.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Post-Acquisition Period” means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated.
“Post-Petition Interest” means any interest or entitlement to fees or expenses or other charges that accrue after the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, whether or not allowed or allowable as a claim in any such bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.
“Pro Forma Adjustment” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or the Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent Guarantor, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by the Parent Guarantor in good faith as a result of (a) actions that have been taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of the Parent Guarantor) within 12 months after the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business with the operations of Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries; provided that (i) at the election of the Parent Guarantor, such Pro Forma Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $40,000,000, and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such revenue is accrued or costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional revenue or costs, as applicable, will be accrued or incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided, further, that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period and shall be subject to the aggregate caps set forth in the definitions of “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Consolidated Net Income.”
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“Pro Forma Basis,” “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction,” shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Parent Guarantor or any of the Subsidiaries in connection therewith (without giving effect to the netting of any cash proceeds of such Indebtedness to the extent such proceeds are being utilized in connection with any such Specified Transaction), and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that (I) without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with and subject to the caps set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Net Income and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by the Parent Guarantor in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment and (II) in determining Pro Forma Compliance with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, in connection with the incurrence (including by assumption or guarantee) of any Indebtedness, the incurrence of any Indebtedness in respect of the ABL Credit Agreement included in the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to, or simultaneously with, the event for which the Pro Forma Compliance determination of such ratio or other test is being made, shall be disregarded.
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In the event any fixed “baskets” are intended to be utilized together with any incurrence-based “baskets” in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (i) compliance with or satisfaction of any applicable financial ratios or tests for the portion of Indebtedness or any other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any incurrence-based “baskets” shall first be calculated without giving effect to amounts being utilized pursuant to any fixed “baskets,” but giving full pro forma effect to all applicable and related transactions (including, subject to the foregoing with respect to fixed “baskets,” any incurrence and repayments of Indebtedness) and all other permitted Pro Forma Adjustments (except that the incurrence of any Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Agreement immediately prior to or in connection therewith shall be disregarded), and (ii) thereafter, incurrence of the portion of such Indebtedness or other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any fixed “baskets” shall be calculated.
“QIB” means any “qualified institutional buyer” as such term is defined in Rule 144A.
“Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“refinance” means refinance, refund, replace, renew, repay, modify, restate, defer, substitute, supplement, reissue, resell, extend or increase (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) and the terms “refinances,” “refinanced” and “refinancing” as used for any purpose in this Indenture shall have a correlative meaning.
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“Refinancing Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clause (5) of SECTION 3.2(b), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended, (c) at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended was incurred as Permitted Pari Passu Debt, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension shall constitute Permitted Pari Passu Debt, (e) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is (i) unsecured, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is unsecured, (ii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a senior or equal priority basis with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension shall not have a greater Lien priority than the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended or (iii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension is either (x) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations or (y) unsecured, (f) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is incurred by the Person who is or would have been permitted to be the obligor or guarantor (or any successor thereto) on the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
“Repurchase Trigger” means 90.0% or more of the principal amount of each of the Existing Term Loans, the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, the Existing 2027 Secured Notes, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, outstanding immediately prior to the Issue Date shall have been exchanged (whether on the Issue Date or subsequently pursuant to clause (5), (6), (7), (8) or (9) under SECTION 3.9(a)) for Initial Term Loans, First Lien Notes or Second Lien Notes, as applicable.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Notes” means Initial Second Lien Notes and Additional Second Lien Notes bearing one of the restrictive legends described in SECTION 2.1(d).
“Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend set forth in SECTION 2.1(d)(1) and, in the case of each Temporary Regulation S Global Note, the legend set forth in SECTION 2.1(d)(2).
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings and any successor thereto.
“Screened Affiliate” means any Affiliate of a Holder of Second Lien Notes (i) that makes investment decisions independently from such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate, (ii) that has in place customary information screens between it and such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate and such screens prohibit the sharing of information with respect to the Issuer or its Subsidiaries, (iii) whose investment policies are not directed by such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holder in connection with its investment in the Second Lien Notes, and (iv) whose investment decisions are not influenced by the investment decisions of such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holders in connection with its investment in the Second Lien Notes.
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“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.
“Second Lien Indenture” means the indenture dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent under which the Second Lien Notes will be issued.
“Second Lien Note Documents” means the Second Lien Notes (including Additional Second Lien Notes), the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Second Lien Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Second Lien Note Guarantees” means the unconditional guarantee of the obligations of the Issuer under the Second Lien Notes and the Second Lien Indenture on a senior secured basis by iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC and the Subsidiary Guarantors.
“Second Lien Note Secured Parties” means the Trustee, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders of the Second Lien Notes.
“Second Lien Notes” means the senior secured second lien secured notes due 2029 issued by the Issuer on the Issue Date pursuant to this Indenture in connection with the exchange of the Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to the “Comprehensive Exchange Offers” as described in the Offering Memorandum.
“Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent” means U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association in its capacity as collateral agent for the Holders of the Second Lien Notes under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“Second Lien Notes Obligations” means all Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Indenture, the applicable Second Lien Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents.
“Second Priority Obligations” means (a) all the Second Lien Notes Obligations and (b) all the Additional Second Lien Obligations.
“Second Priority Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer, the other Guarantors party thereto, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
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“Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien other than Indebtedness with respect to Cash Management Services.
“Securities Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in each of the First Priority Security Agreements and the Second Priority Security Agreement.
“Security Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Securities Account, as delivered pursuant to the New Credit Agreement.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Short Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Similar Business” means (1) any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date, and any reasonable extension thereof, or (2) any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, incidental, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries are engaged or propose to be engaged on the Issue Date.
“Specified Default” means a default under clause (1), (2), (5) or (6) of SECTION 6.1.
“Specified First Priority Obligations” means all First Priority Obligations outstanding on the Issue Date and that are permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of the covenants described under SECTION 3.2 and SECTION 3.6.
“Specified Holders” means those certain Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) that were identified in writing by the Ad Hoc Group Advisors (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) to the Issuer or its advisors (email being sufficient) prior to the Issue Date.
“Specified Holder Exclusivity Period” means the three (3) month period immediately following the Issue Date; provided that to the extent the Specified Holders have exchanged Existing Notes and/or Existing Term Loans in excess of 10% in the aggregate for all such outstanding Indebtedness immediately after giving effect to the Transactions during such three (3) month period, the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period shall be extended by an additional three (3) months.
“Specified Transaction” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment or Subsidiary designation in respect of which the terms of this Indenture require any test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect.”
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“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to any person, any Indebtedness which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Second Lien Notes or any Second Lien Note Guarantee relating thereto pursuant to a written agreement.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Issuer.
“Subsidiary Guarantee” means the Guarantee issued by a Subsidiary Guarantor.
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means each existing and future Subsidiary (other than the Issuer or an Excluded Subsidiary) of the Parent Guarantor, any Electing Guarantor and any other Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that issues a Subsidiary Guarantee with respect to the Second Lien Notes.
“Swap” means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
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“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Holder or any Affiliate of a Holder).
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, duties and withholdings and any charges of a similar nature (including interest, penalties and other liabilities with respect thereto) that are imposed by any government or other taxing authority.
“Test Period” means, for any date of determination under this Indenture, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Issuer for which financial statements have been included in the Offering Memorandum on or prior to the Issue Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to SECTION 3.17.
“Total Assets” means the total assets of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Parent Guarantor delivered pursuant to SECTION 3.17.
“Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the New Credit Agreement), the documents related thereto and the transactions contemplated thereby.
“Transaction Support Agreement” means the transaction support agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, by and among the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the creditors of the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Issue Date.
“Transactions” means the “Transactions” as such term is defined in the Transaction Support Agreement and any other transactions contemplated by, relating to or in connection with the Transaction Support Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the execution and delivery of the New Credit Agreement entered into on the Issue Date and the making of loans thereunder in exchange for the Existing Term Loans, (b)
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the issuance of the First Lien Notes of each series and the Second Lien Notes and the execution and delivery of the First Lien Indenture and this Indenture, as applicable entered into on the Issue Date and the supplemental indentures in respect of the indentures governing the Existing Secured Notes (other than the Existing 2028 Secured Notes) and the Existing Unsecured Notes and an amendment and other documentation in respect of the Existing Credit Agreement, (c) the payment of the Transaction Expenses and (d) in each case, the other transactions contemplated by or entered into in connection with the foregoing clauses (a) through (c).
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Trust Officer” shall mean, when used with respect to the Trustee or Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, any vice president, assistant vice president, any trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee, within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee), who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter relating to this Indenture is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Trustee” means, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, in its capacity as “Trustee” under this Indenture, or any successor or assign thereto in such capacity.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are (1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depositary receipt.
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“Voting Stock” of a Person means all classes of Equity Interests of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitions.
Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Acceptable Commitment | 3.5(a)(3)(b) | |
Acquired Entity or Business | “Consolidated EBITDA” | |
Action | 12.8(x) | |
Affiliate Transaction | 3.8(a) | |
Agent Members | 2.1(g)(2) | |
Applicable Premium Deficit | 8.4(1) | |
Asset Disposition Offer | 3.5(b) | |
Asset Sale Payment Date | 3.5(f)(2) | |
Authenticating Agent | 2.2 | |
Automatic Exchange | 2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Date | 2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Notice | 2.6(e) | |
Automatic Exchange Notice Date | 2.6(e) | |
bankruptcy provisions | 6.1(5) | |
Change of Control Offer | 3.15(a) | |
Change of Control Payment Date | 3.15(a)(2) | |
City Code | 1.5 | |
Clearstream | 2.1(b) | |
Collateral Document Order | 12.8(t) | |
Control | “Affiliate” | |
Covenant Defeasance | 8.3 | |
cross acceleration provision | 6.1(4)(b) | |
Custodian | 6.1(5)(c) | |
Defaulted Interest | 2.15 | |
Defeasance Trust | 8.4(1) | |
Directing Holder | 6.1 | |
Double-Dip Provision | 3.2(h)(2) | |
equity incentives | “Consolidated Net Income” | |
Euroclear | 2.1(b) | |
Event of Default | 6.1 | |
Excess Proceeds | 3.5(b) |
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Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Foreign Disposition | 3.5(d) | |
Global Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Guaranteed Obligations | 10.1 | |
Immaterial Subsidiary | “Excluded Subsidiary” | |
Increased Amount | 3.6 | |
Initial Default | 6.2(d) | |
Initial Lien | 3.6 | |
Issuer Order | 2.2 | |
judgment default provision | 6.1(7) | |
Junior Financing | 3.9(a) | |
LCA Election | 1.5 | |
LCA Test Date | 1.5 | |
Legal Defeasance | 8.2 | |
Legal Holiday | 13.7 | |
Master Agreement | “Swap Contract” | |
Mortgage Policies | “Collateral Requirement” | |
Noteholder Direction | 6.1 | |
Notes Register | 2.3 | |
payment default | 6.1(4)(a) | |
Performance References | “Derivative Instrument” | |
Permanent Regulation S Global Note | 2.1(b) | |
Permitted Acquisition | “Permitted Investment” | |
Permitted Payments | 3.3(b) | |
Position Representation | 6.1 | |
primary obligor | “Guarantee” | |
protected purchaser | 2.11 | |
Registrar | 2.3 | |
Regulation S Global Note | 2.1(b) | |
Regulation S Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Related Person | 12.8(b) | |
Resale Restriction Termination Date | 2.6(b) | |
Restricted Global Note | 2.6(e) | |
Restricted Payment | 3.3(a) | |
Restricted Period | 2.1(b) | |
Rule 144A Global Note | 2.1(b) | |
Rule 144A Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Senior Indebtedness | 9.2(b)(12) | |
Sold Entity or Business | “Consolidated EBITDA” | |
Special Flood Hazard Area | 12.11(b) | |
Special Interest Payment Date | 2.15(a) | |
Special Record Date | 2.15(a) | |
Specified Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange | 3.9(a)(6) | |
Specified Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange | 3.9(a)(7) | |
Specified Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange | 3.9(a)(8) |
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Terms |
Defined in Section (or defined term of) |
|
Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange | 3.9(a)(5) | |
Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange | 3.9(a)(9) | |
Successor Company | 4.1(a)(4) | |
Tax Group | 3.3(b)(9)(c) | |
Temporary Regulation S Global Note | 2.1(b) | |
Unrestricted Global Note | 2.6(e) | |
USA PATRIOT Act | 13.11 | |
Verification Covenant | 6.1 |
SECTION 1.3. Trust Indenture Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the Trust Indenture Act is not applicable to this Indenture.
SECTION 1.4. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning ascribed to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning ascribed to it in accordance with GAAP;
(3) “of” is not exclusive;
(4) “including” means including without limitation;
(5) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(6) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;
(7) all amounts expressed in this Indenture or in any of the Second Lien Notes in terms of money refer to the lawful currency of the United States of America;
(8) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and
(9) unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person consolidated with its Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Guarantors, and excludes from such consolidation any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor as if such Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.
SECTION 1.5. Certain Calculations; Limited Condition Transactions.
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Indenture with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, for any Specified Transaction that is consummated in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, at the option of the Issuer (the Issuer’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCA Election”) the date of determination for calculation of any such ratios shall be deemed to be either (a) the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into, or (b) solely in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “City Code”) applies, the date on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention to make an offer in respect of such target company is made in compliance with the City Code (the “LCA Test Date”) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and the Specified Transactions to be entered into in connection therewith as if they had occurred at the beginning of the most recent date of determination ending prior to the LCA Test Date, the Issuer could have taken such action on the relevant LCA Test Date in compliance with such ratio or basket, such ratio or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCA Test Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the relevant transaction or action is permitted to be consummated or taken. If the Issuer has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket availability with respect to any other Specified Transaction on or following the relevant LCA Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement for, or “Rule 2.7 announcement” in respect of, as applicable, such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio or basket shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and any associated Lien) have been consummated. In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Indenture which requires that no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, has occurred, is continuing or would result from any such action, as applicable, such condition shall, at the option of the Issuer, be deemed satisfied, so long as no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, exists on the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has exercised its option pursuant to this paragraph, and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the date the definitive agreements for the applicable Limited Condition Transaction were entered into and prior to the consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such Default or Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under clause (1), (2), (5) or (6) of SECTION 6.1) shall be deemed to not have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Transaction is permitted hereunder.
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ARTICLE II
THE SECOND LIEN NOTES
SECTION 2.1. Form, Dating and Terms. The aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Initial Second Lien Notes issued on the date hereof will be in an aggregate principal amount of $675,165,443. In addition, the Issuer may issue, from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, Additional Second Lien Notes (as provided herein). Furthermore, Second Lien Notes may be authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer, exchange or in lieu of, other Second Lien Notes pursuant to SECTIONS 2.2, 2.6, 2.11, 2.13, 5.6 or 9.5, in connection with an Asset Disposition Offer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or in connection with a Change of Control Offer pursuant to SECTION 3.15.
With respect to any Additional Second Lien Notes, the Issuer shall set forth in (i) an Officer’s Certificate or (ii) one or more indentures supplemental hereto, the following information:
(A) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Second Lien Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;
(B) the issue price and the issue date of such Additional Second Lien Notes, including the date from which interest shall accrue; and
(C) whether such Additional Second Lien Notes shall be Restricted Notes.
In authenticating and delivering Additional Second Lien Notes, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the Opinion of Counsel and Officer’s Certificate required by SECTION 13.4, an Opinion of Counsel as to the validity and enforceability of such Additional Second Lien Notes.
The Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Second Lien Notes shall be considered collectively as a single class for all purposes of this Indenture. Holders of the Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Second Lien Notes will vote and consent together on all matters to which such Holders of Second Lien Notes are entitled to vote or consent as one class, and none of the Holders of the Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Second Lien Notes shall have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter to which such Holders are entitled to vote or consent; provided that if the Additional Second Lien Notes are not fungible with the Initial Second Lien Notes and other Additional Second Lien Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if the Issuer otherwise determines that any Additional Second Lien Notes should be differentiated from the Initial Second Lien Notes, such Additional Second Lien Notes shall bear a separate CUSIP number.
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(a) The Initial Second Lien Notes and any Additional Restricted Notes will be placed initially only with (A) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A and (B) Non U.S. Persons in reliance on Regulation S. Such Initial Second Lien Notes and Additional Restricted Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs, and purchasers in reliance on Regulation S, in each case, in accordance with the procedures described herein. Initial Second Lien Notes and Additional Restricted Notes placed with QIBs in the United States of America in reliance on Rule 144A (the “Rule 144A Notes”) shall be issued in the form of a permanent global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture, including the legends set forth in SECTION 2.1(d) and SECTION 2.1(e) (the “Rule 144A Global Note”), deposited with the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Rule 144A Global Note may be represented by more than one certificate, if so required by DTC’s rules regarding the maximum principal amount to be represented by a single certificate. The aggregate principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC or its nominee, as hereinafter provided.
Initial Second Lien Notes and any Additional Restricted Notes offered and sold outside the United States of America (the “Regulation S Notes”) in reliance on Regulation S shall initially be issued in the form of a temporary global Note (the “Temporary Regulation S Global Note”).
Beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note will be exchanged for beneficial interests in a corresponding permanent global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A, including appropriate legends as set forth in SECTIONS 2.1(d) and 2.1(e) (the a “Permanent Regulation S Global Note” and, together with the Temporary Regulation S Global Note, each a “Regulation S Global Note”) within a reasonable period after the expiration of the Restricted Period (as defined below) upon delivery of the certification contemplated by SECTION 2.7. Each Regulation S Global Note will be deposited upon issuance with, or on behalf of, the Notes Custodian as custodian for DTC in the manner described in this ARTICLE II for credit to the respective accounts of the purchasers (or to such other accounts as they may direct), including, but not limited to, accounts at Euroclear Bank S.A./N. V. (“Euroclear”) or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (“Clearstream”). Prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Initial Second Lien Notes (or any Additional Second Lien Notes) and the Issue Date (or the issue date of any Additional Second Lien Notes) (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Restricted Period”), interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note may only be transferred to Non-U.S. Persons pursuant to Regulation S, unless exchanged for interests in a Global Note in accordance with the transfer and certification requirements described herein.
Investors may hold their interests in the Regulation S Global Note through organizations other than Euroclear or Clearstream that are participants in DTC’s system or directly through Euroclear or Clearstream, if they are participants in such systems, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. If such interests are held through Euroclear or Clearstream, Euroclear and Clearstream will hold such interests in the applicable Regulation S Global Note on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositaries. Such depositaries, in turn, will hold such interests in the applicable Regulation S Global Note in customers’ securities accounts in the depositaries’ names on the books of DTC.
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The Regulation S Global Note may be represented by more than one certificate, if so required by DTC’s rules regarding the maximum principal amount to be represented by a single certificate. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for DTC or its nominee, as hereinafter provided.
The Rule 144A Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Note are sometimes collectively herein referred to as the “Global Notes.”
The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Second Lien Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of Paying Agent designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of Second Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC. Payments in respect of Second Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made in accordance with the Notes Register or by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).
The Second Lien Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage, in addition to those set forth on Exhibit A and in SECTIONS 2.1(d) and 2.1(e). The Issuer shall approve any notation, endorsement or legend on the Second Lien Notes. Each Second Lien Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Second Lien Notes set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to be bound by such terms.
(b) Denominations. The Second Lien Notes shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1.
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(c) Restrictive Legends. Unless and until (i) an Initial Second Lien Note or an Additional Second Lien Note issued as a Restricted Note is sold under an effective registration statement or (ii) the Issuer and the Trustee receive an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act:
(1) | the Rule 144A Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note shall bear the following legend on the face thereof: |
THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION, NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION.
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE, HEREOF AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS ONE YEAR (IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A SECURITIES) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ISSUE DATE OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY ADDITIONAL SECOND LIEN NOTES) AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY OR ANY ADDITIONAL SECOND LIEN NOTE) OR 40 DAYS (IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S SECURITIES) AFTER THE LATER OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OFFERING OF THIS SECURITY AND ITS ISSUE DATE, ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.
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(2) the Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall bear the following additional legend on the face thereof:
THIS SECURITY IS A TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE. PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE RESTRICTED PERIOD APPLICABLE HERETO, BENEFICIAL INTERESTS HEREIN MAY NOT BE HELD BY ANY PERSON OTHER THAN (1) A NON U.S. PERSON OR (2) A U.S. PERSON THAT PURCHASED SUCH INTEREST IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. BENEFICIAL INTERESTS HEREIN ARE NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR PHYSICAL NOTES OTHER THAN A PERMANENT GLOBAL NOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE INDENTURE. TERMS IN THIS LEGEND ARE USED AS USED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
(d) Global Note Legend.
Each Global Note, whether or not an Initial Second Lien Note, shall bear the following legend on the face thereof:
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.
(e) [Reserved].
(f) Book Entry Provisions. This SECTION 2.1(g) shall apply only to Global Notes deposited with the Notes Custodian, as custodian for DTC.
(1) Each Global Note initially shall (x) be registered in the name of DTC or the nominee of DTC, (y) be delivered to the Notes Custodian for DTC and (z) bear legends as set forth in SECTION 2.1(e). Transfers of a Global Note (but not a beneficial interest therein) will be limited to transfers thereof in whole, but not in part, to DTC, its successors or its respective nominees, except as set forth in SECTION 2.1(g)(4) and 2.1(h).
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If a beneficial interest in a Global Note is transferred or exchanged for a beneficial interest in another Global Note, the Notes Custodian will (x) record a decrease in the principal amount of the Global Note being transferred or exchanged equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange and (y) record a like increase in the principal amount of the other Global Note. Any beneficial interest in one Global Note that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Note, or exchanged for an interest in another Global Note, will, upon transfer or exchange, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and become an interest in the other Global Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer and exchange restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Note for as long as it remains such an interest.
(2) Members of, or participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by DTC or by the Notes Custodian as the custodian of DTC or under such Global Note, and DTC may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of DTC governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.
(3) In connection with any transfer of a portion of the beneficial interest in a Global Note pursuant to SECTION 2.1(h) to beneficial owners who are required to hold Definitive Notes, the Notes Custodian shall reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Note to be transferred, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, one or more Definitive Notes of like tenor and amount.
(4) In connection with the transfer of an entire Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to SECTION 2.1(h), such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to each beneficial owner identified by DTC in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations.
(5) The registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes.
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(6) Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book entry system maintained by (i) the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (ii) any holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.
(g) Definitive Notes. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive Definitive Notes. Definitive Notes shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Note if (A) DTC notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Note or DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, at a time when DTC is required to be so registered in order to act as Depositary, and in each case the Issuer fails to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days of such notice or (B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Second Lien Notes under this Indenture and DTC shall have requested in writing the issuance of Definitive Notes. In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in the second preceding sentence or in clause (A) or (B) of the preceding sentence, the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Notes. In addition, any Second Lien Note transferred to an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Issuer or evidencing a Second Lien Note that has been acquired by an affiliate in a transaction or series of transactions not involving any public offering must, until one year after the last date on which either the Issuer or any affiliate of the Issuer was an owner of the Second Lien Note, be in the form of a Definitive Note and bear the legend in SECTION 2.1(d) regarding transfer restrictions. If required to do so pursuant to any applicable law or regulation, beneficial owners may also obtain Definitive Notes in exchange for their beneficial interests in a Global Note upon written request in accordance with DTC’s and the Registrar’s procedures.
(1) Any Definitive Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to SECTION 2.1(g) shall, except as otherwise provided by SECTION 2.6(d), bear the applicable legend regarding transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Note set forth in SECTION 2.1(d).
(2) If a Definitive Note is transferred or exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Note, the Trustee will (x) cancel such Definitive Note, (y) record an increase in the principal amount of such Global Note equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange and (z) in the event that such transfer or exchange involves less than the entire principal amount of the canceled Definitive Note, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to the transferring Holder a new Definitive Note representing the principal amount not so transferred.
(3) If a Definitive Note is transferred or exchanged for another Definitive Note, (x) the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Note being transferred or exchanged, (y) the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, one or more new Definitive Notes in authorized denominations having an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such transfer or exchange to the transferee (in the case of a transfer) or the Holder of the canceled Definitive Note (in the case of an exchange), registered in the name of such transferee or Holder, as applicable, and (z) if such transfer or exchange involves less than the entire principal amount of the canceled Definitive Note, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder thereof, one or more Definitive Notes in authorized denominations having an aggregate principal amount equal to the untransferred or unexchanged portion of the canceled Definitive Notes, registered in the name of the Holder thereof.
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(4) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, in no event shall a Definitive Note be delivered upon exchange or transfer of a beneficial interest in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note prior to the end of the Restricted Period.
SECTION 2.2. Execution and Authentication. One Officer of the Issuer shall sign the Second Lien Notes for the Issuer by manual, facsimile or PDF signature. If the Officer whose signature is on a Second Lien Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Second Lien Note, the Second Lien Note shall be valid nevertheless.
A Second Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized officer of the Trustee manually authenticates the Note. The signature of the Trustee on a Second Lien Note shall be conclusive evidence that such Second Lien Note has been duly and validly authenticated and issued under this Indenture. A Second Lien Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery: (1) Initial Second Lien Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $675,165,443, (2) subject to the terms of this Indenture, Additional Second Lien Notes for original issue in an unlimited principal amount and (3) under the circumstances set forth in SECTION 2.6(e), Initial Second Lien Notes in the form of an Unrestricted Global Note in each case upon a written order of the Issuer signed by one Officer (the “Issuer Order”). Such Issuer Order shall specify whether the Second Lien Notes will be in the form of Definitive Notes or Global Notes, the amount of the Second Lien Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Second Lien Notes is to be authenticated, the holder of the Second Lien Notes and whether the Second Lien Notes are to be Initial Second Lien Notes or Additional Second Lien Notes.
The Trustee may appoint an agent (the “Authenticating Agent”) reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Second Lien Notes. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by a Trust Officer, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Issuer. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, any such Authenticating Agent may authenticate Second Lien Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by the Authenticating Agent. An Authenticating Agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
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In case the Issuer or any Guarantor, pursuant to ARTICLE IV or SECTION 10.2, as applicable, shall be consolidated or merged with or into any other Person or shall convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and the successor Person resulting from such consolidation, or surviving such merger, or into which the Issuer or any Guarantor shall have been merged, or the Person which shall have received a conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition as aforesaid, shall have executed an indenture supplemental hereto with the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE IV, any of the Second Lien Notes authenticated or delivered prior to such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition may (but shall not be required), from time to time, at the request of the successor Person, be exchanged for other Second Lien Notes executed in the name of the successor Person with such changes in phraseology and form as may be appropriate to reflect such successor Person, but otherwise in substance of like tenor as the Second Lien Notes surrendered for such exchange and of like principal amount; and the Trustee, upon the Issuer Order of the successor Person, shall authenticate and make available for delivery Second Lien Notes as specified in such order for the purpose of such exchange. If Second Lien Notes shall at any time be authenticated and delivered in any new name of a successor Person pursuant to this SECTION 2.2 in exchange or substitution for or upon registration of transfer of any Second Lien Notes, such successor Person, at the option of the Holders but without expense to them, shall provide for the exchange of all Second Lien Notes at the time outstanding for Second Lien Notes authenticated and delivered in such new name.
SECTION 2.3. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency where Second Lien Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and an office or agency where Second Lien Notes may be presented for payment. The Registrar shall keep a register of the Second Lien Notes and of their transfer and exchange (the “Notes Register”). The Issuer may have one or more co registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent and the term “Registrar” includes any co registrar.
The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of each such agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to SECTION 7.7. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
The Issuer initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as the Registrar and Paying Agent for the Second Lien Notes and the Issuer may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders, but upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) acceptance of any appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee and the passage of any waiting or notice periods required by DTC procedures or (ii) written notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee.
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SECTION 2.4. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. By 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on each date on which the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Second Lien Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest when due. The Issuer shall require the Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by such Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Second Lien Notes (whether such assets have been distributed to it by the Issuer or other obligors on the Second Lien Notes), shall notify the Trustee in writing of any default by the Issuer or any Guarantor in making any such payment and shall during the continuance of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Second Lien Notes) in the making of any payment in respect of the Second Lien Notes, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith deliver to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Second Lien Notes together with a full accounting thereof. If the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds or assets disbursed by such Paying Agent. Upon complying with this SECTION 2.4, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer) shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. Upon any bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to any of the Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Second Lien Notes.
SECTION 2.5. Holder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders of the Second Lien Notes. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer, on its own behalf and on behalf of each of the Guarantors, shall furnish or cause the Registrar to furnish to the Trustee, in writing at least five (5) Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders.
SECTION 2.6. Transfer and Exchange. A Holder may transfer a Second Lien Note (or a beneficial interest therein) to another Person or exchange a Second Lien Note (or a beneficial interest therein) for another Second Lien Note or Second Lien Notes of any authorized denomination by presenting to the Trustee a written request therefor stating the name of the proposed transferee or requesting such an exchange, accompanied by any certification, opinion or other document required by this SECTION 2.6. The Trustee will promptly register any transfer or exchange that meets the requirements of this SECTION 2.6 by noting the same in the Notes Register maintained by the Trustee for the purpose, and no transfer or exchange will be effective until it is registered in such Notes Register. The transfer or exchange of any Second Lien Note (or a beneficial interest therein) may only be made in accordance with this SECTION 2.6 and SECTIONS 2.1(g) and 2.1(h), as applicable, and, in the case of a Global Note (or a beneficial interest therein), the applicable rules and procedures of DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream.
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The Trustee shall refuse to register any requested transfer or exchange that does not comply with this paragraph.
(a) Transfers of Rule 144A Notes. The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of its original issue and the last date on which the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Rule 144A Note (or any predecessor thereto) (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”):
(1) a registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee in the form as set forth on the reverse of the Rule 144A Note that it is purchasing for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A; provided that no such written representation or other written certification shall be required in connection with the transfer of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Note to a transferee in the form of a beneficial interest in that Rule 144A Global Note in accordance with this Indenture and the applicable procedures of DTC.
(2) [Reserved].
(3) a registration of transfer of a Rule 144A Note or a beneficial interest therein to a Non U.S. Person shall be made upon receipt by the Registrar or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth in SECTION 2.9 from the proposed transferee and the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to the Issuer.
(b) Transfers of Regulation S Notes. The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed transfer of a Regulation S Note prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period:
(1) a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee, in the form of assignment on the reverse of the certificate, that it is purchasing the Rule 144A Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A; After the expiration of the Restricted Period, interests in the Regulation S Note may be transferred in accordance with applicable law without requiring the certification set forth in SECTIONS 2.8, 2.9, 2.10 or any additional certification.
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(2) [Reserved].
(3) a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a Non U.S. Person shall be made upon receipt by the Registrar or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth in SECTION 2.9 hereof from the proposed transferee and receipt by the Registrar or its agent of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to the Issuer.
(c) Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Second Lien Notes not bearing a Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver Second Lien Notes that do not bear a Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Second Lien Notes bearing a Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only Second Lien Notes that bear a Restricted Notes Legend unless (1) an Initial Second Lien Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement, (2) Initial Second Lien Notes are being exchanged for Second Lien Notes that do not bear the Restricted Notes Legend in accordance with SECTION 2.6(e) or (3) there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Issuer stating that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act. Any Additional Second Lien Notes sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(d) Automatic Exchange from Global Note Bearing Restricted Notes Legend to Global Note Not Bearing Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act, beneficial interests in a Global Note bearing the Restricted Notes Legend (a “Restricted Global Note”) may be automatically exchanged into beneficial interests in a Global Note not bearing the Restricted Notes Legend (an “Unrestricted Global Note”) without any action required by or on behalf of the Holder (the “Automatic Exchange”) at any time on or after the date that is the 366th calendar day after (1) with respect to the Second Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date, the Issue Date or (2) with respect to Additional Second Lien Notes, if any, the issue date of such Additional Second Lien Notes, or, in each case, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (the “Automatic Exchange Date”).
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Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act, the Issuer shall (i) provide written notice to DTC and the Trustee at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange Date, instructing DTC to exchange all of the outstanding beneficial interests in a particular Restricted Global Note to the Unrestricted Global Note, which the Issuer shall have previously otherwise made eligible for exchange with DTC, (ii) provide prior written notice (the “Automatic Exchange Notice”) to each Holder at such Holder’s address appearing in the register of Holders at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange Date (the “Automatic Exchange Notice Date”), which notice must include (w) the Automatic Exchange Date, (x) the section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Automatic Exchange shall occur, (y) the “CUSIP” number of the Restricted Global Note from which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred and (z) the “CUSIP” number of the Unrestricted Global Note into which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred, and (iii) on or prior to the Automatic Exchange Date, deliver to the Trustee for authentication one or more Unrestricted Global Notes, duly executed by the Issuer, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Restricted Global Notes to be exchanged into such Unrestricted Global Notes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION 2.6(e), during the fifteen (15) calendar day period prior to the Automatic Exchange Date, no exchanges other than pursuant to this SECTION 2.6(e) shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the Issuer. As a condition to any Automatic Exchange, the Issuer shall provide, and the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to the Issuer to the effect that the Automatic Exchange shall be effected in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and that the aggregate principal amount of the particular Restricted Global Note is to be transferred to the particular Unrestricted Global Note by adjustment made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for the Depositary to reflect the Automatic Exchange. Upon such exchange of beneficial interests pursuant to this SECTION 2.6(e), the aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes shall be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Notes Custodian, as custodian for the Depositary, to reflect the relevant increase or decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note resulting from the applicable exchange. The Restricted Global Note from which beneficial interests are transferred pursuant to an Automatic Exchange shall be cancelled following the Automatic Exchange.
(e) Retention of Written Communications. The Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to SECTION 2.1 or this SECTION 2.6. The Issuer shall have the right to inspect and make copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable prior written notice to the Registrar.
(f) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes. To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall, subject to the other terms and conditions of this ARTICLE II, execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes and Global Notes at the Issuer’s and Registrar’s written request.
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No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require the Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax assessments or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charges payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to SECTIONS 2.2, 2.6, 2.11, 2.13, 3.5, 5.6 or 9.5).
The Issuer (and the Registrar) shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any Second Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 calendar days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem Second Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 calendar days before an interest payment date and ending on such interest payment date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Second Lien Note being redeemed in part.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Second Lien Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Second Lien Note is registered as the owner of such Second Lien Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, premium, if any, and (subject to paragraph 2 of the reverse side of the form of Second Lien Notes attached hereto as Exhibit A) interest on such Second Lien Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, including without limitation the transfer or exchange of such Second Lien Note, whether or not such Second Lien Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All Second Lien Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Second Lien Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(g) No Obligation of the Trustee. The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in, DTC or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Second Lien Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or purchase) or the payment of any amount or delivery of any Second Lien Notes (or other security or property) under or with respect to such Second Lien Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders in respect of the Second Lien Notes shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
Neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Second Lien Note (including any transfers between or among DTC participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.
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None of the Trustee, the Registrar or any of their respective agents shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by DTC.
SECTION 2.7. Form of Certificate to be Delivered upon Termination of Restricted Period.
[Date]
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
Re: iHeartCommunications, Inc. (the “Issuer”)
[Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030] (the “Notes”)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter relates to Notes represented by a temporary global Note (the “Temporary Regulation S Global Note”). Pursuant to SECTION 2.1 of the Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 relating to the Notes (the “Indenture”), we hereby certify that the persons who are the beneficial owners of $[ ] principal amount of Notes represented by the Temporary Regulation S Global Note are persons outside the United States to whom beneficial interests in such Notes could be transferred in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Accordingly, you are hereby requested to issue a Permanent Regulation S Global Note representing the undersigned’s interest in the principal amount of Notes represented by the Temporary Regulation S Global Note, all in the manner provided by this Indenture. We certify that we [are] [are not] an Affiliate of the Issuer.
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The Trustee and the Issuer are entitled to conclusively rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this letter have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Name of Transferor] | ||
By: |
|
|
Authorized Signature |
SECTION 2.8. [Reserved].
SECTION 2.9. Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S.
[Date]
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
Re: iHeartCommunications, Inc. (the “Issuer”)
[Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030] (the “Notes”)
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with our proposed sale of $[ ] aggregate principal amount of the Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we represent that:
(a) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;
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(b) either (i) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States or (ii) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;
(c) no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(a)(2) or Rule 904(a)(2) of Regulation S, as applicable; and
(d) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
In addition, if the sale is made during a restricted period and the provisions of Rule 903(b)(2), Rule 903(b)(3) or Rule 904(b)(1) of Regulation S are applicable thereto, we confirm that such sale has been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 903(b)(2), Rule 903(b)(3) or Rule 904(b)(1), as the case may be.
We also hereby certify that we [are] [are not] an Affiliate of the Issuer and, to our knowledge, the transferee of the Notes [is] [is not] an Affiliate of the Issuer.
The Trustee and the Issuer are entitled to conclusively rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Name of Transferor] | ||
By: |
|
|
Authorized Signature |
SECTION 2.10. [Reserved].
SECTION 2.11. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes. If a mutilated Second Lien Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Second Lien Note claims that the Second Lien Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Second Lien Note if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the UCC are met, such that the Holder (a) satisfies the Issuer and the Trustee that such Second Lien Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken within a reasonable time after such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar has not registered a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuer and the Trustee prior to the Second Lien Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the UCC (a “protected purchaser”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee; provided, however, if after the delivery of such replacement Second Lien Note, a protected purchaser of the Second Lien Note for which such replacement Second Lien Note was issued presents for payment or registration such replaced Second Lien Note, the Trustee and/or the Issuer shall be entitled to recover such replacement Second Lien Note from the Person to whom it was issued and delivered or any Person taking therefrom, except a protected purchaser, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Issuer or the Trustee in connection therewith.
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Such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the (i) Trustee to protect the Trustee and (ii) the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar, from any loss which any of them may suffer if a Second Lien Note is replaced, and, in the absence of notice to the Issuer, any Guarantor or the Trustee that such Second Lien Note has been acquired by a protected purchaser, the Issuer shall execute, and upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in exchange for any such mutilated Second Lien Note or in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Note, a new Second Lien Note of like tenor and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in their discretion may, instead of issuing a new Second Lien Note, pay such Second Lien Note.
Upon the issuance of any new Second Lien Note under this SECTION 2.11, the Issuer may require that such Holder pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of counsel and of the Trustee) in connection therewith.
Subject to the proviso in the initial paragraph of this SECTION 2.11, every new Second Lien Note issued pursuant to this SECTION 2.11, in lieu of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, any Guarantor (if applicable) and any other obligor upon the Second Lien Notes, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Second Lien Notes duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this SECTION 2.11 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Notes.
SECTION 2.12. Outstanding Notes. Second Lien Notes outstanding at any time are all Second Lien Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those paid pursuant to SECTION 2.11 and those described in this SECTION 2.12 as not outstanding.
If a Second Lien Note is replaced pursuant to SECTION 2.11 (other than a mutilated Note surrendered for replacement), it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Second Lien Note is held by a protected purchaser. A mutilated Second Lien Note ceases to be outstanding upon surrender of such Second Lien Note and replacement pursuant to SECTION 2.11.
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If the Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date, an amount of money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest payable on that date with respect to the Second Lien Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Second Lien Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
SECTION 2.13. Temporary Notes. In the event that Definitive Notes are to be issued under the terms of this Indenture, until such Definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Second Lien Notes shall be substantially in the form, and shall carry all rights, of Definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer consider appropriate for temporary Second Lien Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes. After the preparation of Definitive Notes, the temporary Second Lien Notes shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes upon surrender of the temporary Second Lien Notes at any office or agency maintained by the Issuer for that purpose and such exchange shall be without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Second Lien Notes, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, authenticate and make available for delivery in exchange therefor, one or more Definitive Notes representing an equal principal amount of Second Lien Notes. Until so exchanged, the Holder of temporary Second Lien Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as a Holder of Definitive Notes.
SECTION 2.14. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Second Lien Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Second Lien Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Second Lien Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and dispose of such Second Lien Notes in accordance with its internal policies and customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act and the Trustee). If the Issuer or any Guarantor acquires any of the Second Lien Notes, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented by such Second Lien Notes unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to this SECTION 2.14. The Issuer may not issue new Second Lien Notes to replace Second Lien Notes it has paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for any reason other than in connection with a transfer or exchange.
At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note have either been exchanged for Definitive Notes, transferred, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Note shall be returned by DTC or the applicable Notes Custodian to the Trustee for cancellation or retained and canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Definitive Notes, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Note, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, the principal amount of Second Lien Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee (if it is then the Notes Custodian for such Global Note) with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Notes Custodian, to reflect such reduction.
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SECTION 2.15. Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest. Interest on any Second Lien Note which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any interest payment date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Second Lien Note (or one or more predecessor Second Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such payment at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3.
Any interest on any Second Lien Note which is payable, but is not paid when the same becomes due and payable and such nonpayment continues for a period of 30 days shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the regular record date, and such defaulted interest and (to the extent lawful) interest on such defaulted interest at the rate borne by the Second Lien Notes (such defaulted interest and interest thereon herein collectively called “Defaulted Interest”) shall be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:
(a) The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Second Lien Notes (or their respective predecessor Second Lien Notes) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date (as defined below) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Second Lien Note and the date (not less than 30 days after such notice) of the proposed payment (the “Special Interest Payment Date”), and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this SECTION 2.15(a). Thereupon the Issuer shall fix a record date (the “Special Record Date”) for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which date shall be not more than 20 calendar days and not less than 15 calendar days prior to the Special Interest Payment Date and not less than 10 calendar days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of such Special Record Date, and in the name of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date and Special Interest Payment Date therefor to be given in the manner provided for in SECTION 13.2, not less than 10 calendar days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date and Special Interest Payment Date therefor having been so given, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid on the Special Interest Payment Date to the Persons in whose names the Second Lien Notes (or their respective predecessor Second Lien Notes) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the provisions in SECTION 2.15(b).
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(b) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Second Lien Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this SECTION 2.15(b), such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 2.15, each Second Lien Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of, transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Second Lien Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Second Lien Note.
SECTION 2.16. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Second Lien Notes may use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Second Lien Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption or purchase and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Second Lien Notes, and any such redemption or purchase shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such CUSIP and ISIN numbers. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee, in writing, of any changes in the CUSIP or ISIN numbers.
SECTION 2.17. Joint and Several Liability. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally liable for the performance of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes and the Collateral Documents.
ARTICLE III
COVENANTS
SECTION 3.1. Payment of Notes. The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Second Lien Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Second Lien Notes and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if by 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture an amount of money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Second Lien Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Issuer may, to the extent required to do so by law, deduct or withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United States of America from principal or interest payments hereunder.
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SECTION 3.2. Limitation on Indebtedness. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness.
(a) SECTION 3.2(a) will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following:
(1) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement (including letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued or created thereunder) in a maximum aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the sum of (a) the Initial Term Loans, plus the Incremental Term Loans (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the terms of the New Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date, plus (b) $475,000,000 (which shall include, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, any prepayment premium, make-whole premium or exit or similar premium or fee) plus (c) other obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement not constituting principal (other than as set forth in clause (b) above), and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing; provided that (A) to the extent the Issuer or any Subsidiary prepays or repays any Indebtedness outstanding under the New Credit Agreement (other than in connection with Incurring Refinancing Indebtedness thereof), the maximum aggregate principal amount permitted to be outstanding pursuant to this clause (1) shall be reduced by the amount of such prepayment or repayment and (B) Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (1) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this SECTION 3.2 other than by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such Refinancing Indebtedness and any existing commitments unutilized thereunder; provided, further, that with respect to any Refinancing Indebtedness of the New Credit Agreement, (a) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall have the covenants and events of default and other terms and condition that are, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Issuer than the covenants and events of default and other terms and conditions applicable to the New Credit Agreement (except for (i) pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and prepayment and redemption terms (except as otherwise provided in the New Credit Agreement) and (ii) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Stated Maturity of the Second Lien Notes at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness) and (b) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Persons other than the Issuer and the Guarantors (or Persons that will become Guarantors in connection with the incurrence of such Refinancing Indebtedness);
(2) Indebtedness represented by (a) the Existing Secured Notes (other than any additional Existing Secured Notes of any series issued after the Issue Date), including any Guarantee thereof, outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, (b) the Existing Unsecured Notes (other than any additional Existing Unsecured Notes issued after the Issue Date), including any Guarantee thereof, outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, (c) the Existing Credit Agreement outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, and (d) any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (1) above or subclauses (a), (b) or (c) of this clause (2)) outstanding on the Issue Date immediately after giving effect to the Comprehensive Transactions and any Guarantee thereof and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (2)(d) owing by the Issuer or a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall, in each case be unsecured or subordinated in right of payment to the Second Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note;
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(3) Guarantees by the Issuer and any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer otherwise permitted under this Indenture; provided that (a) no Guarantee of (x) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement, any series of the First Lien Notes, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness of any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Second Lien Notes Obligations on the terms set forth in this Indenture, (b) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Second Lien Notes Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Second Lien Notes Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness and (c) any such Guarantee by the Issuer or a Guarantor of Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (3) shall be an Investment that must be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
(4) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or any Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any Parent Entity which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer); provided that any such Indebtedness (i) owing by the Issuer or a Guarantor to a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor shall, in each case be subordinated in right of payment to the Second Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note, (ii) owed to the Issuer or a Guarantor by the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any Subsidiary shall be evidenced by the Intercompany Note (which, for the avoidance of doubt, such Intercompany Note shall be pledged to the extent evidencing Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Guarantor) and (iii) owing by any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to the Issuer or any other Guarantor shall be an Investment in a Non-Guarantor that must be permitted by clause (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
(5) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) (other than sale and leaseback transactions) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary prior to or within 365 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale and leaseback transactions permitted by clause (13) of the definition of “Disposition,” and (iii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (5) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
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(6) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(7) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Permitted Investment in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50,000,000; provided that (i) any such assumed Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment, (ii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio in effect immediately prior to the making of such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, in each case, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;
(8) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Issuer (or any Parent Entity) or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(9) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries to future, present or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent Entity permitted by SECTION 3.3;
(10) Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments;
(11) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;
(12) obligations in respect of Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
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(13) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $125,000,000; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this clause (13) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Issuer (other than a Guarantor); provided, further, that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor pursuant to this clause (13) shall not exceed at any time outstanding $25,000,000; provided, further, that if the Issuer or a Guarantor is an obligor of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (13), such Indebtedness (x) shall be unsecured or (y) if secured, (i) the Liens securing such Indebtedness shall rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and (ii) may not be secured by any assets other than Collateral;
(14) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(15) Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 Business Days following the incurrence thereof;
(16) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(17) [Reserved];
(18) Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such letter of credit;
(20) [Reserved];
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(19) (i) Permitted Pari Passu Debt; provided that (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Indebtedness and (y) either (1) the proceeds of such Permitted Pari Passu Debt are promptly applied to refinance or replace the Existing Credit Agreement or the Existing Notes in accordance with SECTION 3.9 or (2) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not greater than 7.40 to 1.00, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (ii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof; (21) (i) [Reserved], (ii) the 2029 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any additional 2029 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2029 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2026 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (6) of SECTION 3.9(a), (iii) the 2030 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any additional 2030 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2030 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2027 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (7) of SECTION 3.9(a), (iv) the 2031 First Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any additional 2031 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2031 First Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing 2028 Secured Notes pursuant to clause (8) of SECTION 3.9(a), (v) the Second Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date and any additional Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes) issued after the Issue Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to clause (9) of SECTION 3.9(a), and (vi) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing clauses (i) through (v);
(22) [Reserved]; and
(23) subject to the restrictions set forth in clause (b)(1)(b) above, all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in the clauses above.
(b) For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred or issued pursuant to and in compliance with, this SECTION 3.2:
(1) in the event that all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in this SECTION 3.2, the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify, and may from time to time reclassify, all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the clauses of SECTION 3.2(b); provided that (i) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the ABL Credit Agreement and the New Credit Agreement and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof shall be treated as incurred under clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified, (ii) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes and the Existing Credit Agreement shall be treated as incurred under clause (2) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified and (iii) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date under First Lien Notes and the Second Lien Notes and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof shall be treated as incurred under clause (21) of SECTION 3.2(b) and may not be reclassified;
(2) additionally, except as set forth in clause (c)(1) above, all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness may later be reclassified as having been Incurred pursuant to any type of Indebtedness described in SECTION 3.2(b) so long as such Indebtedness is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to such provision at the time of reclassification;
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(3) Refinancing Indebtedness (and all subsequent refinancings thereof with Refinancing Indebtedness) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness that is permitted to be incurred pursuant to any provision of this SECTION 3.2 other than, in each case, as permitted by the definition of Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to each such incurrence thereof;
(4) Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relating to, or Liens securing, Indebtedness that is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included;
(5) if obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments are Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility and are being treated as incurred pursuant to any clause of the second paragraph above and the letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relate to other Indebtedness, then such other Indebtedness shall not be included;
(6) [Reserved];
(7) Indebtedness permitted by this SECTION 3.2 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness, but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this SECTION 3.2 permitting such Indebtedness; and
(8) the amount of Indebtedness issued at a price less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined on the basis of GAAP.
(c) Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness, will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this SECTION 3.2.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided, that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (a) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced plus (b) the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums (including tender premiums) and other costs and expenses (including original issue discount, upfront fees or similar fees) incurred in connection with such refinancing.
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(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this SECTION 3.2, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Issuer or a Subsidiary may Incur pursuant to this SECTION 3.2 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.
(f) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Second Lien Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Second Lien Note Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be.
(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or in any other Second Lien Note Document:
(1) any Indebtedness Incurred after the Issue Date owed by the Issuer or any Guarantor to any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Guarantor shall be unsecured and subordinated in right payment to the Second Lien Notes Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note; and
(2) no Indebtedness Incurred by any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, the proceeds of which is or is contemplated to be lent by such Subsidiary to the Issuer or any Guarantor, may be Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Guarantor, nor shall the Issuer or any Guarantor provide any other credit support in respect of such Indebtedness (this clause (2), together with the foregoing clause (1), the “Double-Dip Provision”).
(h) For purposes of this Indenture, (1) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be treated as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured and (2) senior Indebtedness shall not be treated as subordinated or junior to any other senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral or is secured by different collateral or because it is guaranteed by different obligors.
SECTION 3.3. Limitation on Restricted Payments. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) on or in respect of the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary’s Equity Interests (including any such payment in connection with any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries) or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests, or on account of any return of capital to the Issuer’s or a Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof);
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(2) purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Equity Interests of the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor held by Persons other than the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor;
(3) purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than (a) any such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case, due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement and (b) any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to SECTION 3.2(b)(3)); or
(4) make any Restricted Investment;
(any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (1) through (4) is referred to herein as a “Restricted Payment”).
(b) SECTION 3.3(a) will not prohibit any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Payments”):
(1) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Issuer, and other Subsidiaries of the Issuer (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to the Issuer and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall directly or indirectly make any Restricted Payment pursuant to this clause (b)(1) to any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor unless it is promptly further contributed to a Guarantor;
(2) the Issuer and each Subsidiary may declare and make Restricted Payments payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by SECTION 3.2) of such Person;
(3) [Reserved];
(4) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
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(5) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by SECTION 3.8 (other than clauses (3) and (7) of SECTION 3.8(b)), SECTION 4.1 and the definition of “Permitted Investment” (other than clauses (5) or (13) thereof);
(6) repurchases of Equity Interests in the Parent Guarantor (or any Parent Entity) or any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor in the ordinary course of business deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(7) the Issuer and each Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (or of the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) from any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, manager, director, officer or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Issuer or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (7) shall not exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum amount of Restricted Payments of $10,000,000 made in any calendar year) and (ii) other than in the case of a non-discretionary repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement, no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom; provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(a) to the extent contributed to the Parent Guarantor, the net cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of any of the Parent Guarantor’s direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of the Parent Guarantor, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Issue Date; plus
(b) the net proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries; less
(c) the amount of Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clause (a) and (b) of this clause (7);
(8) the Issuer may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 minus amounts outstanding at such time (or otherwise applied to the extent such loans and advances are not repaid in cash) in respect of loans and advances to the Parent Guarantor pursuant to clause (13) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”; provided that no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom;
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(9) the Issuer may make Restricted Payments to any Parent Entity:
(a) to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries and, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors, managers or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries;
(b) the proceeds of which shall be used by such Parent Entity to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any other Parent Entity’s) corporate existence or good standing under applicable law;
(c) for any taxable period ending after the Issue Date (A) in which the Parent Guarantor and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group (a “Tax Group”) of which a Parent Entity is the common parent or (B) in which the Parent Guarantor is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes, to pay U.S. federal, state and local and foreign Taxes that are attributable to the taxable income, revenue, receipts, gross receipts, gross profits, capital or margin of the Parent Guarantor and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount of such Taxes that the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay if they were a stand-alone Tax Group with the Parent Guarantor as the corporate common parent of such stand-alone Tax Group;
(d) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investment” if such Parent Entity were subject to this SECTION 3.3; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) such Parent Entity shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Issuer or a Guarantor or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted under SECTION 4.1) of the Person formed or acquired into the Issuer or a Guarantor in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with SECTION 3.7 and SECTION 12.2; provided, further, that in no event shall any contribution pursuant to this clause (9)(d) increase the Available Equity Amount or Investment capacity under the definition of “Permitted Investment;”
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(e) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of the Issuer or any Parent Entity to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and the Subsidiaries; and
(f) the proceeds of which shall be used by the Issuer to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any Parent Entity to pay) fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by the Issuer (or any Parent Entity) that is directly attributable to the operations of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries;
(10) payments made or expected to be made by the Issuer or any of the Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar non-U.S. Taxes with respect to any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;
(11) the Issuer or any Subsidiary may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition; and
(12) any Restricted Payment by the Issuer or any Parent Entity to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this SECTION 3.3, in the event that a Restricted Payment (or portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Payments described in clauses (1) through (12) of SECTION 3.3(b), or is permitted pursuant to one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investment,” the Issuer will be entitled to classify such Restricted Payment or Investment (or portion thereof) on the date of its payment or later reclassify (based on circumstances existing on the date of such reclassification) such Restricted Payment or Investment (or portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this SECTION 3.3, including as an Investment pursuant to one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investment.”
(d) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount, and the fair market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment, property or assets other than cash shall be determined conclusively by the Parent Guarantor acting in good faith.
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SECTION 3.4. Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Subsidiaries. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of:
(1) any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions in cash or otherwise on its Equity Interests or pay any Indebtedness or other Obligations owed to the Issuer or any Subsidiary or (ii) make or repay intercompany loans or advances to the Parent Guarantor or any other Guarantor; or
(2) any Guarantor to create, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders with respect to the Second Lien Note Documents and the Obligations;
provided that (x) the priority of any preferred stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock and (y) the subordination of (including the application of any standstill requirements to) loans or advances made to the Issuer or any Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Subsidiary shall not be deemed to constitute such an encumbrance or restriction.
(b) SECTION 3.4(a) shall not prohibit:
(1) (x) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to (a) any Credit Facility, (b) the Existing Secured Notes, (c) the Existing Unsecured Notes, (d) the First Lien Notes or (e) any other agreement or instrument, in each case, in effect at or entered into on or prior to the Issue Date; and (y) to the extent any encumbrances or restrictions permitted by clause (e) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such encumbrance or restriction and, in the case of subclauses (x)(a) through (x)(d), such Indebtedness constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;
(2) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement, Second Lien Note Documents, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(3) any encumbrance or restriction that is binding on a Subsidiary at the time such Subsidiary first becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer, so long as such encumbrance or restriction was not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Issuer; provided, that this clause (3) shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions that are binding on a Person that becomes a Subsidiary pursuant to SECTION 3.22;
(4) any encumbrance or restriction representing Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the Issuer which is not a Guarantor which is permitted by SECTION 3.2;
(5) any encumbrance or restriction arising in connection with (i) any disposition that is not a Disposition or (ii) in a disposition that complies with SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 4.1 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such disposition;
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(6) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under SECTION 3.3 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(7) any encumbrance or restriction comprising negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under SECTION 3.2, but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness;
(8) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted by this Indenture so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto;
(9) any encumbrance or restriction comprising restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to clauses (5), (7) and (13) of SECTION 3.2(b) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness;
(10) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Issuer or any Subsidiary;
(11) any encumbrance or restriction comprising customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(12) any encumbrance or restriction comprising restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and
(13) any encumbrance or restriction arising in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under SECTION 3.3 and SECTION 3.6 limited to such cash or deposit.
SECTION 3.5. Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Disposition unless:
(1) the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other Person assuming responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of contractually agreeing to such Disposition), as determined in good faith by the Issuer, of the shares and assets subject to such Disposition (including, for the avoidance of doubt, if such Disposition is a Permitted Asset Swap);
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(2) in any such Disposition, or series of related Dispositions with a purchase price in excess of $5.0 million, at least 75% of the consideration from such Disposition received by the Issuer or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, however, to the extent that any assets subject to a Disposition were Collateral, the non-cash consideration received is pledged as Collateral under the Collateral Documents substantially simultaneously with such sale, in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents; and
(3) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Disposition is applied, either:
(a) within 365 days from the receipt of such Net Available Cash, (x) to offer to prepay, repay or purchase the First Lien Notes or any other Indebtedness that is secured by a First Priority Lien (including, to the extent secured by a First Priority Lien, the Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or ABL Credit Agreement incurred pursuant to clause (1) of SECTION 3.2(b) (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof)) (other than the Existing 2028 Secured Notes) or (y) to offer to prepay, repay or purchase the Second Lien Notes or any other Second Priority Obligations (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof), provided that, to the extent the Issuer prepays, repays or purchases any other such Second Priority Obligations, the Issuer shall equally and ratably reduce (or offer to reduce, as applicable) Obligations under the Second Lien Notes through open market purchases, by redeeming Second Lien Notes as provided under SECTION 5.7, or by making an Asset Disposition Offer;
(b) to invest in or commit to invest in (i) capital expenditures, (ii) long-term fixed assets or (iii) any other Investment permitted by clauses (9) or (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Indenture) in an amount not to exceed $35.0 million in the aggregate for all such reinvestments made pursuant to this clause (a)(3)(b) in any fiscal year within 365 days from the date of receipt of such Net Available Cash; provided, however, that a binding agreement shall be treated as a permitted application of Net Available Cash from the date of such commitment with the good faith expectation that an amount equal to Net Available Cash will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 90 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”); provided that (x) if any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such amount is applied, then such Net Available Cash shall constitute Excess Proceeds as of the date of such cancellation or termination and (y) such Net Available Cash shall constitute Excess Proceeds if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing;
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provided that, (1) pending the final application of the amount of any such Net Available Cash in accordance with clauses (a)(3)(a) and (a)(3)(b) above, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries may temporarily reduce Indebtedness or otherwise use such Net Available Cash in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture; and (2) the Issuer (or any Subsidiary, as the case may be) may elect to invest in (i) capital expenditures, (ii) long-term fixed assets or (iii) any other Investment permitted by clauses (9) or (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Indenture) prior to receiving the Net Available Cash attributable to any given Disposition (provided that if the assets subject to the disposition constituted Collateral, any such assets are pledged as Collateral under the Collateral Documents substantially simultaneously with such acquisition in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, such investment shall be made no earlier than the earliest of notice to the Trustee of the relevant Disposition, execution of a definitive agreement for the relevant Disposition, and consummation of the relevant Disposition) and deem the amount so invested to be applied pursuant to and in accordance with clause (b) above with respect to such Disposition.
(b) The amount of any Net Available Cash from Dispositions that is not applied or invested or committed to be applied or invested as provided in clause (a)(3) in excess of $10.0 million will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds” under this Indenture. Subject to the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreements, on the day following 365 days after receipt of such Net Available Cash, or earlier if the Parent Guarantor elects, if there are any such Excess Proceeds, the Parent Guarantor will within 10 Business Days be required to make an offer (“Asset Disposition Offer”) to all Holders of Second Lien Notes issued under this Indenture and, to the extent the Issuer elects, to all holders of other outstanding Second Priority Obligations, to purchase the maximum principal amount of Second Lien Notes and any such Second Priority Obligations to which the Asset Disposition Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in respect of the Second Lien Notes in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Second Lien Notes and Second Priority Obligations, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing the Second Priority Obligations, as applicable, and, with respect to the Second Lien Notes, in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000. The Issuer will deliver notice of such Asset Disposition Offer electronically or by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Second Lien Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Disposition and offering to repurchase the Second Lien Notes for the specified purchase price on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 10 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered, pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice. The Issuer may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Available Cash from a Disposition by making an Asset Disposition Offer with respect to all Net Available Cash within the relevant 365 day period (or such longer period provided above) or with respect to any unapplied Excess Proceeds.
(c) To the extent that the aggregate amount of Second Lien Notes and Second Priority Obligations so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not prohibited by this Indenture.
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If the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes surrendered in any Asset Disposition Offer by Holders and other Second Priority Obligations surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Excess Proceeds shall be allocated among the Second Lien Notes and Second Priority Obligations to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Second Lien Notes and Second Priority Obligations provided that no Second Lien Notes or other Second Priority Obligations will be selected and purchased in an unauthorized denomination. Upon completion of any Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Additionally, the Issuer may, at its option, make an Asset Disposition Offer using proceeds from any Disposition at any time after the consummation of such Disposition. Upon consummation or expiration of any Asset Disposition Offer, any remaining Net Available Cash shall not be deemed Excess Proceeds and the Issuer may use such Net Available Cash for any purpose not prohibited by this Indenture.
(d) To the extent that any portion of Net Available Cash payable in respect of the Second Lien Notes is denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the amount thereof payable in respect of the Second Lien Notes shall not exceed the net amount of funds in U.S. dollars that is actually received by the Issuer upon converting such portion into U.S. dollars.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this SECTION 3.5, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Available Cash of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary (a “Foreign Disposition”) is prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Available Cash so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this SECTION 3.5, and such amounts may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States, provided that the Issuer hereby agrees to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law or other impediment to permit such repatriation; and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Available Cash is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Available Cash will be promptly (and in any event not later than two (2) Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) in compliance with this SECTION 3.5 and (ii) to the extent that the Issuer has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Available Cash of any Foreign Disposition would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Available Cash, such Net Available Cash so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Available Cash so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to this SECTION 3.5, the Issuer applies an amount equal to such Net Available Cash to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Available Cash had been received by the Issuer rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Available Cash had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Available Cash that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary).
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(e) For the purposes of SECTION 3.5(a)(2) hereof, the following will be deemed to be cash:
(1) the assumption by the transferee of any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s (or the Subsidiaries’, as applicable) most recent balance sheet provided under this Indenture or in the footnotes thereto) of the Issuer or such Subsidiary, other than Subordinated Indebtedness, that are assumed by the transferee pursuant to a Disposition for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) to a non-Affiliate third party and for which the Issuer and all of its Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing in connection with such Disposition;
(2) securities received by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer from the transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of such Disposition; and
(3) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or the applicable Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed $5.0 million (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents).
(f) Upon the commencement of an Asset Disposition Offer, the Issuer shall send, or cause to be sent, a written notice to the Trustee and to each Holder of Second Lien Notes then outstanding at its registered address, or deliver otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holder to tender Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer. Any Asset Disposition Offer shall be made to all Holders of the Second Lien Notes then outstanding. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Disposition Offer, shall state:
(1) that the Asset Disposition Offer is being made pursuant to this SECTION 3.5 and that, to the extent lawful, all Second Lien Notes then outstanding tendered and not withdrawn shall be accepted for payment (unless prorated);
(2) the Asset Disposition Offer payment amount, the Asset Disposition Offer offered price, and the date on which Second Lien Notes tendered and accepted for payment shall be purchased, which date shall be at least 10 days and not later than 60 days from the date such notices are delivered (the “Asset Sale Payment Date”);
(3) that any Second Lien Notes not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest in accordance with the terms thereof;
(4) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any Second Lien Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer shall cease to accrue interest on and after the Asset Sale Payment Date; (5) that Holders electing to have any Second Lien Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Disposition Offer shall be required to surrender such Second Lien Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Second Lien Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the Asset Sale Payment Date;
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(6) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than two Business Days prior to the Asset Sale Payment Date, a notice setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Second Lien Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Second Lien Note purchased;
(7) that if the aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes then outstanding surrendered by Holders exceeds the Asset Disposition Offer payment amount, the Issuer shall select the Second Lien Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuer so that only Second Lien Notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 shall be purchased); and
(8) that Holders whose Second Lien Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Second Lien Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Second Lien Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry).
(g) If the Asset Sale Payment Date is on or after a record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer.
(h) On the Asset Sale Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,
(1) accept for payment all Second Lien Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer,
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Asset Disposition payment in respect of all Second Lien Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and (1) in the case of any asset or property that constitutes Collateral, such Lien expressly has Junior Lien Priority on the Collateral relative to the Second Lien Notes and the Second Lien Note Guarantees; and
(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Second Lien Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Second Lien Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
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(i) To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations, including Rule 14e-l under the Exchange Act, conflict with the provisions of this SECTION 3.5, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws, rules and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.
SECTION 3.6. Limitation on Liens. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) (each, an “Initial Lien”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related guarantee of Indebtedness, upon any asset or property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, unless:
(2) in the case of any asset or property that does not constitute Collateral, the Second Lien Notes (or a Second Lien Note Guarantee in the case of Liens on assets or property of a Guarantor) are secured equally and ratably with (or (i) on a senior basis to, in the case such Lien secures Subordinated Indebtedness, or (ii) on a junior basis to, in the case such Lien secures any First Priority Obligations) the Obligations so secured.
Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the preceding sentence shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any Liens securing the Second Lien Notes on the Issue Date shall not constitute an “Initial Lien.”
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien securing debt for borrowed money on the Equity Interests of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary held by the Issuer or a Guarantor unless such Equity Interests shall also be pledged to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to secure the Second Lien Notes Obligations.
With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness. The “Increased Amount” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness.
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SECTION 3.7. Future Guarantees. Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by the Parent Guarantor, or (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary (including following the designation of a Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor), the Parent Guarantor will cause such Subsidiary within 60 days after such formation, acquisition, cessation, designation or election, or such longer period as the Trustee may agree in writing in its discretion to:
(1) execute and deliver a supplemental indenture to this Indenture providing for a Second Lien Note Guarantee by such Subsidiary; and
(2) to the extent any of such Guarantor’s assets would constitute Collateral, execute and deliver a supplement or joinder to the Collateral Documents or new Collateral Documents and take all actions required under this Indenture (including, for the avoidance of doubt, such actions as are necessary to satisfy the Collateral Requirement) and the Collateral Documents to perfect the Liens created thereunder.
(b) Subject to the conditions set forth in SECTION 3.22, the Parent Guarantor may elect, in its sole discretion, to cause any Subsidiary that is not otherwise required to be a Guarantor to become a Guarantor (an “Electing Guarantor”), in which case, such Subsidiary shall not be required to comply with the time periods described in this SECTION 3.7 and in the definition of “Collateral Requirement” and such Guarantee may be released at any time in the Issuer’s sole discretion, if, at the time of release, such Subsidiary would not be required to Guarantee the Second Lien Notes; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 3.7, any Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor that Guarantees (or is the borrower or issuer with respect to) (i) the ABL Credit Agreement, the New Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness.
SECTION 3.8. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of related transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $15,000,000, unless such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable, as determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Parent Guarantor, to the Parent Guarantor or its relevant Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction or the execution of the agreement providing for such transaction by the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis.
(a) SECTION 3.8(a) shall not apply to:
(1) loans and other transactions among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Subsidiary or as a result of such loan or other transaction to the extent permitted under this Indenture;
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(2) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions;
(3) Restricted Payments permitted to be made pursuant to SECTION 3.3, or any Permitted Investment;
(4) employment and severance arrangements between the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business;
(5) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries (or any Parent Entity) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;
(6) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Issue Date or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes in any material respect; SECTION 3.9.
(7) payments by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any Parent Entity to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by clause (9)(c) of SECTION 3.3(b);
(8) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Issuer to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof; or
(9) a joint venture which would constitute a transaction with an Affiliate solely as a result of the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary owning an equity interest or otherwise controlling such joint venture or similar entity.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this SECTION 3.8, no Affiliate of the Parent Guarantor (other than the Issuer or its Subsidiaries to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Indenture) shall provide Indebtedness to the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer or any of their respective Subsidiaries unless (i) there are non-Affiliate holders of such Indebtedness, (ii) such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such Indebtedness and (iii) such Indebtedness is incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and not to evade the requirements for incurring Indebtedness under SECTION 3.2.
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Limitation on Junior Financing. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Issuer shall not, nor shall the Issuer permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) any Indebtedness (i) that is or is required to be subordinated in right of payment to the Second Lien Notes Obligations, (ii) for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 that is unsecured (other than the Existing Unsecured Notes or Existing Secured Notes that become unsecured) and under which the Issuer or a Guarantor is an obligor, (iii) that is secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank pari passu or junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations or (iv) that constitutes Existing 2028 Secured Notes (the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively “Junior Financing”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any documentation with respect to such Junior Financing, except:
(1) (A) the refinancing thereof with the net proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness and, if such Indebtedness was originally incurred pursuant to clause (7) or clause (19) under SECTION 3.2(b), is permitted pursuant thereto to the extent not required to be subject to an Asset Disposition Offer) and (B) the refinancing, redemption or repurchase of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of Permitted Pari Passu Debt; (10) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances , exchanges and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of (i) $160,000,000 plus (ii) the Available Equity Amount;
(2) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity;
(3) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary to the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note;
(4) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, so long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, unlimited prepayments of Junior Financing, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(5) exchanges of Existing Term Loans in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Term Loans so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of Initial Term Loans (or other term loans with substantially the same terms as the Initial Term Loans), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans so exchanged and otherwise effectuated pursuant to an exchange agreement substantially consistent with the exchange agreement entered into in connection with the Comprehensive Transactions (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (5), a “Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange”);
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(6) exchanges of Existing 2026 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2026 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2029 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2029 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2026 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (6), a “Specified Existing 2026 Secured Notes Exchange”);
(7) exchanges of Existing 2027 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2030 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2030 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2027 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (7), a “Specified Existing 2027 Secured Notes Exchange”);
(8) exchanges of Existing 2028 Secured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of 2031 First Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the 2031 First Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing 2028 Secured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (8), a “Specified Existing 2028 Secured Notes Exchange”);
(9) exchanges of Existing Unsecured Notes in existence on the Issue Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration in the form of Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (9), a “Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange”);
(11) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing 2026 Secured Notes, as applicable or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
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(12) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of:
(a) the Existing Unsecured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger;
(b) the Existing 2027 Secured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
(c) the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes; provided, that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding the date of such prepayment or redemption shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger.
(b) The Issuer shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Subsidiaries to amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Holders of Second Lien Notes any term or condition of any documentation with respect to Junior Financing without the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Second Lien Notes (it being understood that any amendments or modifications to any Junior Financing documentation that cause any such Junior Financing to no longer satisfy the definition of “Permitted Pari Passu Debt” shall be deemed materially adverse to the interest of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes).
SECTION 3.10. Limitation on Transfer of Material Assets.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or in any other Second Lien Note Document, no Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or material intellectual property or other material property or asset that, in each case, is necessary at such time to the operation of the business of the Issuer and the Guarantors (or Equity Interests in the Issuer or any Guarantor that owns any such Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations FCC Authorizations or any such material intellectual property or other material property or asset) that are, in each of the foregoing cases, owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor, may be transferred (whether as an Investment, Restricted Payment, disposition or otherwise) in any respect, whether directly or indirectly or by one or more transactions (including pursuant the release of any Guarantee provided by any Guarantor), by the Issuer or any Guarantor to the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer that is not a Guarantor, other than pursuant to non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction).
SECTION 3.11. Change in Nature of Business. The Issuer shall not, nor shall the Issuer permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Parent Guarantor and the Subsidiaries on the Issue Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
SECTION 3.12. Financial Covenant. Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing Unsecured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.35 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
(a) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.40 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing 2027 Secured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
(b) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the Stated Maturity of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes, the Issuer shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.55 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing 2028 Secured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50.0 million on such date.
SECTION 3.13. Limitation on Activities of the Parent Guarantor. The Parent Guarantor shall not conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any material business or operations (including any prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of Indebtedness); provided that the following shall be permitted in any event:
(1) its ownership of the Equity Interests of the Issuer;
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(2) the entry into, and the performance of its obligations with respect to the First Lien Note Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Second Lien Note Documents, the indenture governing the Existing Unsecured Notes, any documentation relating to any Permitted Pari Passu Debt and any documentation relating to any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to the foregoing;
(3) the consummation of the Transactions;
(4) the payment of dividends and distributions permitted to be made to the Parent Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the making of contributions to the capital of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and Guarantees of Indebtedness set forth in clause (a)(2) above and the Guarantees of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness;
(5) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance and performance of activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees and those of its Subsidiaries);
(6) the performing of activities in preparation for and consummating any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) including converting into another type of legal entity;
(7) the participation in tax, accounting and other administrative matters, including compliance with applicable Laws and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees;
(8) the holding of any cash and Cash Equivalents (but not operating any property);
(9) the entry into and performance of its obligations with respect to contracts and other arrangements relating to the indemnification to officers, managers, directors and employees; and
(10) any activities incidental to the foregoing.
SECTION 3.14. License Subsidiaries.
So long as any Second Lien Notes are outstanding, the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer shall, and shall cause, to the extent applicable, each of its Subsidiaries to:
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(a) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, ensure that each License Subsidiary engages only in the business of holding Broadcast Licenses and rights and activities related thereto in all material respects; (b) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, ensure that the FCC Authorizations held by each License Subsidiary are not (i) commingled with the property of the Issuer and any Subsidiary thereof other than another License Subsidiary in all material respects or (ii) transferred by such License Subsidiary to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any other License Subsidiary), except in connection with a disposition permitted under SECTION 3.5; and
(c) except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, ensure that no License Subsidiary has any material Indebtedness or other material liabilities except (i) liabilities arising under the First Priority Documents and the indentures governing the Existing Notes to which it is a party, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the First Lien Note Documents, the Second Lien Note Documents, Permitted Pari Passu Debt, and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the foregoing and (ii) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, tax liabilities incidental to ownership of such rights and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, including those in connection with agreements necessary or desirable to operate broadcast stations, including affiliation, programming, syndication, time brokerage, joint sales, lease and similar agreements.
SECTION 3.15. Change of Control. If a Change of Control occurs with respect to the Second Lien Notes, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Second Lien Notes as provided under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer will make an offer to purchase all of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase: provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the Second Lien Notes are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding Second Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of this SECTION 3.15. Within 30 days following any Change of Control with respect to the Second Lien Notes, the Issuer will deliver or cause to be delivered a notice of such Change of Control Offer electronically in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC or by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Second Lien Notes at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase the Second Lien Notes for the specified purchase price on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 10 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered, pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice, except in the case of a conditional Change of Control Offer made in advance of a Change of Control, as described below:
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(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this SECTION 3.15, and that all Second Lien Notes subject to the Change of Control Offer properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuer;
(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 10 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is delivered (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(3) that any Second Lien Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;
(4) that unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Second Lien Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest, on the Change of Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any Second Lien Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Second Lien Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Second Lien Notes completed, to the Paying Agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Second Lien Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such Second Lien Notes; provided that the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day prior to the expiration date of the Change of Control Offer, a notice setting forth the name of the Holder of the Second Lien Notes, the principal amount of Second Lien Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Second Lien Notes and its election to have such Second Lien Notes purchased;
(7) that Holders whose Second Lien Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Second Lien Notes and such new Second Lien Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Second Lien Notes surrendered.
(8) if such notice is delivered prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and
(9) the other instructions, as determined by the Issuer, consistent with this SECTION 3.15, that a Holder must follow.
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The unpurchased portion of the Second Lien Notes must be equal to at least $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000; (b) The Paying Agent will promptly deliver to each Holder of the Second Lien Notes tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Second Lien Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Second Lien Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Second Lien Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Second Lien Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. The Issuer will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
(c) If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid on the relevant interest payment date to the Person in whose name a Second Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date.
(d) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,
(1) accept for payment all Second Lien Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Second Lien Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and
(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Second Lien Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Second Lien Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
(e) The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer with respect to the Second Lien Notes following a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Second Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) a notice of redemption of all outstanding Second Lien Notes has been given pursuant to ARTICLE V of this Indenture, unless and until there is a default in the payment of the redemption price on the applicable redemption date or the redemption is not consummated due to the failure of a condition precedent contained in the applicable redemption notice to be satisfied. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, in connection with any tender offer for the Second Lien Notes, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Second Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the Second Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior Issuer notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all Second Lien Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
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(g) While the Second Lien Notes are in global form and the Issuer makes an offer to purchase all of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, a Holder may exercise its option to elect for the purchase of the Second Lien Notes through the facilities of DTC, subject to its rules and regulations.
(h) To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws, rules or regulations, including Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, conflict with the provisions of this SECTION 3.15, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof. The Issuer may rely on any no-action letters issued by the SEC indicating that the staff of the SEC will not recommend enforcement action in the event a tender offer satisfies certain conditions.
SECTION 3.16. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.17. Reports. Notwithstanding that the Parent Guarantor may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, from and after the Issue Date, the Parent Guarantor will furnish to the Trustee, within 10 days after the time periods specified below:
(1) within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 105 days after the end of such fiscal year), all financial information that would be required to be contained in an annual report on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC, including a “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” and a report on the annual financial statements by the Parent Guarantor’s independent registered public accounting firm;
(2) within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent Guarantor (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal quarter), all financial information that would be required to be contained in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC; and
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(3) promptly after the occurrence of any of the following events, all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K or any successor or comparable form (if the Parent Guarantor had been a reporting company under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act); provided, that the foregoing shall not obligate the Parent Guarantor to (i) make available any information otherwise required to be included on a Form 8-K regarding the occurrence of any such events if the Parent Guarantor determines in its good faith judgment that such event that would otherwise be required to be disclosed is not material to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes or the business, assets, operations, financial positions or prospects of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) make available copies of any agreements, financial statements or other items that would be required to be filed as exhibits to a current report on Form 8-K:
(A) the entry into or termination of material agreements;
(B) significant acquisitions or dispositions (which shall only be with respect to acquisitions or dispositions that are “significant” pursuant to the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X;
(C) the sale of equity securities;
(D) bankruptcy;
(E) cross-default under direct material financial obligations;
(F) a change in the Parent Guarantor’s certifying independent auditor;
(G) the appointment or departure of directors or executive officers (but only to the extent required by Form 8-K);
(H) non-reliance on previously issued financial statements;
(I) change of control transactions;
(J) triggering events that accelerate or increase a direct financial obligation or an obligation under an off-balance sheet arrangement; and
(K) material impairments,
in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form, except as described above or below; provided, however, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be required to (i) comply with Regulation G under the Exchange Act or Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K with respect to any “non-GAAP” financial information contained therein or (ii) provide separate financial statements or other information contemplated by Rule 3-09, 3-10 or 3-16 of Regulation S-X, or in each case any successor provisions. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor will not be required to (i) comply with Sections 302, 906 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or (ii) otherwise furnish any information, certificates or reports required by Items 307 or 308 of Regulation S-K.
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To the extent any such information is not so filed or furnished, as applicable, within the time periods specified above and such information is subsequently filed or furnished, as applicable, the Parent Guarantor will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders under SECTION 6.1 if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Second Lien Notes have declared the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Second Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or cancelled prior to such cure. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Parent Guarantor shall, for so long as any Second Lien Notes are outstanding, furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(b) Substantially concurrently with the furnishing or making such information available to the Trustee pursuant to clause (a) above, the Parent Guarantor shall post copies of such information required by the immediately preceding paragraph on a website (which may be nonpublic and may be maintained by the Parent Guarantor or a third party) to which access will be given to Holders, prospective investors in the Second Lien Notes and securities analysts and market making financial institutions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Parent Guarantor. To the extent the Parent Guarantor determines in good faith that it cannot make such reports available in the manner described in the preceding sentence after the use of its commercially reasonable efforts, furnish such reports to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, upon their request. The Parent Guarantor may condition the delivery of any such reports to such Holders, prospective investors in the Second Lien Notes and securities analysts and market making financial institutions on the agreement of such Persons to (i) treat all such reports (and the information contained there) and information as confidential, (ii) not use such reports (and the information contained therein) and information for any purpose other than their investment or potential investment in the Second Lien Notes and (iii) not publicly disclose any such reports (and the information contained therein) and information.
(c) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt thereof shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable for information contained therein, including the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s compliance with any of the covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).
(d) The Parent Guarantor will also hold quarterly conference calls for the Holders of Second Lien Notes to discuss financial information for the previous quarter (it being understood that such quarterly conference call may be the same conference call as with the Parent Guarantor’s (or as applicable, any of any Parent Entity’s) equity investors and analysts). The conference call will be following the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Parent Guarantor and not later than 20 Business Days from the time that the Parent Guarantor distributes the financial information as set forth in clause (a) above.
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The Parent Guarantor will issue a press release announcing the time and date of such conference call (which date may be the same date on which the press release is issued) and providing instructions for Holders, securities analysts and prospective investors to obtain access to such call; provided, however, that such press release can be distributed solely to certified users of the website described in the second preceding paragraph.
(e) The Parent Guarantor may satisfy its obligations under this SECTION 3.17 with respect to financial information relating to the Parent Guarantor by furnishing financial information relating to a Parent Entity; provided that the same is accompanied by an explanation of the material differences, if any, between the information relating to such Parent Entity, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand. For the avoidance of doubt, the consolidating information referred to in the proviso in the preceding sentence need not be audited.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, if the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity of the Parent Guarantor has furnished the Holders of Second Lien Notes and filed with the SEC the reports described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any Parent Entity, the Parent Guarantor shall be deemed to be in compliance with clause (a) above.
SECTION 3.18. Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Issuer will maintain an office or agency in the United States where the Second Lien Notes will be payable and where, if applicable, the Second Lien Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Second Lien Notes and this Indenture may be made. The corporate trust office of the Trustee, which initially shall be located at 333 Commerce Street, Suite 900, Nashville, Tennessee, shall be such office or agency of the Issuer unless the Issuer shall designate and maintain some other office or agency for one or more of such purposes. The Issuer will give written notice to the Trustee of any change in the location of any such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders may be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee, and the Issuer hereby appoint the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations and surrenders.
The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Second Lien Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind any such designation. The Issuer will give written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and any change in the location of any such other office or agency. The office of the Trustee shall not be an office or agency of the Issuer for service of process on the Issuer or any Guarantor.
SECTION 3.19. Compliance Certificate. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer an Officer’s Certificate, stating that in the course of the performance by the signer of his or her duties as an Officer of the Issuer he or she would normally have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default, that a review of the activities of the Issuer during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and whether or not the signer knows of any Default or Event of Default that occurred during the previous fiscal year; provided that no such Officer’s Certificate shall be required for any fiscal year ended prior to the Issue Date.
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If such Officer does have such knowledge, the certificate shall describe the Default or Event of Default, its status and the action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 3.20. Further Instruments and Acts. Upon request of the Trustee or as necessary to comply with future developments or requirements, the Issuer will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
SECTION 3.21. Statement by Officers as to Default. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days after the Issuer become aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default, its status and the actions which the Issuer is taking or propose to take with respect thereto.
SECTION 3.22. Designation of Subsidiaries. The Parent Guarantor may designate (or re-designate) any Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that (i) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Excluded Subsidiary if it is a guarantor for the purpose of the New Credit Agreement, the ABL Credit Agreement, the Existing Credit Agreement, the indentures governing the Existing Notes, the First Lien Notes or any other Junior Financing, (ii) any such designation (or redesignation) of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary shall (x) constitute an Investment by the Parent Guarantor or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Parent Guarantor) of the Investments held by the Parent Guarantor and/or the applicable Subsidiaries in such Electing Guarantor immediately prior to such designation and such Investments shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (y) not be done for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction, (iii) any Indebtedness or Liens of any Subsidiary designated (or re-designated) as an Electing Guarantor or an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to be incurred after giving effect to such designation and such incurrence shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (iv) after giving effect to any re-designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be an Immaterial Subsidiary.
(a) Any designation of an Excluded Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor as an Electing Guarantor will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the preceding conditions and was permitted by SECTION 3.3.
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SECTION 3.23. Payment of Taxes. The Parent Guarantor shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, all income and other material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon or with respect to the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their income, profits or assets; provided, however, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim the amount, applicability or validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions and for which appropriate reserves, are being maintained as and to the extent required in accordance with GAAP.
SECTION 3.24. Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in ARTICLE IV and subject to the ability of the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries to convert (or similar action) to another form of legal entity under the laws of the jurisdiction under which the Parent Guarantor or such Subsidiary then exists, as applicable, the Parent Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its limited liability company existence and the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of each Subsidiary unless otherwise permitted by this Indenture.
SECTION 3.25. Maintenance of Ratings. The Issuer will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause not later than forty-five (45) days after the Issue Date the Second Lien Notes to be continuously rated (but not any specific rating) by S&P and Moody’s.
ARTICLE IV
SUCCESSOR COMPANY; SUCCESSOR PERSON
SECTION 4.1. Merger and Consolidation. Neither the Issuer nor any of the Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:
(1) any Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Issuer (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Issuer into a new jurisdiction); provided that the Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving Person and such merger does not result in the Issuer ceasing to be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) one or more other Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Subsidiary Guarantor is merging with a Subsidiary, a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
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(2) (i) any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor; (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Issuer) may liquidate or dissolve if (x) the Issuer determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders, the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and (y) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary Guarantor, any assets or business not otherwise disposed of or transferred as a Permitted Investment permitted under this Indenture (other than transactions under clauses (5) or (8) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”) or in accordance with SECTION 3.5 or as a disposition not constituting a Disposition that is permitted under this Indenture, or in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to otherwise owned or conducted by another Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor will remain a Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Subsidiary Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder), and (iii) the Issuer or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Issuer determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and all actions are taken to maintain the perfection of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s Liens on the Collateral;
(3) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Issuer or to another Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Subsidiary Guarantor, then either (i) the transferee must be a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer or (ii) such disposition shall be made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and constitute an Investment in a Non-Guarantor and must be permitted by clauses (3) or (14) of the definition of “Permitted Investment”;
(4) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Issuer may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Issuer shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Issuer (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the other Second Lien Note Documents to which the Issuer is a party pursuant to a supplement thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, (C) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Second Lien Note Documents, (D) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Second Lien Note Documents, (E) if requested by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Second Lien Note Documents, (F) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the related financing transaction (including the use of proceeds therefrom), either (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries would not be higher, or (ii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would not be lower, in each case than it was immediately prior to giving effect to such transaction; and (G) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Indenture or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Indenture and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer under this Indenture;
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(5) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or exempted under the definition of “Disposition” (other than a Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries); and
(6) the Transactions may be consummated.
For purposes of this SECTION 4.1, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer. Any reference to the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Issuer or any other entity, or the conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer or any other entity, shall include any such transaction by way of a plan of arrangement and any arrangement having a similar effect.
(b) The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under the Second Lien Notes and this Indenture but in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor company will not be released from its obligations under such Second Lien Notes or this Indenture.
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF NOTES
SECTION 5.1. Notices to Trustee. If the Issuer elects to redeem Second Lien Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of SECTION 5.7 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the following, at least five (5) days before the notice of redemption is sent to Holders of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to SECTION 5.3 (or such shorter period as the Trustee may agree):
(1) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(2) the redemption date;
(3) the principal amount of Second Lien Notes to be redeemed; and SECTION 5.2.
(4) the redemption price.
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The Issuer may cancel any optional redemption referenced in such Officer’s Certificate at any time prior to notice of redemption being sent to any Holder and thereafter such Officer’s Certificate shall be null and void.
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased. If less than all of the Second Lien Notes are to be redeemed or purchased at any time, the Trustee will select the Second Lien Notes for redemption or purchase in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which the Second Lien Notes are listed, as certified to the Trustee by the Issuer, and in compliance with the requirements of DTC in the case of global notes, or if the Second Lien Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection and the Second Lien Notes are not held through DTC or DTC prescribes no method of selection, on a pro rata basis, subject to adjustments so that no Second Lien Note in an unauthorized denomination remains outstanding after such redemption; provided, however, that no Second Lien Note of $2,000 in aggregate principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part.
SECTION 5.3. Notice of Redemption. At least 10 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Issuer will send electronically or cause to be sent electronically or, at the Issuer’s option, mail or caused to be mailed, a notice of redemption to each Holder of Second Lien Notes to be redeemed at the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, except that redemption notices may be delivered more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a legal or covenant defeasance of the Second Lien Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Second Lien Notes pursuant to ARTICLES VIII or XI hereof.
The notice will identify the Second Lien Notes (including the CUSIP or ISIN number) to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the redemption price;
(3) if any Second Lien Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Second Lien Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Second Lien Note, a new Second Lien Note or Second Lien Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued upon cancellation of the original Second Lien Note;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(5) that Second Lien Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price; (6) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, interest, if any, on Second Lien Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
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(7) the paragraph of the Second Lien Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Second Lien Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;
(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Second Lien Notes; and
(9) any conditions to redemption.
(b) Notice of any redemption of the Second Lien Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction or event (including an equity offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent (including conditions precedent applicable to different amounts of Second Lien Notes to be redeemed), including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction or event. If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
(c) If any Second Lien Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Second Lien Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed, in which case a portion of the original Second Lien Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Second Lien Note. In the case of a global note, an appropriate notation will be made on such Second Lien Note to decrease the principal amount thereof to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof. Subject to the terms of the applicable redemption notice (including any conditions contained therein), Second Lien Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest ceases to accrue on Second Lien Notes or portions of them called for redemption.
(d) At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee at least five (5) days prior to the date that such notice of redemption is to be delivered to Holders (or such shorter period as the Trustee may agree), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in SECTION 5.3(a) in the form of such notice.
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SECTION 5.4. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is sent in accordance with hereof, Second Lien Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price stated in such notice, as such date may be delayed, unless such redemption is cancelled as set forth in SECTION 5.3(b).
SECTION 5.5. Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price. By 11:00 a.m. New York City time on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest, if any, on, all Second Lien Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest, if any, on, all Second Lien Notes to be redeemed or purchased.
If the Issuer complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest, if any, will cease to accrue on the Second Lien Notes or the portions of Second Lien Notes called for redemption or purchase. If a Second Lien Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date shall be paid on the redemption date to the Person in whose name such Second Lien Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Second Lien Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Second Lien Notes and in SECTION 3.1 hereof.
SECTION 5.6. Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part. Upon surrender of a Second Lien Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Issuer will issue and, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuer a new Second Lien Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Second Lien Note surrendered; provided, that each such new Second Lien Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000.
SECTION 5.7. Optional Redemption. At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the Second Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Second Lien Notes plus the Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the redemption date.
(2) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the Second Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable date of redemption, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
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Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
105.43750 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
102.71875 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(3) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to this Indenture plus the Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(b) If the optional redemption date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date will be paid on the redemption date to the Holder in whose name the Second Lien Note being redeemed is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose Second Lien Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(c) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Second Lien Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
(d) Except pursuant to clause (a), of this SECTION 5.7, the Second Lien Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option. The Issuer will not, however, be prohibited from acquiring the Second Lien Notes by means other than a redemption, whether pursuant to a tender offer, open market purchase or otherwise, so long as the acquisition does not violate the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 5.8. Mandatory Redemption. The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Second Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase Second Lien Notes as described under SECTION 3.5 and SECTION 3.15.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.1. Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default” with respect to the Second Lien Notes:
(1) default in any payment of interest on any Second Lien Note when due and payable, continued for 30 days; (2) default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Second Lien Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
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(3) failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 60 days after written notice by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or by the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes with any agreement or obligation contained in this Indenture; provided that in the case of a failure to comply with SECTION 3.17, such period of continuance of such default or breach shall be 90 days after written notice described in this clause (3) has been given;
(4) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of such Indebtedness, at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) provided in such Indebtedness (a “payment default”); or
(b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its stated final maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”);
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default of principal at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates to $20.0 million or more at any time outstanding;
(5) the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) (the “bankruptcy provisions”):
(a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding;
(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding;
(c) consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer (a “Custodian”) for it or for all or any material part of its property;
(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
(e) consents to or acquiesces in the institution of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it;
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(f) takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or
(g) becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Parent Guarantor or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy;
(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(a) is for relief against the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary), in an involuntary case;
(b) (appoints a Custodian of the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary), for substantially all of its property;
(c) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Parent Guarantor or a Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary); or
(d) any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order, decree or relief remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(7) failure by the Parent Guarantor or any Subsidiary, to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $20.0 million other than any judgments covered by indemnities provided by, or insurance policies issued by, reputable and creditworthy companies, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed (the “judgment default provision”);
(8) any Guarantee of the Second Lien Notes ceases to be in full force and effect, other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(9) (i) any Collateral Document or any material portion thereof, after delivery thereof pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents, shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof and thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Indenture) cease to be in full force and effect with respect to any material portion of the Collateral; (ii) any security interest in any material portion of the Collateral created, or purported to be created, by any Collateral Document for any reason ceases to be enforceable and of the same effect and priority purported to be created thereby, (x) except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the terms of the definition of “Collateral Requirement” or any loss thereof results from the failure of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file UCC continuation statements and (y) except as to Collateral consisting of Real Property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage; or (iii) any of the Equity Interests of the Issuer shall for any reason cease to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents, in each case except as otherwise permitted under the Indenture and the other Second Lien Note Documents; or
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(10) the failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 60 days after notice with its other agreements contained in the Collateral Documents except for a failure that would not be material to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes and would not materially affect the value of the Collateral taken as a whole.
However, with respect to the Second Lien Notes, a Default under clauses (3) or (10) of this paragraph will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes notify the Issuer of the Default and, with respect to clauses (3) and (10), the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified in clauses (3) and (10), as applicable, of this paragraph after receipt of such notice; provided that a notice of Default may not be given with respect to any action taken, and reported publicly or to Holders, more than two years prior to such notice of Default. Any notice of Default, notice of acceleration or instruction to the Trustee to provide a notice of Default, notice of acceleration or take any other action (a “Noteholder Direction”) provided by any one or more Holders (each a “Directing Holder”) must be accompanied by a written representation from each such Holder to the Issuer and the Trustee that such Holder is not (or, in the case such Holder is DTC or its nominee, that such Holder is being instructed solely by beneficial owners that have represented to such Holder that they are not) Net Short (a “Position Representation”), which representation, in the case of a Noteholder Direction relating to a notice of Default shall be deemed repeated at all times until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the Second Lien Notes are accelerated. In addition, each Directing Holder must at the time of providing a Noteholder Direction covenant, provide the Issuer with such other information as the Issuer may reasonably request from time to time in order to verify the accuracy of such Noteholder’s Position Representation within five Business Days of request therefor (a “Verification Covenant”). In any case in which the Holder is DTC or its nominee, any Position Representation or Verification Covenant required hereunder shall be provided by the beneficial owner of the Second Lien Notes in lieu of DTC or its nominee.
If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Second Lien Notes, the Issuer determines in good faith that there is a reasonable basis to believe a Directing Holder was, at any relevant time, in breach of its Position Representation and provides to the Trustee evidence that the Issuer has filed papers with a court of competent jurisdiction seeking a determination that such Directing Holder was, at such time, in breach of its Position Representation, and seeking to invalidate any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction, the cure period with respect to such Event of Default shall be automatically stayed pending a final and non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction on such matter. If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Second Lien Notes, the Issuer provides to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that a Directing Holder failed to satisfy its Verification Covenant, the cure period with respect to any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction shall be automatically stayed pending satisfaction of such Verification Covenant.
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Any breach of the Position Representation shall result in such Holder’s participation in such Noteholder Direction being disregarded; and, if, without the participation of such Holder, the percentage of Second Lien Notes held by the remaining Holders that provided such Noteholder Direction would have been insufficient to validly provide such Noteholder Direction, such Noteholder Direction shall be void ab initio, with the effect that such Event of Default shall be deemed never to have occurred.
SECTION 6.2. Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(5) or SECTION 6.1(6) with respect to the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer) with respect to the Second Lien Notes occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by written notice to the Issuer or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the Second Lien Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately.
(a) In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Second Lien Notes because an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(4) has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Second Lien Notes shall be automatically rescinded if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to SECTION 6.1(4) shall be remedied or cured, or waived by the holders of the Indebtedness, or the Indebtedness that gave rise to such Event of Default shall have been discharged in full, in each case, within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and the annulment of the acceleration of the Second Lien Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any time period to cure any alleged default or Event of Default may be extended or stayed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) If an Event of Default described in SECTION 6.1(5) or SECTION 6.1(6) with respect to the Parent Guarantor or the Issuer with respect to the Second Lien Notes occurs and is continuing, the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Second Lien Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.
(c) (i) If a Default for a failure to report or failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default (the “Initial Default”) occurs, then at the time such Initial Default is cured, such Default for a failure to report or failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default that resulted solely because of that Initial Default will also be cured without any further action and (ii) any Default or Event of Default for the failure to comply with the time periods prescribed in SECTION 3.17 or otherwise to deliver any notice or certificate pursuant to any other provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to be cured upon the delivery of any such report required by such covenant or such notice or certificate, as applicable, even though such delivery is not within the prescribed period specified in this Indenture; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Second Lien Notes have declared the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Second Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or cancelled prior to such cure.
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(d) The Applicable Premium with respect to the Second Lien Notes payable pursuant to this Indenture shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each Holder of the Second Lien Notes as a result of the redemption or repurchase of the Second Lien Notes (and not intended to act as a penalty or to punish the Second Lien Note Parties for any such redemption or repurchase). Any redemption or repurchase, whether optional or mandatory, of the Second Lien Notes upon the occurrence of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event shall be accompanied by all unpaid accrued interest on the principal amount redeemed or repurchased, together with the Applicable Premium that is or would be payable as of such date if the Second Lien Notes were being optionally redeemed or repaid as of such date pursuant to SECTION 5.7. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or any other Second Lien Note Document, it is understood and agreed that if the Second Lien Notes are accelerated as a result of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise), the Applicable Premium applicable to the Second Lien Notes, determined as of the date of acceleration as if the Second Lien Notes were optionally redeemed pursuant to SECTION 5.7 on such date, will also be due and payable with respect to the accelerated Second Lien Notes without any declaration or other act on the part of the Second Lien Notes Trustee or any Holder and will be treated and deemed as though the Second Lien Notes were optionally redeemed as of such date and shall constitute part of the Second Lien Notes Obligations for all purposes herein. The Applicable Premium with respect to the Second Lien Notes shall also be payable in the event the Second Lien Notes (and/or this Indenture) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding or otherwise), deed in lieu of foreclosure or by any other similar means). EACH OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS EXPRESSLY WAIVES (TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LAWFULLY DO SO) THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE OR LAW THAT PROHIBITS OR MAY PROHIBIT THE COLLECTION OF THE FOREGOING APPLICABLE PREMIUMS IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACCELERATION. Each of the Issuer and the Guarantors expressly agrees that (i) the Applicable Premium with respect to the Second Lien Notes is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel, (ii) the Applicable Premium with respect to the Second Lien Notes shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time redemption or repurchase is made, (iii) there has been a course of conduct between the Holders of Second Lien Notes, the Issuer and the Guarantors giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the relevant Applicable Premium, (iv) the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be estopped hereafter from claiming differently than as agreed to pursuant to this paragraph, (v) their respective agreement to pay or guarantee the payment of the relevant Applicable Premium is a material inducement to the Holders to acquire the Second Lien Notes, and (vi) the relevant Applicable Premium represents a good faith, reasonable estimate and calculation of the lost profits or damages of the Holders of Second Lien Notes and that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to ascertain the actual amount of damages to such Holders or profits lost by such Holders as a result of any applicable prepayment.
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SECTION 6.3. Other Remedies. If a Default with respect to the Second Lien Notes occurs and is continuing and the Trustee is informed of such occurrence by the Issuer, the Trustee must give notice of the Default to the Holders of the Second Lien Notes within 60 days after being notified by the Issuer. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Second Lien Note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Second Lien Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.
SECTION 6.4. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes by written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all of the Holders of Second Lien Notes, (a) waive, by their consent (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Second Lien Notes) a past or an existing Default or Event of Default with respect to the Second Lien Notes and its consequences under this Indenture except (i) a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest which may only be waived with the consent of each affected Holder and (ii) a Default or Event of Default in respect of a provision that under SECTION 9.2 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected and (b) rescind any acceleration with respect to such Second Lien Notes and its consequences if (1) such rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, (2) all existing Events of Default with respect to the Second Lien Notes have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration, (3) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid, (4) the Issuer has paid the Trustee its compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances and (5) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in clause (4) of SECTION 6.1, the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto. When a Default or Event of Default is waived with respect to the Second Lien Notes, it is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any consequent right.
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SECTION 6.5. Control by Majority. With respect to the Second Lien Notes, subject to certain restrictions, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent. In the event an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Second Lien Notes and is actually known by a Trust Officer, the Trustee will be required in the exercise of its powers to use the degree of care that a prudent person would use in the conduct of its own affairs. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to SECTIONS 7.1 and 7.2, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any actions are unduly prejudicial to such Holders) or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it against all fees, losses, liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses) caused by taking or not taking such action.
SECTION 6.6. Limitation on Suits. Subject to SECTION 6.7, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes unless:
(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes have requested in writing the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holders have offered in writing and, if requested, provided to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the written request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).
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SECTION 6.7. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture (including, without limitation, SECTION 6.6), the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the Second Lien Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in SECTIONS 6.1(1) or 6.1(2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as Trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest, if any, to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in SECTION 7.7.
SECTION 6.9. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, their Subsidiaries or its or their respective creditors or properties and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may be entitled and empowered to participate as a member of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a Trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under SECTION 7.7.
No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Second Lien Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
SECTION 6.10. Priorities. Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, if the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this ARTICLE VI it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee and Collateral Agent for amounts due to it under SECTION 7.7;
SECOND: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Second Lien Notes for principal of, or premium, if any, and interest, if any, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Second Lien Notes for principal of, or premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and THIRD: to the Issuer, or to the extent the Trustee collects any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.
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(a) The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this SECTION 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall send or cause to be sent to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
(b) Notwithstanding in this Indenture to the contrary, (i) the Liens and security interests granted to the Second Priority Representative (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) are expressly subject and subordinate to the Liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Second Priority Representative or any other party to this Indenture in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Indenture, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This SECTION 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by the Issuer, a suit by a Holder pursuant to SECTION 6.7 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in outstanding principal amount of the Second Lien Notes.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.1. Duties of Trustee. If an Event of Default has occurred with respect to the Second Lien Notes and is continuing and is actually known by a Trust Officer, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth as duties of the Trustee in this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and (2) in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates, opinions or orders furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes, as the case may be.
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However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform, on their face, to the requirements of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes, as the case may be (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(b) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this SECTION 7.1;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to the terms of this Indenture; and
(4) No provision of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.
(c) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) of this SECTION 7.1.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.
(e) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(f) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this SECTION 7.1.
SECTION 7.2. Rights of Trustee. Subject to SECTION 7.1:
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person.
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The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document. The Trustee shall receive and retain financial reports and statements of the Issuer as provided herein, but shall have no duty to review or analyze such reports or statements to determine compliance with covenants or other obligations of the Issuer.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate and/or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts and powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of counsel relating to this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder or under the Second Lien Notes in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
(f) Except with respect to SECTION 3.1 hereof, the Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Issuer with respect to the covenants contained in ARTICLE 3 hereof. The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default or whether any entity constitutes an Immaterial Subsidiary unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has received written notification thereof at the corporate trust office of the Trustee specified in SECTION 3.11, and such notice references the Second Lien Notes and this Indenture.
(g) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.
(h) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of Second Lien Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered, and if requested, provided, to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby.
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(i) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any fact or matter unless such fact or matter is actually known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee.
(j) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder or thereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officer’s Certificate.
(k) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine, during business hours and upon reasonable notice, the books, records and premises of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuer and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(l) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.
(m) In no event shall the Trustee be liable to any Person for special, punitive, indirect, consequential or incidental loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage.
(n) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuer shall be sufficient if signed by one Officer of the Issuer.
(o) The permissive rights of the Trustee to act hereunder shall not be construed as a duty.
(p) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with any direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes permitted to be given by them under this Indenture.
SECTION 7.3. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Second Lien Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co registrar or co paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with SECTIONS 7.10 and 7.11. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the SEC for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
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SECTION 7.4. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes, shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee or any money paid to the Issuer pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the issuance of the Second Lien Notes or in the Second Lien Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.
SECTION 7.5. Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Second Lien Notes and if a Trust Officer has received written notification thereof, the Trustee shall send electronically or by first class mail to each Holder at the address set forth in the Notes Register notice of the Default or Event of Default within 60 days after it is actually known to a Trust Officer. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, or premium, if any, interest, if any, on any Second Lien Note (including payments pursuant to the optional redemption or required repurchase provisions of such Second Lien Note), the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
SECTION 7.6. [Reserved].
SECTION 7.7. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its services hereunder and under the Second Lien Notes as the Issuer and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including, but not limited to, costs of collection, costs of preparing reports, certificates and other documents, costs of preparation and mailing of notices to Holders. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the agents, counsel, accountants and experts of the Trustee. The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee, its officers, directors, employees and agents against any and all fees, loss, liability, damages, claims or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon the income of the Trustee) (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ and agents’ fees and expenses) incurred by it without willful misconduct or gross negligence, as determined by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction, on its part in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder and under the Second Lien Notes, including the fees, costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (including this SECTION 7.7) and the Second Lien Notes and of defending itself against any claims (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or otherwise). The Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity of which it has received written notice. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuer’s expense in the defense.
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The Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may each have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to pay the fees and expenses of such separate counsel if it assumes the Trustee’s defense, and, in the reasonable judgment of outside counsel to the Trustee, there is no conflict of interest between the Issuer and the Trustee in connection with such defense provided further that, the Issuer shall be required to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel in evaluating such conflict.
To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this SECTION 7.7, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Second Lien Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Second Lien Notes. Such lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the termination of this Indenture for any reason or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. The Trustee’s respective right to receive payment of any amounts due under this SECTION 7.7 shall not be subordinate to any other liability or Indebtedness of the Issuer.
The Issuer’s payment obligations pursuant to this SECTION 7.7 shall survive the discharge of this Indenture, the resignation or removal of the Trustee pursuant to SECTION 7.8 and any termination or rejection under any Bankruptcy Law. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee incurs fees, expenses or renders services after the occurrence of a Default specified in SECTION 6.1(5) or 6.1(6), the fees and expenses (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
SECTION 7.8. Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer in writing not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such resignation. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Second Lien Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the removed Trustee in writing not less than 30 days prior to the effective date of such removal and may appoint a successor Trustee with the Issuer’s written consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with SECTION 7.10 hereof;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Second Lien Notes and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee as described in the preceding paragraph, or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
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A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall, at the expense of the Issuer, promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided that all sums owing to the Trustee have been paid, and subject to the lien provided for in SECTION 7.7.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Second Lien Notes may petition, at the Issuer’s expense, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
If the Trustee fails to comply with SECTION 7.10, any Holder, who has been a bona fide holder of a Second Lien Note for at least six months, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this SECTION 7.8, the Issuer’s obligations under SECTION 7.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee. The predecessor Trustee shall have no liability for any action or inaction of any successor Trustee.
SECTION 7.9. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the Second Lien Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee, and deliver such Second Lien Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Second Lien Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Second Lien Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; provided that the right to adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Trustee or authenticate Second Lien Notes in the name of any predecessor Trustee shall only apply to its successor or successors by merger, consolidation or conversion.
SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification. This Indenture shall always have a Trustee. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
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SECTION 7.11. [Reserved].
SECTION 7.12. Trustee’s Application for Instruction from the Issuer. Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Issuer may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date any Officer of the Issuer actually receives such application, unless any such Officer shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.
SECTION 7.13. Collateral Documents; Intercreditor Agreements. By their acceptance of the Second Lien Notes, the Holders hereby authorize and direct the Trustee and Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to execute and deliver each Intercreditor Agreement and any other Collateral Documents in which the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, is named as a party, including any Collateral Documents executed after the Issue Date, and in the case of the Trustee, to authorize the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take any action permitted under the Second Lien Note Documents. It is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed that, in doing so, the Trustee and Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent are (a) expressly authorized to make the representations attributed to Holders in any such agreements and (b) not responsible for the terms or contents of such agreements, or for the validity or enforceability thereof, or the sufficiency thereof for any purpose. Whether or not so expressly stated therein, in entering into, or taking (or forbearing from) any action under, each Intercreditor Agreement or any other Collateral Documents, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent each shall have all of the rights, benefits, immunities, indemnities and other protections granted to it under this Indenture (in addition to those that may be granted to it under the terms of such other agreement or agreements).
ARTICLE VIII
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.1. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance; Defeasance. The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have either SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof be applied to all outstanding Second Lien Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth in this ARTICLE VIII.
SECTION 8.2. Legal Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.2, the Issuer and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Second Lien Notes (including the Second Lien Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”).
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For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Second Lien Notes (including the Second Lien Note Guarantees), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of SECTION 8.5 hereof and the other SECTIONS of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all of their other obligations under such Second Lien Notes, such Second Lien Note Guarantees, this Indenture and the Collateral Documents (and the Trustee, on written demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute such instruments reasonably requested by the Issuer acknowledging the same) and to have cured all then existing Events of Default, except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:
(1) the rights of Holders of Second Lien Notes issued under this Indenture to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust referred to in SECTION 8.4 hereof;
(2) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the Second Lien Notes under ARTICLE II concerning issuing temporary Second Lien Notes, registration of such Second Lien Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Second Lien Notes and SECTION 3.18 hereof concerning the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee and the Issuer’s or Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) this ARTICLE VIII with respect to provisions relating to Legal Defeasance.
Subject to compliance with this SECTION 8.2, the Issuer may exercise its option under SECTION 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under SECTION 8.3 hereof.
SECTION 8.3. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.3, the Issuer and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants contained in SECTIONS 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.17, 3.22, 3.23, 3.25 and SECTION 4.1 (except SECTION 4.1(a)(4) (other than subclauses (ii)(E) and (F)) and SECTION 4.1(b)) hereof with respect to the outstanding Second Lien Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Second Lien Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder.
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For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Second Lien Notes and Note Guarantees, the Issuer and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under SECTION 6.1 hereof, but, except as specified in this SECTION 8.3, the remainder of this Indenture and such Second Lien Notes and Second Lien Note Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuer’s exercise under SECTION 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this SECTION 8.3, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in SECTION 8.4 hereof, SECTIONS 6.1(3) (solely with respect to the defeased covenants listed above), 6.1(4), 6.1(5), 6.1(6), 6.1(7), 6.1(8), 6.1(9) and 6.1(10) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.
SECTION 8.4. Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof:
(1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust (the “Defeasance Trust”) cash in Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof for the payment without reinvestment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Second Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be; provided, that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of redemption (any such amount, the “Applicable Premium Deficit”) only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption. Any Applicable Premium Deficit shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the deposit of such Applicable Premium Deficit that confirms that such Applicable Premium Deficit shall be applied toward such redemption; and the Issuer must specify whether such Second Lien Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions confirming that:
(i) the Issuer have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling; or
(ii) since the issuance of such Second Lien Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law;
in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of such Second Lien Notes, in their capacity as beneficial owners of such Second Lien Notes, will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S.
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federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner, and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred; (3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of such Second Lien Notes, in their capacity as beneficial owners of such Second Lien Notes, will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(4) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying, defrauding or preferring any creditors of the Issuer; and
(5) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.
SECTION 8.5. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to SECTION 8.6 hereof, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying Trustee, collectively for purposes of this SECTION 8.5, the “Trustee”) pursuant to SECTION 8.4 hereof in respect of the outstanding Second Lien Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Second Lien Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Second Lien Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Issuer will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to SECTION 8.4 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Second Lien Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE VIII to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon the request of the Issuer any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in SECTION 8.4 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under SECTION 8.4(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
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SECTION 8.6. Repayment to the Issuer. Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any Second Lien Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on their written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person or (if then held by the Issuer) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Second Lien Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Issuer for payment thereof unless an abandoned property law designates another Person, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as Trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, shall at the expense of the Issuer cause to be published once, in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer.
SECTION 8.7. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Second Lien Notes and the Second Lien Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with SECTIONS 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuer makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any Second Lien Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Second Lien Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 9.1. Without Consent of Holders. Notwithstanding SECTION 9.2 of this Indenture, the Issuer, any Guarantor (with respect to its Second Lien Note Guarantee or this Indenture), if applicable, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may amend, supplement or modify the Second Lien Note Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements (or enter into new Intercreditor Agreements), without the consent of any Holder, to:
(1) cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect, error or inconsistency, conform any provision to any provision under the heading “Description of the New Communications 2L Notes” in the Offering Memorandum or reduce the minimum denomination of the Second Lien Notes; (2) provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer or a Guarantor under any Second Lien Note Document or in connection with its compliance with SECTION 4.1;
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(3) provide for uncertificated Second Lien Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Second Lien Notes;
(4) add to the covenants or provide for a Second Lien Note Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer or any Subsidiary;
(5) make any change (including changing the CUSIP or other identifying number on any Second Lien Notes) that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect (as determined in the good faith of the Issuer);
(6) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification or maintenance of the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
(7) make such provisions as necessary (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) for the issuance of Additional Second Lien Notes in compliance with this Indenture;
(8) to add security to or for the benefit of the Second Lien Notes, or to confirm and evidence the release, termination, discharge or retaking of any Guarantee or Lien with respect to or securing the Second Lien Notes when such release, termination, discharge or retaking is provided for under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, as applicable;
(9) evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee or successor Paying Agent pursuant to the requirements thereof or to provide for the accession by the Trustee to any Second Lien Note Document;
(10) make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Second Lien Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including to facilitate the issuance and administration of Second Lien Notes; provided, however, that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Second Lien Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Second Lien Notes in any material respect;
(11) to enter into additional or supplemental Collateral Documents or to provide for the release of Collateral from the Lien pursuant to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements; (12) secure Junior Priority Indebtedness, Second Priority Obligations or First Priority Obligations to the extent permitted under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements; or
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(13) comply with the rules and procedures of any applicable securities depositary.
Subject to SECTION 9.2 upon the request of the Issuer, or amendment or supplement to the Second Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents, or entry into a new Intercreditor Agreement, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, of the documents described in SECTIONS 9.6 and 13.4 hereof, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, will join with the Issuer and the Guarantors, if applicable, in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the Second Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents, or such new Intercreditor Agreement, unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee or Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the Second Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents.
SECTION 9.2. With Consent of Holders. Except as provided in this SECTION 9.2, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the Second Lien Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes then outstanding and issued under this Indenture, including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Second Lien Notes, and, subject to SECTIONS 6.4 and 6.7 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Second Lien Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of the Second Lien Note Documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes issued under this Indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such Second Lien Notes). SECTION 2.12 hereof shall determine which Second Lien Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this SECTION 9.2.
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Upon the request of the Issuer, and upon the filing with the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (if applicable) of evidence of the consent of the Holders of Second Lien Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, of the documents described in SECTIONS 9.6 and 13.4 hereof, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, will join with the Issuer and the Guarantors, if applicable, in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other Second Lien Note Documents unless such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other Second Lien Note Documents directly affects the Trustee’s or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, if applicable, may in their discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment or supplement to the other Second Lien Note Documents.
(a) Notwithstanding SECTION 9.2(a) hereof, without the consent of each Holder of Second Lien Notes affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not, with respect to any Second Lien Notes and held by a nonconsenting Holder:
(1) reduce the principal amount of such Second Lien Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;
(2) reduce the stated rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any such Second Lien Note or change the amount of interest payment in cash thereon, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay interest on any date;
(3) reduce the principal of, or extend the Stated Maturity of, or change the amount of principal payable in cash on, any such Second Lien Note, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay principal on any date;
(4) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any such Second Lien Note or change the time at which any such Second Lien Note may be redeemed, in each case as provided in SECTION 5.7; provided, any amendment to the minimum notice requirement that is set forth under ARTICLE V may be made with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding Second Lien Notes;
(5) reduce the premium payable upon a Change of Control or, at any time after a Change of Control has occurred, change the time at which the Change of Control Offer relating thereto must be made or at which the Second Lien Notes must be repurchased pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, including amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;
(6) [Reserved];
(7) make any such Second Lien Note payable in currency other than that stated in such Second Lien Note; (8) impair the right of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of and interest on such Holder’s Second Lien Notes on or after the due dates therefor;
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(9) waive a Default or Event of Default with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration of the Second Lien Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Second Lien Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(10) make any change in the provisions of an Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture relating to the application of proceeds of Collateral that would adversely affect the Holders of Second Lien Notes in any material respect;
(11) make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions which require the Holders’ consent described in this sentence or any other provision specifying the percentage in principal amount outstanding required to take any action under the Second Lien Note Documents;
(12) (A) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Indenture or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) the Second Lien Notes Obligations in right of payment to any Indebtedness for borrowed money or (B) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Indenture or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) any Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the Second Lien Notes Obligations to the Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing any Indebtedness for borrowed money (any such Indebtedness to which such Liens securing any of such obligations or such obligations, as applicable, are subordinated, “Senior Indebtedness”), in the case of each of clause (A) and (B), except (1) any Indebtedness that is expressly permitted by this Indenture as in effect on the Issue Date to rank senior in payment or lien priority to the Second Lien Notes Obligations, (2) Specified First Priority Obligations or (3) in connection with a “debtor in possession” financing pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar financing arrangement in an insolvency proceeding in a non-U.S. jurisdiction);
(13) waive, amend or modify the provisions related to the payment waterfall in the case of an Event of Default in a manner that would by its terms alter the order of applicable payments required thereby (or add or change any other provision of this Indenture that has the effect of making any such alteration to such provisions); or
(14) waive, amend or modify this Indenture or any other Second Lien Notes Document that would authorize the incurrence of additional Indebtedness under this Indenture for the primary purpose of influencing any voting threshold required under this Indenture in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such additional Indebtedness.
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(b) Notwithstanding SECTIONS 9.2(a) or (b), without the consent of the Holders of at least 65% in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes then outstanding, no amendment or waiver may:
(1) amend, modify or waive any provisions or definitions under this Indenture that would permit additional transfers of assets from the Issuer or the Guarantors to Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, including SECTIONS 3.3, 3.5 and 4.1 and the definitions of “Disposition” and “Permitted Investment;” or
(2) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders (other than for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction);
(c) Notwithstanding SECTIONS 9.2(a), (b) or (c), without the consent of the Holders of at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes then outstanding, no amendment or waiver may:
(1) amend, modify or waive the provisions set forth in SECTION 10.2(b) in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders;
(2) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Holders;
(3) permit the creation or existence of any Subsidiary or otherwise amend the definition of “Subsidiary” in a manner that would result in any Subsidiary or any other Person being “unrestricted” or otherwise generally excluded from the requirements, taken as a whole, applicable to Subsidiaries pursuant to this Indenture (including the covenants herein);
(4) amend, modify or waive the Double-Dip Provision;
(5) amend, modify or waive the provisions set forth under SECTION 3.10;
(6) amend, modify or waive any requirement in this Indenture that an action be taken, or prohibiting an action from not being taken, for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(7) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions with respect to the Second Lien Notes; or
(8) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Second Lien Note Guarantees.
(d) It shall not be necessary to obtain the consent of the Holders under this Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver of any Second Lien Note Document, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder of Second Lien Notes given in connection with a tender or exchange of such Holder’s Second Lien Notes will not be rendered invalid by such tender or exchange.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment, modification or waiver of this Indenture may involve the payment by the Parent Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, through participation in any transaction in which Parent Guarantor or any of its Affiliate participates) of any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to such amendment, modification or waiver unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Holders which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, modification or waiver (other than the reimbursement of counsel fees and other expenses in connection with the negotiation of the terms of such transaction).
SECTION 9.3. [Reserved].
SECTION 9.4. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Second Lien Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Second Lien Note and every subsequent Holder of a Second Lien Note or portion of a Second Lien Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Second Lien Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on any Second Lien Note. However, any such Holder of a Second Lien Note or subsequent Holder of a Second Lien Note may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Second Lien Note or portion of its Second Lien Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.
The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described in this SECTION 9.4 or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
SECTION 9.5. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Second Lien Note thereafter authenticated. The Issuer in exchange for all Second Lien Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Issuer Order, authenticate new Second Lien Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Second Lien Note will not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
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SECTION 9.6. Trustee and Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments. The Trustee and Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the Second Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreements or any other Collateral Documents authorized pursuant to this ARTICLE IX if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee and Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture or supplement to the Second Lien Note Documents, Intercreditor Agreement or any other Collateral Documents, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent will be entitled to receive and (subject to SECTIONS 7.1 and 7.2 hereof) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, in addition to the documents required by SECTION 13.4 hereof, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and is valid, binding and enforceable against the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, in accordance with its terms.
ARTICLE X
GUARANTEE
SECTION 10.1. Guarantee. Subject to the provisions of this ARTICLE X, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees (the “Second Lien Note Guarantees”), as primary obligor and not merely as surety, jointly and severally with each other Guarantor to each Holder of the Second Lien Notes and to the Trustee, and its successors and assigns the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by required prepayment, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Second Lien Notes, fees, expenses, indemnities and all other Obligations and liabilities of the Issuer under this Indenture from time to time (including, without limitation, any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws, and the obligations under SECTION 7.7) (all the foregoing with respect to being hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations will rank equally in right of payment with other Indebtedness of such Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor, except to the extent such other Indebtedness is subordinate to the Guaranteed Obligations, in which case the obligations of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors under the Second Lien Note Guarantees will rank senior in right of payment to such other Indebtedness.
To evidence its Second Lien Note Guarantee set forth in this SECTION 10.1, each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors by an Officer of such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor.
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that its Second Lien Note Guarantee set forth in SECTION 10.1 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Second Lien Notes.
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If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Second Lien Note, the Second Lien Note Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees (to the extent permitted by law) that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound under this ARTICLE X notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors waives notice of any default under the Second Lien Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations.
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees that its Second Lien Note Guarantee herein constitutes a Guarantee of payment when due (and not a Guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.
Except as set forth in SECTION 10.2, the obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guaranteed Obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (a) the failure of any Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other person under this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder for the Guaranteed Obligations; (e) the failure of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor; (f) any change in the ownership of the Issuer; (g) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (h) any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Parent Guarantor or other Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.
Each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors agrees that its Second Lien Note Guarantee herein shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations or such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor is released from its Second Lien Note Guarantee in compliance with SECTION 10.2, ARTICLE VIII or ARTICLE XI. Each of the Parent Guarantors and the other Guarantors further agrees that its Second Lien Note Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of, premium, if any, interest, if any, on any of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.
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In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder has at law or in equity against any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay any of the Guaranteed Obligations when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, each Parent Guarantor and Guarantor hereby promises to and will, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee on behalf of the Holders an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) (including interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to the Issuer or any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor whether or not a claim for post filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding).
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors further agrees that, as between such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in this Indenture for the purposes of its Second Lien Note Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any such declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Parent Guarantor or Guarantor for the purposes of this Second Lien Note Guarantee.
Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors also agrees to pay any and all fees, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, Trustee or the Holders in enforcing any rights under this ARTICLE X.
SECTION 10.2. Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge. Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereunder will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors in respect of the obligations of such other Parent Guarantor or Guarantors under its Second Lien Note Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Parent Guarantor or Guarantors under its Second Lien Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal, foreign or state law and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
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(a) Any Second Lien Note Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged:
(1) if, in compliance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture, (i) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of any Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred to a person or persons that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor (or a Person that is required to become a Guarantor as a result of such sale or other transfer) or (ii) any Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that such Subsidiary Guarantee shall not terminate as a result of such Person becoming an Excluded Subsidiary unless at the time such Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary, (1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) if such Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of such Person becoming a non-wholly owned Subsidiary of the Parent Guarantor, a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, a FSHCO or a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or a FSHCO, the primary purpose of the transaction by which such Subsidiary Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary was not to evade the obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantee and was consummated on an arms’ length basis with an unaffiliated third-party and (3) at the time of such release (after giving effect thereto), all outstanding Indebtedness of, and Investments in, such Subsidiary Guarantor would then be permitted to be made in accordance with the relevant provisions under SECTION 3.2 and SECTION 3.3 (with the Issuer being required to reclassify any such items in reliance upon the respective Subsidiary being a Subsidiary Guarantor on another basis as would be permitted by the applicable covenant),
(2) upon defeasance or discharge of the Second Lien Notes, as provided in ARTICLE VIII and ARTICLE XI, or
(3) upon the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of any Subsidiary Guarantor with and into the Issuer or another Guarantor or upon the liquidation of such Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case, in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 10.3. Right of Contribution. Each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors hereby agrees that to the extent that any Parent Guarantor or Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made on the obligations under the Second Lien Note Guarantees, such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against the Issuer or any other Parent Guarantor or Guarantor who has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. The provisions of this SECTION 10.3 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors to the Trustee and the Holders and each of the Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor hereunder.
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SECTION 10.4. No Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by each of the Parent Guarantor or Guarantors hereunder, none of the Guarantors, including the Parent Guarantor, shall be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Trustee or any Holder against the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the Trustee or any Holder for the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations, nor shall any Parent Guarantor or Guarantors seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Issuer or any other Parent Guarantor or Guarantors in respect of payments made by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantors hereunder, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holders by the Issuer on account of the Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to any Parent Guarantor and the other Guarantors on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Guaranteed Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor in trust for the Trustee and the Holders, segregated from other funds of such Guarantor or Parent Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor (duly endorsed by such Parent Guarantor or Guarantor to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against the Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Guarantor owing to a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor and permitted pursuant to clause (2) or (4) of SECTION 3.2(b) shall be unsecured or subordinated to the Obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.
ARTICLE XI
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 11.1. Satisfaction and Discharge. With respect to the Second Lien Notes, this Indenture will be discharged and cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of transfer or exchange of the Second Lien Notes and indemnification rights of the Trustee as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Second Lien Notes issued hereunder, when:
(a) either:
(1) all Second Lien Notes previously authenticated and delivered (other than certain lost, stolen or destroyed Second Lien Notes and certain Second Lien Notes for which provision for payment was previously made and thereafter the funds have been released to the Issuer) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
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(2) all Second Lien Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer; (b) the Issuer has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, money in Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, as applicable, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Second Lien Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of Second Lien Notes that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be; provided that upon any redemption that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium with respect to the Second Lien Notes, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any Applicable Premium Deficit only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption, and any Applicable Premium Deficit shall be set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the deposit of such Applicable Premium Deficit that confirms that such Applicable Premium Deficit shall be applied toward such redemption;
(c) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under this Indenture; and
(d) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that all conditions precedent under this SECTION 11.1 relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with; provided that any such counsel may rely on any Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact (including as to compliance with the foregoing SECTIONS 11.1(a), 11.1(b) and 11.1(c)).
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the provisions of SECTION 7.7 hereof will survive and, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (b) of this SECTION 11.1, the provisions of SECTIONS 8.6 and 11.2 hereof will survive.
SECTION 11.2. Application of Trust Money. Subject to the provisions of SECTION 8.6 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to SECTION 11.1 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Second Lien Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with SECTION 11.1 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or Governmental Authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Second Lien Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to SECTION 11.1 hereof; provided that if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any Second Lien Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Second Lien Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
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ARTICLE XII
COLLATERAL
SECTION 12.1. Collateral Documents. The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and interest on the Second Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium and interest on the Second Lien Notes and performance of all other Second Lien Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Holders, the Trustee or Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, shall be secured as provided in the Collateral Documents, which define the terms of the Liens that secure the Second Lien Notes Obligations, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by accepting a Second Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the possession, use, release and foreclosure of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreements, and authorizes and directs the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Issuer shall deliver to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent copies of all documents required to be filed pursuant to the Collateral Documents, and will do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the next sentence of this SECTION 12.1, to assure and confirm to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent the security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Collateral Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Second Lien Notes secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. The Issuer shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries of the Issuer to, take any and all actions and make all filings (including the filing of UCC financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto) required to cause the Collateral Documents to create and maintain, as security for the Second Lien Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties under this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, a valid and enforceable perfected Lien and security interest in and on all of the Collateral (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents), in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of itself, the Holders, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral Requirement.
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SECTION 12.2. Release of Collateral. Subject to SECTIONS 12.2(b), 12.2(c) and 12.2(d) hereof, the Liens securing the Second Lien Notes will be automatically released, and the Trustee shall execute documents evidencing such release, or instruct the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to execute, as applicable, the same at the Issuer’s sole cost and expense, under one or more of the following circumstances:
(1) in whole upon:
(i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Second Lien Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Second Lien Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, are paid;
(ii) satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as set forth under ARTICLE XI; or
(iii) a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of this Indenture as set forth under ARTICLE VIII;
(2) in whole or in part, with the consent of the requisite Holders of the Second Lien Notes in accordance with ARTICLE IX of this Indenture, including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Second Lien Notes;
(3) in part, as to any asset constituting Collateral:
(i) that is sold or otherwise disposed of (I) by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors to any Person that is not an Issuer or a Guarantor in a transaction not prohibited by this Indenture (to the extent of the interest sold or disposed of), or (II) in connection with the taking of an enforcement action by the Designated First Priority Representative in respect of the Second Priority Obligations in accordance with the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents;
(ii) that is owned by a Guarantor upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under this Indenture; or
(iii) that is otherwise released in accordance with, and as expressly provided for by the terms of, this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Collateral Documents.
(b) With respect to any release of Collateral, the Trustee shall, or shall cause the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to, execute, deliver or acknowledge (at the Issuer’s expense) such instruments or releases to evidence the release of any Collateral permitted to be released pursuant to this Indenture or the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements.
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(c) At any time when the maturity of the Second Lien Notes has been accelerated (whether by declaration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms hereof and the Trustee has delivered notice of acceleration to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, no release of Collateral pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture or the Collateral Documents shall be effective as against the Holders, except as otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.3. Suits to Protect the Collateral. Subject to the provisions of ARTICLE VII hereof and the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee, without the consent of the Holders, on behalf of the Holders, may or may direct the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take all actions it determines in order to:
(a) enforce any of the terms of the Collateral Documents; and
(b) collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Obligations hereunder.
Subject to the provisions of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have power to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Collateral Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may determine to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral. Nothing in this SECTION 12.3 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent.
SECTION 12.4. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Collateral Documents. Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the Collateral Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 12.5. Purchaser Protected. In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to ascertain the authority of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee to execute the release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this ARTICLE XII to be sold be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Issuer or the applicable Guarantor to make any such sale or other transfer.
SECTION 12.6. Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee. In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this ARTICLE XII upon the Issuer or a Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or Trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Issuer or a Guarantor or of any Officer or Officers thereof required by the provisions of this ARTICLE XII; and if the Trustee shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee.
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SECTION 12.7. Release Upon Termination of the Issuer’s Obligations. In the event that the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying that (i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any, on, the Second Lien Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any, are paid or (ii) the Issuer shall have exercised its Legal Defeasance option or its Covenant Defeasance option, in each case in compliance with the provisions of ARTICLE VIII, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent a notice stating that the Trustee, on behalf of the Holders, disclaims and gives up any and all rights it has in or to the Collateral (other than with respect to funds held by the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE VIII), and any rights it has under the Collateral Documents, and upon receipt by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent of such notice, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed not to hold a Lien in the Collateral on behalf of the Trustee and shall do or cause to be done (at the expense of the Issuer) all acts reasonably requested by the Issuer to release such Lien (and/or provide confirmation in writing thereof) as soon as is reasonably practicable.
SECTION 12.8. Collateral Agent. The Trustee and each of the Holders thereof by acceptance of the Second Lien Notes hereby designates and appoints the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent as its agent under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and the Trustee and each of the Holders by acceptance of the Second Lien Notes hereby irrevocably authorizes the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent by the terms of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and consents and agrees to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and each Collateral Document, as the same may be in effect or may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with their respective terms. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this SECTION 12.8. The provisions of this SECTION 12.8 are solely for the benefit of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and none of the Trustee, any of the Holders nor the Issuer or any of the Guarantors shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions contained herein other than as expressly provided in SECTION 12.3. Each Holder agrees that any action taken by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with the provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, and the exercise by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies set forth herein and therein shall be authorized and binding upon all Holders.
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Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the duties of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Second Lien Note Documents to which the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is a party, nor shall the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any trust or other fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any Holder or the Issuer or any Guarantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements or otherwise exist against the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the Second Lien Notes Collateral 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.
(a) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may perform any of its duties under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements by or through receivers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates, and the respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and attorneys-in-fact of such Person and its Affiliates, (a “Related Person”) and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in taking action in reliance upon any advice or opinion given by legal counsel. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or willful misconduct of any receiver, agent, employee, attorney-in-fact or Related Person that it selects as long as such selection was made in good faith.
(b) None of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction) or under or in connection with any Collateral Document or the Intercreditor Agreements or the transactions contemplated thereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Trustee or any Holder for any recital, statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Issuer or any Guarantor or Affiliate of the Issuer or any Guarantor, or any Officer or Related Person thereof, contained in this Indenture, or any other Second Lien Note Documents, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, or for any failure of the Issuer or any Guarantor or any other party to this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. None of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall be under any obligation to the Trustee or any Holder to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements or to inspect the properties, books, or records of the Issuer or any Guarantor or the Issuer’s or any of the Guarantors’ Affiliates.
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(c) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, certification, telephone message, statement, or other communication, document or conversation (including those by telephone or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Issuer or any Guarantor), independent accountants and other experts and advisors selected by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes as it determines and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Holders against any and all liability, loss and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements in accordance with (x) the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes or (y) a request, direction, instruction or consent of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Holders.
(d) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless a Trust Officer of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from the Trustee or the Issuer referring to this Indenture, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Trustee in accordance with ARTICLE VI or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes (subject to this SECTION 12.8).
(e) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may resign at any time by notice to the Trustee and the Issuer, such resignation to be effective upon the acceptance of a successor agent to its appointment as Collateral Agent. If the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent resigns under this Indenture, the Issuer shall appoint a successor collateral agent. If no successor collateral agent is appointed prior to the intended effective date of the resignation of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (as stated in the notice of resignation), the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Trustee, subject to the consent of the Issuer (which shall not be unreasonably withheld and which shall not be required during a continuing Event of Default), a successor collateral agent.
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If no successor collateral agent is appointed and consented to by the Issuer pursuant to the preceding sentence within thirty (30) days after the intended effective date of resignation (as stated in the notice of resignation) the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to, at the expense of the Issuer, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor collateral agent hereunder, such successor collateral agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent, and the term “Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor collateral agent, and the retiring Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this SECTION 12.8 (and SECTION 7.7) shall continue to inure to its benefit and the retiring Collateral Agent shall not by reason of such resignation be deemed to be released from liability as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture.
(f) U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association shall initially act as Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and shall be authorized to appoint co-collateral agents as necessary in its sole discretion. Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein or in the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees or agents or other Related Persons shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(g) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is authorized and directed to (i) enter into the Collateral Documents to which it is party, whether executed on or after the Issue Date, (ii) enter into the Intercreditor Agreements, (iii) make the representations of the Holders set forth in the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreements, (iv) bind the Holders on the terms as set forth in the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and (v) perform and observe its obligations under the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
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(h) If at any time or times the Trustee shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, set-off or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations arising under, or relating to, this Indenture, except for any such proceeds or payments received by the Trustee from the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, or (ii) payments from the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in excess of the amount required to be paid to the Trustee pursuant to ARTICLE VI, the Trustee shall promptly turn the same over to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent such proceeds to be applied by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
(i) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is each Holder’s agent for the purpose of perfecting the Holders’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC can be perfected only by possession or control. Should the Trustee obtain possession of any such Collateral, upon request from the Issuer, the Trustee shall notify the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent thereof and promptly shall deliver such Collateral to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s instructions (to the extent applicable).
(j) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Trustee or any of the Holders and the Trustee shall have no obligation to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any of the Holders to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by the Issuer or any Guarantor or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, maintained or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to determine whether all of the Issuer’s or any of the Guarantor’s property constituting collateral intended to be subject to the Lien and security interest of the Collateral Documents has been properly and completely listed or delivered, as the case may be, or the genuineness, validity, marketability or sufficiency thereof or title thereto, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure, or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities, and powers granted or available to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to this Indenture, any Collateral Document or the Intercreditor Agreements other than pursuant to the instructions of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes, or as otherwise provided in the Collateral Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission, or event related thereto, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to the Trustee or any Holder as to any of the foregoing.
(k) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of Second Priority Obligations at any time when neither the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting Second Priority Obligations entitled to the benefit of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the Second Priority Obligations so incurred, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
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(l) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of ABL Obligations at any time when neither the ABL Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting ABL Obligations entitled to the benefit of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the ABL Obligations so incurred, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
(m) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of Junior Priority Indebtedness at any time when neither the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement nor any other intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting Junior Priority Indebtedness entitled to the benefit of a junior lien intercreditor agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the Junior Priority Indebtedness so incurred, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent), bind the Holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
(n) No provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or any Collateral Document shall require the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (or the Trustee) to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or to take or omit to take any action hereunder or thereunder or take any action at the request or direction of Holders (or the Trustee in the case of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent) if it shall have received indemnity satisfactory to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent against potential costs and liabilities incurred by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent relating thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Collateral Documents, in the event the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is entitled or required to commence an action to foreclose or otherwise exercise its remedies to acquire control or possession of the Collateral, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to commence any such action or exercise any remedy or to inspect or conduct any studies of any property under the mortgages or take any such other action if the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent has determined that the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may incur personal liability as a result of the presence at, or release on or from, the Collateral or such property, of any hazardous substances unless the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent has received security or indemnity from the Holders in an amount and in a form all satisfactory to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, protecting the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent from all such liability.
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The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall at any time be entitled to cease taking any action described in this clause if it no longer reasonably deems any indemnity, security or undertaking from the Issuer or the Holders to be sufficient.
(o) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent (i) shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in connection with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents or instrument referred to herein or therein, except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Issuer (and money held in trust by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law) and (iii) may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel. The grant of permissive rights or powers to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be construed to impose duties to act.
(p) Neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include but not be limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, epidemics, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters. Neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to lost profits) whatsoever, even if it has been informed of the likelihood thereof and regardless of the form of action.
(q) Neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee assumes any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to the Holders or any other Person for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Second Lien Note Documents or in any certificate, report, statement, or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or any Collateral Document; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of the Intercreditor Agreements and any Collateral Documents of any other party thereto; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, effectiveness, enforceability, sufficiency, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any obligor; or for any failure of any obligor to perform its Obligations under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents.
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The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to any Holder or any other Person to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or performance by any obligor of any terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and any Collateral Documents. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection or other proceeding under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents unless expressly set forth hereunder or thereunder. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions from the Holders with respect to the administration of the Second Lien Note Documents.
(r) The parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not assume, be responsible for or otherwise be obligated for any liabilities, claims, causes of action, suits, losses, allegations, requests, demands, penalties, fines, settlements, damages (including foreseeable and unforeseeable), judgments, expenses and costs (including but not limited to, any remediation, corrective action, response, removal or remedial action, or investigation, operations and maintenance or monitoring costs, for personal injury or property damages, real or personal) of any kind whatsoever, pursuant to any environmental law as a result of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements, the Collateral Documents or any actions taken pursuant hereto or thereto. Further, the parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that in the exercise of its rights under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may hold or obtain indicia of ownership primarily to protect the security interest of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in the Collateral and that any such actions taken by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be construed as or otherwise constitute any participation in the management of such Collateral.
(s) Upon the receipt by the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee of a written request of the Issuer signed by one Officer of the Issuer (a “Collateral Document Order”), the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee are hereby authorized to execute and enter into, and shall execute and enter into, without the further consent of any Holder, any Collateral Document to be executed after the Issue Date. Such Collateral Document Order shall (i) state that it is being delivered to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee pursuant to, and is a Collateral Document Order referred to in, this SECTION 12.8(t), and (ii) instruct the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee (if applicable) to execute and enter into such Collateral Document. Any such execution of a Collateral Document shall be at the direction and expense of the Issuer, upon delivery to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent of an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of the Collateral Document have been satisfied. The Holders, by their acceptance of the Second Lien Notes, hereby authorize and direct the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to execute such Collateral Documents.
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(t) Subject to the provisions of the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, each Holder, by acceptance of the Second Lien Notes, agrees that the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents to which it is a party and all agreements, documents and instruments incidental thereto, and act in accordance with the terms thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have no discretion under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Collateral Documents and shall not be required to make or give any determination, consent, approval, request or direction without the written direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes or the Trustee, as applicable, or as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements.
(u) After the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Trustee acting in accordance with the terms of this Indenture may direct the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.
(v) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the Holders distributed under the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements and to the extent not prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreements, for turnover to the Trustee to make further distributions of such funds to itself, the Trustee and the Holders in accordance with the provisions of SECTION 6.10 hereof and the other provisions of this Indenture.
(w) In each case that the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may or is required hereunder or under any other Second Lien Note Document to take any action (an “Action”), including without limitation to make any determination, to give consents, to exercise rights, powers or remedies, to release or sell Collateral or otherwise to act hereunder or under any other Second Lien Note Document, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent may seek direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes. The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any Action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with the direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes or as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements. If the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall request direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes with respect to any Action, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such Action unless and until the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall have received direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Second Lien Notes, and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining.
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(x) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or any other Note Document, in no event shall the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, or have any duty or obligation with respect to, the recording, filing, registering, perfection, protection or maintenance of the security interests or Liens intended to be created by this Indenture or the other Second Lien Note Documents (including without limitation the filing or continuation of any UCC financing or continuation statements or similar documents or instruments), nor shall the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, and neither the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee makes any representation regarding, the validity, effectiveness or priority of any of the Collateral Documents or the security interests or Liens intended to be created thereby.
(y) Before the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting in each case at the request or direction of the Issuer or the Guarantors, it may require an Officer’s Certificate, which shall conform to the provisions of SECTION 13.5. the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.
(z) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall act pursuant to the instructions of the Holders and the Trustee solely with respect to the Collateral Documents and the Collateral, except as otherwise set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements.
(aa) The Issuer shall pay compensation to, reimburse expenses of and indemnify the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with SECTION 7.7 and the Intercreditor Agreements.
(bb) The Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to all of the rights, privileges and immunities of the collateral agent (or such similar agent) as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreements, as though fully set forth herein.
SECTION 12.9. Designations. Except as provided in the next sentence, for purposes of the provisions hereof and the Intercreditor Agreements requiring the Issuer to designate Indebtedness for purposes of the term “Second Lien Obligations”, “Additional Second Lien Obligations” (as each such term is defined in the applicable Intercreditor Agreement), “Junior Priority Indebtedness” or any other such designations hereunder or under the Intercreditor Agreements, any such designation shall be sufficient if the relevant designation is set forth in writing, signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer and delivered to the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements. For all purposes hereof and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Issuer hereby designates the Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement as “Second Lien Obligations” under the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.10. No Impairment of the Security Interests. Except as otherwise permitted under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents, neither the Issuer nor any of the Guarantors will be permitted to take any action, or knowingly omit to take any action, which action or omission would have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Collateral for the benefit of the Trustee, the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders of the Second Lien Notes.
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SECTION 12.11. Insurance. The Parent Guarantor shall maintain insurance, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain insurance, with financially sound and reputable insurers (and the Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to name the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent as an additional insured or lenders loss payee, as applicable, as soon as possible after the Issue Date), with respect to such of its properties and business, against such risks, casualties and contingencies and in such types and amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons, it being understood that this SECTION 12.11 shall not prevent the use of deductible or excess loss insurance and shall not prevent (i) the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer or any of their Subsidiaries from acting as a self-insurer or maintaining insurance with another Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor so long as such action is reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and its Subsidiaries or (ii) the Parent Guarantor and the Issuer from obtaining and owning insurance policies covering activities of its Subsidiaries.
(a) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a special flood hazard area (a “Special Flood Hazard Area”) with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as in effect on the Issue Date or thereafter or any successor act thereto), then the Issuer shall, or shall cause each other Grantor to, (i) maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer (except to the extent that any insurance company insuring the Mortgaged Property of such Grantor ceases to be financially sound and reputable after the Issuer Date, in which case, such Grantor shall promptly replace such insurance company with a financially sound and reputable insurance company), flood insurance in an amount as the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Holders may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) promptly upon request of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or any Holder, will deliver to Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee for distribution to the Holders, evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and such Holder, including, without limitation, evidence of annual renewals of such insurance.
(b) All such liability and casualty insurance (other than business interruption insurance) as to which the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee shall have reasonably requested to be so named, shall name the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent as additional insured or lender loss payee, as applicable.
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SECTION 12.12. After Acquired Property. No later than ninety (90) days after the acquisition by the Issuer or any Guarantor of any Material Real Property as determined by the Issuer (acting reasonably and in good faith and in a manner consistent with the procedures outlined in the New Credit Agreement, to the extent applicable) (or such longer period consistent with extensions granted in respect of the Initial Term Loans under the New Credit Agreement) that is required to be provided as Collateral pursuant to this Indenture or the Collateral Documents, the Issuer or such Guarantor shall cause such property to be subject to a Lien and Mortgage in favor of the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties and take, or cause the relevant Guarantor to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Trustee to grant and perfect or record such Lien, in each case to the extent required by, and subject to the limitations and exceptions of, this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and to otherwise comply with the Collateral Requirement and the other requirements of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 12.13. Maintenance of Property. The Parent Guarantor will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain, preserve and protect all of their respective tangible or intangible property and equipment necessary in the operation of the business of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in good working order, repair and condition (including, in the case of IP Rights, by maintaining, preserving and protecting such rights, including by maintaining and renewing registrations and reasonably prosecuting applications therefor), ordinary wear and tear and fire, casualty and condemnation excepted; provided, that the Parent Guarantor shall not be obligated to comply with the foregoing provisions of this SECTION 12.13 to the extent that the failure to do so is not adverse in any material respect to Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 12.14. Further Assurances. The Issuer and the Guarantors, at their sole cost and expense and subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, will do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register, as applicable, any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other agreements or instruments and shall take all further action, as may be required from time to time in order to:
(a) carry out the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents;
(b) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral;
(c) subject to the Liens created by any of the Collateral Documents all of the properties, rights or interests required to be encumbered thereby, including all assets of any Guarantor (other than Excluded Assets) or newly acquired assets of a Guarantor;
(d) perfect and maintain the validity, enforceability, effectiveness and priority of any of the Collateral Documents and the Liens created thereby; and
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(e) assure, convey, grant, assign, transfer, preserve, protect and confirm to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent any of the rights granted now or hereafter intended by the parties thereto to be granted to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents or under any other instrument executed in connection herewith.
If the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent reasonably determines, in consultation with the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties, that it is required by applicable Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of the Issuer or any Guarantor subject to a Mortgage constituting Collateral, the Issuer shall provide to the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.1. [Reserved].
SECTION 13.2. Notices. Any notice, request, direction, consent or communication made pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture or the Second Lien Notes shall be in writing and delivered in person, sent by facsimile, sent by electronic mail in pdf format, delivered by commercial courier service or mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
if to the Issuer, or any Guarantor:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
with a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Jonathan Ozner
Marisa Stavenas
if to the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, at its corporate trust office, which corporate trust office for purposes of this Indenture is at the date hereof located at:
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37201
Attention: Global Corporate Trust Services
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The Issuer, the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent by written notice to each other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication to the Issuer, or the Guarantors shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered or if delivered electronically, in pdf format; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and seven calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee). Any notice or communication to the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall be deemed delivered upon receipt.
Any notice or communication sent to a Holder shall be electronically delivered or mailed to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears in the Notes Register and shall be sufficiently given if so sent within the time prescribed.
Failure to mail or deliver electronically a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except that notices to the Trustee shall be effective only upon receipt.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Second Lien Note, where this Indenture or any Second Lien Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption or purchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to DTC (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from DTC or its designee.
SECTION 13.3. [Reserved].
SECTION 13.4. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officer’s Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in SECTION 13.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes or the Collateral Documents relating to the proposed action have been satisfied and all covenants have been complied with; and SECTION 13.5.
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in SECTION 13.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been satisfied and all covenants have been complied with.
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Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture, the Second Lien Notes or Collateral Documents shall include:
(1) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
In giving such Opinion of Counsel, counsel may rely as to factual matters on an Officer’s Certificate or on certificates of public officials.
SECTION 13.6. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by, or at meetings of, Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 13.7. Legal Holidays. A “Legal Holiday” is a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which commercial banking institutions are authorized or required to be closed in New York, New York or the state of the place of payment. If a payment date or redemption date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
SECTION 13.8. Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE, THE SECOND LIEN NOTES AND THE SECOND LIEN NOTE GUARANTEES AND THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 13.9. Jurisdiction. The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that any suit, action or proceeding against the Issuer or any Guarantor brought by any Holder or the Trustee arising out of or based upon this Indenture, the Second Lien Note Guarantee or the Second Lien Notes may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of them irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The Issuer and the Guarantors irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any suit, action, or proceeding that may be brought in connection with this Indenture, the Second Lien Note Guarantee or the Second Lien Notes, including such actions, suits or proceedings relating to securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or on the ground that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
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The Issuer and the Guarantors agree that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Issuer or the Guarantors, as the case may be, are subject by a suit upon such judgment.
SECTION 13.10. Waivers of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, THE TRUSTEE, THE SECOND LIEN NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE HOLDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECOND LIEN NOTES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECOND LIEN NOTES OR THE SECOND LIEN NOTE GUARANTEES AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
SECTION 13.11. USA PATRIOT Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent with such information as each may request in order to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.
SECTION 13.12. No Recourse Against Others. No director, member, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Second Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Second Lien Notes. The parties acknowledge such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
SECTION 13.13. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. Any signature to this Indenture may be delivered by facsimile, electronic mail (including .pdf) or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. Federal ESIGN Act of 2000 or the New York Electronic Signature and Records Act or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
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SECTION 13.14. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross reference table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
SECTION 13.15. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, it being understood that the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent shall use reasonable best efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
SECTION 13.16. Severability. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Second Lien Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 13.17. FCC. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the Second Lien Note Documents, neither the Trustee, nor the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, nor the Holders, nor any of their agents, will take any action pursuant to any Second Lien Note Documents that would constitute or result in (i) any violation of the Communications Laws, or (ii) any assignment of any FCC Authorization or any transfer of control thereof, within the meaning of 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 or other Communications Law, if such assignment of license or transfer of control thereof would require thereunder the prior approval of the FCC, without first obtaining such approval of the FCC. Each of the Parent Guarantor, the Issuer and the Subsidiaries will cooperate fully in the preparation and prosecution of such FCC applications as may be necessary to secure such approvals of the FCC for such assignments of licenses or transfers of control in a manner consistent with the Second Lien Note Documents.
SECTION 13.18. Intercreditor Agreements. Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Second Lien Note, authorizes (without any further consent of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes) the Issuer, the Trustee and/or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into joinders to the Intercreditor Agreements.
(a) Each Holder of the Second Lien Notes, by accepting such Second Lien Note, will be deemed to have (i) appointed and authorized the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee to give effect to the provisions in the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents and perform the duties and exercise the rights, powers and discretions that are specifically given to it under the Intercreditor Agreements and the Collateral Documents securing such Indebtedness, together with any other incidental rights, power and discretions; (ii)
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agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents; and (iii) irrevocably appointed the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee to act on its behalf to enter into and comply with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements, any additional intercreditor agreements and the Collateral Documents (including the execution of, and compliance with, any waiver, modification, amendment, renewal or replacement expressed to be executed by the Trustee or the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent on its behalf).
(b) The parties acknowledge and agree that U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association is entering into the Intercreditor Agreements or joinders thereto in its capacity as an Authorized Representative for the Second Lien Notes or Additional Junior Priority Representative, as applicable, thereunder. In the event of any conflict between this Indenture or any other Note Document and an Intercreditor Agreement, the terms of such Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.
SECTION 13.19. Intended Tax Treatment. For United States federal, and applicable state and local, income Tax purposes, the Issuer, Guarantors, Trustee and all beneficial owners of the Second Lien Notes agree to treat the Second Lien Notes as indebtedness issued by the Issuer that is not a “contingent payment debt instrument” described under United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.1275-4. To the extent applicable, the Issuer, Guarantors, Trustee and all beneficial owners of the Second Lien Notes agree to file all United States federal, and applicable state and local, income tax returns consistently with the foregoing unless otherwise require pursuant to a “determination” described under Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law).
[Signatures on following pages]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the date and year first written above.
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
ANDO MEDIA, LLC BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC JELLI, LLC KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. M STREET CORPORATION PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC SPREAKER, INC. STUFF MEDIA, LLC TRITON DIGITAL, INC. TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC TTWN NETWORKS, LLC UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. VOXNEST, INC. |
||
By: | /s/ Jordan Fasbender | |
Name: Jordan Fasbender | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page - Indenture]
EXHIBIT A: FORM OF SECOND LIEN NOTES
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[Restricted Note Legend, if applicable]
[Global Note Legend, if applicable]
[Temporary Regulation S Legend, if applicable]
[Original Issue Discount Legend, if applicable. THE SECOND LIEN NOTES MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE SECOND LIEN NOTES MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE ISSUER AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.]
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No. [ ] | Principal Amount $[•] [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto]1 | |
CUSIP No. [•]2 |
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030
iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of Dollars, [as revised by the Schedule of Increases and Decreases in Global Note attached hereto], on May 1, 2030.
Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1, commencing on May 1, 20253
Record Dates: April 15 and October 15
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.
1 | Insert in Global Notes only. |
2 | 144A: 45174HBL0 |
Reg S: U45057AQ6
3 | In the case of Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
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TRUSTEE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Note is one of the Second Lien Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee |
||
By: | ||
Authorized signatory |
Dated: |
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[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030
Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture.
1. Interest
iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate (i) initially following the Issue Date, of 10.875% per annum and (ii) if and when the Second Lien Notes receive a rating of B- from S&P and a rating of B3 from Moody’s, of 10.125% per annum, from December 20, 20244 until maturity. The Issuer will pay interest semiannually in arrears every May 1 and November 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Second Lien Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be May 1, 20255. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified herein, and it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest on the Second Lien Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year comprised of twelve 30 day months.
2. Method of Payment
By no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the date on which any principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any Second Lien Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount of money sufficient in immediately available funds to pay such principal, premium, if any, and interest when due. Interest on any Second Lien Note which is payable, and is timely paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Second Lien Note (or one or more predecessor Second Lien Notes) is registered at the close of business on the preceding April 15 and October 15 at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture. The principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Second Lien Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of the Paying Agent or Registrar designated by the Issuer maintained for such purpose (which shall initially be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose), or at such other office or agency of the Issuer as may be maintained for such purpose pursuant to SECTION 2.3 of the Indenture; provided, however, that, at the option of the Paying Agent, each installment of interest may be paid by (i) check mailed to addresses of the Persons entitled thereto as such addresses shall appear on the Notes Register or (ii) wire transfer to an account located in the United States maintained by the
4 | In the case of Second Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
5 | In the case of Second Lien Notes issued on the Issue Date. |
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payee, subject to the last sentence of this paragraph. Payments in respect of Second Lien Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by The Depository Trust Company or any successor depository. Payments in respect of Second Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) held by a Holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes represented by Definitive Notes will be made by wire transfer to a Dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 15 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion). If an Interest Payment Date is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is a Legal Holiday, the record date shall not be affected.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar
The Issuer initially appoints U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, the trustee (the “Trustee”), as Registrar and Paying Agent for the Second Lien Notes. The Issuer may change any Registrar or Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any Guarantor may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or transfer agent.
4. Indenture
The Issuer issued the Second Lien Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Guarantors party thereto and the Trustee and Collateral Agent. The terms of the Second Lien Notes include those stated in the Indenture. The Second Lien Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of those terms. In the event of a conflict between the terms of the Second Lien Notes and the terms of the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall prevail.
5. Covenants
The terms of the Second Lien Notes contain covenants of the Parent Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to those set forth in Articles III and IV of the Indenture.
6. Guarantees
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including post filing or post-petition interest) on the Second Lien Notes, the Obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the Second Lien Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuer under the Indenture and the Second Lien Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Second Lien Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors will unconditionally Guarantee (and future guarantors, jointly and severally with the Guarantors, will fully and unconditionally Guarantee) such obligations on a senior basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
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7. Redemption
(a) At any time prior to December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the Second Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of the Second Lien Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the Notes Register, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Second Lien Notes to be redeemed) equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Second Lien Notes redeemed plus the Make-Whole Amount as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of the Second Lien Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
(b) Except pursuant to clause (a) of this paragraph 7 or as otherwise set forth below, the Second Lien Notes will not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option.
(c) At any time and from time to time on or after December 20, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the Second Lien Notes in whole or in part, at its option, at a redemption price equal to the percentage of principal amount set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, if redeemed during the period indicated below:
Period |
Redemption Price |
|||
December 20, 2026 to December 20, 2027 |
105.43750 | % | ||
December 20, 2027 to May 1, 2028 |
102.71875 | % | ||
May 1, 2028 and thereafter |
100.0 | % |
(d) In the event of an Applicable Premium Trigger Event, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee, for payment to the Holders of Second Lien Notes, the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes being redeemed or required to be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise paid pursuant to the Indenture plus the Applicable Premium (without duplication) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
(e) Notice of any redemption of the Second Lien Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an equity offering, incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction. If such redemption or purchase is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed.
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In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
(f) If the optional Redemption Date is on or after a record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date will be paid on the Redemption Date to the Holder in whose name the Second Lien Note is registered at the close of business on such record date in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose Second Lien Notes will be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
(g) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Second Lien Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
(h) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 7 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of SECTION 5.1 through SECTION 5.6 of the Indenture.
The Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Second Lien Notes; provided however, that under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase the Second Lien Notes under SECTION 3.5 and SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture. Subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Issuer and its Affiliates, may from time to time seek to purchase the Issuer’s outstanding debt securities or loans, including the Second Lien Notes, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.
8. Repurchase Provisions
If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith delivered a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes under SECTION 5.7, the Issuer shall make an offer to purchase all of the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the date of repurchase; provided that (1) if the repurchase date is on or after the record date and on or before the corresponding interest payment date, then Holders in whose name the Second Lien Notes are registered at the close of business on such record date will receive interest on the repurchase date; and (2) if the Issuer delivered a redemption notice but subsequently did not redeem all outstanding Second Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, then the Issuer shall make a Change of Control Offer and otherwise comply with the terms of SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture.
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In connection with any tender offer for the Second Lien Notes, including a Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, if Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Second Lien Notes in such tender offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a such tender offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the Second Lien Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all Second Lien Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but not including, the date of such redemption.
Upon certain Dispositions, the Issuer may be required to use the Excess Proceeds from such Dispositions to offer to offer to purchase Second Lien Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in SECTION 3.5 and in ARTICLE V of the Indenture.
9. Denominations; Transfer; Exchange
The Second Lien Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form in minimum denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1. A Holder may transfer or exchange Second Lien Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange of any Second Lien Note (A) for a period beginning (1) 15 days before the sending of a notice of an offer to repurchase or redeem Second Lien Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending or (2) 15 days before an Interest Payment Date and ending on such Interest Payment Date or (B) called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any Second Lien Note being redeemed in part.
10. Persons Deemed Owners
The registered Holder of this Second Lien Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
11. [Reserved].
12. Discharge and Defeasance
Subject to certain exceptions and conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the Second Lien Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest, if any, on the Second Lien Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be pursuant to the terms of Articles VIII and XI of the Indenture.
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13. Amendment, Supplement, Waiver
Subject to certain exceptions contained in the Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees of the Second Lien Notes, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or a Default thereunder may be waived, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes pursuant to the terms of Article IX of the Indenture. Without notice to or the consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may amend or supplement the Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements as provided in the Indenture.
14. Defaults and Remedies
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and any other monetary obligations on all the Second Lien Notes to be due and payable immediately pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture. Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal, premium, interest, if any, and other monetary obligations will be due and payable immediately. If a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Issuer or certain Guarantors occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and any other monetary obligations on all the Second Lien Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Second Lien Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Second Lien Notes and its consequences pursuant to the terms of Article VI of the Indenture.
15. Trustee Dealings with the Issuer
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, the Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Second Lien Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, (ii) apply to the Commission for permission to continue acting as Trustee or (iii) resign.
16. No Recourse Against Others
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as such (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors), shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Second Lien Notes, the Second Lien Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation.
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Each Holder by accepting a Second Lien Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Second Lien Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
17. Authentication
This Second Lien Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent acting on its behalf) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Second Lien Note.
18. Abbreviations
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (= joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= custodian) and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
19. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
The Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, to be printed on the Second Lien Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP and ISIN numbers, if applicable, in notices of redemption or purchase as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Second Lien Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or purchase and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
20. Governing Law
This Second Lien Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
The Issuer will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, Texas 78258
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
21. Security
The Second Lien Notes will be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements. The Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes, in each case pursuant to the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
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Each Holder, by accepting this Second Lien Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Collateral Documents (including the provisions providing for the foreclosure and release of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, and to perform their obligations and exercise their rights thereunder in accordance therewith.
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Second Lien Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Second Lien Note to:
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code) |
(Insert assignee’s social security or tax I.D. No.) |
and irrevocably appoint agent to transfer this Second Lien Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: _ |
Your Signature: |
|
Signature Guarantee: |
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(Signature must be guaranteed) _ |
||
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Second Lien Note. |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
The undersigned hereby certifies that it ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer and that, to its knowledge, the proposed transferee ☐ is / ☐ is not an Affiliate of the Issuer.
In connection with any transfer or exchange of any of the Second Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issuance of such Second Lien Notes and the last date, if any, on which such Second Lien Notes were owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer, the undersigned confirms that such Second Lien Notes are being:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:
(1) ☐ acquired for the undersigned’s own account, without transfer; or
(2) ☐ transferred to the Issuer; or
(3) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
(4) ☐ transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
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(5) ☐ transferred pursuant to and in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act; or
(6) ☐ transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Second Lien Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5) or (6) is checked, the Issuer may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Second Lien Notes, in its sole discretion, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer may reasonably request to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.
Signature | ||||
Signature Guarantee: | ||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) | Signature |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF BOX (1) OR (3) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Second Lien Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144 A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad-15.
Dated: |
[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
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SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTES
The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount of this Global Note |
Amount of increase in Principal Amount Of this Global Note |
Principal Amount of this Global Note following such Decrease or increase |
Signature of authorized signatory of Trustee or Notes Custodian |
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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you elect to have this Second Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, check the applicable box:
SECTION 3.5 ☐ SECTION 3.15 ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this Second Lien Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to SECTION 3.5 or SECTION 3.15 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount (must be in denominations of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) and specify the denomination or denominations (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized denomination) of the Second Lien Notes to be issued to the Holder for the portion of the within Second Lien Note not being repurchased (in the absence of any such specification, one such Second Lien Note will be issued for the portion not being repurchased):
Date: | Your Signature | |||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other Side of the Second Lien Note) |
||||
Signature Guarantee: | ||||
(Signature must be guaranteed) |
The signature(s) should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (banks, stockbrokers, savings and loan associations and credit unions with membership in an approved signature guarantee medallion program), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 17Ad 15.
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EXHIBIT B
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Add Guarantors
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by and among the parties that are signatories hereto with respect to the Indenture referred to below.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, each of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $[•] of Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the “Second Lien Notes”) of the Issuer;
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances certain subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent a supplemental indenture to which such Subsidiary (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”) shall unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis with the other Guarantors, all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Second Lien Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “Note Guarantee”); and WHEREAS, pursuant to SECTION 9.1 of the Indenture, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend or supplement the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Second Lien Notes as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.
ARTICLE II
AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND; GUARANTEE
SECTION 2.1 Agreement to be Bound. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby becomes a party to the Indenture as a Guarantor and as such will have all of the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.
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SECTION 2.2 Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees, on a joint and several basis with all the existing Guarantors, to fully, unconditionally and irrevocably Guarantee to each Holder of the Second Lien Notes and the Trustee the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to ARTICLE X of the Indenture on a senior basis.
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 3.1 Notices. All notices and other communications to the Guarantor shall be given as provided in the Indenture to the Guarantor, at its address set forth below, with a copy to the Issuer as provided in the Indenture for notices to the Issuer.
SECTION 3.2 Release of Guarantee. This Second Lien Note Guarantee shall be released in accordance with SECTION 10.2 of the Indenture.
SECTION 3.3 Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders and the Trustee, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
SECTION 3.4 Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 3.5 Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
SECTION 3.6 Benefits Acknowledged. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Second Lien Note Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to this Second Lien Note Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
SECTION 3.7 Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
SECTION 3.8 The Trustee and the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent. Neither the Trustee nor the Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
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SECTION 3.9 Counterparts. The parties hereto may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
SECTION 3.10 Execution and Delivery. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Second Lien Note Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Second Lien Note a notation of any such Second Lien Note Guarantee.
SECTION 3.11 Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
[SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR], as a Guarantor |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ADDRESS FOR NOTICES] |
Acknowledged by: IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT C
Form of Intercompany Note
INTERCOMPANY NOTE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned, to the extent a borrower from time to time from any other entity listed on the signature page hereto (each, in such capacity, an “Issuer”), hereby promises to pay on demand to such other entity listed below (each, in such capacity, a “Holder” and, together with each Issuer, a “Note Party”), in immediately available funds at such location as the applicable Holder shall from time to time designate, the unpaid principal amount of all loans and advances or other credit extensions (including trade payables) made by such Holder to such Issuer and all intercompany receivables and obligations owed by such Issuer to such Holder from time to time (collectively, the “Specified Obligations”), in such currencies as shall be agreed from time to time. Each Issuer promises also to pay interest, if any, on the unpaid principal amount of all such Specified Obligations in like money at said location from the date of such Specified Obligations until paid at such rate per annum as shall be agreed upon from time to time by such Issuer and such Holder. Unless defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Credit Agreement (as defined below) shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
This note (“Note”) is an Intercompany Note referred to in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower”), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and each Lender from time to time party thereto and is subject to the terms thereof, and shall be pledged by each Holder pursuant to the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the terms thereof and the terms of the Credit Agreement. Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (if any), the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent may exercise all rights and remedies provided in the Credit Agreement and the Collateral Documents with respect to this Note.
Anything in this Note to the contrary notwithstanding, the Specified Obligations evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is the Borrower or a Guarantor to any Holder (the Specified Obligations of such Issuers, collectively, the “Subordinated Obligations”) shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to (i) all Obligations of such Issuer under the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, where applicable, under such Issuer’s Guaranty of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement, and (ii) all other Indebtedness of such Issuer or any Guaranty thereof, other than Indebtedness that by its terms expressly provides that it shall not be Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) hereunder (such Obligations under the Loan Documents and such Indebtedness and other indebtedness and obligations in connection with any renewal, refunding, restructuring or refinancing thereof, including interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any Bankruptcy Proceedings (as defined below), whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in such proceeding, being hereinafter collectively referred to as “Senior Indebtedness”).
The foregoing shall apply, notwithstanding the availability of other collateral to any of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or any of the holders of the Subordinated Obligations or the actual date and time of execution, delivery, recordation, filing or perfection of security interests granted with respect to any of the Senior Indebtedness or any of the Subordinated Obligations, or the lien or priority of payment thereof, and in any instance wherein any of the Senior Indebtedness or any claim for any of the Senior Indebtedness is subordinated, avoided or disallowed, in whole or in part, under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other applicable law.
(i) In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relative to any Issuer or to its creditors, as such, or to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such Issuer, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy (any of the foregoing, a “Bankruptcy Proceeding”), then (x) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness before any Holder is entitled to receive (whether directly or indirectly), or make any demands for, any payment on account of this Note and (y) until the holders of Senior Indebtedness are paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness, any payment or distribution to which such Holder would otherwise be entitled (other than debt securities of such Issuer that are subordinated, to at least the same extent as this Note, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding (such securities being hereinafter referred to as “Restructured Debt Securities”)) shall be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness;
(ii) if any default occurs and is continuing with respect to any Senior Indebtedness (including any Default under the Credit Agreement), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character shall be made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any other Person on its behalf with respect to this Note;
(iii) notwithstanding any other provision applicable to the Subordinated Obligations, if any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities), in respect of this Note shall (despite these subordination provisions) be received by any Holder in violation of clause (i) or (ii) before all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and promptly shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Indebtedness (or their representatives) in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreements (if any), ratably according to the respective aggregate amounts remaining unpaid thereon, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full in cash;
(iv) no Holder shall object to the entry of any order or orders approving any cash collateral stipulations, adequate protection provisions or similar stipulations executed by the holders of Senior Indebtedness in any Bankruptcy Proceeding or any other proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code and each Holder waives any marshaling rights with respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness in any Bankruptcy Proceeding or any other proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code;
(v) if any Holder shall acquire by indemnification, subrogation or otherwise, any lien, estate, right or other interest in any of the assets or properties of any Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, such lien, estate, right or other interest shall be subordinate in right of payment to the Senior Indebtedness and the lien of the Senior Indebtedness, and such Holder hereby waives any and all rights it may acquire by subrogation or otherwise to any lien of the Senior Indebtedness or any portion thereof;
(vi) no Holder shall, without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements, if any) accelerate all or any part of the Subordinated Obligations or commence, or join or participate in, any enforcement action with respect to the obligations of any Issuer or any of its respective Subsidiaries to pay any amounts relating to the Subordinated Obligations or take any enforcement action against any asset or property of any Issuer or its Subsidiaries; and
(vii) if, at any time, all or part of any payment with respect to Senior Indebtedness theretofore is made is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or any reason whatsoever (including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization or any Note Party, any of its Subsidiaries or such other Persons), the subordination provisions set forth herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, all as though such payment had not been made.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, no present or future holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be prejudiced in its right to enforce the subordination of this Note nor shall such right be waived by any act, failure to act or delay on the part of any Issuer or by any act, failure to act or delay on the part of such holder or any trustee or agent for such holder nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right hereunder. Each Holder and each Issuer hereby agree that the subordination of this Note is for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders under the Credit Agreement and such parties are obligees under this Note to the same extent as if their names were written herein as such and the Administrative Agent may, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, proceed to enforce the subordination provisions herein.
The Specified Obligations evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is not the Borrower or a Guarantor shall not be subordinated to, and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with, any other obligation of such Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) nothing contained in the subordination provisions set forth above is intended to or will impair, as between each Issuer and each Holder, the obligations of such Issuer, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay to such Holder the principal of and interest on this Note as and when due and payable in accordance with its terms, or is intended to or will affect the relative rights of such Holder and other creditors of such Issuer other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness and (ii) with respect to any indebtedness owing from any Issuer to any Holder with a “works council” or other employee representative body, such Indebtedness shall, unless such body has been consulted with respect to such subordination, and, if and to the extent required, unconditionally approved such subordination (by means of a prior positive advice or otherwise), not be subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness to the extent, and only to the extent, that the terms of such subordination would require the approval of or consultation with such entity before such subordination could be effective.
Each Holder is hereby authorized to record all Specified Obligations made by it to any Issuer (all of which shall be evidenced by this Note), and all repayments or prepayments thereof, in its books and records, such books and records constituting prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information contained therein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Note as between each Issuer and each Holder contains additional terms to any agreement between them evidencing intercompany loans and this Note does not in any way replace such intercompany loans or other obligations between them nor does this Note in any way change the principal amount of any intercompany loans or other obligations between them.
Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC or any subsidiary of iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC of a counterpart signature page hereto, such subsidiary shall become a Note Party hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Note Party hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Note Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Note Party as a party to this Note. This Note may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Upon the earlier to occur of (x) the commencement of any Bankruptcy Proceeding relating to any Issuer or (y) any exercise of any remedies upon an Event of Default (including any acceleration of loans or the termination of the commitments) pursuant to the Loan Documents, the aggregate unpaid principal amount hereof shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note. Each Issuer hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note. All payments under this Note shall be made without offset, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.
Each party hereto agrees to be fully bound by all terms and provisions contained in this Note, both with respect to any Subordinated Obligations (including guarantees thereof and security therefor) owned to it, and with respect to all Subordinated Obligations (including guarantees thereof and security therefor) owing by it. In case any one or more of the provisions in this Note, or any application thereof, shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein, and any application thereof, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC as both Issuer and Holder, |
||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. as both Issuer and Holder, |
||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
||
JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC., each, as both Issuer and Holder, | ||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
ALLONGE
This allonge is attached to, and by this reference is made a part of, that certain Intercompany Note, dated December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercompany Note”), by and among the undersigned, for the purpose of annexing thereto the following endorsement.
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned hereby assigns and transfers all of its rights, title and interest as a Holder in such Intercompany Note pursuant to the following endorsement with the same force and effect as if such endorsement were set forth at the end or on the reverse of such Intercompany Note:
PAY TO THE ORDER OF: | ||
Dated: |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Allonge to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
||
JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC | ||
By: | ||
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT D
Form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
by and among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
the other Grantors party hereto,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties and as a Second Priority Representative,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative,
and
the other Representatives from time to time party hereto.
Dated as of December 20, 2024
This MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among:
(i) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(ii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2029) Representative”), |
(iii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2030) Representative”), |
(iv) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2031) Representative”), |
(v) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Existing 2028 Notes Representative”), |
(vi) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Second Lien Notes Representative”), |
(vii) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(viii) | any Additional First Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09, |
(ix) | any Additional Second Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10, |
(x) | any Additional Third Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11, and |
(xi) | iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors (as defined below) party hereto. |
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Collateral Agent and Designated Junior Priority Representative (as such terms are defined therein), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Notes Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein) and each Additional Junior Priority Representative party thereto (as such term is defined therein), as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional First Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional First Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional First Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional First Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and First Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Facilities for purposes of the First Priority Debt Documents or the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional First Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional First Priority Representative in an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.09, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional First Priority Facility.
“Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereof required to be delivered by an Additional First Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09 in order to include Additional First Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional First Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional First Priority Representative.
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“Additional Second Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Second Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Second Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the Second Lien Notes Indenture for purposes of the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional Second Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Second Priority Representative in an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.10, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Second Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10 in order to include Additional Second Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Second Priority Representative.
“Additional Third Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Third Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Third Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Third Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral on a junior basis to the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
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“Additional Third Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under an Additional Third Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Third Priority Representative in an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.11, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit D hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Third Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11 in order to include Additional Third Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Third Priority Representative.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Authorized Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
“Bankruptcy Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, administration, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar federal, state or foreign debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, or where the registered office of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative is located, are authorized or required by law to close.
“Collateral” means all assets now or hereafter subject to a Lien created pursuant to any Collateral Document securing any First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations.
“Collateral Documents” means the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Debt Documents” means the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Designated First Priority Representative” means the Controlling Collateral Agent as defined in and determined in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
“Designated Second Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Second Priority Representative, such Second Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Second Priority Debt Documents.
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“Designated Third Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Third Priority Representative, such Third Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“DIP Financing” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.
“Discharge” means (i) payment in full in cash of the principal of, interest (including interest accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding at the rate set forth in the applicable Debt Documents, whether or not allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and premium (if any) on all applicable Obligations outstanding under the applicable Debt Documents, (ii) payment in full in cash of all other Obligations that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing under or in connection with the applicable Debt Documents at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid or commitments referred to in the following clause (iii) are terminated (other than any contingent obligations for which no demand or claim has been made), and (iii) termination of all other commitments of the applicable Secured Parties to extend credit under the applicable Debt Documents, in each case without giving effect to any limitations on the enforceability thereof, or the enforceability or allowance of the applicable Obligations under applicable Bankruptcy Laws or otherwise (including, without limitation, with respect to interest, fees, or expenses which accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or which would accrue but for the operation of Bankruptcy Laws); except, with respect to the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and Third Priority Obligations, to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.06 and Section 6.04.
“Disposition” means any conveyance, sale, lease, assignment, transfer, license or other disposition.
“Enforcement Action” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.
“Event of Default” shall mean “Event of Default” (or similar term) as defined under any applicable Facility.
“Existing 2028 Notes Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, issued by the Company pursuant to the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time), by and among the Company, each of the guarantors named therein, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, as trustee and collateral agent; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative.
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“Facility” means each of the First Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Facilities and the Third Priority Facilities.
“First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Facilities); provided (a) that the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and (b) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative or the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the “First Lien Credit Agreement” (and not an Additional First Priority Obligation) hereunder.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor administrative agent as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2029)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2030)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement.
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“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2031)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, Holdings, the other Grantors party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative and certain other parties thereto from time to time, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2030), and the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2031), with respect to the issuance of (1) the First Lien Notes (2029), (2) the First Lien Notes (2030), and (3) the First Lien Notes (2031), as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“First Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any First Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any First Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable First Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any First Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any First Priority Secured Party.
“First Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the First Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any First Priority Obligation from time to time or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
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“First Priority Debt Documents” means the First Priority Facilities, the First Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Facilities” means the debt facilities arising under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“First Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement or the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, in its capacity as administrative agent and the collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2030), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iv) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2031), the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (v) with respect to the Obligations under the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent and (vi) with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations or Additional First Priority Secured Parties, the Additional First Priority Representative under the applicable Additional First Priority Facility. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to “the First Priority Representative” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative, including any successor administrative agent, collateral agent and trustee as provided in the First Priority Facilities. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to the “the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other “First Priority Secured Party” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative on behalf of the First Priority Secured Parties for which it serves as a Representative.
“First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the First Priority Representatives.
“Grantors” means the Company and each Subsidiary that has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document (including any Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as contemplated by Section 8.07) to secure any Secured Obligations.
“Holdings” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means an assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any Grantor, whether or not voluntary; or any case or proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law, whether or not voluntary; or any proceeding by or against the Company or any Grantor seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking receivership, liquidation, dissolution, marshaling of assets or liabilities, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, administration, protection, relief, or composition of
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t or its debts, in each case, whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, monitor, trustee, administrator or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and assets, whether or not voluntary; or any event or action analogous to or having a substantially similar effect to any of the events or actions set forth in this definition (other than a solvent reorganization) under the law of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company or any Grantor.
“Lien” means, any lien, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, charge, assignment by way of security, security interest, preference, priority, encumbrance, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar lien, in each case of any kind and whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest, fees, expenses and other amounts accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other amounts are an allowed or allowable claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any indebtedness.
“Officer’s Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.08.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, division of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, estate, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Pledged or Controlled Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.05(a).
“Proceeding” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.12(a).
“Proceeds” means (x) the proceeds of any sale, collection, disposition or other liquidation of Shared Collateral and any payment or distribution made in respect of, or attributable to, the Shared Collateral or the value thereof, including in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any distribution of equity or debt securities or other instruments or any additional or replacement collateral provided during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and (y) any amounts received by the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, or any other Third Priority Secured Party in respect of Shared Collateral.
“Purchase Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Refinance” means, in respect of any indebtedness or other obligation, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend and restate, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other indebtedness or other obligation in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness or other obligation in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrower and/or guarantors, and including in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness or other obligation has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. “Refinancing” and “Refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning.
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“Representative” means any First Priority Representative, any Second Priority Representative and any Third Priority Representative.
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the Second Priority Representative, as trustee and collateral agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Second Lien Notes Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement and shall include any successor trustee or collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture.
“Second Lien Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Second Lien Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representative.
“Second Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Second Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Second Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Second Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Second Priority Secured Party.
“Second Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Second Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Second Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Second Priority Debt Documents” means the Second Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Second Priority Obligations.
“Second Priority Facilities” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and any Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Second Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Second Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Second Lien Indenture or the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties, the Second Lien Notes Representative, and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations or Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Second Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility.
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“Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representatives.
“Secured Obligations” means the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations.
“Secured Parties” means the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Shared Collateral” means at any time, Collateral in which any holder of First Priority Obligations (or the First Priority Representative), any holder of Second Priority Obligations (or the Second Priority Representative) and/or any holder of Third Priority Obligations (or the Third Priority Representative) hold, or are purported or deemed to hold (including pursuant to this Agreement) or are required to be granted, a Lien at such time, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien.
“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any specified Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of capital stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Unless specified otherwise, any reference to a “Subsidiary” shall be deemed to be a reference to a Subsidiary of Holdings.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the Third Existing Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, Amendment No. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement, and shall include any successor administrative agent or collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, in such capacity, and the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative..
“Third Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Third Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Third Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Third Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Third Priority Secured Party.
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“Third Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Third Lien Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Third Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Third Priority Debt Documents” means the Third Priority Facilities, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Third Priority Obligations.
“Third Priority Facilities” means the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“Third Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Third Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement or the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and shall include any successor administrative agent and collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations or Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Third Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Third Priority Representatives.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in the State of New York; provided that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, priority or remedies.
Section 1.01. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. Unless the context shall otherwise require, the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, and all references herein to Sections and Exhibits shall be deemed references to Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement. All references herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to any agreement or instrument will be deemed to include a reference to that agreement or instrument as assigned, amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE II
PRIORITIES AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO SHARED COLLATERAL AND OTHER PROPERTY
Section 2.01. Subordination.
(a) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case, on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Parties, any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
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(b) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
Section 2.02. Nature of First Priority Obligation Claims. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and the First Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the First Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the First Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Second Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Second Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations.
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Section 2.03. Nature of Second Priority Obligation Claims. Each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the Second Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the Second Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 2.04. Prohibition on Contesting Liens or Claims. (a) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any First Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, (b) each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, (c) each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, and (d) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, in each case as provided in Section 2.01) or any of the First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents or Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable.
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Section 2.05. Perfection of Liens.
(a) Except for the limited agreements of the First Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the First Priority Representatives or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the First Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each Second Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(b) Except for the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Second Priority Representatives or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
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(c) Except for the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Second Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
ARTICLE III
ENFORCEMENT
Section 3.01. Exercise of Remedies.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (i) none of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party, or Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, will (A) initiate any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against any Grantor or any Subsidiary of any Grantor, (B) assert any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available to junior secured creditors, (C) exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Shared Collateral, or any other First Priority Collateral or in the case of the Third Priority Representative or of any other Third Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Collateral, or instituting any action or proceeding with respect to such rights and remedies (including any action of foreclosure), or (D) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or other action brought with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral or any other property of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party in respect of the First Priority Obligations, the exercise of any right by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (or any agent or sub-agent on behalf thereof) in respect of the First Priority Obligations under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral, of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor, or otherwise in respect of the First Priority Collateral or the First Priority Obligations (each an “Enforcement Action”), or object to the forbearance by the First Priority Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Shared Collateral in respect of First Priority Obligations and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the
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Designated First Priority Representative on behalf of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff, recoupment and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (x) the Second Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (y) the Third Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Third Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (B) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations or the rights of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Shared Collateral, (C) to the extent not inconsistent with or prohibited by this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise their rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, to the extent provided and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 5.04, (D) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may exercise the rights and remedies provided for in Section 6.03, and may vote on a proposed plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Section 6.12), and (E) each Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, each Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may file any necessary or appropriate responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims or Liens of the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in each case in the foregoing clauses (A) through (E), to the extent such action is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement. In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the First Priority Collateral, the Designated First Priority Representative may enforce the provisions of the First Priority Debt Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of the Designated First Priority Representative to sell or otherwise dispose of Shared Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), (x) each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Second Priority Obligations and (y) each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Third Priority Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, unless and until both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred), (x) the sole right of
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the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and (y) the sole right of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Third Priority Obligations pursuant to the Third Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
(c) (i) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that neither it nor any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, will take any action that would hinder, delay or interfere with any exercise of remedies in respect of the Shared Collateral undertaken by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents, including any Disposition of the Shared Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, (ii) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives any and all rights it or any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Parties seek to enforce the Liens granted on any of the First Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Party is adverse to the interests of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties.
(d) Each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Priority Debt Document or Third Priority Debt Document, shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement or the other First Priority Debt Documents.
(e) (i) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto and (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Second Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations; provided further, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Third Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Third Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
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Section 3.02. Cooperation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, (x) unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral and (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated Second Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
Section 3.03. Actions Upon Breach.
(a) Should the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any First Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against such Second Priority Representative, other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agree that the First Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the First Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party.
(b) Should the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any Second Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against the Third Priority Representative or such other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agrees that the Second Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority
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Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the Second Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party.
ARTICLE IV
PAYMENTS
Section 4.01. Application of Proceeds. So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced, the Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, collection on, or recovery on such Shared Collateral or Proceeds of Shared Collateral (x) upon the exercise of remedies or (y) at any time after any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has commenced, shall be applied by the Designated First Priority Representative to the First Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Second Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Second Priority Representative to the Second Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Third Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Third Priority Representative to the Third Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
Section 4.02. Payments Over.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Priority
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Representative for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated First Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated Second Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
Section 4.03. Method of Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the First Priority Obligations to as provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the First Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Designated Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Second Priority Obligations as provided for in the Second Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
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(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, all payments received by the Designated Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Third Priority Obligations as provided for in the Third Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
ARTICLE V
OTHER AGREEMENTS
Section 5.01. Releases.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, in the event of a Disposition of any specified item of Shared Collateral (x) following an Event of Default, (y) in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative or (z) if not following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative, so long as such Disposition or release is permitted by the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents, the (x) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties to secure Second Priority Obligations and (y) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties to secure Third Priority Obligations, each shall terminate and be released, automatically and without any further action, concurrently with the termination and release of all Liens granted upon such Shared Collateral to secure First Priority Obligations. Upon delivery to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative of an Officer’s Certificate stating that any such termination and release of Liens securing the First Priority Obligations has become effective (or shall become effective concurrently with such termination and release of the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative, and/or the other Third Priority Secured Parties) and any necessary or proper instruments of termination or release prepared by the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative will promptly execute, deliver or acknowledge, at the Company’s or the other Grantor’s sole cost and expense and without any representation or warranty, such instruments to evidence such termination and release of the Liens. Nothing in this Section 5.01(a) will be deemed to affect (x) any agreement of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents or (y) any agreement of the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Third Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Designated First Priority Representative and any officer or agent of the Designated First Priority Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Second Priority Representative, such other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, such other Third Party Secured Party or in the Designated First Priority Representative’s own name, from time to time in the Designated First Priority Representative’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Section 5.01(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of Section 5.01(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
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(c) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consent to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of First Priority Obligations pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(c) shall be construed to prevent or impair (x) the rights of the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Second Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement or (y) the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(d) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and unless and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(d) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Priority Collateral Document or any Third Priority Collateral Document, in the event the terms of (x) a First Priority Collateral Document, (y) a Second Priority Collateral Document and/or and (y) a Third Priority Collateral Document each require any Grantor (i) to make payment in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, (ii) to deliver or afford control over any item of Shared Collateral to, or deposit any item of Shared Collateral with, (iii) to register ownership of any item of Shared Collateral in the name of or make an assignment of ownership of any Shared Collateral or the rights thereunder to, (iv) cause any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other Person acting in a similar capacity to agree to comply, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, with instructions or orders from, or to treat, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, as the entitlement holder, (v) hold any item of Shared Collateral in trust for (to the extent such item of Shared Collateral cannot be held in trust for multiple parties under applicable law), (vi) obtain the agreement of a bailee or other third party to hold any item of Shared Collateral for the benefit of or subject to the control of or, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, to follow the instructions of or (vii) obtain the agreement of a landlord with respect to access to leased premises where any item of Shared Collateral is located or waivers or subordination of rights with respect to any item of Shared Collateral in favor of, in any case, each of the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and/or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, such Grantor may, until the applicable Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, comply with such requirement under the Second Priority Collateral Document and/or Third Priority Collateral Document, as it relates to such Shared Collateral, by taking any of the actions set forth above only with respect to, or in favor of, the Designated First Priority Representative.
Section 5.02. Insurance and Condemnation Awards.
(a) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any person authorized by it) and the First Priority Secured Parties shall, as between the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, have the sole and exclusive right, subject in each case to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents, (i) to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Shared Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (ii) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Shared Collateral.
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(b) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents and to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation), if in respect of the Shared Collateral, shall be paid (i) first, prior to the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Designated First Priority Representative for the benefit of First Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) second, after the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, (iii) third, after the occurrence of both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, to the Third Priority Representative for the benefit of the Third Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents and (iv) fourth, if no Third Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or First Priority Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated First Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02. After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated Second Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02.
Section 5.03. Certain Amendments.
(a) Without limitation to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, no Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral, as applicable, would be prohibited by or inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Second Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Second Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Second Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust
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Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case (under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(c) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Third Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(d) In the event that the First Priority Representative and/or the First Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any First Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in First Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any First Priority Obligation, then
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such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of (x) each comparable Second Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Second Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor and (y) each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor, in each case unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(c), as applicable, or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case without its consent. The First Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(e) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative and/or the Second Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the Second Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Second Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in Second Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any Second Priority Obligation, then such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(c) or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Third Priority Representative without its consent. The Second Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(f) The First Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the First Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that, without the consent of each Second Priority Representative and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
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(g) The Second Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Second Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities), the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Part; provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative, and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
(h) The Third Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Third Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of (x) the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities) or (y) the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the Second Priority Facilities); provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative and each Second Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
Section 5.04. Rights as Unsecured Creditors.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors (including the ability to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Company and any other Grantor arising under either applicable Bankruptcy Laws, any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any express provision of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any provision of this Agreement (including any provision prohibiting or restricting the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties from taking various actions or making various objections, which actions or objections the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not pursue whether acting in such capacities or in any other capacity).
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Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Third Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Third Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect (x) any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral or (y) any rights or remedies the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the Second Priority Collateral.
Section 5.05. Gratuitous Bailee for Perfection.
(a) Each Representative acknowledges and agrees that if it shall at any time hold a Lien on any Shared Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Shared Collateral or of any account in which such Shared Collateral is held, and if such Shared Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of such Representative, or of agents or bailees of such Person (such Shared Collateral being referred to herein as the “Pledged or Controlled Collateral”), or if it shall at any time obtain any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights in or access to Shared Collateral, such Representative shall also hold such Pledged or Controlled Collateral, or take such actions with respect to such landlord waiver, bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, as sub-agent or gratuitous bailee for (i) in the case of a First Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the applicable First Priority Secured Parties under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, in the case of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties under the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (iii) in all cases, as bailee for the benefit of or agent on behalf of the other Representatives and other Secured Parties, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the Liens granted under the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents, respectively, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(b) In the event that the First Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the First Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for (x) the relevant Second Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents and (y) the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
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(d) The First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the First Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Second Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative and the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(e) The First Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waive and release the First Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the First Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(f) Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Second Priority Representative (or, if the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations previously occurred, the Designated Third Priority Representative), to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated First Priority Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated Third Priority Representative) is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The First Priority Representative has no obligations to follow instructions from the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(g) Neither the First Priority Representative nor any of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party under the First
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Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
(h) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(i) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(j) The Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the Second Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (h) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(k) The Second Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Third Priority Collateral Documents or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives and releases the Second Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the Second Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(l) Upon both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Third Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional
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insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Third Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) has no obligations to follow instructions from the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(m) After the discharge of First Priority Obligations, neither the Second Priority Representative nor any of the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party under the Second Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
Section 5.06. When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.
(a) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any First Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of First Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of First Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of First Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such First Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a First Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such First Priority Obligations shall be the First Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new First Priority Representative), the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative each shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new First Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new First Priority Representative the rights of a First Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such First Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Second Priority Representative or any Third Priority Representative, or any of their agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new First Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
(b) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred and solely to the extent permitted by the First Priority Debt Documents, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any Second Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of
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Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of Second Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a Second Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such Second Priority Obligations shall be the Second Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Second Priority Representative), the Third Priority Representative shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new Second Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Second Priority Representative the rights of a Second Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such Second Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Third Priority Representative, or any of its agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new Second Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
Section 5.07. Purchase Right.
(a) Without prejudice to the enforcement of any of the First Priority Secured Parties’ remedies under the First Priority Debt Documents, this Agreement, at law or in equity or otherwise, the First Priority Secured Parties agree that upon the occurrence of (i) an acceleration of any of the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) a payment default under any First Priority Debt Document that has not been cured or waived by the applicable First Priority Secured Parties within 60 days of the occurrence thereof and (iii) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor (each of such events for purposes of this paragraph, a “Triggering Event”), the Designated First Priority Representative will promptly deliver a notice of the occurrence of each Triggering Event to the Second Priority Representative (provided that none of the Designated First Priority Representative nor any First Priority Secured Party shall have any liability for failure of such notice to be delivered), and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall have the option, but not the obligation, to deliver a written notice to the Designated First Priority Representative (a “Purchase Notice”) no later than the 15th Business Day after the occurrence of any Triggering Event (or, if later, the date that notice of such Triggering Event is delivered by the Designated First Priority Representative to the Second Priority Representative) that they commit to purchase from the First Priority Secured Parties the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) of outstanding First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties at the Purchase Price without warranty or representation or recourse except as provided in Section 5.07(d), on a pro rata basis from the First Priority Secured Parties. A Purchase Notice may be delivered by less than all of the Second Priority Secured Parties so long as all the purchasing Second Priority Secured Parties shall, when taken together, commit to purchase the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) as set forth above.
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(b) The “Purchase Price” will equal the sum of (1) the full amount of all First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties then-outstanding and unpaid at par (including principal, accrued but unpaid interest and fees, applicable premiums and any other unpaid amounts, including any prepayment penalties or premiums, make whole obligations, and breakage costs), (2) the cash collateral to be furnished to the First Priority Secured Parties providing letters of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in such amount (not to exceed 103% thereof) as such First Priority Secured Parties determine is reasonably necessary to secure such First Priority Secured Parties in connection with any such outstanding and undrawn letters of credit and (3) all accrued and unpaid fees, expenses and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) owed to the First Priority Secured Parties under or pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents on the date of purchase.
(c) A Purchase Notice delivered by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be irrevocable, and the Second Priority Secured Parties and the other parties shall endeavor to close promptly after delivery thereof. Such purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations shall be exercised pursuant to documentation mutually acceptable (with such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to each of the First Priority Representative and the Second Priority Representative. Each First Priority Secured Party will retain all rights to indemnification provided in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents for all claims and other amounts relating to periods prior to the purchase of the First Priority Obligations pursuant to this Section 5.07.
(d) The purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties under this Section 5.07 will be without recourse and without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Priority Secured Parties, except that the First Priority Secured Parties shall severally and not jointly represent and warrant to the Second Priority Secured Parties, on the date of such purchase, immediately before giving effect to the purchase:
(i) the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and premium on the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties, and the fees and expenses thereof owed to the respective First Priority Secured Parties, are as stated in any assignment agreement prepared in connection with the purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations; and
(ii) each First Priority Secured Party owns the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties purported to be owned by it free and clear of any Liens (other than participation interests not prohibited by the First Priority Debt Documents, in which case the Purchase Price will be appropriately adjusted so that the Second Priority Secured Parties, do not pay amounts represented by participation interests to the extent that the Second Priority Secured Parties, expressly assume the obligations under such participation interests).
ARTICLE VI
INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS
Section 6.01. Financing Issues.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that if the Designated First Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to
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(if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing (provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party from objecting to any such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing in their capacity as unsecured creditors) and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Second Priority Collateral and/or the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations and/or the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated First Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of First Priority Obligations or the First Priority Collateral made by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any First Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid First Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the First Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated First Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Designated First Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Second Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, (x) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any
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such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (y) (A) the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative are not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, except as provided in Section 6.01(b), without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, none of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may, directly or indirectly, provide DIP Financing to the Company, any Grantor or any of their Subsidiaries.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 6.01(a), nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from providing DIP Financing to the Company or any other Grantor so long as (i) (A) any liens securing such DIP Financing are junior in priority to the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations and (B) the order approving such DIP Financing (1) includes customary stipulations as to the validity, priority, perfection, enforceability and non-avoidability of the First Priority Obligations and the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations and (2) provides for adequate protection of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations that includes (I) periodic cash payments to the Designated First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, in the amount of interest (including any default interest) accruing on the First Priority Obligations; (II) payment of the reasonable fees and expenses of the First Priority Secured Parties to the extent provided under the First Priority Debt Documents; (III) customary superpriority claims for diminution in value of the First Priority Collateral, senior in right of payment to such DIP Financing and any superpriority claim provided to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (IV) customary adequate protection Liens securing such superpriority claims on all collateral that secures such DIP Financing, senior in priority to such DIP Financing and to any adequate protection liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (V) any other right granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party as adequate protection including, for the avoidance of doubt, the right to terminate the consent to the use of collateral or cash collateral upon the occurrence of agreed termination events or (ii) such DIP Financing provides for the Discharge of the First Priority Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right of the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties to object to such DIP Financing for any reason is expressly preserved.
(c) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that if the Designated Second Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to (if requested by the Designated Second Priority
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Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated Second Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of Second Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Collateral made by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any Second Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid Second Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the Second Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated Second Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Second Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (x) (A) the Third Priority Representative is not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. .
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Section 6.02. Relief from the Automatic Stay.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative.
Section 6.03. Adequate Protection.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the First Priority Representative’s or any First Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the First Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all First Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that the First Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
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(b) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Second Priority Representative’s or any Second Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the Second Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all Second Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that the Second Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Third Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04. Preference Issues.
(a) If any First Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “First Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the First Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of First Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such First Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority
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Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.
(b) If any Second Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Second Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Second Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Second Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Second Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Second Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
(c) If any Third Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Third Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Third Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Third Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Third Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Third Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
Section 6.05. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classifications.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that
(i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens,
(ii) the respective claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the First Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors,
(iii) the claims of the Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors, and
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(iv) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Priority Obligations, and the Second Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the Third Priority Obligations, and each must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan proposed, confirmed, or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
(b) To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that any claims of the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties constitute a single class of claims (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then
(i) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were three separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Second Priority Obligations or the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Designated First Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties), and
(ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were two separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Second Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Third Priority Secured Parties).
Section 6.06. No Waivers of Rights.
(a) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by (x) any Second Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Second Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise or (y) any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
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(b) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
Section 6.07. Application. This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, shall be effective and enforceable before, during and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. The relative rights as to the Shared Collateral and Proceeds shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition therefor, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor. All references herein to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor.
Section 6.08. Other Matters.
(a) To the extent that the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Representative has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, to the extent that the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
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Section 6.09. 506(c) Claims.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
Section 6.10. Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of, or in connection with, the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing), then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing) are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations (it being understood and agreed that nothing in this Section 6.10 shall entitle the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties to receive a distribution pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan).
Section 6.11. Post-Petition Interest.
(a) No Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of First Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(c) No First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Second Priority Collateral of such Second Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Second Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
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(d) No First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Third Priority Representative or any Third Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Third Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Third Priority Collateral of such Third Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Third Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 6.12. Voting.
(a) No Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement other than with the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan unless such plan (i) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all First Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of First Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation and (ii) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all Second Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of Second Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation.
ARTICLE VII
RELIANCE; ETC.
Section 7.01. Reliance. The (x) consent by the First Priority Secured Parties to the execution and delivery of the First Priority Debt Documents permitted under the First Priority Debt Documents, and (y) all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the First Priority Secured Parties to the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. The First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other First Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and
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based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the First Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the First Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Second Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Second Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Second Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Third Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Third Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement.
Section 7.02. No Warranties or Liability.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the First Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The First Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the First Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges and agrees that neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Second Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Second Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Second Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion,
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deem appropriate, and the Second Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(c) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectability of any of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) any Grantor’s title to or right to transfer any of the Shared Collateral, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereto or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Section 7.03. Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document;
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any First Priority Debt document, of the terms of any Second Priority Debt Document or of the terms of any Third Priority Debt Document;
(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Shared Collateral or any other collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee thereof;
(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or
(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, (i) the Company, Holdings or any other Grantor in respect of any Secured Obligations or (ii) the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case in respect of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01. Conflicts. Subject to Section 8.21, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the agreements in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement among the holders of ABL Obligations and Junior Priority Debt Obligations, the provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement shall govern. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the provisions of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
Section 8.02. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
Section 8.03. Amendments; Waivers.
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 8.03(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) This Agreement may be amended in writing signed by each Representative (in each case, acting in accordance with the documents governing the applicable Facility); provided that any such amendment, supplement or waiver that, by the terms of this Agreement, requires the Company’s consent or that increases the obligations or reduces the rights of, or otherwise adversely affects, Company or any Grantor shall require the consent of the Company. Any such amendment, supplement or waiver shall be in writing and shall be binding upon the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a First Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.09 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Second Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.10 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
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(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Third Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.11 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any Refinancing in full of any Facility, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to designate the credit facility that Refinances the Facility as a replacement Facility, in which case such designated credit facility shall thereafter constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable; provided that each such predecessor Facility shall continue to be bound by (and entitled to the benefits of) the provisions of this Agreement as applied to such Facilities, the related agreements and all obligations thereunder prior to the Refinancing thereof.
(g) Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement Facility (as contemplated by preceding clause (d)):
(i) The Company shall deliver to the Representatives an Officer’s Certificate stating that the applicable Grantors in the case of preceding clause (d), intend to enter or have entered into a Refinancing, in whole or in part, of the Facility, as the case may be, that such agreement shall thereafter (upon any such Refinancing in full) constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable, and certifying that the issuance or incurrence of such Refinancing is permitted by the Debt Documents. The Representatives shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the determination of the Company that such issuance and/or incurrence does not violate the provisions of Debt Documents; provided, however, that such determination will not affect whether or not each applicable Grantor has complied with its undertakings in the Debt Documents; and
(ii) in the case of the preceding clause (d), the Company shall provide written notice of the Refinancing Facility to each Representative, together with copies thereof, and identifying the new administrative agent or trustee (as applicable) and collateral agent thereunder, and providing its notice information for purposes hereof, and such administrative agent or trustee, as the case may be, and collateral agent shall each execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, and upon such execution shall be deemed First Priority Representatives, Second Priority Representatives or Third Priority Representatives, as applicable, hereunder.
Section 8.04. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that any of the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party, it shall be under no obligation to (a) make, and the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the
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other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (b) provide any additional information or provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (c) undertake any investigation or (d) disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
Section 8.05. Subrogation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
Section 8.06. Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, (x) all payments received by the First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied, to such part of the First Priority Obligations as the First Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Second Priority Obligations as the Second Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (z) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Third Priority Obligations as the Third Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and/or the Second Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.
Section 8.07. Additional Grantors. Each of the Company and Holdings agrees that, if any Subsidiary shall become a Grantor after the date hereof, it shall promptly cause such Subsidiary to become party hereto by executing and delivering an instrument in the form of Exhibit A. Upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary will become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect
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as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereunder, and will be acknowledged by each of the Representatives. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
Section 8.08. Dealings with Grantors. Upon any application or demand by the Company or any other Grantor to any Representative to take or permit any action under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document (if such action is subject to the provisions hereof), the Company or such other Grantor, as appropriate, shall furnish to such Representative a certificate of an Authorized Officer (an “Officer’s Certificate”) stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Section 8.09. Additional First Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional First Priority Obligations under an Additional First Priority Facility. Any such Additional First Priority Obligations may be secured by a first priority Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant First Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional First Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional First Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.09.
(b) In order for an Additional First Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional First Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.09 are satisfied with respect to the Additional First Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional First Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional First Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a first priority basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
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(iii) the Additional First Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional First Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional First Priority Obligations.
Section 8.10. Additional Second Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Second Priority Obligations under an Additional Second Priority Facility. Any such Additional Second Priority Obligations may be secured by a second priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Second Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Second Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.10.
(b) In order for an Additional Second Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Second Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.10 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Second Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Second Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Second Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a second priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Second Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Second Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 8.11. Additional Third Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Third Priority Obligations under an Additional Third Priority Facility. Any such Additional Third Priority Obligations may be secured by a third priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Third Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Third Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.11.
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(b) In order for an Additional Third Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Third Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.11 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Third Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative or Second Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Third Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Third Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a third priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Third Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Third Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Third Priority Obligations.
Section 8.12. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the city of New York with respect to actions brought against it as a defendant in respect of any suit, action or proceeding or arbitral award arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Collateral Documents, the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents (a “Proceeding”), and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may do so under applicable law, trial by jury and any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(b) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
(c) Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, in any proceedings anywhere (whether for an injunction, specific performance or otherwise), no immunity (to the extent that it may at any time exist, whether on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from such proceedings, from attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) of its assets or from execution of judgment shall be claimed by
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it or on its behalf or with respect to its assets, except to the extent required by applicable law, any such immunity being irrevocably waived, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, where permitted by applicable law, it and its assets are, and shall be, subject to such proceedings, attachment or execution in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 8.13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by mail, telecopy or hand delivery:
(a) | If to the Company or any other Grantor: |
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
Attn: Treasury Department
Telephone: (210) 832-3311
Fax: (210) 832-3884
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Patrick Ryan
Telephone: 212-455-3463
Email: pryan@stblaw.com
(b) If to the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte, NC 28255
Attention Priscilla Ruffin
Office: 980.386.3475 l
Fax : 704.409.0918
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Moore & Van Allen PLLC
100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Attn: Tripp Monroe
T/F: 704-331-1107
Email: trippmonroe@mvalaw.com
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(c) If to the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, First Lien Notes (2030) Representative or First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, each a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(d) If to the Second Lien Notes Representative, a Second Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(e) If to any Additional First Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.09.
(f) If to any Additional Second Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.10.
(g) If to any Additional Third Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.11.
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Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by fax or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 8.13 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 8.13. As agreed to among Company, each First Priority Representative, each Second Priority Representative, each Third Priority Representative and the applicable holders of Secured Obligations from time to time, notices and other communications may also be delivered by e-mail to the email address of a representative of the applicable Person provided from time to time by such Person.
Section 8.14. Further Assurances. Each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, agrees that it will take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the other parties hereto may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of, and the Lien priorities contemplated by, this Agreement.
Section 8.15. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
(b) EACH OF PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER SECURED DEBT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 8.16. Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the Representatives and the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein or in any Collateral Document is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement, any Collateral Document, or the Shared Collateral. All obligations of the Grantors hereunder will inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of, and be enforceable by, the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, and each present and future holder of Secured Obligations and all of their respective successors and assigns.
Section 8.17. Headings. Section, subsection and other headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 8.18. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Agreement, including in electronic .pdf format. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Agreement. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication or electronic mail), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.19. Electronic Signatures. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, including without limitation, digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to the
55
First Priority Representative by any other authorized representative), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative, including the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.
Section 8.20. Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement. The First Priority Representative represents and warrants that its entry into this Agreement is authorized by the First Priority Facilities. The Second Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Third Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Third Priority Secured Parties.
Section 8.21. Third Party Beneficiaries; Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. The Lien priorities set forth in this Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder in respect of such Lien priorities shall inure solely to the benefit of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties the Third Priority Representative, the other Third Priority Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person (including the Grantors, or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert such rights; provided that the Company and each Grantor may assert the benefits of Section 5.01(d), Section 5.03(d), Section 5.06, Section 8.03, Section 8.08, Section 8.12 and Section 8.21. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligation of any Grantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the Secured Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
Section 8.22. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
Section 8.23. Representatives. It is understood and agreed that (a) each First Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the First Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the First Priority Representatives hereunder, (b) each Second Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Second Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Second Priority Representatives hereunder and (c) each Third Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Third Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Third Priority Representatives hereunder.
Section 8.24. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Section 8.25. Successors. For the avoidance of doubt, any successor administrative agent, collateral agent or trustee appointed under any series of Secured Obligations may replace the applicable Representative hereunder with respect to such series of Secured Obligations by executing a counterpart signature page hereto and delivering such signature page to each party hereto.
56
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
Bank of America, N.A., as First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
||
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Notes Representative, and as a Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
Bank of America, N.A., as Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and as a Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
iHeartCommunications, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this “Grantor Joinder Agreement”), to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Grantors have entered into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Pursuant to certain First Priority Debt Documents, certain Second Priority Debt Documents and certain Third Priority Debt Documents, certain newly acquired or organized Subsidiaries of Holdings are required to enter into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Subsidiaries may become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Grantor Joinder Agreement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “New Grantor”) is executing this Grantor Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Grantor agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Grantor had originally been named therein as a Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Representatives and the other Secured Parties that this Grantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
A-1
SECTION 3. This Grantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Grantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 6. In case any provision contained in this Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Company as specified in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. The Company, Holdings or the New Grantor shall reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Grantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
A-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Representatives have duly executed this Grantor Joinder Agreement acknowledging the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged by:
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional First Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional First Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and to have such Additional First Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a first priority basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional First Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional First Priority Representative, Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional First Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional First Priority Obligations and such Additional First Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional First Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional First Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
B-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional First Priority Representative and First Priority Representative and to the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional First Priority Representative” or “First Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
Attn: | ||
Tel: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-4
Schedule I to the
Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
B-5
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Second Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Second Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Second Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a second priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Second Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Second Priority Representative, Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Second Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Second Priority Obligations and such Additional Second Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Second Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Second Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
C-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Second Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative and to the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Second Priority Representative” or “Second Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
C-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
Attn: | ||
Tel: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
C-5
EXHIBIT D
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Third Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Third Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Third Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a third priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Third Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Third Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Third Priority Representative, Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Third Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Third Priority Obligations and such Additional Third Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Third Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Third Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
D-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Third Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative and to the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Third Priority Representative” or “Third Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
Attn: | ||
Tel: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
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[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
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[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
D-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
[______], |
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By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: |
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Title: |
D-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
D-5
Exhibit 4.7
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of December 20, 2024, by and among the parties that are signatories hereto with respect to the Indenture referred to below.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, each of iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee (the “Trustee”) and Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”), have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company has offered to exchange any and all of the outstanding Notes upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024 (as supplemented on December 4, 2024, the “Offering Memorandum”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.2(a) of the Indenture, subject to certain exceptions specified therein, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may amend or supplement the Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and issued under the Indenture (including with consents obtained in connection with an exchange offer for the Notes);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 9.2(b) and 12.2(a)(2) of the Indenture, the Liens securing the Notes will be automatically released, in whole, with the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including with consents obtained in connection with an exchange offer for the Notes);
WHEREAS, the Company has (i) received the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes to the amendments to the Indenture and the releases set forth in Articles 2 and 3 of this Supplemental Indenture (collectively, the “Amendments”); (ii) delivered to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as contemplated by Sections 9.6 and 13.4 of the Indenture; and (iii) satisfied all other conditions required under Article Nine of the Indenture to enable the Company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into this Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 9.2 and 9.6 of the Indenture, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend and supplement the Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof’ and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof. References in this Supplemental Indenture to Articles or Sections shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, be references to Articles or Sections of the Indenture.
ARTICLE 2
AMENDMENTS TO THE INDENTURE
Section 2.1. Covenants.
(a) The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting each of the following Sections, subsections or paragraphs of the Indenture and all references thereto in the Indenture in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”:
(i) | Section 3.2 (Limitation on Indebtedness); |
(ii) | Section 3.3 (Limitation on Restricted Payments); |
(iii) | Section 3.4 (Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries); |
(iv) | Section 3.5 (Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock); |
(v) | Section 3.6 (Limitation on Liens); |
(vi) | Section 3.7 (Limitation on Guarantees); |
(vii) | Section 3.8 (Limitation on Affiliate Transactions); |
(viii) | Section 3.9 (Change of Control); |
(ix) | Section 3.10 (Reports); |
(x) | Section 3.15 (Suspension of Certain Covenants); |
(xi) | Section 3.17 (Payment of Taxes); |
(xii) | Section 3.18 (Business of the Parent Guarantor and Restricted Subsidiaries); |
(xiii) | Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h) and (i) of Section 4.1 (Merger and Consolidation); and |
(xiv) | Section 12.12 (After Acquired Property). |
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(b) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.16 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.16 which shall read as follows:
“Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Company may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may not designate the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate.
(d) The Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Any such designation by the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by an Officer’s Certificate.”
(c) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.19 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.19 which shall read as follows:
“Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in Article IV and subject to the ability of the Company to convert (or similar action) to another form of legal entity under the laws of the jurisdiction under which the Company then exists, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate or other existence unless otherwise permitted by this Indenture.”
Section 2.2. Events of Default. The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 6.1 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 6.1 which shall read as follows:
“Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(1) | default in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable, continued for 30 days; |
(2) | default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise; |
3
(3) | failure by the Company to comply for 60 days after written notice by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or by the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with any agreement or obligation contained in this Indenture; |
(4) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(5) | the Company (the “bankruptcy provisions”) |
(i) | commences a voluntary case or proceeding; |
(ii) | consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding; |
(iii) | consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for substantially all of its property; |
(iv) | makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; |
(v) | consents to or acquiesces in the institution of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it; or |
(vi) | takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; |
(6) | a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: |
(i) | is for relief against the Company, in an involuntary case; |
(ii) | appoints a Custodian of the Company for substantially all of its property; |
(iii) | orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company; or |
(iv) | or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order, decree or relief remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; |
(7) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(8) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(9) | [intentionally omitted]; or |
(10) | [intentionally omitted]. |
Section 2.3. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 9.4.
Section 2.4. FCC. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the final sentence of Section 13.17 of the Indenture.
4
ARTICLE 3
GUARANTORS AND COLLATERAL
Section 3.1. Guarantees. Each of the Guarantors is hereby unconditionally and irrevocably released and discharged from all obligations under the Indenture and its Note Guarantee. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting in its entirety Article X of the Indenture and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”.
Section 3.2. Collateral. The Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes and all obligations under the Indenture are hereby unconditionally and irrevocably discharged and released in full and the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreements are hereby terminated and of no further force and effect with respect to the Notes. The Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall execute any documents and/or termination statements requested by, and prepared by, the Company in order to release such Liens under the Collateral Documents on the Collateral. The Company (or its designee), and its counsel, is hereby authorized to prepare and file on behalf of the Collateral Agent, any lien releases, UCC termination statements or similar documents as the Company determines are necessary, desirable or advisable to effect or reflect the release of such Liens on the Collateral. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting in its entirety Article XII of the Indenture and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”. The Obligations under the Indenture will cease to be (x) “First Lien Obligations” under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (y) “Junior Priority Debt Obligations” under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, and the Holders of the Notes shall have no rights under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. The Collateral Agent is hereby removed as a party to the Indenture.
ARTICLE 4
GENERAL
Section 4.1. Other Related Provisions and Definitions. Any and all additional provisions and definitions of the Indenture and the Notes are hereby deemed to be amended to reflect the intentions of the Amendments set forth in this Supplemental Indenture. Effective as of the Supplemental Indenture Date (as defined below), none of the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Holders or other parties to or beneficiaries of the Indenture shall have any rights, obligations or liabilities under such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs and such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs shall not be considered in determining whether an Event of Default has occurred or whether the Company has observed, performed or complied with the provisions of the Indenture or any Note.
5
ARTICLE 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1. Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
Section 5.2. Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 5.3. Jurisdiction. The Company agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any Holder or the Trustee or Collateral Agent arising out of or based upon this Supplemental Indenture may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any suit, action, or proceeding that may be brought in connection with this Supplemental Indenture, including such actions, suits or proceedings relating to securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or on the ground that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment.
Section 5.4. Waivers of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE, THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE HOLDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
Section 5.5. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in this Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001-7006), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
6
Section 5.6. Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
Section 5.7. Effectiveness; Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. This Supplemental Indenture shall be effective and the Amendments shall become operative on the Issue Date (as defined in the Offering Memorandum) (the “Supplemental Indenture Date”). Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. From and after the Supplemental Indenture Date, all references to the Indenture (whether in the Indenture or in any other agreements, documents or instruments) shall be deemed to be references to the Indenture as amended and supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture and each Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
Section 5.8. The Trustee and Collateral Agent. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
Section 5.9. Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Company: | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
|
Name: Richard J. Bressler | |
|
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee and Collateral Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
|
Name: Wally Jones | |
|
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
Exhibit 4.8
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of December 20, 2024, by and among the parties that are signatories hereto with respect to the Indenture referred to below.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, each of iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee (the “Trustee”) and Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”), have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture, dated as of August 7, 2019 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company has offered to exchange any and all of the outstanding Notes upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024 (as supplemented on December 4, 2024, the “Offering Memorandum”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.2(a) of the Indenture, subject to certain exceptions specified therein, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may amend or supplement the Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and issued under the Indenture (including with consents obtained in connection with an exchange offer for the Notes);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 9.2(b) and 12.2(a)(2) of the Indenture, the Liens securing the Notes will be automatically released, in whole, with the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including with consents obtained in connection with an exchange offer for the Notes);
WHEREAS, the Company has (i) received the consent of the Holders of at least two-thirds in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes to the amendments to the Indenture and the releases set forth in Articles 2 and 3 of this Supplemental Indenture (collectively, the “Amendments”); (ii) delivered to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as contemplated by Sections 9.6 and 13.4 of the Indenture; and (iii) satisfied all other conditions required under Article Nine of the Indenture to enable the Company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into this Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 9.2 and 9.6 of the Indenture, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend and supplement the Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof’ and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof. References in this Supplemental Indenture to Articles or Sections shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, be references to Articles or Sections of the Indenture.
ARTICLE 2
AMENDMENTS TO THE INDENTURE
Section 2.1. Covenants.
(a) The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting each of the following Sections, subsections or paragraphs of the Indenture and all references thereto in the Indenture in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”:
(i) | Section 3.2 (Limitation on Indebtedness); |
(ii) | Section 3.3 (Limitation on Restricted Payments); |
(iii) | Section 3.4 (Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries); |
(iv) | Section 3.5 (Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock); |
(v) | Section 3.6 (Limitation on Liens); |
(vi) | Section 3.7 (Limitation on Guarantees); |
(vii) | Section 3.8 (Limitation on Affiliate Transactions); |
(viii) | Section 3.9 (Change of Control); |
(ix) | Section 3.10 (Reports); |
(x) | Section 3.15 (Suspension of Certain Covenants); |
(xi) | Section 3.17 (Payment of Taxes); |
(xii) | Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h) and (i) of Section 4.1 (Merger and Consolidation); and |
(xiii) | Section 12.12 (After Acquired Property). |
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(b) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.16 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.16 which shall read as follows:
“Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Company may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may not designate the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate.
(d) The Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Any such designation by the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by an Officer’s Certificate.”
(c) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.19 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.19 which shall read as follows:
“Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in Article IV and subject to the ability of the Company to convert (or similar action) to another form of legal entity under the laws of the jurisdiction under which the Company then exists, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate or other existence unless otherwise permitted by this Indenture.”
Section 2.2. Events of Default. The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 6.1 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 6.1 which shall read as follows:
“Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(1) | default in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable, continued for 30 days; |
(2) | default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise; |
(3) | failure by the Company to comply for 60 days after written notice by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or by the Holders of 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with any agreement or obligation contained in this Indenture; |
3
(4) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(5) | the Company (the “bankruptcy provisions”) |
(i) | commences a voluntary case or proceeding; |
(ii) | consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding; |
(iii) | consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it for substantially all of its property; |
(iv) | makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; |
(v) | consents to or acquiesces in the institution of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it; or |
(vi) | takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; |
(6) | a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: |
(i) | is for relief against the Company, in an involuntary case; |
(ii) | appoints a Custodian of the Company for substantially all of its property; |
(iii) | orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company; or |
(iv) | any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order, decree or relief remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; |
(7) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(8) | [intentionally omitted]; |
(9) | [intentionally omitted]; or |
(10) | [intentionally omitted]. |
Section 2.3. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 9.4.
Section 2.4. FCC. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the final sentence of Section 13.17 of the Indenture.
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ARTICLE 3
GUARANTORS AND COLLATERAL
Section 3.1. Guarantees. Each of the Guarantors is hereby unconditionally and irrevocably released and discharged from all obligations under the Indenture and its Note Guarantee. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting in its entirety Article X of the Indenture and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”.
Section 3.2. Collateral. The Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes and all obligations under the Indenture are hereby unconditionally and irrevocably discharged and released in full and the Collateral Documents and Intercreditor Agreements are hereby terminated and of no further force and effect with respect to the Notes. The Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall execute any documents and/or termination statements requested by, and prepared by, the Company in order to release such Liens under the Collateral Documents on the Collateral. The Company (or its designee), and its counsel, is hereby authorized to prepare and file on behalf of the Collateral Agent, any lien releases, UCC termination statements or similar documents as the Company determines are necessary, desirable or advisable to effect or reflect the release of such Liens on the Collateral. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting in its entirety Article XII of the Indenture and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”. The Obligations under the Indenture will cease to be (x) “First Lien Obligations” under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (y) “Junior Priority Debt Obligations” under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, and the Holders of the Notes shall have no rights under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. The Collateral Agent is hereby removed as a party to the Indenture.
ARTICLE 4
GENERAL
Section 4.1. Other Related Provisions and Definitions. Any and all additional provisions and definitions of the Indenture and the Notes are hereby deemed to be amended to reflect the intentions of the Amendments set forth in this Supplemental Indenture. Effective as of the Supplemental Indenture Date (as defined below), none of the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Collateral Agent, the Holders or other parties to or beneficiaries of the Indenture shall have any rights, obligations or liabilities under such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs and such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs shall not be considered in determining whether an Event of Default has occurred or whether the Company has observed, performed or complied with the provisions of the Indenture or any Note.
ARTICLE 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1. Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
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Section 5.2. Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 5.3. Jurisdiction. The Company agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any Holder or the Trustee or Collateral Agent arising out of or based upon this Supplemental Indenture may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any suit, action, or proceeding that may be brought in connection with this Supplemental Indenture, including such actions, suits or proceedings relating to securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or on the ground that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment.
Section 5.4. Waivers of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE, THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE HOLDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
Section 5.5. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in this Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001-7006), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Section 5.6. Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
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Section 5.7. Effectiveness; Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. This Supplemental Indenture shall be effective and the Amendments shall become operative on the Issue Date (as defined in the Offering Memorandum) (the “Supplemental Indenture Date”). Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. From and after the Supplemental Indenture Date, all references to the Indenture (whether in the Indenture or in any other agreements, documents or instruments) shall be deemed to be references to the Indenture as amended and supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture and each Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
Section 5.8. The Trustee and Collateral Agent. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
Section 5.9. Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Company: | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Bressler |
|
|
Name: Richard J. Bressler |
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|
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee and Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
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Name: Wally Jones |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
Exhibit 4.9
SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of December 20, 2024, by and among the parties that are signatories hereto with respect to the Indenture referred to below.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, each of iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee (the “Trustee”), have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company has offered to exchange any and all of the outstanding Notes upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Confidential Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated November 15, 2024 (as supplemented on December 4, 2024, the “Offering Memorandum”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.2(a) of the Indenture, subject to certain exceptions specified therein, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Note Documents with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and issued under the Indenture (including with consents obtained in connection with an exchange offer for the Notes);
WHEREAS, the Company has (i) received the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes to the amendments to the Indenture and the releases set forth in Articles 2 and 3 of this Supplemental Indenture (collectively, the “Amendments”); (ii) delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel as contemplated by Sections 9.6 and 13.4 of the Indenture; and (iii) satisfied all other conditions required under Article Nine of the Indenture to enable the Company, the Trustee to enter into this Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 9.2 and 9.6 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend and supplement the Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof’ and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof. References in this Supplemental Indenture to Articles or Sections shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, be references to Articles or Sections of the Indenture.
ARTICLE 2
AMENDMENTS TO THE INDENTURE
Section 2.1. Covenants.
(a) The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting each of the following Sections, subsections or paragraphs of the Indenture and all references thereto in the Indenture in their entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”:
(i) | Section 3.2 (Limitation on Indebtedness); |
(ii) | Section 3.3 (Limitation on Restricted Payments); |
(iii) | Section 3.4 (Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries); |
(iv) | Section 3.5 (Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock); |
(v) | Section 3.6 (Limitation on Liens); |
(vi) | Section 3.7 (Limitation on Guarantees); |
(vii) | Section 3.8 (Limitation on Affiliate Transactions); |
(viii) | Section 3.9 (Change of Control); |
(ix) | Section 3.10 (Reports); |
(x) | Section 3.15 (Suspension of Certain Covenants); |
(xi) | Section 3.17 (Payment of Taxes); |
(xii) | Section 3.18 (Business of the Parent Guarantor and Restricted Subsidiaries); and |
(xiii) | Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h) and (i) of Section 4.1 (Merger and Consolidation). |
(b) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.16 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.16 which shall read as follows:
“Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
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(a) The Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Company may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may not designate the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate.
(d) The Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary. Any such designation by the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by an Officer’s Certificate.”
(c) The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 3.19 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 3.19 which shall read as follows:
“Corporate Existence. Except as otherwise provided in Article IV and subject to the ability of the Company to convert (or similar action) to another form of legal entity under the laws of the jurisdiction under which the Company then exists, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate or other existence unless otherwise permitted by this Indenture.”
Section 2.2. Events of Default. The Indenture is hereby further amended by replacing Section 6.1 of the Indenture in its entirety with a new Section 6.1 which shall read as follows:
“Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(1) default in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
(2) default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(3) failure by the Company to comply for 60 days after written notice by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or by the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with any agreement or obligation contained in this Indenture;
(4) [intentionally omitted];
(5) the Company (the “bankruptcy provisions”)
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(i) | commences a voluntary case or proceeding; |
(ii) | consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding; |
(iii) | consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for substantially all of its property; |
(iv) | makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; |
(v) | consents to or acquiesces in the institution of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it; or |
(vi) | takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; |
(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i) | is for relief against the Company, in an involuntary case; |
(ii) | appoints a Custodian of the Company for substantially all of its property; |
(iii) | orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company; or |
(iv) | or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order, decree or relief remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; |
(7) [intentionally omitted]; or
(8) [intentionally omitted].
Section 2.3. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the second sentence of the first paragraph of Section 9.4.
Section 2.4. FCC. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting the final sentence of Section 13.17 of the Indenture.
ARTICLE 3
GUARANTORS
Section 3.1. Guarantees. Each of the Guarantors is hereby unconditionally and irrevocably released and discharged from all obligations under the Indenture and its Note Guarantee. The Indenture is hereby further amended by deleting in its entirety Article X of the Indenture and inserting in lieu thereof the phrase “[intentionally omitted]”.
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ARTICLE 4
GENERAL
Section 4.1. Other Related Provisions and Definitions. Any and all additional provisions and definitions of the Indenture and the Notes are hereby deemed to be amended to reflect the intentions of the Amendments set forth in this Supplemental Indenture. Effective as of the Supplemental Indenture Date (as defined below), none of the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Holders or other parties to or beneficiaries of the Indenture shall have any rights, obligations or liabilities under such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs and such deleted or modified Sections, subsections or paragraphs shall not be considered in determining whether an Event of Default has occurred or whether the Company has observed, performed or complied with the provisions of the Indenture or any Note.
ARTICLE 5
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1. Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders and the Trustee, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
Section 5.2. Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture and the rights of the parties hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 5.3. Jurisdiction. The Company agrees that any suit, action or proceeding against the Company brought by any Holder or the Trustee arising out of or based upon this Supplemental Indenture may be instituted in any state or Federal court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any suit, action or proceeding. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection to any suit, action, or proceeding that may be brought in connection with this Supplemental Indenture, including such actions, suits or proceedings relating to securities laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, in such courts whether on the grounds of venue, residence or domicile or on the ground that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company agrees that final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any court to the jurisdiction of which the Company is subject by a suit upon such judgment.
Section 5.4. Waivers of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE TRUSTEE AND THE HOLDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
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Section 5.5. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in this Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001-7006), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
Section 5.6. Severability. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
Section 5.7. Effectiveness; Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indenture Part of Indenture. This Supplemental Indenture shall be effective and the Amendments shall become operative on the Issue Date (as defined in the Offering Memorandum) (the “Supplemental Indenture Date”). Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. From and after the Supplemental Indenture Date, all references to the Indenture (whether in the Indenture or in any other agreements, documents or instruments) shall be deemed to be references to the Indenture as amended and supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture and each Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
Section 5.8. The Trustee. The Trustee makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
Section 5.9. Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Company: | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee and Collateral Agent |
||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
|
Name: Wally Jones |
||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture]
Exhibit 10.1
TERM LOAN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
by and among
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
THE LENDERS LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO
AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO
Dated as of December 20, 2024
TERM LOAN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
IH MEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT I, LLC, This TERM LOAN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (this “Exchange Agreement”), dated as of December 20, 2024, by and among (i) IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (“Communications”), (ii) IH MEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Entertainment I”), (iii) the Participating Lenders (as defined below), (iv) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Existing Agent”) under the Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below) and (v) BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent (in such capacities the “New Agent”) under either (A) the Comprehensive Credit Agreement (as defined below) or (B) each of (i) the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement (as defined below) and (ii) the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement (as defined below), as applicable.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Communications is party to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, and Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”), by and among Communications, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and the Existing Agent;
WHEREAS, Communications, Entertainment I and certain of the Lenders are party to that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024 (the “TSA”), pursuant to which they agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, to support and enter into the transactions contemplated by this Exchange Agreement and the Amendment (the “Transactions”);
WHEREAS, Communications and/or Entertainment I, as applicable, the New Agent and the Participating Lenders are entering into either (a) if the Comprehensive Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, that certain Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Effective Date (as defined below) (the “Comprehensive Credit Agreement”) in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, pursuant to which Comprehensive Term Loans (as defined below) will be issued by Communications or (b) if the Alternative Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, each of (i) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Effective Date (the “Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, pursuant to which Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans (as defined below) will be issued by Entertainment I and (ii) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Effective Date (the “New Alternative Communications Credit Agreement”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, pursuant to which Alternative Communications Term Loans (as defined below) will be issued by Communications;
WHEREAS, Communications, the Existing Agent and the Participating Lenders are entering into that certain Amendment No. 5 to the Existing Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Effective Date (the “Amendment”), in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F, which will amend the Existing Credit Agreement (the Existing Credit Agreement as amended by the Amendment, the “Amended Credit Agreement”) to, inter alia, (i) permit the Transactions, (ii) remove substantially all of the affirmative and negative covenants and mandatory prepayments and certain Events of Default under the Existing Credit Agreement, and (iii) make certain other changes to the terms and conditions of the Existing Credit Agreement; WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement, Communications has offered to purchase and assume 100% (or such lesser amount as agreed between a Lender and the Borrower) of each Lender’s Existing Loans (as defined below);
WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement, each Lender (any such Lender, a “Participating Lender”) that executes and delivers a “Lender Consent” in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (each, a “Lender Consent”) desires to sell and assign to Communications 100% (or such lesser amount as indicated on such Lender’s Lender Consent) of its Existing Loans (the “Purchased Loans”) on the Effective Date; and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, among other things: (a) the Purchased Loans purchased by, transferred to and assigned to Communications shall immediately be deemed cancelled and extinguished pursuant to Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement and for all purposes of the Amended Credit Agreement; and (b) subject to the terms and conditions herein, each Participating Lender shall receive as consideration for its sale and assignment of its Purchased Loans from Communications and/or Entertainment I, as applicable, either (i) if the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the Comprehensive Transaction Consideration (as defined below) or (ii) if the Alternative Transaction is consummated, the Alternative Transaction Consideration (as defined below).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual terms, conditions, and other covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same meanings herein as set forth in the Existing Credit Agreement. In addition to the other words and terms defined elsewhere in this Exchange Agreement, the following words shall have the meanings specified or referred to below:
“Alternative Communications Term Loans” means, solely to the extent the Alternative Transaction is consummated, those Initial Term Loans (as defined in the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement) to be issued by Communications to the Participating Lenders under the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement in exchange for Purchased Loans.
“Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans” means, solely to the extent the Alternative Transaction is consummated, those Initial Term Loans (as defined in the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement) to be issued by Entertainment I to the Participating Lenders under the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement in exchange for Purchased Loans.
“Alternative Transaction Consideration” means, in respect of each Participating Lender, (w) Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to 93.5% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans plus (x) solely to the extent such Participating Lender was party to the TSA as of the TSA Cutoff Time, additional Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans (such additional Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans, the “TSA Retirement Consideration Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans plus (y) Alternative Communications Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to 0.5% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans plus (z) cash in an amount equal to (1) in the case of a Participating Lender that is an Early Exchange Participating Lender, 5.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans or (2) in the case of a Participating Lender that that is not an Early Exchange Participating Lender, 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans.
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“Company Group” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the TSA.
“Comprehensive Term Loans” means, solely to the extent the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, those Initial Term Loans (as defined in the Comprehensive Credit Agreement) to be issued by Communications to the Participating Lenders under the Comprehensive Credit Agreement in exchange for Purchased Loans.
“Comprehensive Transaction Consideration” means, in respect of each Participating Lender, (x) Comprehensive Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount equal to 95.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans plus (y) cash in an amount equal to (1) in the case of a Participating Lender that is an Early Exchange Participating Lender, 5.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans or (2) in the case of a Participating Lender that that is not an Early Exchange Participating Lender, 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its Purchased Loans.
“Credit Agreements” means, collectively, the Amended Credit Agreement and (a) if the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or (b) if the Alternative Transaction is consummated, each of (i) the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and (ii) the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement.
“Early Exchange Deadline” means 5:00 pm, New York City time, on November 29, 2024.
“Early Exchange Participating Lender” means any Participating Lender that has executed and delivered a Lender Consent on or prior to the Early Exchange Deadline.
“Existing Loans” means the Term Loans issued and outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement held by each Participating Lender on the Effective Date.
“Record Date” shall mean November 15, 2024.
“TSA Cutoff Time” means 10:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 15, 2024.
1.2. Interpretation. Unless the context of this Exchange Agreement otherwise requires, (i) words of any gender include each other gender, (ii) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (iii) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Exchange Agreement, (iv) the terms “Article”, “Section”, or “Exhibit” refer to the specified Article or Section of or Exhibit attached to this Exchange Agreement, (v) the words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation” and (vi) the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.”
ARTICLE II
OPEN MARKET PURCHASE AND SALE, RELEASE AND EXTINGUISHMENT
2.1. Existing Debt Purchase and Sale and Other Transactions. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof:
(a) On the Effective Date, immediately following the effectiveness of the Amendment, pursuant to Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement, each of the Participating Lenders shall sell and assign to Communications, and Communications shall purchase and assume, such Participating Lender’s Purchased Loans (the “Existing Debt Purchase”).
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In consideration of the Existing Debt Purchase, each Participating Lender shall receive from Communications and/or Entertainment I, as applicable, either (i) if the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the Comprehensive Transaction Consideration or (ii) if the Alternative Transaction is consummated, the Alternative Transaction Consideration; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participating Lender (a “Non-Eligible Participating Lender”) that is not entitled to receive TSA Retirement Consideration Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans, as applicable, is party to an unsettled sale of all or a portion of its Existing Loans to a Person (an “Eligible Participating Lender”) that would be entitled to receive TSA Retirement Consideration Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans, as applicable, if it held such Existing Loans, such Non-Eligible Participating Lender shall receive TSA Retirement Consideration Alternative Entertainment I Term Loans, as applicable, in respect of any such Existing Loans on behalf of the Eligible Participating Lender so long as the Non-Eligible Participating Lender completes and returns the Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement attached hereto as Exhibit B on or before 5:00 pm, New York City time, on December 12, 2024.
(b) On the Effective Date, pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement (including Section 10.07(m)), all Purchased Loans held by Communications, as assignee and holder of all of the Purchased Loans, shall be deemed to be cancelled and extinguished, and Communications, as assignee and holder of all of the Purchased Loans, hereby directs the Existing Agent to record in the Register (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) the cancellation and extinguishment of the Purchased Loans pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement immediately following the Existing Debt Purchase.
(c) Each of the Participating Lenders hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs each of the Existing Agent and the New Agent to take any and all actions as it reasonably determines are necessary, or are reasonably requested by the Participating Lenders, in carrying out, effectuating or otherwise in furtherance of the transactions set forth in Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(d) In acting pursuant to this Exchange Agreement, each of the Existing Agent and the New Agent shall be entitled to the same protections, indemnities, benefits, reliances and immunities afforded to it under the Existing Credit Agreement as if fully set forth herein, mutatis mutandis. Communications hereby reconfirms its obligations pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Existing Credit Agreement to pay and reimburse the Existing Agent for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees of counsel) incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Exchange Agreement and all other documents and instruments delivered in connection herewith.
2.2. [Reserved].
2.3. Release.
(a) As of and solely upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, Communications and Entertainment I, on behalf of themselves and each of their respective Related Persons, hereby unconditionally and forever release, waive and discharge all Causes of Action (as defined below) that could have been, or may be, asserted by or on behalf of Communications or Entertainment I (or any of their respective Related Persons) against the Existing Agent, the New Agent, any Participating Lender and their Related Persons (as defined below) that are based in whole or in part on any act, omission, transaction, event, occurrence or facts or circumstances taking place, being omitted, existing or otherwise arising on or prior to the Effective Date in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement or the Transactions, or any transaction, contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection therewith or herewith, in each case to the fullest extent provided by applicable Law; provided that the foregoing release, waiver and discharge shall not include any Causes of Action (i) to the extent determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct or (ii) to enforce the TSA, this Exchange Agreement or any transaction, contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection herewith.
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Each of Communications and Entertainment I covenants and agrees that, from and after the Effective Date, it will not, and will cause each of its Related Persons not to, individually or with any other Person file or commence any such proceeding with respect to any cause of action released pursuant to this Section 2.3, and if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such proceeding is so commenced, then Communications and Entertainment I (or their respective Affiliate who commences such Proceeding) shall immediately cause it to be dismissed, and the Participating Lenders or other released Person subject thereto shall have the right to be reimbursed by Communications and Entertainment I (or their respective Affiliate who commenced such proceeding) for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, without limitation of any other rights and remedies.
(b) As of and solely upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, each Participating Lender hereby unconditionally and forever releases, waives and discharges all Causes of Action that could have been, or may be, asserted by or on behalf of such Participating Lender (or any Affiliate thereof) against the Existing Agent, the New Agent, any Participating Lender, Communications, Entertainment I and their Related Persons that are based in whole or in part on any act, omission, transaction, event, occurrence or facts or circumstances taking place, being omitted, existing or otherwise arising on or prior to the Effective Date in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement or the Transactions, or any transaction, contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection therewith or herewith, in each case to the fullest extent provided by applicable Law; provided that the foregoing release, waiver and discharge shall not include any Causes of Action (i) to the extent determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct or (ii) to enforce the TSA or this Exchange Agreement or any transaction, contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection herewith. Each Participating Lender covenants and agrees that, from and after the Effective Date, such Participating Lender will not, and will cause each of its Affiliates not to, individually or with any other Person file or commence any such proceeding with respect to any cause of action released pursuant to this Section 2.3, and if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such proceeding is so commenced, then the Participating Lender commencing such proceeding (or whose Affiliate commences such Proceeding) shall immediately cause it to be dismissed, and the Participating Lender, or other released Person subject thereto shall have the right to be reimbursed by the Participating Lender that commenced such proceeding (or whose Affiliate commenced such proceeding) for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, without limitation of any other rights and remedies. For the avoidance of doubt, the Participating Lenders understand and agree that the Causes of Action released, waived and discharged pursuant to this Section 2.3 encompass and include any and all Causes of Action relating to or challenging the Transactions, or any transaction, contract, instrument, release, or other agreement or document created or entered into in connection therewith or herewith, (other than claims or causes of action to enforce the Definitive Documents (as defined in the TSA)), including any and all claims or causes of action alleging or contending that any aspect of the Transactions violates any Existing Debt Document (as defined in the TSA) or other agreement, or that cooperation with, participation in, or entering into the Transactions violates any statute or other law, it being understood that the Participating Lenders are ratifying and approving all such Transactions to the maximum extent possible under applicable law.
(c) Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants that they have not, prior to the Effective Date, (i) assigned or otherwise transferred any of the Causes of Action released pursuant to this Section 2.3 and (ii) individually or with any other Person filed or commenced any charges, lawsuits, complaints or proceedings (a “Proceeding”) with any Governmental Authority with respect to any Cause of Action released pursuant to this Section 2.3. Each party hereto covenants and agrees that, after the Effective Date, such Person will not, and will cause each of its Related Persons not to, individually or with any other Person file or commence any such Proceeding with respect to any Cause of Action released pursuant to this Section 2.3, and if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Proceeding is so commenced, then the Person commencing such Proceeding (or whose Affiliate commences such Proceeding) shall immediately cause it to be dismissed, and it or other released Person subject thereto shall have the right to be reimbursed by the Person that commenced such Proceeding (or whose Affiliate commenced such Proceeding) for all reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, without limitation of any other rights and remedies.
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(d) Each party hereto agrees that it shall have, to the extent permitted by Law, with respect to the subject matter of the release in this Section 2.3, expressly waived and relinquished any and all provisions, rights and benefits conferred by any federal law, any law of any state or territory of the United States, or any principle of common law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to Cal. Civ. Code § 1542.
(e) Each party hereto acknowledges that it may discover facts in addition to or different from those now known or believed to be true with respect to the subject matter of the release in this Section 2.3, but acknowledges that it is its intention to fully, finally, and forever settle, release, and discharge any and all claims and causes of action hereby known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which do or do not exist, or heretofore existed, and without regard to the subsequent discovery or existence of such additional or different facts, in each case, solely to the extent that such claims and causes of action are released pursuant to this Section 2.3.
(f) Nothing in this Section 2.3 shall be construed as an admission by any Person of the existence of any claim or cause of action or of any liability with respect to any or all of such claims or causes of action or any other past or future act, omission, fact, matter, transaction or occurrence.
(g) As used herein, (i) “Causes of Action” means any and all claims, actions, causes of action, choses in action, suits, debts, obligations, duties, damages, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, judgments, remedies, rights of set-off, third-party claims, subrogation claims, contribution claims, reimbursement claims, indemnity claims, counterclaims, and cross-claims, whether known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, disputed or undisputed, whether direct, indirect, derivative, or otherwise, and whether arising in law, equity or otherwise, including, without limitation, violation of any securities law (federal, state or foreign), misrepresentation (whether intended or negligent), breach of duty (including any duty of candor), or any domestic or foreign law similar to the foregoing, and (ii) “Related Person” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s current or former Affiliates, and each of its and their current or former Affiliates’ respective current and former directors, managers, officers, control persons, equity holders (regardless of whether such interests are held directly or indirectly), affiliated investment funds or investment vehicles, participants, managed accounts or funds, fund advisors, predecessors, successors, assigns, subsidiaries, principals, members, employees, agents, advisory board members, financial advisors, partners, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, consultants, representatives, investment managers, and other professionals (including any attorneys, accountants, consultants, financial advisors, investment bankers and other professionals retained by such persons), together with their respective successors and assigns, each solely in its capacity as such.
(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing Sections 2.3(a) and 2.3(b), nothing in this Exchange Agreement is intended to, and shall not, (i) release any party’s rights and obligations under this Exchange Agreement, the Comprehensive Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein), the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein), the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document as defined therein), the TSA or any other “Definitive Document” (as defined in the TSA); (ii) bar any party from seeking to enforce or effectuate this Exchange Agreement, the Comprehensive Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein), the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein), the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document as defined therein), the TSA or any other “Definitive Document” (as defined in the TSA); or (iii) release any payment obligation of any “Loan Party” under and as defined in the Comprehensive Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein), the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document” as defined therein) or the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement (or any “Loan Document as defined therein).
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2.4. Covenants.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the forms of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement, the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement, the Alternative Communications Credit Agreement and the Amendment attached as exhibits hereto are satisfactory to such Party.
(b) Each of the Participating Lenders hereby: (i) directs and authorizes the Existing Agent to execute the Amendment (and the other documents referenced therein) and this Exchange Agreement and (ii) agrees that its obligations under Section 9.07 under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately before the Effective Date shall continue to apply after the Effective Date with respect to the execution by the Existing Agent of the Amendment (and the other documents referenced therein), and this Exchange Agreement and the performance of the Existing Agent of any actions contemplated herein or therein or in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications and Entertainment I hereby represent and warrant to each of the Participating Lenders, the Existing Agent and the New Agent, as of the Effective Date, as follows:
3.1. Power and Authority. It has all requisite corporate or limited liability company, as applicable, power and authority to enter into this Exchange Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligations under this Exchange Agreement, and the execution and delivery of this Exchange Agreement by it and the performance of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary action on its part.
3.2. Enforceability. This Exchange Agreement is the legally valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.
3.3. Governmental Consents; No Conflicts. The execution, delivery, and performance by it of this Exchange Agreement (a) does not and shall not require any registration or filing with, consent or approval of, or notice to, or other action to, with, or by, any Governmental Entity, except (i) as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and (ii) consents, approvals, registrations, filings, notices or other actions the failure to obtain or perform which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) will not violate any (i) organizational documents of Communications or Entertainment, as applicable, (ii) Law applicable to Communications or Entertainment, as applicable, or (iii) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease, license or other agreement or instrument to which Communications or Entertainment, as applicable, is a party or by which Communications or Entertainment, as applicable, is bound or to which any of the property or assets of Communications or Entertainment, as applicable, is subject which violation, in the case of clause (b)(ii) and (b)(iii), could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTICIPATING LENDERS
Each Participating Lender, severally and not jointly and severally, hereby represents and warrants to Communications, Entertainment I, the Existing Agent and the New Agent, as of the Effective Date, as follows:
4.1. Power and Authority. Such Participating Lender has and shall maintain all requisite corporate, partnership or limited liability company power and authority to enter into this Exchange Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligations under this Exchange Agreement, and the execution and delivery of this Exchange Agreement by it, and the performance of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary action on its part.
4.2. Enforceability. This Exchange Agreement is the legally valid and binding obligation of it, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.
4.3. Governmental Consents; Compliance with Laws. The execution, delivery, and performance by it of this Exchange Agreement does not and shall not require any material registration or material filing with, material consent or material approval of, or material notice to, with, or by, any federal, state, or other Governmental Authority.
4.4. Sophistication. It has independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Persons (as defined in the Credit Agreements), any “joint lead bookrunner”, “joint lead arranger”, “bookrunner”, “arranger” or “co-manager” identified on the cover page of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the Alternative Comprehensive Credit Agreement, as applicable) or any other Participating Lender, and based on such information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Exchange Agreement, and in entering into this Exchange Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby it has relied upon Communications’ and Entertainment I’s express representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Exchange Agreement and the Loan Documents (as defined in each of the applicable Credit Agreements). Such Participating Lender has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that such Participating Lender is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.5. Others. It is the beneficial owner of (or has sole investment or voting discretion with respect to, and has the power and authority to bind the beneficial owner of) the Purchased Loans set forth on such Participating Lender’s Lender Consent in the principal amount indicated thereon and such Purchased Loans are being sold, transferred and assigned free and clear of any Lien or other adverse claim. Such Participating Lender acknowledges that the Loan Parties will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the above acknowledgments, representations and agreements and hereby consents to such reliance. It agrees that if any of the acknowledgments, representations or agreements it is deemed to have made by it is no longer accurate, it will promptly notify Communications.
ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS
5.1. This Exchange Agreement shall become effective on the date (such date, if any, the “Effective Date”) that the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) The Existing Agent shall have received (i) executed signature pages hereto from (w) Communications, (x) Entertainment I, (y) the Existing Agent and (z) the New Agent and (ii) an executed Lender Consent from each Participating Lender (which shall, collectively, constitute the Required Lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement).
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(b) Communications shall have paid, or caused to be paid, to the Existing Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders immediately prior to giving effect to the Effective Date, all accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the Term Loans outstanding under the Existing Agreement immediately prior to giving effect to the Effective Date.
(c) The TSA shall be in full force and effect immediately prior to the consummation of Existing Debt Purchase and shall not have been previously terminated in accordance with its terms.
(d) Solely to the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the additional conditions set forth on Exhibit G.
(e) Solely to the Alternative Transaction is consummated, the additional conditions set forth on Exhibit H.
5.2. Other than to the extent set forth in clause 5.1(a) above, the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Exchange Agreement are not subject to, or conditioned upon, any minimum amount of Existing Loans being exchanged pursuant to this Exchange Agreement, and the terms of this Exchange Agreement and the terms of the transactions contemplated hereby may be amended, extended, terminated or withdrawn for any reason prior to the Effective Date, including based on the acceptance rate and outcome of the exchange transactions contemplated hereby or failure to satisfy any condition to this Exchange Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
6.1. Notices. All notices and other communications given or made pursuant to this Exchange Agreement shall be in writing sent by email or other electronic means and shall be deemed to have been given upon transmission with confirmed delivery at the following addresses (or at such other addresses as shall be specified by such Person by like notice):
If to Communications or Entertainment I, to:
c/o iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
Attn: Treasury Department
with a copy (not constituting notice) to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Patrick Ryan, Esq.
Sandy Qusba, Esq.
David Zylberberg, Esq.
E-mail: pryan@stblaw.com
squsba@stblaw.com
david.zylberberg@stblaw.com
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If to any Participating Lender, the address set forth on its signature page.
If to the Existing Agent, to:
For Payments and Requests for Credit Extensions:
Bank of America, N.A.
4500 Amon Carter Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Attention: Gita Pandey
Email: gita.pandey@bofa.com
For Other Notices to Administrative Agent:
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte NC 28255
Attention: Priscilla Ruffin
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
If to the New Agent, to:
For Term Loan B Agent:
Bank of America, N.A.
4500 Amon Carter Blvd
Forth Worth, TX 76155
Attention: Gita Pandey
Email: gita.pandey@bofa.com
For Other Notices to Administrative Agent:
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte NC 28255
Attention: Priscilla Ruffin
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
6.2. Execution in Counterparts. This Exchange Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute a single instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf”, “.tif” or similar format) shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
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6.3. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.
(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY HERETO CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE OR SUPPORT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT IN THE MANNER PROVIDED ABOVE FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION). NOTHING IN THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
(c) TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
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6.4. Severability. Any provision of this Exchange Agreement held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof and the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
6.5. Assignment; Successors and Assigns. Neither this Exchange Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of (i) Communications in the case of an assignment by the Participating Lenders, the Existing Agent or the New Agent, or (ii) the Participating Lenders in the case of an assignment by Communications or Entertainment I. Subject to the foregoing, this Exchange Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors or assigns, heirs, legatees, distributees, executors, administrators and guardians. Except pursuant to Section 2.3 or to the extent otherwise expressly stated herein, nothing in this Exchange Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto and the successors and assigns permitted by this Section 6.5) any right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Exchange Agreement.
6.6. Titles and Headings. Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Exchange Agreement.
6.7. Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Exchange Agreement, including the exhibits and schedules, and the agreements referenced herein contains the entire understanding of the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter contained herein. This Exchange Agreement may be amended, modified, waived or supplemented by mutual agreement of the Communications, Entertainment I and the Participating Lenders holding a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Existing Loans; provided that this Exchange Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented without the agreement of the Existing Agent or the New Agent, as applicable, to the extent such amendment, modification or supplement affects the respective rights or obligations of the Existing Agent or the New Agent. Any purported amendment, modification, waiver or supplementation that does not comply with the foregoing shall be null and void.
6.8. Remedies. The parties hereto agree that money damages may not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Exchange Agreement, and that, in addition to all other remedies, the non-breaching party shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy for any such breach (without the posting of any bond and without proof of actual damages). The breaching party agrees not to raise as a defense or objection to the request or granting of such relief that any breach of this Exchange Agreement is or would be compensable by an award of money damages.
6.9. U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment. To the extent permitted by law and to the extent the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, Communications shall not adopt a firm or stated position with respect to whether the Existing Loans or Comprehensive Term Loans are property treated as a “security” for U.S. federal income tax purposes on an Internal Revenue Service Form 8937 with respect to the exchange of the Existing Loans for Comprehensive Term Loans.
[Signatures on next pages]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Exchange Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IH MEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT I, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to Term Loan Exchange Agreement]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as the Existing Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Priscilla Ruffin | |
Name: Priscilla Ruffin | ||
Title: AVP |
[Signature Page to Term Loan Exchange Agreement]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as the New Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Priscilla Ruffin | |
Name: Priscilla Ruffin | ||
Title: AVP |
[Signature Page to Term Loan Exchange Agreement]
[Lender Consents on file with the Administrative Agent]
[Signature Page to Term Loan Exchange Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
Lender Consent
LENDER CONSENT
Reference is made to (i) Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, and Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date of the Exchange Agreement, the “Existing Credit Agreement”), among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (“Communications”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent (in such capacities, the “Existing Agent”), (ii) the Term Loan Exchange Agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”), dated as of December 20, 2024, among Communications, IH MEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the Existing Agent, the New Agent (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) and the Lenders party thereto and (iii) the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the Alternative Comprehensive Credit Agreement (in each case, as defined in the Exchange Agreement), as applicable, to be entered into (in the case of clauses (i) and (iii)) immediately following the effectiveness of the Exchange Agreement. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Exchange Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Exchange Agreement.
The undersigned Lender, by delivering an executed signature page to this Lender Consent, hereby (i) consents to the Exchange Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein and agrees that it shall become a party thereto by execution of this Lender Consent, (ii) irrevocably elects to receive the Comprehensive Transaction or the Alternative Transaction Consideration, as applicable, on the Effective Date in exchange for its Existing Loans, (iii) consents to the Amendment and directs the Existing Agent to enter into the Amendment on the Effective Date, (iv) agrees that it shall be deemed to become a party to the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the Alternative Comprehensive Credit Agreement, as applicable, as a “Lender” on the Effective Date, (v) agrees that each of the Existing Agent and the New Agent is hereby authorized and directed to enter into and give effect to the Exchange Agreement and any documents or agreements related or giving effect to the Exchange Agreement and to take such further actions as described in or contemplated by the Exchange Agreement and (vi) agrees that the New Agent is hereby authorized and directed to enter into the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the Alternative Comprehensive Credit Agreement, as applicable, and any documents or agreements related or giving effect thereto and to take such further actions as described in or contemplated by the Comprehensive Credit Agreement or the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the Alternative Comprehensive Credit Agreement, as applicable.
[Signature Page Follows]
[PARTICIPATING LENDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Existing Initial Term Loans: $ __________________ |
Second Amendment Incremental Term Loans: $ __________________ |
Are you currently party to the TSA: |
___: Yes |
___: No |
[Signature Page to Lender Consent]
EXHIBIT B
UNSETTLED TRADE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
IMPORTANT
PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE ATTACHED INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. IN ORDER FOR A NON-ELIGIBLE PARTICIPATING LENDER TO RECEIVE TSA RETIREMENT CONSIDERATION ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT I TERM LOANS, AS APPLICABLE, ON BEHALF OF AN ELIGIBLE PARTICIPATING LENDER, YOU MUST COMPLETE, EXECUTE, DATE AND DELIVER THIS UNSETTLED TRADE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BEFORE 5:00 PM, NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON DECEMBER 12, 2024. |
Capitalized terms used herein but not defined have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Exchange Agreement to which this Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement is attached.
Item 1. Representations of the Early Exchange Participating Lender. The undersigned hereby represents that:
1. | it was a Lender as of the Record Date; |
2. | it or the entity exercising discretion in making this decision to enter into the Existing Debt Purchase is sophisticated with respect to the decision to engage in the Existing Debt Purchase; |
3. | it or the entity exercising discretion in making this decision to enter into the Existing Debt Purchase, has independently, and without reliance on any other party or on the Company Group or the Existing Agent made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Existing Debt Purchase; and |
4. | agrees and acknowledges that all information and documents provided in connection with the Exchange Agreement are confidential and are subject to the confidentiality provisions under the Existing Credit Agreement. |
Item 2. Unsettled Trades. The undersigned certifies that, as of the Record Date, the undersigned was party to the below unsettled trades with respect to Existing Loans (each, an “Unsettled Trade” and, collectively, the “Unsettled Trades”) whereby (i) the undersigned is the seller or “Assignor” in respect of such Unsettled Trade and (ii) a third party that is an Eligible Participating Lender (the “Unsettled Buyer”) is the purchaser or “Assignee” in respect of such Unsettled Trade in the following principal amounts (insert principal amount in the boxes below):
Name / Address of Early Exchange Participating Lender of Unsettled Trades |
Name / Address of Unsettled Buyer |
Tranche of Unsettled Trades |
Total Principal Amount of Unsettled Trade |
Item 2a. Covenants Related to Unsettled Trades. The undersigned Early Exchange Participating Lender covenants that:
• | Simultaneously with the delivery of this Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement it will deliver to the email address below a copy of the trade confirmation(s) in respect of any Unsettled Trades on a confidential basis and with any purchase price information redacted; and |
• | The Exchange Agreement and this Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement shall control for all purposes as to determining the Existing Debt Purchase with respect to Unsettled Trades and the Early Exchange Participating Lender shall comply with and abide by the terms of the Exchange Agreement in all respects. |
Item 3. Settled Position. The undersigned certifies that, as of the Record Date, it was the record owner of the below amount of Existing Loans.
Tranche of Existing Loans |
Aggregate Amount of Unsettled Trades (from Item 2 Above) |
Aggregate Amount of Existing Loans not subject to Unsettled Trades |
Aggregate Amount of Existing Loans |
|||||||||
Existing Initial Term Loans |
$ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Second Amendment Incremental Term Loans |
$ | $ | $ |
Item 4. Certification. By signing this Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement, the undersigned certifies that the information included herein is true and correct as of the date listed below.
Name of Early Exchange Participating Lender: |
||
Federal Tax I.D. No.: |
||
Signature: |
||
Print Name |
||
Street Address: |
||
Telephone Number: |
||
Email Address: |
||
MEI |
||
Date Completed: |
The deadline to complete and return this Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement is 5:00 p.m. New York City time on December 12, 2024
Please deliver the completed Unsettled Trade Acknowledgement, the redacted trade confirmations in Item 2(a) to ihearttrades@davispolk.com
|
EXHIBIT C
Form of Comprehensive Credit Agreement
CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of December 20, 2024,
Among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
as Holdings,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
as the Borrower,
THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,
and
THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
BOFA SECURITIES,
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA and
MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners
PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Co-Managers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I | ||||
Definitions and Accounting Terms | ||||
Section 1.01. |
Defined Terms | 1 | ||
Section 1.02. |
Other Interpretive Provisions | 55 | ||
Section 1.03. |
Accounting Terms | 55 | ||
Section 1.04. |
Rounding | 56 | ||
Section 1.05. |
References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. | 56 | ||
Section 1.06. |
Times of Day | 56 | ||
Section 1.07. |
Timing of Payment or Performance | 56 | ||
Section 1.08. |
Initial Lenders | 57 | ||
Section 1.09. |
[Reserved] | 57 | ||
Section 1.10. |
Currency Equivalents Generally | 57 | ||
Section 1.11. |
[Reserved] | 57 | ||
Section 1.12. |
Divisions | 57 | ||
Section 1.13. |
Interest Rates | 57 | ||
ARTICLE II | ||||
The Commitments and Credit Extensions | ||||
Section 2.01. |
The Loans | 58 | ||
Section 2.02. |
Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans | 58 | ||
Section 2.03. |
[Reserved] | 59 | ||
Section 2.04. |
[Reserved] | 59 | ||
Section 2.05. |
Prepayments | 59 | ||
Section 2.06. |
Termination or Reduction of Commitments | 70 | ||
Section 2.07. |
Repayment of Loans | 70 | ||
Section 2.08. |
Interest | 70 | ||
Section 2.09. |
Fees | 71 | ||
Section 2.10. |
Computation of Interest and Fees | 71 | ||
Section 2.11. |
Evidence of Indebtedness | 71 | ||
Section 2.12. |
Payments Generally | 72 | ||
Section 2.13. |
Sharing of Payments | 73 | ||
Section 2.14. |
Incremental Credit Extensions | 74 | ||
Section 2.15. |
Refinancing Amendments | 77 | ||
Section 2.16. |
Extension of Term Loans | 77 | ||
Section 2.17. |
Defaulting Lenders | 79 | ||
ARTICLE III | ||||
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality | ||||
Section 3.01. |
Taxes | 80 | ||
Section 3.02. |
Illegality | 83 | ||
Section 3.03. |
Inability to Determine Rates | 83 | ||
Section 3.04. |
Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Term SOFR Loans | 85 | ||
Section 3.05. |
Funding Losses | 86 | ||
Section 3.06. |
Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation | 87 | ||
Section 3.07. |
Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances | 87 | ||
Section 3.08. |
Survival | 88 |
i
ARTICLE IV | ||||
Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions | ||||
Section 4.01. |
[Reserved] | 89 | ||
Section 4.02. |
Conditions to All Credit Extensions | 89 | ||
ARTICLE V | ||||
Representations and Warranties | ||||
Section 5.01. |
Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws | 89 | ||
Section 5.02. |
Authorization; No Contravention | 89 | ||
Section 5.03. |
Governmental Authorization; Other Consents | 90 | ||
Section 5.04. |
Binding Effect | 90 | ||
Section 5.05. |
Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect | 90 | ||
Section 5.06. |
Litigation | 91 | ||
Section 5.07. |
Special Representations Relating to FCC Authorizations, Etc. | 91 | ||
Section 5.08. |
Ownership of Property; Liens and Real Property | 91 | ||
Section 5.09. |
Environmental Matters | 92 | ||
Section 5.10. |
Taxes | 92 | ||
Section 5.11. |
ERISA Compliance | 92 | ||
Section 5.12. |
Subsidiaries; Equity Interests | 93 | ||
Section 5.13. |
Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act | 93 | ||
Section 5.14. |
Disclosure | 93 | ||
Section 5.15. |
Labor Matters | 94 | ||
Section 5.16. |
Use of Proceeds | 94 | ||
Section 5.17. |
Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. | 94 | ||
Section 5.18. |
Solvency | 94 | ||
Section 5.19. |
OFAC; USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA | 94 | ||
Section 5.20. |
[Reserved] | 95 | ||
Section 5.21. |
Security Documents | 95 | ||
ARTICLE VI | ||||
Affirmative Covenants | ||||
Section 6.01. |
Financial Statements | 96 | ||
Section 6.02. |
Certificates; Other Information | 97 | ||
Section 6.03. |
Notices | 98 | ||
Section 6.04. |
Payment of Obligations | 98 | ||
Section 6.05. |
Preservation of Existence, Etc. | 99 | ||
Section 6.06. |
Maintenance of Properties | 99 | ||
Section 6.07. |
Maintenance of Insurance | 99 | ||
Section 6.08. |
Compliance with Laws | 99 | ||
Section 6.09. |
Books and Records | 100 | ||
Section 6.10. |
Inspection Rights | 100 | ||
Section 6.11. |
Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors | 100 | ||
Section 6.12. |
Compliance with Environmental Laws | 102 | ||
Section 6.13. |
Further Assurances | 102 | ||
Section 6.14. |
Designation of Subsidiaries | 102 | ||
Section 6.15. |
Maintenance of Ratings | 102 | ||
Section 6.16. |
Post-Closing Covenants | 102 | ||
Section 6.17. |
License Subsidiaries | 103 | ||
Section 6.18. |
Use of Proceeds | 103 |
ii
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
Negative Covenants | ||||||
Section 7.01. |
Liens |
103 | ||||
Section 7.02. |
Investments |
107 | ||||
Section 7.03. |
Indebtedness |
109 | ||||
Section 7.04. |
Fundamental Changes |
113 | ||||
Section 7.05. |
Dispositions |
114 | ||||
Section 7.06. |
Restricted Payments |
116 | ||||
Section 7.07. |
Change in Nature of Business |
118 | ||||
Section 7.08. |
Transactions with Affiliates |
118 | ||||
Section 7.09. |
Burdensome Agreements |
118 | ||||
Section 7.10. |
Material Assets |
119 | ||||
Section 7.11. |
Total Net Leverage Ratio |
119 | ||||
Section 7.12. |
Change in Fiscal Year |
120 | ||||
Section 7.13. |
Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness |
120 | ||||
Section 7.14. |
Permitted Activities |
122 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
Events of Default and Remedies | ||||||
Section 8.01. |
Events of Default |
123 | ||||
Section 8.02. |
Remedies Upon Event of Default |
124 | ||||
Section 8.03. |
[Reserved] |
125 | ||||
Section 8.04. |
Application of Funds |
125 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
Administrative Agent and Other Agents | ||||||
Section 9.01. |
Appointment and Authorization of Agents |
125 | ||||
Section 9.02. |
Delegation of Duties |
126 | ||||
Section 9.03. |
Liability of Agents |
127 | ||||
Section 9.04. |
Reliance by Agents |
127 | ||||
Section 9.05. |
Notice of Default |
128 | ||||
Section 9.06. |
Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents |
128 | ||||
Section 9.07. |
Indemnification of Agents |
128 | ||||
Section 9.08. |
Agents in Their Individual Capacities |
129 | ||||
Section 9.09. |
Successor Agents |
129 | ||||
Section 9.10. |
Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim |
130 | ||||
Section 9.11. |
Collateral and Guaranty Matters |
130 | ||||
Section 9.12. |
Other Agents |
131 | ||||
Section 9.13. |
Withholding Tax Indemnity |
131 | ||||
Section 9.14. |
Appointment of Supplemental Agents |
132 | ||||
Section 9.15. |
Lender Action |
132 | ||||
Section 9.16. |
Intercreditor Agreements |
133 | ||||
Section 9.17. |
Certain ERISA Matters |
133 | ||||
Section 9.18. |
Recovery of Erroneous Payments |
134 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
Miscellaneous | ||||||
Section 10.01. |
Amendments, Etc. |
134 | ||||
Section 10.02. |
Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies |
138 | ||||
Section 10.03. |
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies |
139 | ||||
Section 10.04. |
Attorney Costs and Expenses |
139 | ||||
Section 10.05. |
Indemnification by the Borrower |
140 | ||||
Section 10.06. |
Payments Set Aside |
141 | ||||
Section 10.07. |
Successors and Assigns |
141 |
iii
Section 10.08. |
Confidentiality |
145 | ||||
Section 10.09. |
Setoff |
146 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Interest Rate Limitation |
147 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Counterparts |
147 | ||||
Section 10.12. |
Integration; Termination |
147 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Survival of Representations and Warranties |
147 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Severability |
148 | ||||
Section 10.15. |
GOVERNING LAW |
148 | ||||
Section 10.16. |
WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY |
148 | ||||
Section 10.17. |
Binding Effect |
148 | ||||
Section 10.18. |
USA PATRIOT Act |
149 | ||||
Section 10.19. |
No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility |
149 | ||||
Section 10.20. |
Electronic Execution of Assignments |
150 | ||||
Section 10.21. |
Effect of Certain Inaccuracies |
150 | ||||
Section 10.22. |
Judgment Currency |
150 | ||||
Section 10.23. |
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions |
151 | ||||
Section 10.24. |
FCC |
151 | ||||
Section 10.25. |
Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs |
151 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
Guaranty | ||||||
Section 11.01. |
The Guaranty |
152 | ||||
Section 11.02. |
Obligations Unconditional |
152 | ||||
Section 11.03. |
Reinstatement |
153 | ||||
Section 11.04. |
Subrogation; Subordination |
153 | ||||
Section 11.05. |
Remedies |
154 | ||||
Section 11.06. |
Instrument for the Payment of Money |
154 | ||||
Section 11.07. |
Continuing Guaranty |
154 | ||||
Section 11.08. |
General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations |
154 | ||||
Section 11.09. |
Information |
154 | ||||
Section 11.10. |
Release of Guarantors |
154 | ||||
Section 11.11. |
Right of Contribution |
155 | ||||
Section 11.12. |
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT LEGEND |
155 |
iv
SCHEDULES
1.01A | Commitments | |
1.01B | Identified Assets | |
5.05 | Certain Liabilities | |
5.06 | Litigation | |
5.07 | FCC Authorizations | |
5.08 | Ownership of Property | |
5.09(a) | Environmental Matters | |
5.10 | Taxes | |
5.12 | Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments | |
6.16 | Post-Closing Covenants | |
7.01(b) | Existing Liens | |
7.02(f) | Existing Investments | |
7.02(y) | Existing Joint Ventures | |
7.03(b) | Existing Indebtedness | |
7.08 | Transactions with Affiliates | |
7.09 | Certain Contractual Obligations | |
10.02 | Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices |
EXHIBITS
Form of
A | Committed Loan Notice | |
B | [Reserved] | |
C | Term Note | |
D | [Reserved] | |
E | Compliance Certificate | |
F | Assignment and Assumption | |
G | Security Agreement | |
H | [Reserved] | |
I | Intercompany Note | |
J-1 | [Reserved] | |
J-2 | Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement | |
K-1 | United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Lenders) | |
K-2 | United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Participants) | |
K-3 | United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Lenders) | |
K-4 | United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Participants) | |
L | Administrative Questionnaire | |
M-1 | Acceptance and Prepayment Notice | |
M-2 | Discount Range Prepayment Notice | |
M-3 | Discount Range Prepayment Offer | |
M-4 | Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice | |
M-5 | Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer | |
M-6 | Specified Discount Prepayment Notice | |
M-7 | Specified Discount Prepayment Response |
v
CREDIT AGREEMENT
This CREDIT AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of December 20, 2024, among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower”), IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), the other Guarantors from time to time party hereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”).
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
WHEREAS, the parties hereto are entering into this Agreement pursuant to the terms of, and in connection with the transactions contemplated by, the Exchange Agreement (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Initial Lenders extend credit in the form of Initial Term Loans to the Borrower on the Closing Date, and the Lenders are willing to extend such Initial Term Loans to the Borrower on the Closing Date on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Accounting Terms
Section 1.01. Defined Terms.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“ABL Credit Agreement” means that certain ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of the May 17, 2022, by and among Holdings, the Borrower, the other borrowers and guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, the ABL Facility Administrative Agent and the entities party from time to time thereto as swing line lender and L/C issuers, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time (including by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024) or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to a Permitted Refinancing (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted by this Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility” means the collective reference to the ABL Credit Agreement, any Loan Documents (as defined therein), any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any guarantee, security agreement, letter of credit applications and other guarantees, pledge agreements, security agreements and collateral documents, and other instruments and documents, executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with any of the foregoing, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to a Permitted Refinancing (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted by this Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the ABL Facility (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) shall (A) not constitute “first in last out” loans, (B) not have any obligor or guarantor that is not a Loan Party (or does not become a Loan Party substantially concurrently with the incurrence) or be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral and (C) be subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A. in its capacity as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement or any successor, new or replacement administrative agent under the ABL Loan Documents.
1
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement, dated as of the May 1, 2019, among, inter alios, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as ABL Collateral Agent, and the other agent from time to time party thereto, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 17, 2022, and as the same may be further amended, restated, modified, supplemented, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
“ABL Lenders” means the “Lenders” under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“ABL Loan Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“Acceptable Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
“Acceptable Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Acceptance and Prepayment Notice” means a notice of the Borrower’s acceptance of the Acceptable Discount in substantially the form of Exhibit M-1.
“Acceptance Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
“Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business (determined as if references to Holdings and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA were references to such Acquired Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries), as applicable, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business.
“Acquired Entity or Business” has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA.”
“Additional Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
“Additional Refinancing Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit L or such other form as may be supplied from time to time by the Administrative Agent.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall any Lender or Agent be deemed an Affiliate of a Loan Party solely by virtue of its capacity as a Lender or Agent hereunder.
“Agent-Related Persons” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors, attorneys-in-fact and other representatives of such Persons and Affiliates.
“Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Supplemental Agents (if any).
2
“Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“All-In Cash Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the portion of the All-In Yield that is required to be paid in cash.
“All-In Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof incurred or payable by the applicable borrower generally to all Lenders of such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the sum of (a) the applicable margin plus any credit spread or other similar adjustment; (b) OID and upfront fees; provided that (i) OID and upfront fees shall be equated to interest rate assuming a 4-year life to maturity on a straight line basis (or, if less, the stated life to maturity at the time of incurrence of the applicable Indebtedness); and (ii) “All-In Yield” shall not include bona fide arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees and any similar fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness, reasonable (as determined by the Borrower) consent or amendment fees paid to consenting Lenders, ticking fees on undrawn commitments and any other fees not paid or payable generally to all Lenders of such Indebtedness and (c) the interest rate (exclusive of margin) after giving effect to any Term SOFR or Base Rate floor.
“Applicable Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
“Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|
Test Period ending on March 31, 2025 | 6.35 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2025 | 6.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2025 | 6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2025 | 6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2026 | 6.55 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2026 | 6.20 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 | 5.95 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 | 5.25 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 | 5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 | 5.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 | 5.60 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2027 | 5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2028 | 5.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2028 | 5.15 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2028 | 4.85 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2028 | 4.10 to 1.00 |
3
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
84.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
81.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
79.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
76.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
74.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 89.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
4
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
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“Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.21.
“Applicable Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).
“Applicable Rate” means with respect to any Term SOFR Loan and Base Rate Loan, as the case may be, the percentage per annum set forth below under the caption “Term SOFR Loans” and “Base Rate Loans”, as the case may be, based upon the Index Debt Rating by Moody’s and/or S&P, respectively, applicable on such date:
Applicable Rate | ||||||||||
Level |
Index Debt Rating (Moody’s/S&P) |
Term SOFR Loans |
Base Rate Loans |
|||||||
1 | If the Index Debt Rating from both Moody’s and S&P is below Level 2 | 5.775 | % | 4.775 | % | |||||
2 | If the Index Debt Rating from both Moody’s and S&P is B2/B Rating | 5.275 | % | 4.275 | % | |||||
3 | If the Index Debt Rating from either Moody’s or S&P is Ba3/BB- Rating | 5.025 | % | 4.025 | % |
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For purposes of each of the foregoing pricing grids, (i) if at any time the Borrower does not have an Index Debt Rating from any of S&P or Moody’s, the Applicable Rate shall be based on Level 1 status and (ii) if the Index Debt Rating established by a rating agency shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of such rating agency), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.
“Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class.
“Approved Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.
“Arrangers” means each of (i) BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., in their capacities as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners, and (ii) PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets and U.S. Bank National Association, in their capacities as co-managers.
“Assignees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
“Assignment and Assumption” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
“Assignment Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
“Auction Agent” means (a) the Administrative Agent or (b) any other financial institution or advisor employed by the Borrower (whether or not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to act as an arranger in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that the Borrower shall not designate the Administrative Agent as the Auction Agent without the written consent of the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to agree to act as the Auction Agent); provided, further, that neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates (other than an Initial Lender) may act as the Auction Agent.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as of December 31, 2023 and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Holdings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
“Available Equity Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than any Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Borrower; plus
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(b) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital (other than from a Subsidiary) of the Borrower received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Closing Date, in each case, not previously applied for a purpose other than use in the Available Equity Amount; minus
(c) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(III) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(d) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of any Junior Financing pursuant to Section 7.13(a)(x)(III) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(e) the cumulative amount of Investments and Restricted Payments made to Holdings or any indirect parent thereof by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and contributed to the Borrower for the purpose of increasing the Available Equity Amount.
“Available Incremental Amount” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (x) the aggregate principal amount of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes outstanding on such date plus (y) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes on such date (it being understood that the Available Incremental Amount shall be permanently reduced by the principal amount of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes prepaid, refinanced, repurchased, redeemed, satisfied or discharged with any Term Loan Increase or New Term Loan Facility or other Indebtedness or prepayment permitted by the terms of this Agreement).
“Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) $100,000,000; minus
(b) or any amount of the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(c) or Section 7.02(z) after the Closing Date and prior to such time;
provided that the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount may be replenished up to an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (but in no event in excess of $100,000,000) by 100% of the aggregate amount actually received by the Borrower or any other Loan Party in cash and Cash Equivalents (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment) from:
(i) the sale (other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective Affiliates) of the Equity Interests of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(ii) any dividend or other distribution received in respect of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(iii) any interest, returns of principal payments and similar payments received in respect of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investments or joint venture).
“Available Restricted Payments Amount” means, at any time, (a) the amount of Restricted Payments that may be made at the time of determination pursuant to Section 7.06(h) minus (b) the amount of the Available Restricted Payments Amount utilized by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(II).
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
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“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A.
“Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101–1532, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate in effect for such day and (c) Term SOFR plus 1.00%. The Base Rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% per annum if the Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 1.00% per annum. If the Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof, then the Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a), and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
“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”.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
“Borrower Materials” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment” means the offer by any Company Party to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a Specified Discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B).
“Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers” means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the corresponding acceptance by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a specified range of discounts to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C).
“Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers” means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the subsequent acceptance, if any, by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D).
“Borrowing” means a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, as the context may require.
“Broadcast Licenses” means the main station licenses issued by the FCC or any foreign Governmental Authority and held by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for the Broadcast Stations operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Broadcast Stations” means each full-service AM or FM radio broadcast station or full-service television broadcast station now or hereafter owned and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located.
“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities and including in all events all amounts expended or capitalized under Capitalized Leases) by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as capital expenditures on the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
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“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries either existing on the Closing Date or created prior to any recharacterization described below (i) that were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the calculation of Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA) not be treated as capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that, unless otherwise elected by the Borrower in a written notice to the Administrative Agent, for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of January 1, 2015, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may have occurred thereafter. For the avoidance of doubt, solely making an election (without any other action) referred to in this definition will not be treated as an incurrence of Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Software Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by Holdings and the Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and the Subsidiaries.
“Cash Collateral Account” means a blocked account at a commercial bank specified by the Administrative Agent in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by Holdings or any Subsidiary:
(1) Dollars;
(2) such local currencies held by Holdings or any Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business (including without limitation Sterling, euro, AUD or any national currency of any participating member state of the Economic and Monetary Union);
(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4), (7) and (8) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(6) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;
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(7) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(11) securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(12) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and
(13) investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (12) above.
In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (a) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10), (11), (12) and (13) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (b) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (13) and in this paragraph.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.
For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by Holdings or any Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
“CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as subsequently amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the Closing Date, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
“Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur if:
(a) any person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Parent’s Equity Interests;
(b) a “change of control” (or similar event) shall occur under the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes Indenture, the Second Lien Notes Indenture, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture, any other Junior Financing Document or any Permitted Refinancing, as applicable, in respect of any of the foregoing in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
(c) Holdings shall cease to own directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Borrower.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Equity Interests subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of the Equity Interests in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement and (ii) the right to acquire Equity Interests (so long as such Person does not have the right to direct the voting of the Equity Interests subject to such right) or any veto power in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Equity Interests will not cause a party to be a beneficial owner.
“City Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“Claimant Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
“Class” (a) when used with respect to any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments, Refinancing Term Commitments of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series. Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments or Refinancing Term Commitments (and in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have the same terms and conditions shall be construed to be in the same Class.
“Closing Date” means December 20, 2024, the first date on which all conditions precedent in Article V of the Exchange Agreement are satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms thereof.
“CME” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means (i) the “Collateral” as defined in the Security Agreement, (ii) all the “Collateral” or “Pledged Assets” or similar term as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted, in each case, pursuant to any Collateral Document.
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“Collateral Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as collateral agent or pledgee in its own name under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.
“Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” means, at any time, the requirement that:
(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Article V of the Exchange Agreement or from time to time pursuant to Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 hereof, subject to the limitations and exceptions of this Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party party thereto;
(b) all Obligations shall have been unconditionally guaranteed pursuant to the Guaranty by (i) Holdings, (ii) any Electing Guarantor and (iii) each direct and indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than any Excluded Subsidiary);
(c) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower and each Guarantor, and (ii) all Equity Interests of each other Subsidiary (other than any Equity Interests that constitute “Excluded Assets” (as defined in the Security Agreement)), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(d) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in, and Mortgages on, (i) in the case of Holdings, the Borrower and each Guarantor, substantially all now owned or, in the case of real property, fee owned, or at any time hereafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of each such Loan Party thereof (including Equity Interests, intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States of America, other general intangibles, Material Real Property and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and (ii) in the case of each other Loan Party, a pledge of (x) the applicable Equity Interests referred to in clause (c) above and (y) each intercompany promissory note or similar debt instrument representing intercompany Indebtedness owed from a Subsidiary of Holdings to the applicable Loan Party, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction), in each case with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(e) subject to limitations and exceptions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, to the extent a security interest in and Mortgages on any Material Real Property are required pursuant to clause (d) above or under Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 (each, a “Mortgaged Property”), the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, together with evidence such Mortgage has been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each party thereto, in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices that the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien (subject only to Liens described in clause (ii) below) on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and evidence that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that if a mortgage tax will be owed on the entire amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, then the amount secured by the Mortgage shall, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, be limited to 100% of the fair market value of the property (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent) at the time the Mortgage is entered into if such limitation results in such mortgage tax being calculated based upon such fair market value), (ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s policies of title insurance (or marked-up title insurance commitments having the effect of policies of title insurance) on the Mortgaged Property naming the Collateral Agent as the insured for its benefit and that of the Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (the “Mortgage Policies”) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent in form and substance and in an amount reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent (not to exceed 100% of the fair market value of the real properties covered thereby), insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting first priority Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 and other Liens reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, each of which shall (A) to the extent reasonably necessary, include such coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements (with
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provisions for direct access, if reasonably necessary) as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (B) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement, if available under applicable law (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount), and (C) have been supplemented by such endorsements as shall be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (including endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, doing business, non-imputation, public road access, variable rate, environmental lien, subdivision, mortgage recording tax, separate tax lot, revolving credit and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions, to the extent such endorsements are available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates), (iii) opinions of local counsel to the Loan Parties in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (iv) no later than three Business Days prior to the date on which a Mortgage is executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, a completed “life of the loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property on which any “building” (as defined in the Flood Insurance Laws) is located, duly executed and acknowledged by the appropriate Loan Parties, together with evidence of flood insurance as and to the extent required under Section 6.07 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not enter into any Mortgage in respect of any real property acquired by the Borrower or any other Loan Party after the Closing Date until (1) the date that occurs 45 days after the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders (which may be delivered electronically) the following documents in respect of such real property: (i) a completed flood hazard determination from a third party vendor; (ii) if such real property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, (A) a notification to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) of that fact and (if applicable) notification to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) that flood insurance coverage is not available and (B) evidence of the receipt by the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) of such notice; and (iii) if such notice is required to be provided to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) and flood insurance is available in the community in which such real property is located, evidence of required flood insurance and (2) the Administrative Agent shall have received written confirmation from the Lenders the that flood insurance due diligence and flood insurance compliance has been completed by the Lenders (such written confirmation not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed);
(f) after the Closing Date, each Subsidiary of Holdings that is not then a Guarantor and not an Excluded Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor and signatory to this Agreement pursuant to a joinder agreement in accordance with Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 and a party to the Collateral Documents in accordance with Section 6.11; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any Subsidiary of Holdings that Guarantees (or is the borrower or issuer with respect to) (i) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing ) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness;
(g) (i) with respect to all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts that are held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party that are not Excluded Accounts and that are in existence on the Closing Date, within the time periods set forth in Section 6.16, the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party which is not an Excluded Account that is established after the Closing Date and, within 180 days of such Deposit Account or Security Account being established, the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received a Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement, as applicable, for such Deposit Account or Security Account; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing (1) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is in effect, each Loan Party’s obligation under this clause (g) shall be deemed to be satisfied by having appointed the ABL Facility Administrative Agent as agent for the purpose of perfecting the security interests granted under the Credit Documents with resect to all ABL Controlled Accounts (as defined in the pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or by adding the Collateral Agent as a secured party to any existing Deposit Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement and (2) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is no longer in effect (and the Collateral Agent was not previously added as a secured party to each applicable existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement), Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party shall, within 180 days of such date, deliver to the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party which is not an Excluded Account; and
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(h) except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or any Collateral Document, all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, and filings with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and all other actions reasonably requested by the Required Lenders (including those required by applicable Laws) to be delivered, filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Documents, shall have been delivered, filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Collateral Document.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary:
(A) the foregoing definition shall not require, unless otherwise stated in this clause (A), the creation or perfection of pledges of, security interests in, Mortgages on, or the obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to the following: (i) other than in the case of any Electing Guarantors, any property or assets owned by any Excluded Subsidiary, (ii) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition, (iii) any interest in fee-owned real property other than Material Real Properties, (iv) Excluded Contracts, Excluded Equipment and any interest in leased real property (it being understood that no action shall be required with respect to creation or perfection of security interests with respect to leases, including any requirement to obtain or deliver landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters), (v) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title except to the extent perfection of a security interest therein may be accomplished by filing of financing statements in appropriate form in the applicable jurisdiction under the Uniform Commercial Code, (vi) (A) Margin Stock if any such pledge thereof violates applicable Law and (B) Equity Interests of any Person other than (x) wholly-owned Subsidiaries and (y) other Subsidiaries of the Borrower except, in the case of this clause (B)(y), to the extent and for so long as (I) the pledge thereof in favor of the Collateral Agent is not permitted by the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents and after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable Law, (II) the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party; provided that this clause (II) shall not apply if (x) such other party is an Affiliate of the Borrower or (y) consent has been obtained to consummate such pledge (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to obligate the Borrower or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent) or (III) a pledge thereof would give any other party (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) to any contract, agreement, instrument, or indenture governing such Equity Interests the right to terminate its obligations thereunder, (vii) any trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of the Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s “intent to use” such mark and for which a form evidencing use of the mark has not yet been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent that granting a security interest in such trademark application prior to such filing would impair the enforceability or validity of such trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law, (viii) the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to Holdings and any Subsidiaries of Holdings, as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower in good faith in consultation with the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), (ix) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent a security in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable Law, (x) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable Law whether on the Closing Date or thereafter (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority) after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable Law, (xi) all commercial tort claims in an amount less than $2,500,000 in the aggregate, (xii) letter of credit rights in an amount less than $2,500,000, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement), (xiii) any particular assets if, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) and the Borrower, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Lenders under the Loan Documents, (xiv) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or FSHCO if current tax Law relating to pledges of stock of such Subsidiaries is similar to the law as in effect prior to the finalization of Treasury Regulations Section 1.956-1 pursuant to TD 9859, 84 Fed.
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Reg. 23716 (May 23, 2019), as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent, (xv) any segregated funds held in escrow for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party (including such funds in Escrow), (xvi) any FCC Authorizations to the extent (but only to the extent) that at such time the Collateral Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein pursuant to applicable Communications Laws, but the Collateral shall include, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all rights incident or appurtenant to the FCC Authorizations (except to the extent requiring approval of the FCC, unless such approval has first been secured consistent with Section 10.24), the economic value of the FCC Authorizations, and the right to receive all proceeds derived from or in connection with the direct or indirect sale, assignment or transfer of the FCC Authorizations, (xvii) [reserved], (xviii) [reserved] and (xix) proceeds from any and all of the foregoing assets described in the clauses above to the extent such proceeds would otherwise be excluded pursuant the clauses above;
(B) (i) except as expressly provided in the foregoing clause (g), the foregoing definition shall not require control agreements with respect to any cash, deposit accounts or securities accounts or any other assets requiring perfection through control agreements and (ii) other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S., or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements, or share charge (or mortgage) agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction, other than, with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., a security agreement, pledge agreement or share charge governed by the laws of such jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is organized);
(C) the Collateral Agent in its discretion may grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in, and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets (including extensions beyond the Closing Date) or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition where it reasonably determines in writing, in consultation with the Borrower, that the creation or perfection of security interests and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions, or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition cannot be accomplished without undue delay, burden or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents;
(D) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents; and
(E) general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, capital maintenance rules, fraudulent preference, “thin capitalisation” rules, retention of title claims and similar principles may limit the ability of a Foreign Subsidiary to provide a Guaranty or Collateral or may require that the Guaranty or Collateral be limited by an amount or otherwise, in each case as reasonably determined by the Borrower, in consultation with the Administrative Agent.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, each of the Mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Article V of the Exchange Agreement, Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 hereof, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
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“Commitment” means an Initial Term Commitment, Incremental Term Commitment or Refinancing Term Commitment of a given Refinancing Series as the context may require.
“Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).
“Communications Laws” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the FCC’s rules, regulations, published orders and published and promulgated policy statements, all as may be amended from time to time.
“Company Parties” means the collective reference to Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including the Borrower, and “Company Party” means any one of them.
“Compensation Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(ii).
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
“Conforming Changes” means, with respect to the use, administration of or any conventions associated with any proposed Successor Rate, any conforming changes to the definitions of “Base Rate”, “SOFR”, “Term SOFR” and “Interest Period”, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definitions of “Business Day” and “U.S. Government Securities Business Day”, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate(s) and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines that no market practice for the administration of such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and any other Loan Document).
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case (other than with respect to clauses (h), (k) and (p)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of Holdings and the Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations), and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to clauses (1) through (15) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; plus
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(b) Fixed Charges for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in clauses (1)(i) through (viii) in the definition thereof); plus
(c) the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; plus
(d) the amount of any actual and identifiable restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), costs and expenses for tax restructurings, start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, severance costs, costs relating to initiatives aimed at profitability improvement, costs or reserves associated with improvements to IT and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus
(e) any other non-cash charges, including any non-cash write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) Holdings may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent Holdings elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus
(f) the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary; plus
(g) the amount of any fees, compensation and indemnities and expenses paid to the members of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of the Borrower or any of its parent entities; plus
(h) the amount of pro forma “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies related to mergers and other business combinations, acquisitions, investments, dispositions, divestitures, restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives generated from actions that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in each case, including prior to the Closing Date) or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings) within 12 months after a merger or other business combination, acquisition, investment, disposition or divestiture is consummated or generated by actions (including restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives) that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings), in each case, calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period, as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of Holdings and (B) no cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be added pursuant to this clause (h) to the extent duplicative of any synergies, expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period or any period and including amounts in compliance with Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act); plus
(i) [reserved]; plus
(j) any costs or expense incurred by Holdings or a Subsidiary or a parent entity of Holdings to the extent paid by Holdings pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of Holdings or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of Holdings (other than Disqualified Equity Interest); plus
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(k) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus
(l) any net losses, charges, expenses, costs or other payments (including all fees, expenses or charges related thereto) (i) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, (ii) in respect of facilities no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of Holdings or a Subsidiary, abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued operations and any losses on disposal of abandoned, closed or discontinued operations and (iii) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by Holdings; plus
(m) 100% of the increase in Deferred Revenue as of the end of such period from Deferred Revenue as of the beginning of such period (or minus 100% of any such decrease); plus
(n) amortization of development advance payments which were made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or customers; plus;
(o) [reserved]; plus
(p) the amount of net cost savings and net cash flow effect of revenue enhancements related to New Contracts projected by Holdings in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or to be taken prior to or during such period (which cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be subject only to certification by management of Holdings and shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings or revenue enhancements had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings or revenue enhancements are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such actions have been taken or are to be taken within 12 months after the date of determination to take such action and (C) no cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be added pursuant to this clause (p) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating to such cost savings or revenue enhancements that are included in clause (d) above with respect to such period; provided that the aggregate amount of add backs made relating to New Contracts in respect of which no revenues have been received during such period pursuant to this clause (p) shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (without giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (p)),
provided, that the aggregate amount of add backs made pursuant to clause (d) and (h) (excluding any add backs made pursuant to clause (d) in connection with restructuring charges arising prior to the Closing Date) shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (calculated before giving effect to any adjustments);
(2) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of Holdings for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus
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(b) any net income from disposed, abandoned, closed or discontinued operations or attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by Holdings; plus
(c) any net income attributable to “barter and trade income” and/or “barter revenue” in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services, calculated in a manner consistent with Parent’s past practice prior to the Closing Date.
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by Holdings or any Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by Holdings or such Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” and the calculation of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, but without limiting the adjustments included in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer and delivered to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent. There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations by Holdings or any Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a “Sold Entity or Business”), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer, disposition).
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period:
(1) the sum, without duplication, of consolidated interest expense of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of OID resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness and (f) cash interest expense of Indebtedness for which the proceeds are held in Escrow (except, excluding the interest expense in respect thereof that is covered by such proceeds held in Escrow), and excluding (i) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any acquisition, (iii) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (iv) any “additional interest” or “liquidated damages” with respect to the Senior Secured Notes or the Existing Notes or other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (vi) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Transactions or any acquisitions after the Closing Date including annual agency fees paid pursuant to the administrative agents and collateral agents under this Agreement or other credit facilities, (vii) [reserved] and (viii) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty); plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(3) interest income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by Holdings to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
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“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of Holdings and the Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication,
(1) any (x) after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for facilities, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans and (y) restructuring costs and costs and expenses for tax restructurings, in each case, shall be excluded; provided that amounts excluded pursuant to this clause (1) shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Income for any such period;
(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;
(3) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, shall be excluded;
(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, bulk subscriber contract sales) or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded;
(5) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of Holdings shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to Holdings or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;
(6) the net income for such period of any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower or any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions in this Agreement), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to Holdings or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;
(7) [reserved];
(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
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(10) any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (“equity incentives”), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans, roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parent companies, shall be excluded;
(11) any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, Investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and other securities, the incurrence of loans under the ABL Facility and the syndication and incurrence of any Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the Senior Secured Notes, the ABL Facility, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes and other securities and any Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), shall be excluded;
(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Closing Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions (or within twenty four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies shall be excluded; provided that amounts paid in respect of such accruals and reserves shall be deducted from Consolidated Net Income when paid in cash;
(13) any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as Holdings has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), shall be excluded;
(14) any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, shall be excluded;
(15) the following items shall be excluded:
(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging,
(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items,
(c) any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation,
(d) effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, and
(e) earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments,
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(16) [reserved]; and
(17) if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any direct or indirect parent company of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 7.06(i)(iii) shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement to the extent such expenses and charges reduced Consolidated Net Income.
“Consolidated Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of (i) Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money plus (ii) Disqualified Equity Interests, purchase money indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes, bonds, debentures, loan agreements or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) [reserved] and (iii) incurred in advance of, and the proceeds of which are to be applied in connection with, the consummation of a transaction solely to the extent and for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the relevant Person (it being understood that in any event, any such proceeds subject to such Escrow shall be deemed to constitute “restricted cash” for purposes of cash netting) (provided that such Escrow is secured only by proceeds of such Indebtedness and the proceeds thereof shall be promptly applied to satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness if the definitive agreement for such transaction is terminated prior to the consummation thereof); it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
“Consolidated Working Capital” means, with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, Current Assets at such date of determination minus Current Liabilities at such date of determination; provided that increases or decreases in Consolidated Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Current Assets or Current Liabilities as a result of any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent. For purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, any changes to Consolidated Working Capital due to non-cash adjustments of Current Assets and/or Current Liabilities shall be ignored.
“Contract Consideration” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excess Cash Flow.”
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Control” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Affiliate.”
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“Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness in the form of term loans issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace, repurchase, retire or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans, or any then-existing Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, in each case the primary purpose of which is not to influence voting thresholds hereunder in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (“Refinanced Debt”); provided that (i) such Indebtedness has a maturity no earlier, and in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater, than the Refinanced Debt, (ii) such Indebtedness shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt plus accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties thereon and reasonable fees and expenses associated with the refinancing, (iii) the covenants and events of default and other terms and condition are, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the covenants and events of default and other terms and conditions applicable to the Refinanced Debt being refinanced or replaced (except for (x) pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and prepayment and redemption terms (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement) and (y) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness); provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such covenants and events of default satisfy the requirement of this clause (iii) shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees) unless the Lenders of the Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms (it being understood that to the extent any more restrictive terms are added for the benefit of any such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, no consent shall be required from the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to the extent that such more restrictive terms are also added for the benefit of any corresponding existing Facility, (iv) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, repurchased, retired, defeased or satisfied and discharged, all accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties in connection therewith shall be paid, and all commitments thereunder terminated, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained, (v) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Liens securing the Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (vi) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Persons other than Loan Parties, (vii) such Indebtedness does not mature prior to the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (viii) such Indebtedness does not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Initial Term Loan at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness, (ix) such Indebtedness may not be repaid or prepaid other than on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments with the Term Loans hereunder and (x) such Indebtedness shall be subject to the MFN Protection in respect of the existing Term Loans (as if such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness were Incremental Term Loans).
“Credit Extension” means a Borrowing.
“Current Assets” means, with respect to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) of Holdings and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, assets held for sale or of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) to third parties, pension assets, deferred bank fees and derivative financial instruments.
“Current Liabilities” means, with respect to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities of Holdings and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) accruals of Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding Consolidated Interest Expense that is past due and unpaid), (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals for liabilities of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) from third parties, pension liabilities, and derivative financial instruments, and (e) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves.
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“Daily Simple SOFR” means, with respect to any applicable determination date, the SOFR published on such date on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website (or any successor source).
“Debt Fund Affiliate” means any Affiliate of Holdings that is a bona fide debt fund, financial institution or an investment vehicle or managed account that is engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and with respect to which Holdings does not, directly or indirectly, possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the investment policies of such Affiliate.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally, including in case of the Borrower (a) a winding-up, administration or dissolution including, without limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency, voluntary or involuntary liquidation, composition with creditors, moratorium or reprieve from payment, general settlement with creditors, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and/or (b) a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar officer being appointed.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to the overdue principal or interest in respect of a Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan, plus 2.0% per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of “Lender Default.”
“Deferred Revenue” means the amount of long or short term deferred revenue of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Deposit Account” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Deposit Account, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(2).
“Discount Range” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of a Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-2.
“Discount Range Prepayment Offer” means the irrevocable written offer by a Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-3, submitted in response to an invitation to submit offers following the Auction Agent’s receipt of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice.
“Discount Range Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
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“Discounted Prepayment Determination Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Discounted Prepayment Effective Date” means in the case of a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offer or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offer, five (5) Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date or the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1), Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1) or Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1), respectively, unless a shorter period is agreed to between the Borrower and the Auction Agent.
“Discounted Term Loan Prepayment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(A).
“Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business (determined as if references to Holdings and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA (and in the component definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries) as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that (x) “Disposition” and “Dispose” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by Holdings of any of its Equity Interests to another Person and (y) no transaction or series of related transactions shall be considered a “Disposition” for purposes of Section 2.05(b)(ii) or Section 7.05 unless the Net Proceeds resulting from such transaction or series of transactions shall exceed $2,500,000.
“Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of issuance of such Equity Interests; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or the Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
“Disqualified Lenders” means (a) such Persons that have been specified in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date, as being “Disqualified Lenders” and made available to any Lender upon request and (b) any Person who is a bona fide competitor identified in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date, as such list of bona fide competitors may be updated by the Borrower (by furnishing such updates to the Administrative Agent in writing) from time to time thereafter, and (c) any Affiliate of each such Person referred to in clause (a) or (b) that is identified in writing to the Administrative Agent from time to time and in each case, any Affiliate of each such Person that is clearly identifiable on the basis of such Affiliate’s name (in each case, other than bona fide fixed income investors or debt funds that are engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business). No updates to the list of Disqualified Lenders shall be deemed to retroactively disqualify any Person that has previously validly acquired an assignment or participation in respect of any Loans from continuing to hold or vote such previously acquired assignments and participations on the terms set forth herein for Lenders that are not Disqualified Lenders; provided that any such Person will deemed to become a Disqualified Lender as soon as such Person ceases to hold any such Loans hereunder.
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“Distressed Person” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Lender-Related Distress Event.”
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Double-Dip Provision” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(d).
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent;
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“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.
“Electing Guarantor” means any Excluded Subsidiary that at the option, and in the sole discretion, of Holdings has been designated as a Guarantor (solely during the time of such designation); provided that such Excluded Subsidiary shall not become a Guarantor until the Administrative Agent shall have received and be satisfied with all documentation and other information reasonably requested by it under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.
“Eligible Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(a).
“Environment” means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.
“Environmental Laws” means any applicable Law relating to pollution, protection of the Environment and natural resources, pollutants, contaminants, or chemicals or any toxic or otherwise hazardous substances, wastes or materials, or the protection of human health and safety as it relates to any of the foregoing, including any applicable provisions of CERCLA.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation and remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of, or liability under or relating to, any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.
“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with a Loan Party or any Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code, or solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or in “endangered” or “critical” status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA); (d) a written determination that a Pension Plan is in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA); (e) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, respectively, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302, 303 or 304 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (h) any Foreign Benefit Event; or (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate.
“Escrow” means an escrow, trust, collateral or similar account or arrangement holding proceeds of Indebtedness solely for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party.
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
“euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.
“Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.
“Excess Cash Flow” means, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, (ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, and (iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on Dispositions by Holdings and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than sales in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and cash charges included in clauses (1) through (17) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”, (ii) the aggregate amount of (x) all principal payments of Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries during such period and (y) any premium, make-whole or penalty payments paid (or committed to be paid) in cash by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such premium, make-whole or penalty payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Indebtedness (including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases, (B) the amount of any scheduled repayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.07, the Existing Term Loans pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes pursuant to the First Lien Notes Indenture, the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Notes Indenture (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder) and the Existing Notes pursuant to the Existing Notes Indentures (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder) and (C) any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii), First Lien Notes pursuant to the First Lien Notes Indenture or Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Notes Indenture (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder), in each case, to the extent required due to a Disposition that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income and not in excess of the amount of such increase but excluding (X) all other prepayments of Term Loans, (Y) [reserved] and (Z) all prepayments in respect of any other loans under a revolving credit facility,
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except to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), in each case, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans unless such revolving loans refinance such revolving loans being repaid), (iii) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on Dispositions by Holdings and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iv) increases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, (vi) without duplication of amounts deducted from Excess Cash Flow in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by Holdings and its Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “Contract Consideration”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to acquisitions that constitute Investments permitted under this Agreement or Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent expected to be consummated or made, plus any restructuring cash expenses, pension payments or tax contingency payments that have been added to Excess Cash Flow pursuant to clause (a)(ii) above required to be made, in each case during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings following the end of such period; provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of proceeds utilized to finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall be added to the calculation of Excess Cash Flow at the end of such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (vii) the amount of cash taxes paid in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that any such taxes were not deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income in a prior period), (viii) cash expenditures in respect of Swap Contracts during such fiscal year to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans), (ix) any payment of cash to be amortized or expensed over a future period and recorded as a long-term asset, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans) (it being understood that the amortization or expense of such payment shall not reduce Excess Cash Flow in any future period), (x) the amount of Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent not expensed and Capitalized Software Expenditures accrued or made (or committed to be made) in cash during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such Capital Expenditures or acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility) and (xi) the amount of Investments and acquisitions made (other than Investments and acquisitions made with respect to Indebtedness) (or committed to be made) by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such Investments and acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) and paid (or committed to be paid) in cash pursuant to Section 7.02(i) or (n), to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility. Notwithstanding anything in the definition of any term used in the definition of Excess Cash Flow to the contrary, all components of Excess Cash Flow shall be computed for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Agreement” means that certain Term Loan Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Holdings, the Borrower, the other Guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement party thereto and the Lenders party thereto.
“Exchange Rate” means on any day with respect to any currency other than Dollars, the rate at which such currency may be exchanged into Dollars, as set forth at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day on the Reuters World Currency Page for such currency; in the event that such rate does not appear on any Reuters World Currency Page, the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such agreement, such Exchange Rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agent in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date for the purchase of Dollars for delivery two Business Days later.
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“Excluded Account” means (i) any deposit account, securities account, commodities account or other account of any Loan Party (and all cash, Cash Equivalents and other securities or investments held therein) exclusively used for all or any of the following purposes: payroll, employee benefits or customs, (ii) accounts used exclusively for the purposes of compliance with legal requirements, to the extent such legal requirements prohibit the granting of a Lien thereon, (iii) cash accounts of any Loan Party, the deposits in which shall not at any time aggregate to more than $20,000,000 (or such greater amount to which the Administrative Agent may agree) for all such cash accounts, (iv) accounts the balance of which is swept at the end of each Business Day into a Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, so long as such daily sweep is not terminated or modified (other than to provide that the balance in such Deposit Account is swept into another Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement) without the consent of the Collateral Agent, (v) (i) prior to the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, tax accounts, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, and any tax benefits and (ii) upon and after the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, (vi) accounts into which governmental receivables are deposited, (vii) fiduciary or trust accounts, (viii) any deposit accounts designated by the Borrower by written notice to the Administrative Agent and containing solely of the proceeds of the Fixed Asset Collateral (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), (ix) escrow accounts permitted under this Agreement (including in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to any Investment or other acquisition of assets or Disposition) and (x) in the case of clauses (i) through (ix), the funds or other property held in or maintained in any such account.
“Excluded Contract” means, at any date, any rights or interest of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any agreement, contract, license, instrument, document or other general intangible (referred to solely for purposes of this definition as a “Contract”) to the extent that such Contract by the terms of a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Borrower or any Guarantor or other Affiliate thereof, or any requirement of law, then prohibits, or requires any consent, unless it is first secured, or establishes any other condition, unless it is first secured, for or would terminate because of an assignment thereof or a grant of a security interest therein by the Borrower or a Guarantor; provided that (i) rights under any such Contract otherwise constituting an Excluded Contract by virtue of this definition shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted thereby or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral.
“Excluded Equipment” means, at any date, any equipment or other similar assets of the Borrower or any Guarantor which is subject to, or secured by, a Capitalized Lease Obligation or a purchase money obligation if and to the extent that (i) a restriction in favor of a Person who is not Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings or any Affiliate thereof contained in the agreements or documents granting or governing such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other conditions for or would result in the termination of such agreement or document because of an assignment thereof, or a grant of a security interest therein, by the Borrower or any Guarantor and (ii) such restriction relates only to the asset or assets acquired by the Borrower or any Guarantor with the proceeds of such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation and attachments thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations secured by such assets.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary of Holdings that is not, directly or indirectly, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Holdings, in each case, solely to the extent that such non-wholly owned Subsidiary (i) is a bona fide joint venture that is created or formed for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and (ii) the counterparty to such joint venture is not an Affiliate of a Loan Party, (b) any Subsidiary of Holdings or the Borrower that does not have total assets in excess of 2.5% of Total Assets or 2.5% of revenues for Holdings and its Subsidiaries in each case, individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b) (such Subsidiary, an “Immaterial Subsidiary”), (c) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations (other than any Contractual Obligation in favor of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) existing on the Closing Date (or, in the case of any newly acquired Subsidiary, in existence
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at the time of acquisition but not entered into in contemplation thereof) from guaranteeing the Obligations or if guaranteeing the Obligation would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained), (d) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), in consultation with the Borrower, the burden or cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guaranty shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (e) [reserved], (f) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (g) [reserved], (h)(A) any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (B) any FSHCO and (C) any Subsidiary of an entity described in (A) or (B), (i) [reserved], (j) [reserved], (k) any captive insurance subsidiaries, and (l) [reserved]; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, “Excluded Subsidiary” shall not include (i) the Borrower, (ii) any Electing Guarantor for so long as such Electing Guarantor constitutes an Electing Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (iii) any Subsidiary of Holdings that constitutes a guarantor under (x) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing or (iv) any Guarantor referenced in the proviso of clause (f) of the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirements”.
“Excluded Taxes” means with respect to any Agent, Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes imposed in lieu of net income Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (A) 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, its applicable Lending Office) in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof), or (B) as a result of any present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than any connections arising from executing, delivering, becoming a party to, engaging in any transaction pursuant to, performing its obligations under, receiving payments under, receiving or perfecting a security interest under, or enforcing, any Loan Document, or selling or assigning an interest in any Loan or Loan Document), (ii) Taxes attributable to the failure by any Agent, Lender or any other recipient to deliver the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(d), (iii) in the case of any Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 3.07), any U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender that is in effect on the date such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, or designates a new Lending Office, except to the extent such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled immediately prior to the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment) to receive additional amounts with respect to such Tax pursuant to Section 3.01 and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent” means the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent” means the “Collateral Agent” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Holdings, the Borrower, the other guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative and collateral agent, as in effect as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions and as such document may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Credit Agreement Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes.
“Existing Notes Documents” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Documents and the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents.
“Existing Notes Indentures” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Indentures and the Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture.
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“Existing Secured Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) and the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%).
“Existing Secured Notes (4.750%)” means the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $276,868,000.
“Existing Secured Notes (5.250%)” means the 5.250% Senior Notes due 2027 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $6,983,000.
“Existing Secured Notes (6.375%)” means the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $44,643,791.
“Existing Secured Notes Documents” means the Existing Secured Notes Indentures and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%)” means the indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (5.250%)” means the indenture, dated as of August 7, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (6.375%)” means the indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indentures” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (5.250%) and the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (6.375%).
“Existing Term Loan Tranche” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Existing Term Loans” means the “Term Loans” under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Unsecured Notes” means the 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $72,387,976.
“Existing Unsecured Notes Documents” means the Existing Unsecured Notes Indentures and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Unsecured Notes are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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“Extended Term Loans” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Extending Term Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
“Extension” means the establishment of a Term Loan Extension Series by amending a Loan pursuant to Section 2.16 and the applicable Extension Amendment.
“Extension Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(d).
“Extension Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
“Facility” means the Initial Term Loans, a given Class of Incremental Term Loans, a given Refinancing Series of Refinancing Term Loans, or a given Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans, as the context may require.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the Closing Date (and any amended or successor version thereof that is to the extent substantively comparable), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, and any current or future fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreements, treaties, or conventions among Governmental Authorities entered into in connection with the implementation thereof.
“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission of the United States or any Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions of such commission in whole or in part.
“FCC Authorizations” means all Broadcast Licenses and other licenses, permits and other authorizations issued by the FCC and held by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“FIRREA” means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.
“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the first lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as collateral agent under the First Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent, the Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank, National Association, as collateral agent under the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%) and the other parties thereto (including, one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Indebtedness that is permitted under Section 7.03 to be, and intended to be, secured on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations), as supplemented on the Closing Date and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“First Lien Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the contexts may require, the First Lien Notes (9.125%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) and the First Lien Notes (7.000%).
“First Lien Notes (7.000%)” means the 7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $178,443,480.
“First Lien Notes (7.750%)” means the 7.750%% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $661,285,130.
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“First Lien Notes (9.125%)” means the 9.125%% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $717,588,265.
“First Lien Notes Documents” means the First Lien Notes Indenture and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“First Lien Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the First Lien Notes (7.000%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) and the First Lien Notes (9.125%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Fixed Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;
(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock during such period; and
(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests during such period.
“Flood Insurance Laws” means, collectively, (i) National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (which comprehensively revised the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973) as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (ii) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto and (iii) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.
“Foreign Benefit Event” means, with respect to any Foreign Pension Plan, (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any applicable Law or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from applicable Governmental Authority or (b) the failure to make the required contributions or payments, under any applicable Law, on or before the due date for such contributions or payments.
“Foreign Disposition” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
“Foreign Pension Plan” means any benefit plan established or maintained outside of the United States that under applicable Law is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a US Subsidiary.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity or equity and debt that is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes of (i) a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or (ii) a Person described in this sentence.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided that (i) if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith and (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at “fair value,” as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Granting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.
“Guarantors” means, collectively, (i) Holdings, (ii) the direct and indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries of Holdings (other than any Excluded Subsidiary), (iii) any Electing Guarantors and (iv) those Subsidiaries of Holdings that issue a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.11 or otherwise, at the option of the Borrower, issues a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date.
“Guaranty” means, collectively, the guaranty of the Obligations by the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement.
“Hazardous Materials” means all materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, compounds, constituents, substances or wastes, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, radon gas, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, or toxic mold that are regulated pursuant to, or which could give rise to liability under, applicable Environmental Law.
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“Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
“Identified Assets” mean the assets specified on Schedule 1.01B.
“Identified Participating Lenders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
“Identified Qualifying Lenders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Immaterial Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary.”
“Incremental Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(f).
“Incremental Facility Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(d).
“Incremental Loan Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Incremental Term Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Incremental Term Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
“Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b).
“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(f) all Attributable Indebtedness;
(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;
if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of Holdings appearing upon the balance sheet of Holdings solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded; and
(h) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
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For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, (B) in the case of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, exclude (i) all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes, (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations) and (D) include outstanding amounts under any receivables, factoring or similar facilities or securitizations whether or not the same would constitute indebtedness or a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
“Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
“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 any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
“Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
“Index Debt Rating” means (i) for Moody’s, its public corporate family rating of the Borrower (or, if not available for the Borrower, of Holdings or Parent) and (ii) for S&P, its public corporate rating of the Borrower (or, if not available for the Borrower, of Holdings or Parent).
“Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08.
“Initial Lenders” means the financial institutions named on Schedule 1.01A. Each Initial Lender is deemed to be a party to this Agreement on the Closing Date pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
“Initial Term Commitment” means, as to each Initial Lender, its obligation to make (or be deemed to make) Initial Term Loans in an aggregate amount set forth opposite such Term Lender’s name in Schedule 1.01A under the caption “Initial Term Commitment”. The aggregate amount of the Initial Term Commitments is $2,145,724,113.92.
“Initial Term Loans” means the term loans deemed made by the Initial Lenders on the Closing Date to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(a).
“Intellectual Property Security Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Intercompany Note” means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit I.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
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“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Term SOFR Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided that if any Interest Period for a Term SOFR Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
“Interest Period” means, as to each Term SOFR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Term SOFR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Loan and ending on the date one, three or six months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Term SOFR Loan and the Administrative Agent, twelve months or less than one month thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:
(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall, subject to clause (iii) below, be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(ii) any Interest Period pertaining to Term SOFR that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan (including by way of a listed Eurobond), advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person excluding, in the case of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, (i) intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IP Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Junior Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a).
“Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 |
6.85 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 |
6.10 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 |
6.35 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 |
6.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 |
6.55 to 1.00 |
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“Junior Financing Documentation” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.
“Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest maturity date of any Refinancing Term Loan, any Refinancing Term Commitment or any Extended Term Loan, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, constitutions, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes, common law and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
“LCA Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“LCA Test Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“Lender” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a “Lender.” Each Initial Lender is a Lender on the Closing Date.
“Lender Default” means (i) the refusal (which may be given verbally or in writing and has not been retracted) or failure of any Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of revolving loans hereunder or reimbursement obligations required to be made by it hereunder, which refusal or failure is not cured within one Business Day after the date of such refusal or failure; (ii) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, unless subject to a good faith dispute; (iii) a Lender has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations under agreements generally in which it commits to extend credit; (iv) [reserved]; (v) a Lender has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Lender becomes subject to a Lender-Related Distress Event or (vi) a Lender has become the subject of a Bail-In Action. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender Default has occurred under any one or more of clauses (i) through (vi) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and the applicable Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.
“Lender-Related Distress Event” means, with respect to any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a “Distressed Person”), as the case may be, a voluntary or involuntary case with respect to such Distressed Person under any Debtor Relief Law, or a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official is appointed for such Distressed Person or any substantial part of such Distressed Person’s assets, or such Distressed Person or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Distressed Person is subject to a forced liquidation, or such Distressed Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Distressed Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt; provided that a Lender-Related Distress Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interests in any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof, 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.
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“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“Liability Management Transaction” means any debt tender offer or exchange, refinancing, restructuring or any similar transaction (either in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions) of or for any existing Indebtedness of Holdings or any subsidiary with any other Indebtedness (or the proceeds of any other Indebtedness) that includes as components thereof (i) contractual, structural or temporal (including as to lien priority or additional collateral) seniority with respect to any of the Term Loans (except in the case of a Refinancing permitted hereunder of any existing Indebtedness that is contractually, structurally or temporally senior to the Term Loans immediately prior to such transaction) and (ii) an Investment in, Restricted Payment to, or transfer or disposition of property or assets to, a Person that is not a Loan Party or a designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“License Subsidiary” means a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower substantially all of the assets of which consist of Broadcast Licenses and related rights.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Limited Condition Transaction” means (a) any acquisition, investment of or in any assets, business or Person permitted by this Agreement, in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing, (b) any prepayment of Indebtedness for which irrevocable notice has been given and/or (c) distributions that have been publicly declared by one or more of Holdings and its Subsidiaries.
“Loan” means an extension of credit by (or deemed made by) a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan (and including any Incremental Term Loan).
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Collateral Documents, (iv) each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect and (v) any Refinancing Amendment, Incremental Amendment or Extension Amendment.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.
“Make-Whole Amount” means, as of any date, an amount in cash determined as if the Initial Term Loans that are the subject of the applicable Premium Event were being voluntarily prepaid or repaid as of such date equal to the excess of (a) the present value at such date of the sum of (I) all required interest payments that would be due on such Initial Term Loans calculated at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate (using the applicable pricing level based on the Index Debt Rating on such date) on such Initial Term Loans for Term SOFR Loans from the date of Premium Event through, but excluding, the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date plus (II) the prepayment premium that would be due under Section 2.05(a)(iv)(A) if such prepayment were made on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date, plus (III) the principal amount of such Initial Term Loans being repaid or prepaid, in each case, discounted to the date of prepayment on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) at a rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%, over (b) the principal amount of such Initial Term Loans being repaid or prepaid.
“Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the FRB.
“Master Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Swap Contract.”
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“Material Adverse Effect” means a (a) material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to fully and timely perform any of their payment obligations under any Loan Document to which any of the Loan Parties is a party or (c) material adverse effect on the rights and remedies available to the Lenders or any Agent under any Loan Document.
“Material Real Property” means any fee owned Real Property located in the United States that is owned by any Loan Party with a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000 (at the Closing Date or, with respect to Real Property acquired after the Closing Date, at the time of acquisition, in each case, as reasonably estimated by the Borrower in good faith).
“Maturity Date” means (i) with respect to the Initial Term Loans, May 1, 2029 (the “Initial Term Loan Maturity Date”), (ii) with respect to any tranche of Extended Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Term Loan Extension Request accepted by the respective Lender or Lenders, (iii) with respect to any Refinancing Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and (iv) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans under a New Term Facility, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment; provided that, in each case, that if such date is not a Business Day, then the applicable Maturity Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
“Maximum Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10.
“MFN Protection” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
“MFN Trigger Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Mortgage Policies” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”
“Mortgaged Property” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”
“Mortgages” means collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, deeds to secure debt, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent with such terms and provisions as may be required by the applicable Laws of the relevant jurisdiction, and any other mortgages executed and delivered pursuant to Section 6.11 and Section 6.13, in each case, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding six years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
“Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the multi-lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2, by and among the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as the collateral agent under the First Lien Notes, U.S. Bank, National Association, as collateral agent under the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as the collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent, the Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto (including one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of permitted Indebtedness issued or incurred pursuant to Section 7.03 that is intended to be secured on a basis junior to the Obligations), as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms thereof.
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“Net Proceeds” means:
(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but in each case only as and when received) from any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien (other than a Lien that ranks pari passu with or subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations or Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment) on the asset subject to such Disposition or Casualty Event and that is required to be repaid (and is timely repaid) in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents), (iii) in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (iii)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of Holdings or a wholly-owned Subsidiary as a result thereof, (iv) Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (v) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any Taxes deducted pursuant to clause (iv) above) (x) related to any of the applicable assets and (y) retained by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); provided that Holdings may reinvest any portion of such proceeds to make capital expenditures, an investment in long-term fixed assets or any other Investment permitted by clause (i) or (w) of Section 7.02 (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Agreement) in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 in the aggregate for all such reinvestments during any fiscal year, in each case, within 365 days of such receipt and such portion of such proceeds shall not constitute Net Proceeds except to the extent not, within 365 days of such receipt, so reinvested or contractually committed to be so reinvested (it being understood that if any portion of such proceeds are not so used within such 365 day period but within such 365 day period are contractually committed to be used, then upon the termination of such contract or if such Net Proceeds are not so used within 90 days after the end of such 365 day period, such remaining portion shall constitute Net Proceeds as of the date of such termination or expiry without giving effect to this proviso (it being understood that such proceeds shall constitute Net Proceeds notwithstanding any investment notice if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing); provided, further, that if the property or assets transferred in such Disposition or Casualty Event were Collateral, then such reinvestment must also be in Collateral, and
(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.
For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to Holdings or any Subsidiary shall be disregarded.
“New Contracts” means binding new agreements or amendments to existing agreements with customers.
“New Term Facility” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(d).
“Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.
“Non-Exclusive Period” means any day after the last day of the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period.
“Not Otherwise Applied” means, with reference to any amount of net cash proceeds of any transaction or event, that such amount was not previously (and is not concurrently being) applied in determining the permissibility of a transaction under the Loan Documents where such permissibility was or is (or may have been) contingent on receipt of such amount or utilization of such amount for a specified purpose.
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“Note” means a Term Note.
“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding, and all indemnification obligations of the Loan Parties owing to any Lender under the Transaction Support Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents (and of their Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include (a) the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Prepayment Premiums, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Offered Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Offered Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“OID” means original issue discount.
“Organization Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
“Other Applicable Indebtedness” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).
“Other Debt Representative” means, with respect to any series Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder on a pari passu or junior Lien basis to the Lien securing the Obligations, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.
“Other Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“Outstanding Amount” means with respect to the Term Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding Principal Amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date.
“Overnight Rate” means, for any day, the Federal Funds Rate.
“Parent” means iHeartMedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
“Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
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“Participating Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or with respect to which a Loan Party or Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or otherwise).
“Permitted Acquisition” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(i).
“Permitted Junior Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred that:
(1) shall have no obligor (other than the Borrower and the Guarantors);
(2) shall be unsecured or, if secured, (x) shall not be secured by any assets other than the Collateral, (y) shall only be secured by Liens that rank junior in right of security to the Liens securing the Obligations and (z) the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(3) shall have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred;
(4) shall not be subject to any mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (other than (x) in the case of notes, customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default and (y) in the case of loans, customary mandatory prepayment provisions upon an asset sale or event of loss (or from the proceeds of a Permitted Refinancing) and a customary acceleration right after an event of default, in each case subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations) prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date then in effect;
(5) shall either (i) not allow for any cash payments, whether in respect of interest, principal or any fees (however described) to be made prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date then in effect or (ii) in the case of any Permitted Junior Debt the proceeds of which are promptly applied to refinance, repay or otherwise replace any Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, have an All-In Cash Yield that is no greater than the All-In Cash Yield of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes that are being refinanced, repaid or otherwise replaced;
(9) shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Borrower;
(10) shall only be incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(s); and
(11) shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, except as provided in this definition, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole); provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this clause (11) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this clause (11), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)) unless (x) the Lenders of the Initial Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness or shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders).
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“Permitted Refinancing” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended, (c) at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended was incurred as Permitted Junior Debt, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension shall constitute Permitted Junior Debt, (e) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is (i) unsecured, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is unsecured, (ii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension shall not have a greater Lien priority than the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended or (iii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension is either (x) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations or (y) unsecured and (e) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is incurred by the Person who is or would have been permitted to be the obligor or guarantor (or any successor thereto) on the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or Subsidiary or, with respect to any such Plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
“Platform” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Pledged Debt” means, collectively, (a) “Pledged Debt” (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (b) any other Collateral constituting “Pledged Debt,” “Receivables,” “Intercompany Debt Documents” or terms of similar import (as defined in any other Collateral Document).
“Pledged Equity” means, collectively, (a) “Pledged Equity” (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (b) any other Collateral consisting of Equity Interests. For the avoidance of doubt, Pledged Equity shall not include any Equity Interests included in the definition of “Excluded Assets” (as defined in the Security Agreement).
“Post-Acquisition Period” means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated.
“Premium Event” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a)(iii)(A).
“Prepayment Premium” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a)(iii)(A).
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“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest announced publicly by Bank of America in New York from time to time, as Bank of America’s prime rate. The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. The Administrative Agent or any other Lender may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Rate.
“Principal Amount” means the stated or principal amount of each Loan.
“Pro Forma Adjustment” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or the Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by Holdings in good faith as a result of (a) actions that have been taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings) within 12 months after the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business with the operations of Holdings and the Subsidiaries; provided that (i) at the election of Holdings, such Pro Forma Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $40,000,000, and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such revenue is accrued or costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional revenue or costs, as applicable, will be accrued or incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided, further, that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period and shall be subject to the aggregate caps set forth in “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Consolidated Net Income”.
“Pro Forma Basis”, “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of Holdings or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction”, shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries in connection therewith (without giving effect to the netting of any cash proceeds of such Indebtedness to the extent such proceeds are being utilized in connection with any such Specified Transaction), and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that (I) without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with and subject to the caps set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Net Income and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by Holdings in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on Holdings and the Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment and (II) in determining Pro Forma Compliance with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, in connection with the incurrence (including by assumption or guarantee) of any Indebtedness, the incurrence of any Indebtedness in respect of the ABL Facility included in the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to, or simultaneously with, the event for which the Pro Forma Compliance determination of such ratio or other test is being made, shall be disregarded. In the event any fixed “baskets” are intended to be utilized together with any incurrence-based “baskets” in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (i) compliance with or satisfaction of any applicable financial ratios or tests for the portion of Indebtedness or any other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any incurrence-based “baskets” shall first be calculated without giving effect to amounts being utilized pursuant to any fixed “baskets”, but giving full pro forma effect to all applicable and related transactions (including, subject to the foregoing with respect to fixed “baskets”, any incurrence and repayments of Indebtedness) and all other permitted Pro Forma Adjustments (except that the incurrence of any Indebtedness under the ABL Facility immediately prior to or in connection therewith shall be disregarded), and (ii) thereafter, incurrence of the portion of such Indebtedness or other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any fixed “baskets” shall be calculated.
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“Pro Rata Share” means, with respect to each Lender, at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time.
“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.
“Public Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.
“Qualifying Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“Refinanced Debt” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Refinancing Amendment” means an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Additional Refinancing Lender and (d) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans, incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.15.
“Refinancing Series” means all Refinancing Term Loans and Refinancing Term Commitments that are established pursuant to the same Refinancing Amendment (or any subsequent Refinancing Amendment to the extent such Refinancing Amendment expressly provides that the Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments provided for therein are intended to be a part of any previously established Refinancing Series) and that provide for the same All-In Yield and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments, amortization schedule.
“Refinancing Term Commitments” means one or more Classes of Term Commitments hereunder that are established to fund Refinancing Term Loans of the applicable Refinancing Series hereunder pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.
“Refinancing Term Loans” means one or more Classes of Term Loans hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment and constitute Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(d).
“Related Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages such Lender.
“Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing or migrating into, onto or through the Environment.
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“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.
“Repurchase Trigger” means 90.0% or more of the principal amount of each of the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date shall have been exchanged (whether on the Closing Date or subsequently pursuant to clause (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) or (ix) of Section 7.13(a)) for Initial Term Loans or Senior Secured Notes, as applicable.
“Request for Credit Extension” means with respect to a Borrowing, continuation or conversion of Term Loans, a Committed Loan Notice.
“Required Class Lenders” means, with respect to any Class on any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (i) the outstanding Loans under such Class and (ii) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility.
“Required Facility Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Facility, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (a) the Total Outstandings under such Facility and (b) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility; provided that the unused Commitments of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings under such Facility held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Required Facility Lenders.
“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
“Rescindable Amount” has the meaning as set forth in Section 2.12(c)(i).
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer or other similar officer of a Loan Party and, as to any document delivered on the Closing Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of such Loan Party and any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party whose signature is included on an incumbency certificate or similar certificate, attaching resolutions authorizing such officer or employee to sign such documents and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment that is not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.02.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s or a Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings and any successor thereto.
“Same Day Funds” means immediately available funds.
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“Sanction(s)” means any international economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes or other comprehensive prohibitions against transaction activity pursuant to anti-terrorism laws or export control laws administered or enforced by the United States government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury.
“Scheduled Unavailability Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b)(ii).
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Second Lien Notes” means the 10.875% Second Lien Notes issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $675,165,443.
“Second Lien Notes Documents” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Second Lien Notes are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Supplemental Agents and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Securities Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Securities Account Control Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Security Agreement” means the US Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G, dated as of the Closing Date, among Holdings, the Borrower, the US Guarantors and the Collateral Agent.
“Security Agreement Supplement” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Senior Secured Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Lien Notes and the Second Lien Notes.
“Senior Secured Notes Documents” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Lien Notes Documents and the Second Lien Notes Documents.
“SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator).
“SOFR Adjustment” means, with respect to Daily Simple SOFR, 0.11448% (11.448 basis points); and with respect to Term SOFR, 0.11448% (11.448 basis points) for an Interest Period of one-month’s duration, 0.26161% (26.161 basis points) for an Interest Period of three-month’s duration, and 0.42826% (42.826 basis points) for an Interest Period of six-months’ duration.
“SOFR-Based Rate” means SOFR or Term SOFR.
“Sold Entity or Business” has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA.”
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“Solicited Discount Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of the Borrower of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-4.
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer” means the irrevocable written offer by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-5, submitted following the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice.
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.
“SPC” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Special Flood Hazard Area” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(b).
“Specified Default” means a Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g).
“Specified Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of the Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-6.
“Specified Discount Prepayment Response” means the irrevocable written response by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-7, to a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.
“Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(3).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(viii).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(vii).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(vi).
“Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(v).
“Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(ix).
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“Specified Holders” means those certain Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) that are identified in writing by the Ad Hoc Group Advisors (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) to the Borrower or its advisors (email being sufficient) prior to the Closing Date.
“Specified Holder Exclusivity Period” means the three (3) month period immediately following the Closing Date; provided that to the extent the Specified Holders have exchanged Existing Notes and/or Existing Term Loans in excess of 10% in the aggregate for all such outstanding Indebtedness immediately after giving effect to the Transactions during such three (3) month period, the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period shall be extended by an additional three (3) months.
“Specified Transaction” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment, Subsidiary designation or Incremental Term Loan in respect of which the terms of this Agreement require any test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect”.
“Sterling” or “£” means freely transferable lawful money of the United Kingdom (expressed in pounds sterling).
“Submitted Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Submitted Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Subsequent Closing Market Purchase Incremental Facility” means any Term Loan Increase incurred pursuant to Section 2.14 issued on the same terms as the Initial Term Loans, and used to consummate Specified Existing Term Loan Exchanges.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means any Guarantor other than Holdings.
“Successor Company” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d).
“Successor Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b).
“Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at least 65% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders.
“Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at least 90% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders.
“Supplemental Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14(a) and “Supplemental Agents” shall have the corresponding meaning.
“Swap” means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
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“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
“Tax Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06(i)(iii).
“Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
“Term Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Term Loans of the same Class and Type and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans, having the same Interest Period made (or deemed made) by each of the Term Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01, an Incremental Amendment, a Refinancing Amendment or an Extension.
“Term Commitment” means a Commitment.
“Term Lender” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term Commitment or a Term Loan at such time.
“Term Loan Extension Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Term Loan Extension Series” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Term Loans” means any Initial Term Loan, any Incremental Term Loan, Refinancing Term Loan or Extended Term Loan designated as a “Term Loan”, as the context may require.
“Term Loan Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Term Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans of each Class made by such Term Lender.
“Term Priority Collateral” means “Non-Intercreditor Collateral” as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
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“Term SOFR” means:
(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Term SOFR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Screen Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period; and
(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate with a term of one month commencing that day plus the SOFR Adjustment for an Interest Period of one month;
provided that if the Term SOFR determined in accordance with either of the foregoing provisions (a) or (b) of this definition would otherwise be less than zero, the Term SOFR shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“Term SOFR Loan” means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Term SOFR.
“Term SOFR Replacement Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b).
“Term SOFR Screen Rate” means the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME (or any successor administrator satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).
“Test Period” means, for any date of determination under this Agreement, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable.
“Threshold Amount” means $20,000,000.
“Total Assets” means the total assets of Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of Holdings delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) or (b).
“Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans.
“Transactions” means the “Transactions” as such term is defined in the Transaction Support Agreement and any other transactions contemplated by, relating to or in connection with the Transaction Support Agreement and the Exchange Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the making (or deemed making) of the Initial Term Loans and the execution and delivery of Loan Documents entered into on the Closing Date and the Exchange Agreement, (b) the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and the execution and delivery of First Lien Notes Documents and the Second Lien Notes Documents entered into on the Closing Date, the supplemental indentures and other documentation in in respect of the Existing Notes Documents and an amendment and other documentation in respect of the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, (c) the payment of the Transaction Expenses and (d) in each case, the other transactions contemplated by or entered into in connection with the foregoing clauses (a) through (c).
“Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the Facilities), this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
“Transaction Support Agreement” shall mean that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, among Holdings, the Borrower and the creditors of Holdings and the Borrower from time to time party thereto as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Closing Date.
“Transferred Guarantor” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10.
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“Treasury Rate” means, as of any date of determination, a rate equal to the then-current yield to maturity on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such date (but not more than five Business Days) (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) and having a duration equal to (or the nearest available tenor) the period from the date that the applicable repayment or prepayment is received (or the date such repayment or prepayment is required to be received) to the date that falls on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date (or, if such period is less than one year, the weekly average Treasury Rate adjusted to a constant maturity of one year) as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
“Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Term SOFR Loan.
“Unaudited Financial Statements” means the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Parent as of September 30, 2024 and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Parent as of September 30, 2024.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.
“United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
“United States Tax Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibits K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 hereto, as applicable.
“US Guarantor” means each US Subsidiary that constitutes a Guarantor.
“US Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“US Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any Business Day, except any Business Day on which any of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open for business because such day is a legal holiday under the federal laws of the United States or the laws of the State of New York, as applicable.
“USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 10756, as amended or modified from time to time.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
“wholly owned” means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
“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.
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“Yield Differential” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
Section 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions.
With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
(b) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(c) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.
(d) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.
(e) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(f) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”; and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(g) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Section 1.03. Accounting Terms.
(a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.
(b) For purposes of determining whether Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries comply with any exception to Article VII where compliance with any such exception is based on a financial ratio or metric being satisfied as of a particular point in time, it is understood that (a) compliance shall be measured at the time when the relevant event is undertaken, as such financial ratios and metrics are intended to be “incurrence” tests and not “maintenance” tests and (b) correspondingly, any such ratio and metric shall only prohibit Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries from creating, incurring, assuming, suffering to exist or making, as the case may be, any new, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments, but shall not result in any previously permitted, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments ceasing to be permitted hereunder.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Agreement with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, for any Specified Transaction that is consummated in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCA Election”) the date of determination for calculation of any such ratios shall be deemed to be either (a) the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into, or (b) solely in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “City Code”) applies, the date on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention
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to make an offer in respect of such target company is made in compliance with the City Code (the “LCA Test Date”) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and the Specified Transactions to be entered into in connection therewith as if they had occurred at the beginning of the most recent date of determination ending prior to the LCA Test Date, the Borrower could have taken such action on the relevant LCA Test Date in compliance with such ratio or basket, such ratio or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCA Test Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the relevant transaction or action is permitted to be consummated or taken. If the Borrower has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket availability with respect to any other Specified Transaction on or following the relevant LCA Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement for, or “Rule 2.7 announcement” in respect of, as applicable, such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio or basket shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and any associated Lien) have been consummated. In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires that no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, has occurred, is continuing or would result from any such action, as applicable, such condition shall, at the option of the Borrower, be deemed satisfied, so long as no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, exists on the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has exercised its option under this clause (c), and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the date the definitive agreements for the applicable Limited Condition Transaction were entered into and prior to the consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such Default or Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or (f)) shall be deemed to not have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Transaction is permitted hereunder.
Section 1.04. Rounding.
Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Holdings pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).
Section 1.05. References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.
Section 1.06. Times of Day.
Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
Section 1.07. Timing of Payment or Performance.
When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
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Section 1.08. Initial Lenders.
By accepting the benefits under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each Initial Lender acknowledges and agrees that it shall be bound by all provisions of this Agreement (including for the avoidance of doubt, Section 9.07) and shall have all of the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder.
Section 1.09. [Reserved].
Section 1.10. Currency Equivalents Generally.
(a) Any amount specified in this Agreement (other than in Articles II, IX and X or as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 1.10) or any of the other Loan Documents to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount to be determined at the rate of exchange quoted by the Reuters World Currency Page for the applicable currency at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day (or, in the event such rate does not appear on any Reuters World Currency Page, by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agents and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such agreement, such rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agents in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date for the purchase of Dollars for delivery two Business Days later). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 7.03 with respect to any amount of Indebtedness or Investment in a currency other than Dollars, no Default shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.10 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Indebtedness or Investment may be incurred at any time under such Sections.
(b) For purposes of determining compliance under Sections 7.02, 7.05, 7.06 or 7.13 or for calculating the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, any amount in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars based on the average Exchange Rate for such currency for the most recent twelve-month period immediately prior to the date of determination determined in a manner consistent with that used in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period.
Section 1.11. [Reserved].
Section 1.12. 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 pursuant to such division transaction, then such asset, right, obligation or liability shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence as a result of such division transaction, 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.
Section 1.13. Interest Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to any reference rate referred to herein or with respect to any rate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the selection of such rate and any related spread or other adjustment) that is an alternative or replacement for or successor to any such rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions or other activities that affect any reference rate referred to herein, or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or any related spread or other adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any reference rate referred to herein or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing), in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or other action or omission related to or affecting the selection, determination, or calculation of any rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
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ARTICLE II
The Commitments and Credit Extensions
Section 2.01. The Loans.
(a) The Initial Term Loan Borrowings. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement, each Initial Lender (i) is deemed to have made, on the Closing Date, a term loan to the Borrower denominated in Dollars in the amount of such Initial Lender’s Initial Term Commitment and (ii) is deemed to have executed and delivered, on the Closing Date, this Agreement pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Initial Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Term SOFR Loans, as further provided herein; provided that, on the Closing Date, the Initial Term Loans shall be deemed made as Term SOFR Loans with an initial Interest Period of 3 months ending on March 20, 2025 (it being understood and agreed that this Section 2.01(a) shall be in lieu of a Committed Loan Notice on the Closing Date).
Section 2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.
(a) Each Term Borrowing (other than a Borrowing of Initial Term Loans), each conversion of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable written notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Committed Loan Notice; provided that any telephone notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Committed Loan Notice. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Term SOFR Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans, and (ii) 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day of a requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) in no event shall any (x) Term SOFR Loan be continued as a Term SOFR Loan or (y) Base Rate Loan be converted to a Term SOFR Loan and (ii) each Term SOFR Loan will be automatically, on the last day of the current Interest Period thereof, convert to a Base Rate Loan, in each case except as otherwise agreed by the applicable Required Class Lenders. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of (other than a Borrowing of Initial Term Loans), conversion to or continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $2,000,000, or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, a conversion of Term Loans of any Class or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Term Loans of a Class are to be converted, (v) [reserved] and (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans shall be made as or converted to Term SOFR Loans having an Interest Period of one month, as applicable. Any such automatic conversion to one-month Term SOFR Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Term SOFR Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month.
(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Each Lender may, at its
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option, make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect in any manner the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by wire transfer of such funds in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Term SOFR Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Term SOFR Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Term SOFR Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of Term SOFR by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Prime Rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the announcement of such change.
(e) After giving effect to all Term Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect.
(f) The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.
(g) With respect to SOFR or Term SOFR, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.
Section 2.03. [Reserved].
Section 2.04. [Reserved].
Section 2.05. Prepayments.
(a) Optional.
(i) The Borrower, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, may voluntarily prepay at any time or from time to time Term Loans of any Class (subject to the terms of any Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment executed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) in whole or in part without premium or penalty (subject to Section 2.05(a)(iv)); provided that (1) such notice must be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Term SOFR Loans and (B) one (1) Business Day prior to any prepayment of Base Rate Loans in each case, unless the Administrative Agent agrees to a shorter period in its discretion; (2) any prepayment of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $2,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire Principal Amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Pro
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Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Term SOFR Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon to such date, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. In the case of each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a), the Borrower may in its sole discretion select the Borrowing or Borrowings (and the application of such prepayment to scheduled maturities of principal payments) to be repaid, and such payment shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares or other applicable share as provided for under this Agreement.
(ii) [Reserved.]
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, subject to the payment of any amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.05 and the Prepayment Premiums, if any, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.05(a)(i) if such prepayment is conditioned on the consummation of another concurrent transaction, which such transaction shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed. Each prepayment of any Class of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) (other than Section 2.05(a)(ii)) shall be applied in an order of priority to repayments thereof as directed by the Borrower and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a) or (b), as applicable.
(iv)
(A) In the event that (x) the Borrower makes any voluntary prepayment of Initial Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(i) or any refinancing, exchange, redemption, repayment or discharge of the Term Loans (other than pursuant to Sections 2.05(a)(v), 2.05(b)(i), 2.05(b)(ii)) or 10.07(m)), (y) a mandatory prepayment of the Initial Term Loans is required by Section 2.05(b)(iii) or (z) all or a portion of the Initial Term Loans are accelerated (or deemed accelerated) for any reason, including because of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise) (each of the foregoing, a “Premium Event”), then, in each case, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each applicable Term Lender, a prepayment premium equal to (A) if such Premium Event occurs from the Closing Date through, but excluding, the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date, the Make-Whole Amount, (B) if such Premium Event occurs on or after the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the thirty-six (36) month anniversary of the Closing Date, 3.00 % of the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loans being repaid, prepaid, required to be prepaid, or accelerated and (C) if such Premium Event occurs on or after the thirty-six (36) month anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to May 1, 2028, 1.00 % of the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loans being repaid, prepaid, required to be prepaid, or accelerated (the foregoing premiums, including the Make-Whole Amount, a “Prepayment Premium” and collectively the “Prepayment Premiums”); provided that on and after May 1, 2028, the premium for any prepayments, repayments and accelerations of Initial Term Loans shall be 0.00%.
(B) The parties hereto further acknowledge and agree that the Prepayment Premiums shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each applicable Term Lender as a result of the early repayment or prepayment of the Initial Term Loans (and not intended to act as a penalty or to punish the Loan Parties for any such repayment or prepayment). Any prepayment or repayment, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the Initial Term Loans upon the occurrence of any Premium Event shall be accompanied by all unpaid accrued interest on the principal amount prepaid or repaid, together with the Prepayment Premium payable at such time, as applicable pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(iv)(A). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing in this Section 2.05(a)(iv)(B), and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is understood and agreed that if the Obligations are accelerated as a result of the
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occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise), the applicable Prepayment Premium, determined as of the date of acceleration, will also be due and payable and will be treated and deemed as though the Initial Term Loans were prepaid as of such date and shall constitute part of the Obligations for all purposes herein. The applicable Prepayment Premium shall also be payable in the event the Obligations (and/or this Agreement) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding or otherwise), deed in lieu of foreclosure or by any other similar means). EACH OF THE BORROWER AND THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVES (TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LAWFULLY DO SO) THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE OR LAW THAT PROHIBITS OR MAY PROHIBIT THE COLLECTION OF THE FOREGOING PREPAYMENT PREMIUM IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACCELERATION. Each of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties expressly agrees that (i) the applicable Prepayment Premium is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel, (ii) the applicable Prepayment Premium shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time payment or redemption is made, (iii) there has been a course of conduct between the applicable Term Lenders, the Borrower and the other Loan Parties giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the Prepayment Premium, (iv) the Borrower and the other Loan Parties shall be estopped hereafter from claiming differently than as agreed to in this Section 2.05(a)(iii), (v) their respective agreement to pay or guarantee the payment of the applicable Prepayment Premium is a material inducement to the applicable Term Lenders to provide the Initial Term Commitments and make the Initial Term Loans, and (vi) the applicable Prepayment Premium represents a good faith, reasonable estimate and calculation of the lost profits or damages of the applicable Term Lenders and that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to ascertain the actual amount of damages to the applicable Term Lenders or profits lost by the applicable Term Lenders as a result of such applicable Premium Event.
(v) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, any Company Party may prepay the outstanding Term Loans (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be automatically and permanently canceled immediately upon such prepayment) (or Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries may purchase such outstanding Term Loans and immediately cancel them) on the following basis:
(A) Any Company Party shall have the right to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers (any such prepayment, the “Discounted Term Loan Prepayment”), in each case made in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that no Company Party shall initiate any action under this Section 2.05(a)(v) in order to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment unless (I) at least ten (10) Business Days shall have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date; or (II) at least three Business Days shall have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Party’s election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
(B) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such offer shall be made available, at the sole discretion of the Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such offer shall specify the aggregate principal amount offered to (2) Each Term Lender receiving such offer shall notify the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date whether or not it agrees to accept a prepayment of any of its applicable then outstanding Term Loans at the Specified Discount and, if so (such accepting Lender, a “Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender”), the amount and the tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans to be prepaid at such offered discount.
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be prepaid (the “Specified Discount Prepayment Amount”) with respect to each applicable tranche, the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the specific percentage discount to par (the “Specified Discount”) of such Term Loans to be prepaid (it being understood that different Specified Discounts and/or Specified Discount Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)), (III) the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such offer shall remain outstanding through the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Specified Discount Prepayment Notice and a form of the Specified Discount Prepayment Response to be completed and returned by each such Term Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the “Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date”).
Each acceptance of a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by a Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender shall be irrevocable. Any Term Lender whose Specified Discount Prepayment Response is not received by the Auction Agent by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept the applicable Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment.
(3) If there is at least one Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender, the relevant Company Party will make a prepayment of outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this paragraph (B) to each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender in accordance with the respective outstanding amount and tranches of Term Loans specified in such Lender’s Specified Discount Prepayment Response given pursuant to subsection (2) above; provided that if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans accepted for prepayment by all Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders exceeds the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount, such prepayment shall be made pro rata among the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders in accordance with the respective principal amounts accepted to be prepaid by each such Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Specified Discount Proration”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within three Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such offer, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, and the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date and (III) each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender of the Specified Discount Proration, if any, and confirmation of the principal amount, tranche and Type of Term Loans of such Lender to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the Company Party and such Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
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(C) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Discount Range Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate principal amount of the relevant Term Loans (the “Discount Range Prepayment Amount”), the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the maximum and minimum percentage discounts to par (the “Discount Range”) of the principal amount of such Term Loans with respect to each relevant tranche of Term Loans willing to be prepaid by such Company Party (it being understood that different Discount Ranges and/or Discount Range Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)), (III) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Discount Range Prepayment Notice and a form of the Discount Range Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the “Discount Range Prepayment Response Date”). Each Term Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer shall be irrevocable and shall specify a discount to par within the Discount Range (the “Submitted Discount”) at which such Lender is willing to allow prepayment of any or all of its then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable tranche or tranches and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans (the “Submitted Amount”) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Submitted Discount. Any Term Lender whose Discount Range Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount to their par value within the Discount Range.
(2) The Auction Agent shall review all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received on or before the applicable Discount Range Prepayment Response Date and shall determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the Applicable Discount and Term Loans to be prepaid at such Applicable Discount in accordance with this subsection (C). The relevant Company Party agrees to accept on the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, in the order from the Submitted Discount that is the largest discount to par to the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par, up to and including the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range (such Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range being referred to as the “Applicable Discount”) which yields a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lower of (I) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount and (II) the sum of all Submitted Amounts. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Discount Range Prepayment Offer to accept prepayment at a discount to par that is larger than or equal to the Applicable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Submitted Amount (subject to any required proration pursuant to the following subsection (3)) at the Applicable Discount (each such Term Lender, a “Participating Lender”).
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Discount is a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount (the “Identified Participating Lenders”) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Participating Lenders in accordance with the Submitted Amount of each such Identified Participating Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Discount Range Proration”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within five (5) Business Days following the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such solicitation, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount and tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Participating Lender of the aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Participating Lender of the Discount Range Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the relevant Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
(3) If there is at least one Participating Lender, the relevant Company Party will prepay the respective outstanding Term Loans of each Participating Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the Submitted Amount by all Participating Lenders offered at a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount exceeds the Discount Range Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the relevant Term Loans for those Participating Lenders whose Submitted (D) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Lender with respect to any Class of Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate amount of the Term Loans (the “Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount”) and the tranche or tranches of Term Loans the Borrower is willing to prepay at a discount (it being understood that different Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)), (III) the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice and a form of the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Term Lenders (the “Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date”). Each Term Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer shall (x) be irrevocable, (y) remain outstanding until the Acceptance Date, and (z) specify both a discount to par (the “Offered Discount”) at which such Term Lender is willing to allow prepayment of its then outstanding Term Loan and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Loans (the “Offered Amount”) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Offered Discount. Any Term Lender whose Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount.
(2) The Auction Agent shall promptly provide the relevant Company Party with a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received on or before the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. Such Company Party shall review all such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers and select the largest of the Offered Discounts specified by the relevant responding Term Lenders in the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers that is acceptable to the Company Party (the “Acceptable Discount”), if any.
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Discount, then as soon as practicable after the determination of the Acceptable Discount, but in no event later than by the third Business Day after the date of receipt by such Company Party from the Auction Agent of a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers pursuant to the first sentence of this subsection (2) (the “Acceptance Date”), the Company Party shall submit an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice to the Auction Agent setting forth the Acceptable Discount. If the Auction Agent shall fail to receive an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice from the Company Party by the Acceptance Date, such Company Party shall be deemed to have rejected all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
If the Company Party elects to accept any Offered Discount as the Acceptable (3) Based upon the Acceptable Discount and the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, within three Business Days after receipt of an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice (the “Discounted Prepayment Determination Date”), the Auction Agent will determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans (the “Acceptable Prepayment Amount”) to be prepaid by the relevant Company Party at the Acceptable Discount in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D). If the Company Party elects to accept any Acceptable Discount, then the Company Party agrees to accept all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, in the order from largest Offered Discount to smallest Offered Discount, up to and including the Acceptable Discount. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer with an Offered Discount that is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Offered Amount (subject to any required pro rata reduction pursuant to the following sentence) at the Acceptable Discount (each such Lender, a “Qualifying Lender”). The Company Party will prepay outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this subsection (D) to each Qualifying Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer at the Acceptable Discount; provided that if the aggregate Offered Amount by all Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount exceeds the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the Term Loans for those Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount (the “Identified Qualifying Lenders”) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Qualifying Lenders in accordance with the Offered Amount of each such Identified Qualifying Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Solicited Discount Proration”). On or prior to the Discounted Prepayment Determination Date, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and Acceptable Prepayment Amount comprising the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Acceptable Discount, and the Acceptable Prepayment Amount of all Term Loans and the tranches to be prepaid to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Qualifying Lender of the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Acceptable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Qualifying Lender of the Solicited Discount Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to such Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to such Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
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(4) In connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may require as a condition to any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the payment of customary fees and expenses from a Company Party in connection therewith.
(E) If any Term Loan is prepaid in accordance with paragraphs (B) through (D) above, a Company Party shall prepay such Term Loans on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. The relevant Company Party shall make such prepayment to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and all such prepayments shall be applied to the remaining principal installments of the relevant tranche of Loans on a pro rata basis across such installments. The Term Loans so prepaid shall be accompanied by all accrued and unpaid interest on the par principal amount so prepaid up to, but not including, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. Each prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall be paid to the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, and shall be applied to the relevant Loans of such Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Share. The aggregate principal amount of the tranches and installments of the relevant Term Loans outstanding shall be deemed reduced by the full par value of the aggregate principal amount of the tranches of Term Loans prepaid on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment. In connection with each prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v), the relevant Company Party shall waive any right to bring any action against the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such, in connection with any such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment.
(F) To the extent not expressly provided for herein, each Discounted Term Loan Prepayment shall be consummated pursuant to procedures consistent with the provisions in this Section 2.05(a)(v), established by the Auction Agent acting in its reasonable discretion and as reasonably agreed by the Borrower.
(G) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, for purposes of this Section 2.05(a)(v), each notice or other communication required to be delivered or otherwise provided to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) shall be deemed to have been given upon Auction Agent’s (or its delegate’s) actual receipt during normal business hours of such notice or communication; provided that any notice or communication actually received outside of normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given as of the opening of business on the next Business Day.
(H) Each of the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may perform any and all of its duties under this Section 2.05(a)(v) by itself or through any Affiliate of the Auction Agent and expressly consents to any such delegation of duties by the Auction Agent to such Affiliate and the performance of such delegated duties by such Affiliate. The exculpatory provisions pursuant to this Agreement shall apply to each Affiliate of the Auction Agent and its respective activities in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment provided for in this Section 2.05(a)(v) as well as activities of the Auction Agent.
(I) Each Company Party shall have the right, by written notice to the Auction Agent, to revoke in full (but not in part) its offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and rescind the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Notice, Discount Range Prepayment Notice or Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice therefor at its discretion at any time on or prior to the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date (and if such offer is revoked pursuant to the preceding clauses, any failure by such Company Party to make any prepayment to a Lender, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 8.01 or otherwise).
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(b) Mandatory.
(i) Within five (5) Business Days after financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) (commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025) and the related Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount (such amount, the “Applicable ECF Amount”) equal to (A) 75.0% of Excess Cash Flow, if any, for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements minus (B) the sum of (1) all voluntary prepayments or repurchases of Term Loans made during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is made (including, in the case of Term Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v), the actual purchase price paid in cash pursuant to a “Dutch Auction”), (2) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of loans under the ABL Facility during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (other than any such prepayment, repurchase or redemption made on the Closing Date in connection with the Transactions) to the extent the commitments under the ABL Facility are permanently reduced by the amount of such payments, (3) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of First Lien Notes (9.125%) and any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and any other Indebtedness that, in each case, matures on or prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date and is secured on a pari passu basis with the Initial Term Loans, and repurchased or redeemed on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis with the Initial Term Loans (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due, (4) the amount of Restricted Payments paid in cash (or committed to be paid) during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) pursuant to Section 7.06(i) (clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) only) or Section 7.06(g), to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility, (5) cash payments by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries made (or committed to be made) during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility, (6) at the option of the Borrower, an amount up to the aggregate face amount of outstanding Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes that mature on or prior to the twelve month anniversary of the date when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due and (7) without of duplication of any amounts deducted in the immediately preceding fiscal year pursuant to the foregoing clause (6), all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness (other than revolving loans)) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (which shall be limited to the actual purchase price paid in cash), in the case of each of the immediately preceding clauses (1) through (7), without duplication of any deduction from Excess Cash Flow in any prior period; provided that such prepayment shall be reduced if at the time that any such prepayment would be required, the Borrower is required to offer to repurchase or otherwise redeem any First Lien Notes (9.125%) with such Excess Cash Flow, in which case the Borrower may apply the Applicable ECF Amount on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and the First Lien Notes (9.125%) at such time) and the remaining Applicable ECF Amount so received to the repurchase or redemption of the First Lien Notes (9.125%); provided, further, that (A) the portion of the Applicable ECF Amount allocated to the First Lien Notes (9.125%) shall not exceed the amount of the Applicable ECF Amount required to be allocated to the First Lien Notes (9.125%) pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of the Applicable ECF Amount shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof to the prepayment of the Term Loans, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i) shall be reduced accordingly and (B) to the extent the holders of the First Lien Notes (9.125%) decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or redeemed, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, further, repayments pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i) shall only be required if the Applicable ECF Amount for such fiscal year is greater than $10,000,000 (and only such excess amount shall be applied to the payment thereof).
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(ii) If (x) Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries Disposes of any property or assets pursuant to Section 7.05(j), (m) or (q) or (y) any Casualty Event occurs, which results in the realization or receipt by Holdings or Subsidiary of Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below, on or prior to the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt by Holdings or any Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds, subject to clause (b)(xi) below, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% all Net Proceeds received (such amount, the “Applicable Proceeds”); provided that such prepayment shall be reduced if at the time that any such prepayment would be required, the Borrower is required to offer to repurchase any First Lien Notes or other Indebtedness (other than the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%)) outstanding at such time that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral ranking pari passu with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Term Loans pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing the First Lien Notes or such other Indebtedness with the Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event (such Indebtedness together with the Senior Secured Notes required to be offered to be so repurchased, “Other Applicable Indebtedness”), in which case the Borrower may apply the Applicable Proceeds on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness at such time) and the remaining Net Proceeds so received to the prepayment of such Other Applicable Indebtedness; provided, further, that (A) the portion of the Applicable Proceeds (but not the other Net Proceeds received) allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of Applicable Proceeds required to be allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of the Applicable Proceeds shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof to the prepayment of the Term Loans and to the repurchase or prepayment of Other Applicable Indebtedness, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii) shall be reduced accordingly and (B) to the extent the holders of Other Applicable Indebtedness decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or prepaid, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, further, that that only the amount of Net Proceeds in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate per fiscal year for all such Dispositions or Casualty Events shall be subject to prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii) and, in such case, the required prepayment shall be only the amount in excess thereof.
(iii) If Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs or issues any Indebtedness after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 (excluding Section 7.03(t)), the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(x) below an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received therefrom on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the receipt by Holdings or such Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds.
(iv) [Reserved].
(v) [Reserved].
(vi) Except with respect to Loans incurred in connection with any Refinancing Amendment, Term Loan Extension Request, or any Incremental Amendment (which may be prepaid on a less than pro rata basis in accordance with its terms), (A) each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied on a pro rata basis to each Class of Term Loans then outstanding (provided that (i) any prepayment of Term Loans with the Net Proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness shall be applied solely to each applicable Class of Refinanced Debt, and (ii) any Class of Incremental Term Loans may specify that one or more other Classes of Term Loans and Incremental Term Loans may be prepaid prior to such Class of Incremental Term Loans); (B) with respect to each Class of Term Loans, each prepayment pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied to the scheduled installments of principal thereof following the date of prepayment as directed by the Borrower (without premium or penalty) and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof; and (C) each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares of such prepayment.
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(vii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) at least four (4) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrower’s prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the prepayment.
(viii) Funding Losses, Etc. All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Term SOFR Loan on a date prior to the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Term SOFR Loan pursuant to Section 3.05. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of Section 2.05(b), so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Term SOFR Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05(b), prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b).
(ix) Term Opt-out of Prepayment. With respect to each prepayment of Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (A) each Lender of Term Loans will have the right to refuse such offer of prepayment by giving written notice of such refusal to the Administrative Agent within one (1) Business Day after such Lender’s receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent of such offer of prepayment (and the Borrower shall not prepay any Term Loans of such Lender on the date that is specified in clause (B) below), (B) the Borrower will make all such prepayments not so refused upon the fourth Business Day after delivery of notice by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(vii) and (C) any prepayment refused by Lenders of Term Loans may be retained by the Borrower.
(x) In connection with any mandatory prepayments by the Borrower of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b), such prepayments shall be applied on a pro rata basis to the then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class or Classes being prepaid irrespective of whether such outstanding Term Loans are Base Rate Loans or Term SOFR Loans; provided that if no Lenders exercise the right to waive a given mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ix), then, with respect to such mandatory prepayment, the amount of such mandatory prepayment within any tranche of Term Loans shall be applied first to Term Loans of such tranche that are Base Rate Loans to the full extent thereof before application to Term Loans of such tranche that are Term SOFR Loans in a manner that minimizes the amount of any payments required to be made by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.05.
(xi) Foreign Dispositions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.05, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary (“Foreign Disposition”) or Excess Cash Flow attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05 but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Borrower hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that, in each case, would otherwise be required to be used to make an offer of prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i) or 2.05(b)(ii), is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition or Foreign Subsidiary Excess Cash Flow would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow, such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause
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(ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b) or any such Excess Cash Flow would have been required to be applied to prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b), the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary); provided that any such prepayment pursuant to this clause (ii) shall be deemed a mandatory prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.05(b) and not a voluntary prepayment for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow or any Excess Cash Flow prepayment under Section 2.05(b)(i).
Section 2.06. Termination or Reduction of Commitments.
(a) Optional. The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently reduce the unused Commitments of any Class, in each case without premium or penalty; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, and (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000, or any whole multiple of $1,000,000, in excess thereof or, if less, the entire amount thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.
(b) Mandatory. The Initial Term Commitment of each Term Lender of each Class shall be automatically and permanently reduced to $0 upon the deemed making of Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date.
(c) Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Appropriate Lenders of any termination or reduction of the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.06. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
Section 2.07. Repayment of Loans.
(a) The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term Lenders (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the last Business Day of the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date, an aggregate principal amount of Initial Term Loans deemed made on the Closing Date equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on the Closing Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the Initial Term Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on such date.
(b) In the event any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans are made, such Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans, as applicable, shall be repaid by the Borrower in the amounts and on the dates set forth in the Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment with respect thereto and on the applicable Maturity Date thereof.
Section 2.08. Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b), (i) each Term SOFR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to Term SOFR for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
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(b) During the continuance of a Default or Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g), the Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts owing by it hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws; provided that no interest at the Default Rate shall accrue or be payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
Section 2.09. Fees.
The Borrower shall pay to the Agents such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).
Section 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees.
All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to Term SOFR) shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Section 2.11. Evidence of Indebtedness.
(a) The Term Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Term Loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount, and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Section 2.11(a), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Section 2.11(a), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
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Section 2.12. Payments Generally.
(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office for Dollar-denominated payments and in Same Day Funds not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Appropriate Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s applicable Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after the time specified above shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, if any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Term SOFR Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.
(c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, one Business Day prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:
(i) if (1) the Borrower failed to make such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment (such assumed payment, the “Rescindable Amount”); then each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the Rescindable Amount that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
(ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment, such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the “Compensation Period”) at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
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(d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV or in the applicable Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.
(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
(g) Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.04. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law), but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the sum of the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time.
Section 2.13. Sharing of Payments.
If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders, at a cash price equal to the par amount thereof, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and fees thereon, such participations in the Loans made by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement as in effect from time to time (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant permitted hereunder. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.
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Section 2.14. Incremental Credit Extensions.
(a) Incremental Commitments. The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (an “Incremental Loan Request”), request one or more new commitments (including delayed draw term loan commitments) which may be in the same Facility as any outstanding Term Loans of an existing Class of Term Loans (a “Term Loan Increase”) or a new Class of Term Loans (each, an “New Term Facility”, collectively with any Term Loan Increase, the “Incremental Term Commitments”), whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders.
(b) Incremental Term Loans. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Term Commitments of any Class are effected (including through any Term Loan Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.14, (i) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall make a Loan to the Borrower (an “Incremental Term Loan”) in an amount equal to its Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and (ii) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Term Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.14, any Term Loan Increase that is a Subsequent Closing Market Purchase Incremental Facility shall have identical terms as the Initial Term Loans issued on the Closing Date and shall otherwise constitute the same Class of Term Loans as the Initial Term Loans; provided further that, if an Incremental Term Loan is not fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with any Initial Term Loan or Incremental Term Loan then outstanding, such Incremental Term Loan shall bear a separate CUSIP number or other identifier from each tranche of the Incremental Term Loans and Initial Term Loans with which it is not fungible.
(c) Incremental Loan Request. In connection with any Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (other than a Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange), the Initial Lenders shall be provided written notice of Borrower’s intent to incur such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (and the material terms and conditions thereof) at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Borrower soliciting offers from third parties to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility. No Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (other than a Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange) may be incurred without first offering each Initial Lender the right to participate in such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility based on their respective Pro Rata Share of the Initial Term Loans then outstanding on the same terms as offered to any other prospective lender. If any Initial Lender has not accepted or declined such offer within five (5) Business Days from receipt of such notice, such Initial Lender shall be deemed to have declined, and each Initial Lender which has elected to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility shall be offered an opportunity to participate in the remaining portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility that has so been declined by the other Initial Lenders based on its Pro Rata Share of Initial Term Loans then outstanding (which Lenders shall be deemed to have declined to provide such additional portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility to the extent such Lender has not provided a commitment to provide such additional portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility within three (3) Business Days after such additional offer has been made)). If (1) no Initial Lender elects to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility, the Borrower may then close and fund such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility with other prospective lenders (on identical (with respect to sizing, pricing, original issue discount, tenor, maturity, prepayments, amortization, call protection, end of term fees and other fees or economic terms) or substantially identical (with respect to all other terms and conditions) terms and conditions to those initially provided in its written notice to the Lenders) or (2) some, but less than all, of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility remains uncommitted after the steps set forth above, the Borrower may then close and fund such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility with other prospective lenders and with the relevant existing Lenders who have elected to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (on identical (with respect to sizing, pricing, original issue discount, tenor, maturity, prepayments, amortization, call protection, end of term fees and other fees or economic terms) or substantially identical (with respect to all other terms and conditions) terms and conditions to those initially provided in its written notice to the Lenders). Any Lender approached to participate in any Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to participate in such increase or new facility. Subject to this Section 2.14(c), the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to become Lenders pursuant to an Incremental Amendment. Neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent (in their respective capacities as such) shall be required to execute, accept or acknowledge any Incremental Amendment pursuant to this Section 2.14 and such execution shall not be required for any such Incremental Amendment to be effective; provided that, with respect to any Incremental Term Commitments, the Borrower must provide to the Administrative Agent the documentation providing for such Incremental Term Commitments. For the avoidance of doubt, no Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans, unless it so agrees.
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(d) Effectiveness of Incremental Amendment. The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment, and the Incremental Term Commitments thereunder, shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (the “Incremental Facility Closing Date”) of each of the following conditions:
(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Incremental Term Commitments;
(ii) after giving effect to such Incremental Term Commitments, the conditions of Section 4.02(i) shall be satisfied (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Credit Extension” or similar language in such Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment); provided that the requirement to deliver a Committed Loan Notice may be waived;
(iii) the primary purpose of the issuance of such Incremental Term Commitments is not to influence voting thresholds hereunder in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such Incremental Term Commitments;
(iv) [reserved];
(v) the aggregate amount of the Incremental Term Loans shall not exceed the Available Incremental Amount; and
(vi) such other conditions as the Borrower, each Incremental Term Lender providing such Incremental Term Commitments and the Administrative Agent shall agree.
(e) Required Terms. The terms, provisions and documentation of the Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Term Commitments of any Class shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Term Commitments; provided that:
(i) the terms of any Term Loan Increase and the Incremental Term Commitments and Incremental Term Loans in respect thereof shall be identical to the applicable Class of Term Loans and constitute part of the same Class of Term Loans;
(ii) in respect of all other Incremental Term Loans:
(A) such Incremental Term Loans shall rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Initial Term Loans,
(B) such Incremental Term Loans shall not mature earlier than the Latest Maturity Date of any Term Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans,
(C) such Incremental Term Loans shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Term Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans (without giving effect to prior prepayments that would otherwise modify the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans),
(D) such Incremental Term Loans shall have an Applicable Rate, and subject to clauses (e)(i)(B) and (e)(i)(C) above and clause (e)(i)(I) below, amortization determined by the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Term Lenders,
(E) the Incremental Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis (but not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory prepayments of Term Loans hereunder, as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment,
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(F) the Incremental Term Loans shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.14, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole); provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this subclause (F) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this subclause (F), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)) unless (x) the Lenders of the Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness or shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders),
(G) (I) there shall be no borrower in respect of any Incremental Term Loans other than the Borrower and (II) there shall be no other obligor or guarantor in respect of the Incremental Term Loans other than a Guarantor;
(H) no Incremental Term Loans shall be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral; and
(I) the amortization schedule applicable to any Incremental Term Loans and the All-In Yield applicable to the Incremental Term Loans of each Class shall be determined by the Borrower and the applicable new Lenders and shall be set forth in each applicable Incremental Amendment; provided that with respect to any Loans under Incremental Term Loan Commitments that are secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Initial Term Loans with a maturity date that is less than 12 months after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date, (I) if the All-In Yield applicable to such Incremental Term Loans shall be greater than the applicable All-In Yield payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement as amended through the date of such calculation with respect to such Initial Term Loans by more than 50 basis points per annum (the amount of such excess, the “Yield Differential”), then the interest rate (together with, as provided in the proviso below, the Term SOFR or Base Rate floor) with respect to the Initial Term Loans shall be increased by the applicable Yield Differential; provided that, if any Incremental Term Loans include a Term SOFR or Base Rate floor that is greater than the Term SOFR or Base Rate floor applicable to the Initial Term Loans, such differential between interest rate floors shall be included in the calculation of All-In Yield for purposes of this clause (iii) but only to the extent an increase in the Term SOFR or Base Rate Floor applicable to the Initial Term Loans would cause an increase in the interest rate then in effect thereunder, and in such case the Term SOFR and Base Rate floors (but not the Applicable Rate, unless the Borrower otherwise elects in its sole discretion) applicable to the Initial Term Loans shall be increased to the extent of such differential between interest rate floors and (II) the prepayment premiums, end of term fees and similar call protection applicable to any Incremental Term Loans, if any, shall not be greater than those applicable to the Initial Term Loans, unless the Initial Term Loans shall also benefit from such prepayment premiums, end of term fees and/or similar call protection (this proviso, the “MFN Protection”); and
(iii) the proceeds of any Incremental Term Loans (including any Term Loan Increase) shall be used solely for Specified Existing Term Loan Exchanges and exchanges of Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes or, in the case of any new money Incremental Term Commitments, to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to clauses (iv), (x), (xi) or (xii) of Section 7.13(a).
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(f) Incremental Amendment. Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans shall become Commitments, under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “Incremental Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Incremental Lender providing such Commitments and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Loan Party, Agent or Lender, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14 (including (i) to increase the All-In Yield of the applicable Class of Term Loans, or make other changes to any applicable Class of Term Loans that are favorable to the Lenders thereof, in any such case to the extent necessary in order to ensure that any applicable Class of New Term Loans are “fungible” with any applicable existing Class of Term Loans, (ii) to add mechanics to allow for the accrual and payment of payment-in-kind interest in respect of any such additional Class of New Term Loans and (iii) to add or extend, in either case, any other “call protection” for the benefit of any applicable existing Class of Term Loans).
Section 2.15. Refinancing Amendments.
(a) On one or more occasions after the Closing Date, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment under this Agreement and in accordance with this Section 2.15 (each, an “Additional Refinancing Lender”) (provided that the Administrative Agent shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to such Lender’s or Additional Refinancing Lender’s making such Refinancing Term Loans to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans to such Lender or Additional Refinancing Lender.
(b) The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.
(c) Each issuance of Refinancing Term Loans under Section 2.15(a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $10,000,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.
(d) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Refinancing Term Loans incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.15, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
Section 2.16. Extension of Term Loans.
(a) Extension of Term Loans. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Term Loans of a given Class (each, an “Existing Term Loan Tranche”) be amended to extend the scheduled maturity date(s) with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Term Loans (any such Term Loans which have been so amended, “Extended Term Loans”) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.16. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Term Loan Tranche) (each, a “Term Loan Extension Request”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche and (y) be identical to the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans are to be amended, except that: (i) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of
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the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the All-In Yield with respect to the Extended Term Loans (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, OID or otherwise) may be different than the All-In Yield for the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans); and (iv) Extended Term Loans may have call protection as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders thereof; provided that no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans were amended are repaid in full, unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by at least a pro rata optional prepayment of such Existing Term Loan Tranche; provided, further, that (A) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any then existing Term Loans hereunder, (B) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof shall be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Existing Term Loan Tranche, (C) any such Extended Term Loans (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect), (D) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing and (E) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case as specified in the respective Term Loan Extension Request. Any Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a “Term Loan Extension Series”) of Extended Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Term Loans amended from an Existing Term Loan Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Term Loan Extension Series with respect to such Existing Term Loan Tranche. Each Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans incurred under this Section 2.16 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000 (or such greater amount that the Borrower, at its election, specifies as a condition to consummating any Extension Amendment (to be determined and specified in the relevant Term Loan Extension Request in the Borrower’s sole discretion and as may be waived by the Borrower)).
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Extension Request. The Borrower shall provide the applicable Term Loan Extension Request at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which Lenders under the Existing Term Loan Tranche are requested to respond, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.16. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to have any of its Term Loans of any Existing Term Loan Tranche amended into Extended Term Loans pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request. Any Lender holding a Loan under an Existing Term Loan Tranche (each, an “Extending Term Lender”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to such Term Loan Extension Request amended into Extended Term Loans shall notify the Administrative Agent (each, an “Extension Election”) on or prior to the date specified in such Term Loan Extension Request of the amount of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche which it has elected to request be amended into Extended Term Loans (subject to any minimum denomination requirements imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche in respect of which applicable Term Lenders shall have accepted the relevant Term Loan Extension Request exceeds the amount of Extended Term Loans requested to be extended pursuant to the Term Loan Extension Request or Term Loans, as applicable, subject to Extension Elections shall be amended to Extended Term Loans on a pro rata basis (subject to rounding by the Administrative Agent, which shall be conclusive) based on the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans included in each such Extension Election.
(d) Extension Amendment. Extended Term Loans shall be established pursuant to an amendment (each, an “Extension Amendment”) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Term Lender providing an Extended Term Loan thereunder, which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 2.16(a) above, respectively (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). The effectiveness of any Extension Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative
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Agent of (i) legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that the Extended Term Loans are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Extension Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to an Extension Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Extended Term Loans incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) modify the scheduled repayments set forth in Section 2.07 with respect to any Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to an Extension Election to reflect a reduction in the principal amount of the Term Loans thereunder in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to the applicable Extension (with such amount to be applied ratably to reduce scheduled repayments of such Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.07), (iii) modify the prepayments set forth in Section 2.05 to reflect the existence of the Extended Term Loans and the application of prepayments with respect thereto, (iv) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (v) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.16, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Extension Amendment.
(e) No conversion of Loans pursuant to any Extension in accordance with this Section 2.16 shall constitute a voluntary or mandatory payment or prepayment for purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.17. Defaulting Lenders.
(a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i) Waivers and Amendments. That 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 Section 10.01.
(ii) Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; fourth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, 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 that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and sixth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
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(iii) Certain Fees. That Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.09(a) 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) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be 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), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders, whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
ARTICLE III
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality
Section 3.01. Taxes.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 3.01, any and all payments made by or on account of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments, deductions or withholdings (including backup withholding) or similar fees or charges imposed by any Governmental Authority including interest, penalties and additions to tax (collectively “Taxes”), except as required by applicable Law. If the Borrower, any Guarantor or other applicable withholding agent shall be required by any Laws to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (A) to the extent the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax, the sum payable by the Borrower or such Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions and withholdings (including deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (B) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (C) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (D) as soon as practicable after the date of such payment, if the Borrower or any Guarantor is the applicable withholding agent, shall furnish to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence reasonably acceptable to such Agent or Lender.
(b) In addition, each Loan Party agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording taxes, or charges or levies of the same character, imposed by any Governmental Authority, which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document (including additions to tax, penalties and interest related thereto) excluding, in each case, such amounts that result from an Agent or Lender’s Assignment and Assumption, grant of a participation, transfer or assignment to or designation of a new applicable Lending Office or other office for receiving payments under any Loan Document (collectively, “Assignment Taxes”) to the extent such Assignment Taxes result from a present or former connection that the Agent or Lender has with the taxing jurisdiction (other than any connections arising from executing, delivering, becoming a party to, engaging in any transactions pursuant to, performing its obligations under, receiving payments under, receiving or perfecting a security interest under, or enforcing, any Loan Document, or selling or assigning an interest in any Loan or Loan Document), except for such Assignment Taxes resulting from assignment or participation that is requested or required in writing by the Borrower (all such non-excluded Taxes described in this Section 3.01(b) being hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”), or at the option of an Agent timely reimburse such Agent for payment of any such Taxes. As soon as practicable after the date of payment of any Other Taxes by a Loan Party, the Loan Parties shall furnish to the Administrative Agent the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence reasonably acceptable to such Agent.
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(c) The Loan Parties agree to indemnify each Agent and each Lender, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) the full amount of Indemnified Taxes (including any such Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable by, or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to, such Agent or such Lender and (ii) any reasonable documented and out-of-pocket expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided that, if a Loan Party reasonably believes that such Taxes were not correctly or legally imposed or asserted, such Agent or Lender shall, upon the written request of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for such belief that such Taxes were not correctly or legally imposed or asserted, use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Loan Parties to apply for a refund of such Taxes, which shall be repaid to the Loan Party in accordance with, and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in, Section 3.01(f), so long as such efforts would not result in any out-of-pocket costs or expenses not reimbursed by the Loan Party (including any additional Indemnified Taxes or fees, penalties, interest and additions to tax) or be otherwise disadvantageous to such Agent or Lender as determined in such Agent’s or Lender’s sole discretion (it being understood that in no event will any Agent or Lender be required to (w) apply for or obtain any taxpayer identification number (including a U.S. employer identification number) from the IRS or other applicable taxing jurisdiction, (x) retain counsel or other advisers (legal, accounting or otherwise), (y) make available its tax returns or any other information that such Agent or Lender reasonably deems confidential or (z) in the case of a Lender, solicit information from or otherwise contact any direct or indirect shareholder, investor, partner, member or other equity holder or beneficial owner thereof). A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability prepared in good faith by such Agent or Lender (or by an Agent on behalf of such Lender), accompanied by a written statement thereof setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts shall be conclusive absent manifest error. For the avoidance of doubt, no Agent or Lender shall be entitled to duplicative payments from the Loan Parties in respect of the same Indemnified Tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a) and (b), on the one hand, and this Section 3.01(c), on the other hand.
(d) Each Lender (which shall, for purposes of this Section 3.01(d) include any Administrative Agent to whom payment is made) shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Law certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under the Loan Documents. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders such documentation obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the applicable withholding agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so. Unless the applicable withholding agent has received forms or other documents satisfactory to it indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Lender are not subject to withholding Tax or are subject to such Tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or other applicable withholding agent shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable Law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (d), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this clause (d) that such Lender is not legally able to deliver. Without limiting the foregoing:
(i) Each Lender that is a US Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from federal backup withholding.
(ii) Each Lender that is not a US Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) whichever of the following is applicable:
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(A) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, and such other documentation as required under the Code,
(B) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),
(C) in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (a) a United States Tax Compliance Certificate to the effect that such Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (b) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor form), or
(D) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY and/or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable (provided that if the Lender is a partnership, and one or more beneficial partners of such Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of such partner).
(iii) 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, to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA and, as necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the Closing Date.
(iv) The Administrative Agent and any successor thereto shall deliver to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon request of the Borrower) (i) if the Administrative Agent (or such successor to the Agent) is a US Person, two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that it is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding, or (ii) if the Administrative Agent (or such successor to the Administrative Agent) is not a US Person, (A) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor form) with respect to any amounts payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for its own account, and (B) IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor form) with respect to any amounts payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of others, certifying that it is a “U.S. branch” and that the payments it receives for the account of others are not effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or business within the United States and that it is using such form as evidence of its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a US Person and thus act as the withholding agent with respect to such payments (and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree to so treat the Administrative Agent as a US Person with respect to such payments as contemplated by Treasury Regulation Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv)(A)).
(e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.01 and Section 3.04(a) shall, if requested in writing by the Borrower, use its reasonable efforts to change the jurisdiction of its Lending Office (or assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates) if, in the sole determination of such Lender, such a change or assignment would (i) reduce any such additional amounts (including any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue) and (ii) not result in any unreimbursed cost or expense or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender. The Loan Parties agree to pay all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expense incurred by any Lender in connection with any such change, and nothing in this Section 3.01(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Loan Parties or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.01.
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(f) If any Lender or Agent receives a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall promptly remit such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnification or additional amounts paid by such Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes) of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, incurred in obtaining such refund and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant taxing authority) to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.01(f), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 3.01(f) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party 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 shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other person.
(g) For U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax purposes, the Loan Parties and each Lender and Participant, and any assign, agree to treat the Term Loans as “variable rate debt instruments” described under U.S. Treasury Regulations section 1.1275-5 that are issued by the Borrower. To the extent applicable, each Loan Party, Lender and Participant, and any assign, agrees to file all U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax returns consistently with the foregoing unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” described under Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law).
Section 3.02. Illegality.
If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Term SOFR Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Term SOFR, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Term SOFR Loans in the affected currency or currencies, or, in the case of Term SOFR Loans denominated in Dollars, to convert Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable and such Loans are denominated in Dollars, convert all applicable Term SOFR Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Term SOFR Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Term SOFR Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
Section 3.03. Inability to Determine Rates.
(a) If in connection with any request for a Term SOFR Loan or a conversion of Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans or a continuation of any of such Loans, as applicable, (i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (A) no Successor Rate has been determined in accordance with Section 3.03(b), and the circumstances under clause (i) of Section 3.03(b) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred, or (B) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Term SOFR Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason that Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.
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Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Term SOFR Loans, or to convert Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans, shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Term SOFR component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by the Required Lenders described in clause (ii) of this Section 3.03(a), until the Administrative Agent upon instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.
Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans (to the extent of the affected Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein and (ii) any outstanding Term SOFR Loans shall be deemed to have been converted to Base Rate Loans immediately at the end of their respective applicable Interest Period.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower) that the Required Lenders have determined that:
(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR, including, without limitation, because the Term SOFR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or
(ii) CME or any successor administrator of the Term SOFR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator with respect to its publication of Term SOFR, in each case acting in such capacity, has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR or the Term SOFR Screen Rate shall no longer be made available, or permitted to be used for determining the interest rate of loans, or shall or will otherwise cease permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that will continue to provide such interest periods of Term SOFR after such specific date (such specific date, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”),
then, on a date and time determined by the Administrative Agent (any such date, the “Term SOFR Replacement Date”), which date shall be at the end of an Interest Period or on the relevant interest payment date, as applicable, for interest calculated and, solely with respect to clause (ii) above, no later than the Scheduled Unavailability Date, Term SOFR will be replaced hereunder and under any Loan Document with Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, in each case, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Successor Rate”).
If the Successor Rate is Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, all interest payments will be payable on a monthly basis.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 10.01, (i) if the Administrative Agent determines that Daily Simple SOFR is not available on or prior to the Term SOFR Replacement Date, or (ii) if the events or circumstances of the type described in Section 3.03(b)(i) or (ii) have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then in each case, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing Term SOFR or any then current Successor Rate in accordance with this Section 3.03 at the end of any Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, as applicable, with an alternative benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar
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U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such alternative benchmark and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such benchmark, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion and may be periodically updated. For the avoidance of doubt, any such proposed rate and adjustments, shall constitute a “Successor Rate”. Any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders object to such amendment.
The Administrative Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify the Borrower and each Lender of the implementation of any Successor Rate.
Any Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
Notwithstanding anything else herein, any definition of Successor Rate shall provide that in no event shall such Successor Rate, with respect to the Initial Term Loans, be less than zero for purposes of this Agreement.
In connection with the implementation of a Successor Rate, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time, in consultation with the Borrower, and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Lenders and the Borrower reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.
For purposes of this Section 3.03, those Lenders that either have not made, or do not have an obligation under this Agreement to make, the relevant Loans in Dollars shall be excluded from any determination of Required Lenders.
Section 3.04. Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Term SOFR Loans.
(a) If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of any Change in Law, in each case after the Closing Date, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Loans or (as the case may be), or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Excluded Taxes, or (iii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c)) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining the Loan (or of maintaining its obligations to make any Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction; provided that to the extent any increased costs or reductions are incurred by any Lender as a result of any requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or pursuant to Basel III after the Closing Date, then such Lender shall be compensated pursuant to this Section 3.04 only if such Lender imposes such charges under other syndicated credit facilities involving similarly situated borrowers that such Lender is a lender under.
(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital adequacy or liquidity requirements or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office), has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any Person controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into
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consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity requirements and such Lender’s desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender (or the Person controlling such Lender) for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.
(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves, capital or liquidity with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Term SOFR funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each applicable Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower equal to the actual costs of such reserves, capital or liquidity allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio, capital or liquidity requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of any Term SOFR Loans of the Borrower, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan; provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation.
(e) If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage; provided, further, that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Sections 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).
Section 3.05. Funding Losses.
Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense actually incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan;
(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower, including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Term SOFR Loan made by it at Term SOFR for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the applicable interbank market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Term SOFR Loan was in fact so funded.
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Section 3.06. Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation.
(a) Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
(b) With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another applicable Term SOFR Loan, or, if applicable, to convert Base Rate Loans into Term SOFR Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.
(c) If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue any Term SOFR Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Term SOFR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lender’s applicable Term SOFR Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans (or, if such conversion is not possible, repaid) on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Term SOFR Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:
(i) to the extent that such Lender’s Term SOFR Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s applicable Term SOFR Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and
(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Term SOFR Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans (if possible), and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Term SOFR Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
(d) If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of any of such Lender’s Term SOFR Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Term SOFR Loans made by other Lenders under the applicable Facility are outstanding, if applicable, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Term SOFR Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Term SOFR Loans under such Facility and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments for the applicable Facility.
Section 3.07. Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances.
(a) If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes) or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make any Term SOFR Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, (iii) any Lender elects not to be an Extending Term Lender or (iv) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at its sole cost and expense, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (x) replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii)) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other
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such Person; provided, further, that (A) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes), such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to, and shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of, the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents; or (y) terminate the Commitment of such Lender (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or clause (iv)), as the case may be, and in the case of a Lender, repay all Obligations (including the payment of any Prepayment Premium) of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date; provided that in the case of any such termination of a Non-Consenting Lender such termination shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents and such termination shall be in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i)) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iv).
(b) Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a)(x) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s applicable Commitment and outstanding Loans in respect thereof, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans, Commitments and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such Assignment and Assumption (provided that Obligations other than with respect to the principal of the Loans may be paid by the Borrower) and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of each Lender, each affected Lender or each affected Lender of a certain Class in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a consent, waiver or amendment involving all affected Lenders of a certain Class, the Required Class Lenders as applicable) have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “Non-Consenting Lender.”
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, any amounts owing to a Non-Consenting Lender or a Lender electing not to be an Extending Term Lender under Section 2.05(a) shall be required to be paid as a condition to replacing or terminating such Lender under this Section 3.07.
Section 3.08. Survival.
All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations under any Loan Document.
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ARTICLE IV
Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions
Section 4.01. [Reserved].
Section 4.02. Conditions to All Credit Extensions.
The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a (x) Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans and or (y) a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility which shall be governed by Section 2.14(d)) is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(i) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified).
(ii) No Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.
(iii) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(i) and (ii) (or, in the case of a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility, the conditions specified in Section 2.14(d)) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower and each Guarantor party hereto (solely to the extent applicable to it) represents and warrants to the Agents and the Lenders at the time of each Credit Extension (to the extent required by the Exchange Agreement and/or Section 4.02, as applicable) that:
Section 5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws.
Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business as currently conducted and (ii) in the case of the Loan Parties, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs and injunctions and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case, referred to in clause (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (b)(i) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (c), (d) and (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.02. Authorization; No Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, are within such Loan Party’s corporate or other powers, (a) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and (b) do not (i) contravene the terms
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of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than as permitted by Section 7.01), or require any payment to be made under (x) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject, or (iii) violate any applicable Law; except with respect to any conflict, breach or contravention or payment (but not creation of Liens) referred to in clause (b)(ii)(x), to the extent that such violation, conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.
No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transactions, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings, recordings and registrations with Governmental Authorities necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect (except to the extent not required to be obtained, taken, given or made or be in full force and effect pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except that (x) certain actions which may be taken by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in the exercise of their rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Document may require the prior consent of the FCC, and (y) copies of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be required to be filed with the FCC for informational purposes.
Section 5.04. Binding Effect.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity, (ii) the need for filings, recordations and registrations necessary to create or perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties and (iii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges and/or Liens granted by the Loan Parties, if any, of or in Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries.
Section 5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) (i) The Audited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(ii) The Unaudited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(b) Any forecasts of consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income and cash flow of Holdings and its Subsidiaries which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such forecasts, it being understood that actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.
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(c) Since December 31, 2023, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) As of the Closing Date, none of Holdings and its Subsidiaries has any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) the liabilities reflected on Schedule 5.05 or otherwise set forth on the Unaudited Financial Statements, (ii) obligations arising under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents and the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents and (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business that, either individually or in the aggregate, have not had nor could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).
Section 5.06. Litigation.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.06, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.07. Special Representations Relating to FCC Authorizations, Etc.
(a) The Borrower and its Subsidiaries hold all FCC Authorizations that are necessary or required for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to conduct their business in the manner in which it is currently being conducted, except where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Schedule 5.07 hereto lists each material FCC Authorization held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary as of the Closing Date. With respect to each Broadcast License issued by the FCC and listed on Schedule 5.07 hereto, the description includes the call sign, FCC identification number, community of license and the license expiration date.
(b) All material FCC Authorizations held by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, with such exceptions as would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.07, and except for such matters as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has knowledge of any investigation, notice of apparent liability, notice of violation, notice of forfeiture or complaint issued by or filed with or before the FCC with respect to any material FCC Authorization (other than proceedings relating to the broadcast industry generally), and (ii) no event has occurred that has resulted in, or after notice or lapse of time or both would reasonably be expected to result in, revocation, suspension, material adverse modification, non-renewal, material impairment, material restriction or termination of, or material forfeiture with respect to, any material FCC authorization. For purposes of this Section 5.07, all references to material FCC Authorizations include all of the Broadcast Licenses. The Borrower and the Subsidiaries have timely filed all required reports and notices with the FCC and have paid all amounts due in timely fashion on account of fees and charges to the FCC, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens and Real Property.
(a) Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries has good record title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all Real Property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except as set forth on Schedule 5.08(a) hereto and except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and except where the failure to have such title or other interest could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.08(b) hereto, as of the Closing Date, neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any Material Real Property.
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Section 5.09. Environmental Matters.
Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09(a) or except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each Loan Party and its respective properties and operations are and, other than any matters which have been finally resolved with no further liability or obligations, have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all applicable Environmental Permits required under such Environmental Laws to carry on the business of the Loan Parties;
(b) the Loan Parties have not received any written notice that alleges any of them is in violation of or potentially liable under any Environmental Laws and none of the Loan Parties nor any of the Real Property is the subject of any claims, investigations, liens, demands, or judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened, under or relating to any Environmental Law;
(c) there has been no Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any Real Property or facilities currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, or arising out of the conduct of the Loan Parties that requires or could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability;
(d) there are no facts, circumstances or conditions arising out of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective operations or any facilities currently or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, formerly owned, leased or operated by any of the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries, that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability; and
(e) the Borrower has made available to the Administrative Agent all environmental reports, studies, assessments, audits, or other similar documents containing information regarding any Environmental Liability that are in the possession or control of a Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party.
Section 5.10. Taxes.
Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns required to be filed, and have paid all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, that are due and payable (including in their capacity as a withholding agent), except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted. Except as described on Schedule 5.10, there is no proposed Tax deficiency or assessment known to any Loan Parties against the Loan Parties that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.11. ERISA Compliance.
(a) Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder and other Applicable Laws.
(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred during the five year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could reasonably be expected to be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, (v) each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received from the IRS a favorable determination or opinion letter, which has not by its terms expired, that such Plan is so qualified, or such Plan is entitled to rely on an IRS advisory or
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opinion letter with respect to an IRS-approved master and prototype or volume submitter plan, or a timely application for such a determination or opinion letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto, and nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification; (vi) there is no “funding shortfall” (within the meaning of Section 430(c) of the Code or Section 303(c) of ERISA) with respect to each Pension Plan (determined as of the end of the most recently preceding plan year pursuant to the assumptions used for funding such Pension Plan for the applicable plan year in accordance with Section 430 of the Code); (vii) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan; and (viii) there has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to a Plan that is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code) in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) With respect to each Foreign Pension Plan and except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) such Foreign Pension Plan has been maintained and administered in compliance with its terms and with the requirements of all applicable Law, (ii) all required contributions with respect to such Foreign Pension Plan have been made when due and (iii) the present value of the accrued benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each such Foreign Pension Plan, determined as of the most recent valuation date of such Foreign Pension plan, on the basis of actuarial assumptions each of which are reasonable, did not exceed the current value of the assets of such Foreign Pension plan allocable to such liabilities.
Section 5.12. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.
As of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions), no Loan Party has any Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests owned by the Loan Parties in its material Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid and all Equity Interests owned by a Loan Party in such material Subsidiaries are owned free and clear of all Liens except any Lien that is permitted to be on such Equity Interests under Section 7.01. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.12 sets forth the name and jurisdiction of each Loan Party and sets forth the ownership interest of the Borrower and any other Guarantor in each material Subsidiary, including the percentage of such ownership.
Section 5.13. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
(a) None of the Loan Parties is engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System.
(b) None of the Borrower or any other Loan Party is an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Section 5.14. Disclosure.
No written report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party (other than projected financial information, pro forma financial information and information of a general economic or industry nature) to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (when taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. With respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, each of Holdings and the Borrower represents that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by Holdings and the Borrower to be reasonable at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections are as to future events and are not to be viewed as facts, are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, that no assurance can be given that any particular projections will be realized and that actual results during the period or periods covered may vary significantly from actual results and that such variances may be material.
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Section 5.15. Labor Matters.
Except as, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened, (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Laws, (c) the Borrower and the other Loan Parties have complied with all applicable labor laws including work authorization and immigration and (d) all payments due from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on account of employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the relevant party.
Section 5.16. Use of Proceeds.
The Borrower will (a) use the proceeds of the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date to consummate the Existing Debt Purchase (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) and (b) use the proceeds of Incremental Term Loans solely in accordance with Section 2.14(e)(iii).
Section 5.17. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.
Holdings and its Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights and other intellectual property rights, whether owned or licensed (collectively, “IP Rights”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, and, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, such IP Rights do not conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such failure to own, license or possess or such conflicts, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The business of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon, misappropriate or otherwise violate any IP Rights held by any Person except for such infringements, misappropriations and violations, individually or in the aggregate, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any of the IP Rights, is filed and presently pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, presently threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except pursuant to licenses and other user agreements entered into by each Loan Party in the ordinary course of business, as of the Closing Date, all registrations listed on schedules to the applicable Intellectual Property Security Agreements entered into on the Closing Date are valid and subsisting except, in each case, to the extent failure of such registrations to be valid and subsisting could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.18. Solvency.
On the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Transactions, Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
Section 5.19. OFAC; USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA.
(a) To the extent applicable, each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) applicable Sanctions, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and other anti-corruption laws, and (ii) the USA PATRIOT Act.
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(b) Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties, any director, officer, employee, agent or controlled affiliate of Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings is currently the subject of any Sanctions, nor is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in any country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions (as of the Closing Date, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine).
(c) No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, lent, contributed or otherwise made available, directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or Holdings, indirectly, by the Borrower or Holdings (i) in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended or other applicable anti-corruption law; (ii) for the purpose of financing or facilitating any activities or business of or with, involving or for the benefit of any Person that, at the time of such financing or facilitation, is the subject of any Sanctions in violation of applicable Sanctions; or (iii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of applicable Sanctions by any Person.
Section 5.20. [Reserved].
Section 5.21. Security Documents.
(a) Valid Liens. Each Collateral Document delivered pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and Sections 6.11 and 6.13 will, upon execution and delivery thereof, be effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral described therein to the extent intended to be created thereby and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate offices for filing and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the applicable Collateral Document), the Liens created by the Collateral Documents (other than the Mortgages) shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in (to the extent intended to be created thereby), all right, title and interest of the grantors in such Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing financing statements or the taking of possession or control, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder.
(b) PTO Filing; Copyright Office Filing. When the Intellectual Property Security Agreements are properly filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, to the extent such filings may perfect such interests, the Liens created by the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Copyrights (as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to establish a Lien on registered Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights acquired by the grantors thereof after the Closing Date).
(c) Mortgages. Upon recording thereof in the appropriate recording office, each Mortgage is effective to create, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable perfected Liens on, and security interest in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Properties thereunder and the proceeds thereof, subject only to Liens permitted hereunder, and when any Mortgage executed and delivered after the Closing Date in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and Section 6.13, is filed in the offices specified in the local counsel opinion delivered with respect thereto in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and 6.13, the Mortgages shall constitute legal, valid and enforceable perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, other than Liens permitted by hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything herein (including this Section 5.21) or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party makes any representation or warranty as to (A) the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest in any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary, or as to the rights and remedies of the Agents or any Lender with respect thereto, under foreign Law or (B) the pledge or creation of any security interest, or the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest to the extent such pledge, security interest, perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
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ARTICLE VI
Affirmative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied Holdings shall, and shall cause, to the extent applicable, each of its Subsidiaries to:
Section 6.01. Financial Statements.
(a) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 105 days after the end of such fiscal year), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of any independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit other than a going concern qualification or “emphasis of matter” resulting from (i) an upcoming maturity date under the Facilities (including any Refinancing Loans, Incremental Loans or any Extended Loans) or Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 or (ii) any actual or prospective financial covenant default; and
(b) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Holdings (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal quarter), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter and the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders’ equity for the current fiscal quarter and consolidated statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of Holdings as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of Holdings and the Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings, including Parent) or (B) Holdings’ (or any direct or indirect parent thereof, including Parent), as applicable, Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that with respect to clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of Holdings, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to Holdings (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 6.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of any independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, except as permitted in Section 6.01(a), shall not be subject to any “going concern” or “emphasis of matter” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.
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Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and Section 6.02(b) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings) posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the website on the Internet at Holdings’ website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on Holdings’ behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, Holdings shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent; and (ii) Holdings shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.
Section 6.02. Certificates; Other Information.
Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:
(a) no later than five (5) Business Days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings and the Borrower, which shall include a reconciliation of “Consolidated EBITDA” with “Adjusted EBITDA” (or any similar term or concept) as used in any applicable financial statements of Holdings (or any indirect parent thereof, including Parent), including Form 10-K or 10-Q (to the extent such reconciliation is not included in such financial statements);
(b) promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which Holdings, (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings, including Parent) or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 6.02(b) may be satisfied so long as such information is publicly available on the SEC’s EDGAR website;
(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material requests or material notices received by any Loan Party (other than in the ordinary course of business) or material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or of any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any Secured Notes Documents, Existing Credit Agreement Documents, Existing Notes Documents or any other Junior Financing Documentation and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, and any other Indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other clause of this Section 6.02;
(d) together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a), (i) in the case of annual Compliance Certificates only, a report setting forth the legal name and the jurisdiction of formation of each Loan Party and the location of the chief executive office of each Loan Party or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such report, (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last fiscal quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.05(b) and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary of Holdings that identifies each Excluded Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or confirmation that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such list;
(e) [reserved]; and
(f) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
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Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Borrower hereby agrees to mark all Borrower Materials that the Borrower intends to be made available to Public Lenders by clearly and conspicuously designating such Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC.” By designating Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC”, the Borrower (x) authorizes such Borrower Materials to be made available to a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor”, which is intended to contain only information that is either publicly available or not material information (though it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws, (y) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat such Borrower Materials as publicly available and not containing any material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws and (z) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.” The Borrower agrees that (i) any Loan Documents and notifications of changes in terms of the Loan Documents, (ii) any financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and (iii) any Compliance Certificates delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) will be deemed to be “public-side” Borrower Materials and may be made available to Public Lenders.
Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to communications that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws.
Section 6.03. Notices.
Within 3 Business Days after a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower has obtained knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:
(a) of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;
(b) of any matter that has resulted in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) of the filing or commencement of any action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, (i) against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) with respect to any Loan Document.
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Sections 6.03(a), (b) or (c) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 6.04. Payment of Obligations.
Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable in the normal conduct of its business, all its obligations and liabilities in respect of Taxes imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, except, in each case, (i) to the extent any such Tax is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established or (ii) if such failure to pay or discharge such obligations and liabilities would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except (x) in a transaction permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and (y) any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Subsidiary in a transaction permitted by Article VII and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including its good standing where applicable in the relevant jurisdiction), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business (including any material Broadcast Licenses) except, in the case of (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower) or (b), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.06. Maintenance of Properties.
Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, preserve and protect all of its material tangible or intangible properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition (including, in the case of IP Rights, by maintaining, preserving and protecting such rights, including by maintaining and renewing registrations and reasonably prosecuting applications therefor), ordinary wear and tear excepted and fire, casualty or condemnation excepted.
Section 6.07. Maintenance of Insurance.
(a) Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.
(b) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a special flood hazard area (a “Special Flood Hazard Area”) with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as in effect on the Closing Date or thereafter or any successor act thereto), then the Borrower shall, or shall cause each Loan Party to, (i) maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer (except to the extent that any insurance company insuring the Mortgaged Property of such Loan Party ceases to be financially sound and reputable after the Closing Date, in which case, such Loan Party shall promptly replace such insurance company with a financially sound and reputable insurance company), flood insurance in an amount as the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) promptly upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, will deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders, evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, including, without limitation, evidence of annual renewals of such insurance.
(c) All such liability and casualty insurance (other than business interruption insurance) as to which the Administrative Agent shall have reasonably requested to be so named, shall name the Administrative Agent as additional insured or lender loss payee, as applicable.
Section 6.08. Compliance with Laws.
(a) Comply with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Operate all of the Broadcast Stations and other facilities authorized by the FCC Authorizations in material compliance with the Communications Laws and with the terms of the FCC Authorizations, (i) timely file all required reports and notices with the FCC and pay all amounts due in a timely fashion on account of fees and charges to the FCC and (ii) timely file and prosecute all applications for renewal or for extension with respect to all of the FCC Authorizations, except, in each case of the foregoing, for any failure which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.09. Books and Records.
Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied and which reflect all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Holdings or a Subsidiary, as the case may be (it being understood and agreed that certain Foreign Subsidiaries maintain individual books and records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in their respective countries of organization and that such maintenance shall not constitute a breach of the representations, warranties or covenants hereunder).
Section 6.10. Inspection Rights.
Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants’ customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, other than any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two times during any calendar year and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided, further, that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing from time to time at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of Holdings nor any Subsidiary shall be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product.
Section 6.11. Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors.
At the Borrower’s expense, take all action either necessary or as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:
(a) Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by Holdings or (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary (including, following the designation of a Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor) (a “New Subsidiary”):
(i) within sixty (60) days after such formation, acquisition, cessation or designation or election, or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion:
(A) cause each such Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (each, a “New Guarantor”) to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) joinders to this Agreement as Guarantors, Security Agreement Supplements (with respect to any US Guarantor), Intellectual
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Property Security Agreements, Mortgages, a counterpart of the Intercompany Note, each Intercreditor Agreement, if applicable, and other security agreements and documents (including, with respect to such Mortgages, the documents listed in Section 6.13)), as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (consistent with the Mortgages, Security Agreement and other Collateral Documents in effect on the Closing Date), in each case granting Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(B) cause each such New Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests in such New Subsidiary (to the extent certificated or constituting “certificated securities”) and intercompany notes that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank;
(C) take and cause any such New Subsidiary that is a New Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to take whatever action (including the recording of Mortgages, the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and intellectual property security agreements, and delivery of Pledged Equity and Pledged Debt, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank) as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent to vest in the Collateral Agent (or in any representative of the Collateral Agent designated by it) valid and perfected Liens securing the Obligations to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(ii) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Loan Parties consistent with the opinion delivered pursuant to the Exchange Agreement on the Closing Date;
(iii) as promptly as practicable after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Material Real Property, any existing title reports, abstracts or environmental assessment reports, to the extent available and in the possession or control of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries; provided that there shall be no obligation to deliver to the Administrative Agent any existing environmental assessment report whose disclosure to the Administrative Agent would require the consent of a Person other than the Loan Parties or one of their respective Subsidiaries, where, despite the commercially reasonable efforts of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries to obtain such consent, such consent cannot be obtained; and
(iv) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Collateral Agent any other items necessary from time to time to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement with respect to perfection and existence of security interests with respect to property of any Guarantor acquired after the Closing Date and subject to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, but not specifically covered by the preceding clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) or clause (b) below.
(b) Not later than ninety (90) days after the acquisition by any Loan Party of any Material Real Property as determined by the Borrower (acting reasonably and in good faith) (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion) that is required to be provided as Collateral pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, cause such property to be subject to a Lien and Mortgage in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and take, or cause the relevant Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect or record such Lien, in each case to the extent required by, and subject to the limitations and exceptions of, the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
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Section 6.12. Compliance with Environmental Laws.
Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, comply, and take all commercially reasonable actions to cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain, maintain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, in each case to the extent the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries are required by Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, remedial or other corrective action necessary to address Hazardous Materials at any property or facility in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.
Section 6.13. Further Assurances.
Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of any Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent reasonably determines that it is required by applicable Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of any Loan Party subject to a Mortgage constituting Collateral, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of FIRREA.
Section 6.14. Designation of Subsidiaries.
Holdings may designate (or re-designate) any Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that (i) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Excluded Subsidiary if it is a guarantor for the purpose of any Secured Notes Documents, ABL Loan Documents, Existing Credit Agreement Documents, Existing Notes Documents or any other Junior Financing, (ii) any such designation (or redesignation) of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary shall (x) constitute an Investment by Holdings or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of the Investments held by Holdings and/or the applicable Subsidiaries in such Electing Guarantor immediately prior to such designation and such Investments shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (y) not be done for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction, (iii) any Indebtedness or Liens of any Subsidiary designated (or re-designated) as an Electing Guarantor or an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to be incurred after giving effect to such designation and such incurrence shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (iv) after giving effect to any re-designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be an Immaterial Subsidiary.
Section 6.15. Maintenance of Ratings.
Use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause not later than forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date the Initial Term Loans to be continuously rated (but not any specific rating) by S&P and Moody’s and (ii) maintain not later than forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date a public corporate rating for the Borrower (but not any specific rating) from S&P and a public corporate family rating for the Borrower (but not any specific rating) from Moody’s. For purposes of clause (ii) of this Section 6.15, a public corporate rating of Holdings and/or Parent and a public corporate family for Holdings and/or Parent shall be sufficient.
Section 6.16. Post-Closing Covenants.
Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, Holdings and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each of the other Loan Parties to, deliver each of the documents, instruments and agreements and take each of the actions set forth on Schedule 6.16 within the time periods set forth therein (or such longer time periods as determined by the Required Lenders in their reasonable discretion).
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Section 6.17. License Subsidiaries.
(a) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that each License Subsidiary engages only in the business of holding Broadcast Licenses and rights and activities related thereto in all material respects.
(b) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that the FCC Authorizations held by each License Subsidiary are not (i) commingled with the property of the Borrower and any Subsidiary thereof other than another License Subsidiary in all material respects or (ii) transferred by such License Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any other License Subsidiary), except in connection with a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05.
(c) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that no License Subsidiary has any material Indebtedness or other material liabilities except (i) liabilities arising under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, Permitted Junior Debt, Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and any Permitted Refinancing in respect of the foregoing and (ii) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, tax liabilities incidental to ownership of such rights and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, including those in connection with agreements necessary or desirable to operate broadcast stations, including affiliation, programming, syndication, time brokerage, joint sales, lease and similar agreements.
Section 6.18. Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Term Loans in the manner contemplated by Section 5.16.
ARTICLE VII
Negative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (and Holdings in the case of Section 7.14) covenant and agree that:
Section 7.01. Liens.
Neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:
(a) (i) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document; (ii) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(ii) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iii) with the priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (iv) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iv) that rank equal or junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, (v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(u) that rank pari passu or junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, and (vi) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(v) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
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(b) Liens (x) in existence on the Closing Date that are listed, and the property subject thereto described, in Schedule 7.01(b) (or, to the extent not listed on such Schedule 7.01(b), where the principal amount of obligations secured by such Lien is less than $10,000,000), and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (x) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (y) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted by Section 7.03;
(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or not yet payable or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than forty-five (45) days or if more than forty-five (45) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property, and any exceptions on the Mortgage Policies issued in connection with the Mortgaged Properties, that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);
(i) leases, licenses, subleases, cross-licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;
(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
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(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens (i) on cash advances or Cash Equivalents in favor of (x) the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Sections 7.02(i) and (n) or (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05 (other than 7.05(e)), in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Borrower or a Subsidiary on assets of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party securing permitted intercompany Indebtedness and (ii) in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Borrowing or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Agreement;
(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 7.02;
(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(r) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are located;
(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(e); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 365 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
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(v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(s) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens securing the Obligations in accordance with the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(w) In the case of Liens securing Indebtedness assumed pursuant to Section 7.03(g), Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14), in each case after the Closing Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral, the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (A) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (B) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the liens securing the Obligations, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(y) to the extent constituting a Lien, Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this Section 7.01; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 7.03 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(bb) other Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(f);
(cc) other Liens securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $100,000,000; provided that such Liens secure obligations incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(dd) [reserved];
(ee) [reserved];
(ff) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;
(gg) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises; and
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(hh) Liens on proceeds of Indebtedness held in Escrow for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the Borrower or a Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Loan Party shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien securing debt for borrowed money on the Equity Interests of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary held by a Loan Party unless such Equity Interests shall also be pledged to the Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.01, (A) Liens need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted by this Section 7.01 but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) with respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any amount permitted under Section 7.03(x) in respect of such Indebtedness.
Section 7.02. Investments.
Neither the Borrower nor the Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, make any Investments, except:
(a) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;
(b) Loans or advances to officers, directors, managers and employees of any Loan Party (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent thereof directly from such issuing entity (provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time (x) under clause (ii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate and (y) under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;
(c) Investments by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of any Investment by a Loan Party in a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, (i) the aggregate amount of such Investments made pursuant to this clause (c), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the succeeding clause (z), shall not exceed the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount, (ii) such Investment is made for a bona fide business purpose and (iii) so long as no Event of Default is continuing or would result from such Investment;
(d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(e) Investments (excluding loans and advances made in lieu of Restricted Payments pursuant to and limited by Section 7.02(m) below) consisting of transactions permitted under Sections 7.01, 7.03 (other than 7.03(c) and (d)), 7.04 (other than 7.04(c), (d) and (e)), 7.05 (other than 7.05(d) or (e)), 7.06 and 7.13, respectively;
(f) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(f) (or, to the extent not listed on such Schedule 7.02(f), where the amount of such Investment is less than $5,000,000) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Closing Date by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that, in each case, the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Closing Date and described on Schedule 7.02(f) or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.02;
(g) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 7.03;
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(h) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05 to an unaffiliated third party;
(i) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of a Person, or any Equity Interests in a Person that becomes a Subsidiary or a division or line of business of a Person, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (including as a result of an Investment in any such Person so long as such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, a Loan Party); provided that (i) no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) the newly acquired business shall comply with Section 7.07 and (iii) (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall be acquired by a Loan Party and/or (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor (any such acquisition, a “Permitted Acquisition”);
(j) [reserved];
(k) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(l) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;
(m) loans and advances to Holdings and any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction), and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof) Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with Sections 7.06(f), (g), (h) or (l) (it being understood that the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made under Section 7.06(f), (g), (h) or (l) shall be reduced by the amount of Investments made pursuant this clause (m));
(n) other Investments made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (n) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the sum of (I) $250,000,000 plus (II) the Available Restricted Payments Amount plus (III) the Available Equity Amount plus (IV) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Cash Equivalents (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Investments made pursuant to Section 7.02(n) in an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment); provided, further, that any Investment in a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.02(n) shall not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate;
(o) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is contemporaneously made solely with Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower);
(q) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a Person merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Borrower or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Subsidiary in accordance with Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
(r) [reserved];
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(s) [reserved];
(t) Guarantees by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(u) the licensing and contribution of intellectual property pursuant to bona fide joint venture arrangements with unaffiliated on-air or other talent providers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(v) Investments for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an unaffiliated Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent that the payment for any such Investment is made with advertising or other media inventory;
(w) [reserved];
(x) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Investments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 calculated on a consolidated basis for the then most recent Test Period ended immediately preceding the date on which Investment is consummated;
(y) Investments in bona fide joint ventures of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(y);
(z) Investments in joint ventures of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing Date made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction); provided that, the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (z), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the proviso to the foregoing clause (c), shall not exceed the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount (in each case, determined on the date such Investment is made, with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);
(aa) earnest money deposits required in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (or similar Investments); and
(bb) contributions to a “rabbi” trust for the benefit of employees or other grantor trusts subject to claims of creditors in the case of bankruptcy of the Borrower.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.02, in the event that an item of Investment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Investments described in clauses (a) through (bb) above, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Investment or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with this Section 7.02 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Investment in one or more of the above clauses. In the event that a portion of the Investments could be classified as incurred under a “ratio-based” basket (giving pro forma effect to the making of such Investments), the Borrower, in its sole discretion, may classify such portion of such Investment as having been incurred pursuant to such “ratio-based” basket and thereafter the remainder of the Investments as having been incurred pursuant to one or more of the other clauses of this Section 7.02.
Section 7.03. Indebtedness. Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) (i) Indebtedness of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents, (ii) the Existing Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof, (iii) Indebtedness under the ABL Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the sum of (x) $475,000,000 (which shall include, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any prepayment premium, make-whole premium or exit or similar premium or fee) plus (y) other ABL Facility obligations not constituting principal (other than as set forth in clause (x) above) and any Permitted Refinancing
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thereof, (iv) the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (v) the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(b) (i) Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 7.03(b) hereto (or, to the extent not listed on Schedule 7.03(b), where the principal amount of such Indebtedness is less than $5,000,000) in each case in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(c) Guarantees by the Borrower and any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that (A) no Guarantee of (i) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guaranty of the Obligations on the terms set forth herein, (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guaranty of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness and (C) any such Guarantee by a Loan Party of Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.03(c) shall be an Investment that must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(d) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower); provided that any such Indebtedness (i) owing by any Loan Party to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall, in each case be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note, (ii) subject to Section 6.16, owed to a Loan Party by any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall be evidenced by the Intercompany Note (which, for the avoidance of doubt, such Intercompany Note shall be pledged to the extent evidencing Indebtedness owed to a Loan Party) and (iii) owing by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be an Investment in a non-Loan Party that must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(e) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) (other than sale-leaseback transactions) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary prior to or within 365 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(m) and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this Section 7.03(e) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(f) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(g) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50,000,000; provided that (i) any such assumed Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment, (ii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio in effect immediately prior to the making of such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, in each case, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;
(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
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(i) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to future, present or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower permitted by Section 7.06;
(j) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments;
(k) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;
(l) obligations in respect of Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
(m) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $125,000,000; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this Section 7.03(m) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Borrower (other than a Loan Party); provided, further, that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.03(m) shall not exceed at any time outstanding $25,000,000; provided, further, that if a Loan Party is an obligor of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this Section 7.03(m), such Indebtedness (x) shall be unsecured or (y) if secured, (i) the Liens securing such Indebtedness shall rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations and (ii) may not be secured by any assets other than Collateral;
(n) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 Business Days following the incurrence thereof;
(p) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(q) [Reserved;]
(r) Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such letter of credit;
(s) (i) Permitted Junior Debt; provided that (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Indebtedness and (y) either (1) the proceeds of such Permitted Junior Debt are promptly applied to refinance or replace any Existing Term Loans or the Existing Notes in accordance with Section 7.13(a) or (2) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not greater than 7.40 to 1.00 determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(t) (i) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that such refinancing shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Section 7.03 other than by an amount equal to (x) unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
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(u) (i) the First Lien Notes (9.125%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (9.125%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (9.125%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(vi), (ii) the First Lien Notes (7.750%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (7.750%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.750%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(vii), (iii) the First Lien Notes (7.000%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (7.000%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.000%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(viii) and (ix) and (iv) in the case of clauses (i) through (iii) above, any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(v) (i) the Second Lien Notes issued on the Closing Date and additional Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Unsecured Notes in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(ix) and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof; and
(w) [reserved]; and
(x) subject to the restrictions set forth in clause (a)(iii) above, all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in the clauses above.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in the clauses above, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with this Section 7.03 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that (i) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents or the Existing Notes Documents and in each case any Permitted Refinancing thereof, will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the applicable exception in Section 7.03(a), (ii) all Indebtedness outstanding under the First Lien Notes Documents and any Permitted Refinancing thereof will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in Section 7.03(u) and (iii) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Second Lien Notes Documents and any Permitted Refinancing thereof will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in Section 7.03(v). The accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 7.03.
For the avoidance of doubt, Permitted Refinancings (and all subsequent refinancings thereof with Permitted Refinancings) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness that is permitted to be incurred pursuant to any provision of this Section 7.03 other than, in each case, as permitted by the definition of Permitted Refinancings with respect to each such incurrence thereof.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document:
(A) any Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date owed by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party shall be unsecured and subordinated in right payment to the Obligations pursuant to the Intercompany Note; and
(B) no Indebtedness incurred by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, the proceeds of which is or is contemplated to be lent by such Subsidiary to any Loan Party may be Guaranteed by any Loan Party nor shall any Loan Party provide any other credit support in respect of such Indebtedness (this clause (B), together with clause (A), the “Double-Dip Provision”).
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Section 7.04. Fundamental Changes.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:
(a) any Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction); provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person and such merger does not result in the Borrower ceasing to be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) one or more other Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Loan Party is merging with a Subsidiary, a Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
(b) (i) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may liquidate or dissolve if (x) the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders or the Collateral Agent and (y) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Loan Party, any assets or business not otherwise disposed of or transferred in accordance with Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e) or (h)) or 7.05 or, in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to otherwise owned or conducted by another Loan Party after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor will remain a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Guarantor hereunder), and (iii) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders or the Collateral Agent and all actions are taken to maintain the perfection of the Collateral Agent’s Liens on the Collateral);
(c) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then either (i) the transferee must be a Guarantor or the Borrower or (ii) such Disposition shall be made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and constitute an Investment in a non-Loan Party and must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Guaranty shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (D) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement and/or other applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (E) if requested by the Administrative Agent, each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, and (F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Agreement, the Guaranty and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement;
(e) [reserved];
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(f) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.05 (other than a Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries); and
(g) the Transactions may be consummated.
Section 7.05. Dispositions
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition, except:
(a) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of immaterial property in the ordinary course of business that is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;
(b) Dispositions of inventory or goods (or other assets, including furniture and equipment) held for sale, intellectual property licensed to customers and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business), in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party, (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party or (ii) such transaction shall be deemed to be an Investment in a non-Loan Party and must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(e) to the extent constituting Dispositions, transactions permitted by Sections 7.01, 7.02 (other than Section 7.02(e)), 7.04 (other than Section 7.04(f)) and 7.06 (provided that the Equity Interests issued in respect of any such Restricted Payment shall have complied with the other provisions of this Section 7.05);
(f) Dispositions of Identified Assets not for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction;
(g) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;
(h) leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(i) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;
(j) Dispositions of property; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition and (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $5,000,000, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than Permitted Liens; provided that for the purposes of this clause (j)(ii), the following shall be deemed to be cash: (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s (or the Subsidiaries’, as applicable) most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee pursuant to a Disposition for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) to a non-Affiliate third party and for which the Borrower and all of its Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents
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(to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (C) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed the greater of $5,000,000 (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents);
(k) [reserved];
(l) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with any committed receivables, factoring, securitization or similar financing);
(m) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Closing Date shall not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate;
(n) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower;
(o) [reserved];
(p) the unwinding of any Swap Contract pursuant to its terms;
(q) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(r) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(s) Dispositions of assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate fair market value of less than or equal to $5,000,000 for a single Disposition or series of related Dispositions; provided that, in no event shall Dispositions pursuant to this clause (s) exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year;
provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 7.05 (except pursuant to Sections 7.05(e), (i), (p), (r) and (s) and except for Dispositions from a Loan Party to any other Loan Party) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 7.05 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents (and such Liens shall be automatically released), and the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.05, (A) Dispositions need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Dispositions permitted by this Section 7.05 but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that Dispositions (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Dispositions permitted by this Section 7.05, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Dispositions (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this provision.
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Section 7.06. Restricted Payments.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:
(a) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower, and other Subsidiaries of the Borrower (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall directly or indirectly make any Restricted Payment pursuant to this Section 7.06(a) to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party unless it is promptly further contributed to a Loan Party;
(b) the Borrower and each Subsidiary may declare and make Restricted Payments payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 7.03) of such Person;
(c) [reserved];
(d) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(e) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e) and (m)), 7.04 or 7.08 (other than Sections 7.08(e) or 7.08(j));
(f) repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any Subsidiary of Holdings in the ordinary course of business deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(g) the Borrower and each Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (or of the Borrower or any other such direct or indirect parent thereof) from any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, manager, director, officer or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (g) shall not exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum amount of Restricted Payments of $10,000,000 made in any calendar year) and (ii) other than in the case of a non-discretionary the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement, no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom; provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(i) to the extent contributed to Holdings, the net cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of any of Holdings’ direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Closing Date, to the extent net cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have been Not Otherwise Applied; plus
(ii) the Net Proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by Holdings or its Subsidiaries; less
(iii) the amount of Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clause (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.06(g).
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(h) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 minus amounts outstanding at such time (or otherwise applied to the extent such loans and advances are not repaid in cash) in respect of loans and advances to Holdings pursuant to Section 7.02(m); provided that no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom;
(i) The Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower:
(i) to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors, managers or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used by such parent to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any of its direct or indirect parents’) corporate existence or good standing under applicable law;
(iii) for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date (A) in which Holdings and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group (a “Tax Group”) of which a direct or indirect parent of Borrower is the common parent or (B) in which Holdings is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes, to pay U.S. federal, state and local and foreign Taxes that are attributable to the taxable income, revenue, receipts, gross receipts, gross profits, capital or margin of Holdings and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount of such Taxes that Holdings and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay if they were a stand-alone Tax Group with Holdings as the corporate common parent of such stand-alone Tax Group;
(iv) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to Section 7.02 if such parent were subject to such Section; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) such parent shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or the other Loan Parties or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 7.04) of the Person formed or acquired into the Borrower or the other Loan Parties in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11; provided, further, that in no event shall any contribution pursuant to this Section 7.06(i)(iv) increase the Available Equity Amount or Investment capacity under Section 7.02;
(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries; and
(vi) the proceeds of which shall be used by the Borrower to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) that is directly attributable to the operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;
(j) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar non-U.S. Taxes with respect to any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;
(k) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition; and
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(l) any Restricted Payment by the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary.
Section 7.07. Change in Nature of Business.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by Holdings and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
Section 7.08. Transactions with Affiliates.
Neither the Borrower shall, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of Holdings, whether or not in the ordinary course of business for a transaction value in excess of $15,000,000 per each individual transaction or series of related transactions, other than (a) loans and other transactions among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Subsidiary or as a result of such loan or other transaction to the extent permitted under this Article VII, (b) on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (c) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions, (d) [reserved], (e) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06 and Investments permitted under Section 7.02, (f) employment and severance arrangements between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business, (g) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (h) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (i) [reserved], (j) payments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by Section 7.06(i)(iii), (k) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower to any Permitted Holder or to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof or (l) a joint venture which would constitute a transaction with an Affiliate solely as a result of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary owning an equity interest or otherwise controlling such joint venture or similar entity.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.08, no Affiliate of Holdings (other than the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) shall provide Indebtedness to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries unless (i) there are non-Affiliate holders of such Indebtedness, (ii) such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such Indebtedness and (iii) such Indebtedness is incurred for a bona fide business for purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and not to evade the requirements for incurring Indebtedness under Section 7.03.
Section 7.09. Burdensome Agreements.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or to make or repay intercompany loans and advances to Holdings or any Guarantor or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facilities and the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations which (i)(x) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.09) are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted
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modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation, (ii) are binding on a Subsidiary at the time such Subsidiary first becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided, further, that this clause (ii) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that are binding on a Person that becomes a Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Loan Party which is permitted by Section 7.03, (iv) arise in connection with any Disposition permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such Disposition, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 7.02 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness, (vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto, (viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), (g) or (m) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness, (ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Sections 7.01 and 7.02 and limited to such cash or deposit, (xiii) [reserved] and (xiv) are restrictions contained in any ABL Loan Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents or, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof.
Section 7.10. Material Assets.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, no Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or material intellectual property or other material property or asset that, in each case, is necessary at such time to the operation of the business of the Loan Parties (or Equity Interests in any Loan Party that owns any such Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or any such material intellectual property or other material property or asset) that are, in each of the foregoing cases, owned by a Loan Party, may be transferred (whether as an Investment, Restricted Payment, Disposition or otherwise) in any respect, whether directly or indirectly or by one or more transactions (including pursuant the release of any Guaranty provided by any Guarantor), by any Loan Party to any Affiliate of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party, other than pursuant to non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction).
Section 7.11. Total Net Leverage Ratio.
(a) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes, the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.35 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
(b) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.40 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
(c) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.55 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
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Section 7.12. Change in Fiscal Year.
The Borrower shall not make any change in its fiscal year; provided that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.
Section 7.13. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness.
(a) The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) of any Indebtedness (i) that is or is required to be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, (ii) for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 that is unsecured (other than the Existing Unsecured Notes or Existing Secured Notes that become unsecured) and under which the Borrower or a Guarantor is an obligor, (iii) that is secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations or (iv) that constitutes Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) (the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively “Junior Financing”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation, except:
(i) (A) the refinancing thereof with the Net Proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes a Permitted Refinancing and, if such Indebtedness was originally incurred under Section 7.03(g) or (s), is permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(g) or (s)), to the extent not required to prepay any Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b) and (B) the refinancing, redemption or repurchase of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of Permitted Junior Debt;
(ii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents,
(iii) the prepayment of Indebtedness of Holdings or any Subsidiary to Holdings or any Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note;
(iv) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, so long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, unlimited prepayments of Junior Financing, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(v) exchanges of Existing Term Loans in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Term Loans so exchanged and consisting of consideration of solely Initial Term Loans (or other Term Loans with substantially the same terms as the Initial Term Loans), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans so exchanged, and otherwise effectuated pursuant to exchange agreement substantially consistent with the Exchange Agreement (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (v), a “Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange”);
(vi) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of solely First Lien Notes (9.125%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (9.125%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vi), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange”);
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(vii) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of First Lien Notes (7.750%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.750%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange”);
(viii) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of First Lien Notes (7.000%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.000%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange”);
(ix) exchanges of Existing Unsecured Notes in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Unsecured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration of Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange”);
(x) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances, exchanges and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of (i) $160,000,000 plus (ii) the Available Equity Amount;
(xi) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%), in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is 180 days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%), as applicable, or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
(xii) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of:
(A) the Existing Unsecured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes; provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger;
(B) the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%); provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
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(C) the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%); provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) , the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger.
(b) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Subsidiaries to amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders any term or condition of any Junior Financing Documentation without the consent of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) (it being understood that any amendments or modifications to Junior Financing Documentation that cause any such Junior Financing to no longer satisfy the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” shall be deemed materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders).
(c) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) the First Lien Notes (7.000%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) or the Second Lien Notes (and, in each case, any successive Permitted Refinancings thereof or other Refinancings thereof) or Refinancings of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, except (i) as otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.13(a), (ii) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 during the term of this Agreement and (iii) other prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00.
Section 7.14. Permitted Activities. Holdings, shall not conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any material business or operations (including any prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of Indebtedness); provided that the following shall be permitted in any event: (i) its ownership of the Equity Interests of the Borrower; (ii) the entry into, and the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, any documentation relating to any Permitted Junior Debt and any documentation relating to any Permitted Refinancing of the foregoing; (iii) the consummation of the Transactions; (iv) the payment of dividends and distributions permitted to be made to Holdings pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the making of contributions to the capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Guarantees of Indebtedness set forth in clause (ii) above and the Guarantees of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness; (v) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance and performance of activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees and those of its Subsidiaries); (vi) the performing of activities in preparation for and consummating any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) including converting into another type of legal entity; (vii) the participation in tax, accounting and other administrative matters, including compliance with applicable Laws and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees; (viii) the holding of any cash and Cash Equivalents (but not operating any property) and (ix) the entry into and performance of its obligations with respect to contracts and other arrangements relating to the indemnification to officers, managers, directors and employees; and (xii) any activities incidental to the foregoing.
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ARTICLE VIII
Events of Default and Remedies
Section 8.01. Events of Default.
Any of the following from and after the Closing Date shall constitute an event of default (an “Event of Default”):
(a) Non-Payment. Any Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or
(b) Specific Covenants. Holdings or any Subsidiary, fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03(a) or 6.05(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower) or Article VII; or
(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Sections 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to Holdings or the Borrower; or
(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of Holdings or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
(e) Cross-Default. Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than (i) the ABL Facility, which shall be governed solely by clause (C) hereof or (ii) Indebtedness hereunder) having an outstanding aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount or in respect of the Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes, (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, after giving effect to all applicable grace periods, or any other event occurs (other than, with respect to (i) the ABL Facility, which shall be governed solely by clause (C) hereof or (ii) Indebtedness consisting of Swap Contracts, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Swap Contracts), the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (B) shall not apply to Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder; provided, further, that (i) this clause (e) shall not apply if such failure is remedied or waived by the holders of such Indebtedness prior to any termination of the Commitments or acceleration of the Loans pursuant to this Article VIII, (ii) any event or condition set forth under this clause (e) shall not, until the expiration of any applicable grace period or the delivery of notice for the acceleration of the underlying Indebtedness by the applicable holder or holders of such Indebtedness, constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” for purposes of this Agreement or (C) shall breach any covenant or any default shall occur with respect to any ABL Facility or any Permitted Refinancing thereof, it being understood that any such breach or default shall not constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” with respect to any Term Loans unless and until the ABL Lenders have declared all amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility to be immediately due and payable and all outstanding commitments under the ABL Facility to be immediately terminated, and such declaration has not been rescinded on or before such date; or
(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
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(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or
(h) Judgments. There is entered against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days from the entry thereof; or
(i) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document or the validity or priority of a Lien as required by the Collateral Documents on a material portion of the Collateral; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or
(j) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or
(k) Collateral Documents. (i) Any Collateral Document or any material portion thereof, after delivery thereof pursuant to the Exchange Agreement or Sections 6.11 or 6.13 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof and thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement) cease to be in full force and effect and to create a valid and perfected Lien, with the priority required by this Agreement, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to the Lien priority permitted under Section 7.01, (x) except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or any loss thereof results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements and (y) except as to Collateral consisting of Real Property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage, or (ii) any of the Equity Interests of the Borrower shall for any reason cease to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents; or
(l) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or a Subsidiary in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan and a Material Adverse Effect could reasonably be expected to result.
Section 8.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may (with the consent of the Required Lenders) and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:
(i) terminate the Aggregate Commitments;
(ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the foregoing shall become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Loan Parties;
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(iii) [reserved]; and
(iv) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;
provided that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.01(f) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is not an Immaterial Subsidiary, (x) the Aggregate Commitments shall automatically terminate, and (y) the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including the Prepayment Premium) shall be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
Section 8.03. [Reserved].
Section 8.04. Application of Funds.
After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to any Intercreditor Agreements then in effect, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law):
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III or Section 10.05) payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its capacity as such and their Agent-Related Parties;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, to the payment of all other Obligations of the Borrower that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and
Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law or as directed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
ARTICLE IX
Administrative Agent and Other Agents
Section 9.01. Appointment and Authorization of Agents.
(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America, N.A. to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (for purposes of this Section 9.01, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are referred to collectively as the “Agents”) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the
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provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Agents to (i) execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and (ii) negotiate, enforce or the settle any claim, action or proceeding affecting the Lenders in their capacity as such, at the direction of the Required Lenders and, in each case, acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral 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 or the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any 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.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Each of the Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or on trust for) such Secured Party for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders.
(d) Except as provided in Sections 9.09 and 9.11, the provisions of this Article IX are solely for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
(e) The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
Section 9.02. Delegation of Duties.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, sub-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, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their
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respective Agent-Related Persons. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Agent-Related Persons of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Facilities as well as activities as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects, so long as such selection was made in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined in the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).
Section 9.03. Liability of Agents.
No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), (b) except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as an Agent or any of their respective Affiliates in any capacity, (c) be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to such Agent or (d) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or Participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by any Agent or any of their respective Affiliates under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, any failure to monitor or maintain any part of the Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Agent shall (a) be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) shall not be required to carry out any “know your customer” or other checks in relation to any person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Administrative Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates and (c) have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that no Agent (as applicable) shall be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Agent (as applicable) to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may affect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law.
Section 9.04. Reliance by Agents.
Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it
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shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan.
Section 9.05. Notice of Default.
The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice (it being understood that posting of such notice to the “private side” of the Platform shall be sufficient if (i) the Borrower determines that such notice contains material non-public information with respect to any of the Loan Parties or their securities and is not suitable for posting to “public” Lenders and (ii) such notice relates to Defaults (other than Events of Default); it being understood and agreed that the Administrative Agent shall post notices regarding Events of Default and payment Defaults to all Lenders). The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.
Section 9.06. Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents.
Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.
Section 9.07. Indemnification of Agents.
Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of
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competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse each Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by each Agent, as the case may be, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that such Agent, as the case may be, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Loan Parties; provided that such reimbursement by the Lenders shall not affect the Loan Parties’ continuing reimbursement obligations with respect thereto. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.
Section 9.08. Agents in Their Individual Capacities.
Bank of America, N.A. and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and its respective Affiliates as though such Person were not an Agent and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Bank of America, N.A. and/or any of its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that no Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Bank of America, N.A. and its Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not an Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include Bank of America, N.A. in its individual capacity. Any successor to Bank of America, N.A. as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall also have the rights attributed to Bank of America, N.A. under this paragraph.
Section 9.09. Successor Agents.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a), (f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, with the consent of the Required Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent”, as applicable, shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and such Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and Required
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Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged, if not previously discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence, from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
Section 9.10. 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 Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law) entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, curator, 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 or the Collateral 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 or the Collateral Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under Sections 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05.
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 9.11. Collateral and Guaranty Matters.
The Lenders irrevocably agree:
(a) that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is Disposed or to be Disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder to any Person other than a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent
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or the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents, (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders (iv) to the extent such asset constitutes an Excluded Asset (as defined in the Security Agreement) or (v) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;
(b) to release or subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Sections 7.01(u) or (w) (in the case of clause (w), to the extent required by the terms of the obligations secured by such Liens);
(c) that any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under the Guaranty in accordance with Section 11.10; and
(d) the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent may, without any further consent of any Lender, enter into (i) the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the Other Debt Representative for any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iv), (g) and (u) that is secured on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations and/or (iii) a Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the Other Debt Representative for any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Sections 7.03(a)(ii), (a)(iv), (g), (s), (u) and (v) that is secured on a junior lien basis with the Liens securing the Obligations, in each case, where such Indebtedness is secured by Liens permitted under Section 7.01. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may rely exclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower as to whether any such other Liens are permitted. The ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement entered into by the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be binding on the Secured Parties.
Subject to Section 10.01, upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent will promptly (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as the Borrower may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11.
Section 9.12. Other Agents.
None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “joint lead bookrunner”, “joint lead arranger”, “bookrunner”, “arranger”, “co-manager”, “co-syndication agent” or “co-documentation agent” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.
Section 9.13. Withholding Tax Indemnity.
To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the IRS or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed by such Lender, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective), such Lender shall, within 10 days after written demand therefor, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to
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Section 3.01 and Section 3.04 and without limiting or expanding the obligation of the Borrower to do so) for all amounts paid by the Administrative Agent as Taxes, together with all reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.13. The agreements in this Section 9.13 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitment and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
Section 9.14. Appointment of Supplemental Agents.
(a) It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a “Supplemental Agent” and collectively as “Supplemental Agents”).
(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Agent, as the context may require.
Should any instrument in writing from any Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, such Loan Party shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. In case any Supplemental Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Agent.
Section 9.15. Lender Action.
(a) Each Lender agrees that it shall not take or institute any actions or proceedings, judicial or otherwise, for any right or remedy against any Loan Party or any other obligor under any of the Loan Documents (including the exercise of any right of setoff (except to the extent permitted by Section 10.09), rights on account of any banker’s lien or similar claim or other rights of self-help), or institute any actions or proceedings, or otherwise commence any remedial procedures, with respect to any Guaranty or any Collateral or any other property of any such Loan Party, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The provisions of this Section 9.15 are for the sole benefit of the Lenders and the Agents and shall not afford any right to, or constitute a defense available to, any Loan Party.
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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the right of any Lender to bring suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, and premium (if any) or interest on, any Loan on or after the Maturity Date applicable thereto shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Lender.
Section 9.16. Intercreditor Agreements.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document: (a) the priority of the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent in favor of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and the exercise of any right related to any Collateral shall be subject, in each case, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (b) in the event of any conflict between the express terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, on the one hand, and of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as the case may be, shall control (in each case, other than any clause in any Loan Document which grants a lien or security interest, which clause shall control), and (c) each Lender (and, by its acceptance of the benefits of any Collateral Document, each other Secured Party) hereunder authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to execute the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of such Lender, and such Lender agrees to be bound by the terms thereof.
Section 9.17. Certain ERISA Matters.
(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 respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans or the Commitments,
(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 Commitments 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 Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments 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 Commitments 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.
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(b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (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 not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not 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 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).
Section 9.18. Recovery of Erroneous Payments.
Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
Section 10.01. Amendments, Etc.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders, or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders, and such Loan Party (with an executed copy thereof promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent if not otherwise part thereto; provided that failure to deliver such a copy shall not result in any Default or Event of Default nor affect the effectiveness of any such amendment, waiver or consent) and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that any amendment or waiver contemplated in clause (g) below, shall only require the consent of such Loan Party and the Required Facility Lenders under the applicable Facility, as applicable; provided, further, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender holding such Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);
(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce or forgive the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Sections 2.07 or 2.08 (or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay interest or principal on any date), or change any provision of Section 9.15(b) without the written consent of each Lender holding the applicable Obligation (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest);
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(c) reduce or forgive the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, or change the amount of principal or interest payable in cash on, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, any Loan or (subject to clause (ii) of the first proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or extend the timing of payments of such fees or other amounts) without the written consent of each Lender holding such Loan or to whom such fee or other amount is owed; provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;
(d) change any provision of 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders,” “Required Facility Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders” or any other provision specifying the number of Lenders or portion of the Loans or Commitments required to take any action under the Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that with the consent of the Required Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the “Required Lenders,” “Required Facility Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders” or similar provisions on substantially the same basis as the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date);
(e) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;
(f) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender;
(g) amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision which directly affects Lenders under one or more Facilities and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the Required Facility Lenders under such applicable Facility (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Required Facility Lenders of each such Facility, subject to the other clauses of this Section 10.01); provided that the waivers described in this clause (g) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the Required Facility Lenders under such Facility or Facilities;
(h) without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, (A) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Agreement or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) the Obligations in right of payment to any Indebtedness for borrowed money or (B) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Agreement or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) any Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the Obligations to the Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing any other Indebtedness for borrowed money (any such Indebtedness to which such Liens securing any of such obligations or such obligations, as applicable, are subordinated, “Senior Indebtedness”), in the case of each of clause (A) and (B), except (1) any Indebtedness that is expressly permitted by this Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date to rank senior in payment or lien priority to the Obligations or (2) in connection with a “debtor in possession” financing pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar financing arrangement in an insolvency proceeding in a non-U.S. jurisdiction);
(i) waive, amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.05(b)(x), Section 2.13 or Section 8.04 in a manner that would by its terms alter the pro rata sharing or the order of applicable payments required thereby (or add or change any other provision of this Agreement that has the effect of making any such alteration to such provisions), or modify the definition of “Pro Rata Share”, without the consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
(j) waive, amend or modify this Agreement or any Loan Document that would authorize the incurrence of additional Indebtedness under this Agreement for the primary purpose of influencing any voting threshold required under this Agreement in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise not been permitted prior to the incurrence of any such additional Indebtedness, without the consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
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(k) Without the consent of the Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders:
(i) amend, modify or waive any provision of this Agreement that would permit additional transfers of assets from Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, including any such provisions specified in Sections 7.02, 7.04, 7.05 and 7.06; or
(ii) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Lenders (other than for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction);
(l) Without the consent of the Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders:
(i) amend, modify or waive any provisions of Section 11.10 in a manner that is material and adverse to the Lenders;
(ii) amend, modify or waive any provisions of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to Lenders;
(iii) permit the creation or existence of any Subsidiary or otherwise amend the definition of “Subsidiary” in a manner that would result in any Subsidiary or any other Person being “unrestricted” or otherwise generally excluded from the requirements, taken as a whole, applicable to Subsidiaries pursuant to the Loan Documents (including the covenants set forth in Article VII);
(iv) amend, modify or waive the Double-DIP Provision;
(v) amend, modify or waive Section 7.10;
(vi) amend, modify or waive Section 10.07(m) in a manner that would permit purchases of Term Loans that are not open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis; or
(vii) amend, modify or waive any requirement in this Agreement that an action be taken, or prohibiting an action from not being taken, for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
provided, further, that (i) [reserved]; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iii) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; (iv) the consent of Lenders holding more than 50% of any Class of Commitments or Loans shall be required with respect to any amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments or Collateral hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms materially and adversely affects any Defaulting Lender (if such Lender were not a Defaulting Lender) to a greater extent than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender and (v) no amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement may involve the payment by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, through participation in any transaction in which Holdings or any of its Affiliate participates) of any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Lender for or as an inducement to such amendment, modification or waiver unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Lenders which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, modification or waiver (other than the reimbursement of counsel fees and other expenses in connection with the negotiation of the terms of such transaction).
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Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders providing any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans pursuant to an Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto (including, without limitation, in order to change or impose “MFN” pricing protection with respect to additional Loans and/or Commitments made after the date of such amendment) and (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions of Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, as applicable (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, as applicable, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender consent is required to effect any amendment or supplement to any ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement or other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement that is for the purpose of adding the holders of Credit Agreement Refinancing Debt, as expressly contemplated by the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, such First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, such Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement or such other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement, as applicable (it being understood that any such amendment or supplement may make such other changes to the applicable intercreditor agreement as, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, are required to effectuate the foregoing; provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect, to the interests of the Lenders); provided that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment is delivered in order (a) to correct or cure ambiguities, errors, omissions, defects, (b) to effect administrative changes of a technical or immaterial nature, (c) to fix incorrect cross references or similar inaccuracies in this Agreement or the applicable Loan Document, (d) solely to add benefit to one or more existing Facilities, including increase in margin, interest rate floor, prepayment premium, call protection and reestablishment of or increase in amortization schedule, in order to cause any Incremental Facility to be fungible with any existing Facility and (e) to add any financial covenant for the benefit of all Lenders or any Class of Lenders pursuant to the conditions imposed on the incurrence of any Indebtedness set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, and in each case of clauses (a), (b) and (c), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or the consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof. The Collateral Documents and related documents in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, supplement or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities, omissions, mistakes or defects or (iii) to cause such Collateral Documents or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that, in any such case, such amendment, supplement or waiver shall become effective only if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders to the Administrative Agent within five (5) days following receipt of notice thereof.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may enter into any Incremental Amendment in accordance with Section 2.14, Refinancing Amendment in accordance with Section 2.15 and Extension Amendment in accordance with Section 2.16 and such Incremental Amendments, Refinancing Amendments and Extension Amendments shall be effective to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, in each case, without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document.
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Section 10.02. Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.
(a) General. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile or other electronic image scan transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower (or any other Loan Party) or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, to the address, facsimile number or electronic mail address specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and
(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number or electronic mail address specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.
All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four (4) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(c)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder.
(b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures. Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic image scan communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on all Loan Parties, the Agents and the Lenders.
(c) Reliance by Agents and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail, FpML messaging, and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
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(e) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any arranger or any of their respective Related Parties (the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to any Loan Party, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether or not based on strict liability and including direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise)) arising out of the Borrower’s, any other Loan Party’s or any Agent Party’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet.
Section 10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.
Section 10.04. Attorney Costs and Expenses.
The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are consummated) and any other documents prepared in connection herewith or therewith, and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to (i) one counsel to the Administrative Agent, (ii) one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole and (iii) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as counsel to the Initial Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses following the Closing Date in connection with post-closing obligations of the Loan Parties) and (b) from and after the Closing Date, (i) [reserved], and (ii) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement or preservation (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all respective Attorney Costs which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of (i) one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, (ii) one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole, (iii) solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated affected Persons and (iv) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as counsel to Initial Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement). The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all reasonable search, filing, recording and title insurance charges and fees related thereto, and other reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail including, if requested by the Borrower and to the extent reasonably available, backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request; provided that with respect to the Closing Date, all amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid on the Closing Date solely to the extent invoiced to the Borrower within three Business Days of the Closing Date (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Borrower). If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.04 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
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Section 10.05. Indemnification by the Borrower.
The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Arranger, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities), obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs but limited in the case of legal fees and expenses to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and one counsel to the Lenders taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel for such Persons in each relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated affected Indemnitees) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of the Transaction Support Agreement, any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment or Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom or (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto and regardless of whether any such matter is initiated by a third party or by Holdings, the Borrower, any of their respective Affiliates, creditors or equity holders or any other Person (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, (y) a material breach of any funding obligations, or a material breach in bad faith of any other obligations, under any Loan Document by such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an agent or arranger or any similar role or as a letter of credit issuer under any Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Affiliates). No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee, Loan Party or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential or exemplary damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date) (other than, in the case of any Loan Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party and for any out-of-pocket expenses); it being agreed that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, any of their respective Affiliates, directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor (together with backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request); provided that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund the amount of any payment to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05. The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.05 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
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Section 10.06. Payments Set Aside.
To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, to the fullest extent possible under provisions of applicable Law, be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect, in the applicable currency of such recovery or payment.
Section 10.07. Successors and Assigns.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (except as permitted by Section 7.04) and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Assignee pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) and the first proviso to this Section 10.07(a) (such an assignee, which for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be a natural person, an “Eligible Assignee”) (A) [reserved]), (B) in the case of any Assignee that is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, Section 10.07(m), or (C) in the case of any Assignee that, immediately prior to or upon giving effect to such assignment, is a Debt Fund Affiliate, Section 10.07(p), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(f), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(h) or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(i) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Lender may assign or transfer by participation any of its rights or obligations hereunder to (i) any Person that is a Defaulting Lender or a Disqualified Lender (solely to the extent the list of Disqualified Lenders is available upon request to the Lenders), (ii) a natural Person or (iii) to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries (except pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v) or Section 10.07(m)); provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any assignment of Term Loans unless the Borrower shall have objected thereto within five (5) Business Days after having received written notice thereof. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(f) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for monitoring or enforcing the list of Disqualified Lenders or for any assignment of any Loan or Commitment or for the sale of any participation, in either case, to a Disqualified Lender.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below and the last paragraph of this Section 10.07(b), any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (“Assignees”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) [reserved], (iii) if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or, solely with respect to the Borrower, Section 8.01(f) has occurred and is continuing or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(l), Section 10.07(m) or Section 10.07(p);
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(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment (i) of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (ii) all or any portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m).
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than an $1,000,000 and shall be in increments of an amount of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the remaining portion of the assigning Lender’s Loans and/or Commitments under the applicable Facility) (provided that simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds shall be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 10.07(b)(ii)(A)), unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents; provided that such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;
(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption via an electronic settlement system acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or if previously agreed with the Administrative Agent, manually), together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent); provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds; and
(C) other than in the case of assignments pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire (in which the Assignee shall designate one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their Affiliates or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws) and all applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d).
This paragraph (b) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non-pro rata basis among such Facilities.
In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
(c) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 10.07(d) and (e), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, (1) other than in connection with an assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and (2) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the
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interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(f).
(d) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it, and each notice of cancellation of any Loans delivered by the Borrower or another Subsidiary pursuant to Section 10.07(m) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and, with respect to such Lender’s own interest only, any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. No assignment shall be effective unless recorded in the Register. This Section 10.07(d) and Section 2.11 shall be construed so that all Loans are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations).
(e) Upon its receipt of, and consent to, a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an Eligible Assignee, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect of the assignee (unless the Assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above, if applicable, and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, if required, and, if required, the Borrower to such assignment and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d), the Administrative Agent shall promptly (i) accept such Assignment and Assumption and (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that, with respect to each Initial Lender that has failed to comply with its obligations hereunder to provide a completed Administrative Questionnaire and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d) with respect to itself, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to accept any Assignment and Assumption nor record the information contained therein in the Register until such Initial Lender has provided a completed Administrative Questionnaire and any such applicable tax forms which are, in each case, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. No assignment shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (e).
(f) Any Lender may at any time sell participations to any Person, subject to the proviso to Section 10.07(a) (each, a “Participant”), in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the second proviso to Section 10.01 that requires the affirmative vote of such Lender. Subject to Section 10.07(g), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”). No
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participation shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Participant Register as provided in this Section 10.07(f); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary in connection with an audit or other proceeding to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive 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 such) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(g) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(h) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “SPC”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) such SPC and the applicable Loan or any applicable part thereof, shall be appropriately reflected in the Participant Register. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) an SPC shall be entitled to the benefit of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Section), but neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement except in the case of Sections 3.01 or 3.04, to the extent that the grant to the SPC was made with the prior written consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis for withholding consent if an exercise by SPC immediately after the grant would result in materially increased indemnification obligations to the Borrower at such time), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.
(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (1) any Lender may in accordance with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.
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(k) [Reserved].
(l) [Reserved].
(m) Any Lender may, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, at any time, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations with respect to Term Loans under this Agreement to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary through (x) Dutch auctions open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis in accordance with procedures of the type described in Section 2.05(a)(v) or (y) notwithstanding Sections 2.12 and 2.13 or any other provision in this Agreement, open market purchases open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis solely for for cash or Refinancing Term Loans; provided that in connection with assignments pursuant to clause (y) above:
(i) if Holdings or any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) is the assignee, upon such assignment, transfer or contribution, Holdings or such Subsidiaries shall automatically be deemed to have contributed the principal amount of such Term Loans, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the Borrower; or
(ii) if the assignee is the Borrower (including through contribution or transfers set forth in clause (i) above) or another Subsidiary), (A) the principal amount of such Term Loans, along with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, so contributed, assigned or transferred to the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall be deemed automatically cancelled and extinguished on the date of such contribution, assignment or transfer, (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Term Loans of the remaining Lenders shall reflect such cancellation and extinguishing of the Term Loans then held by the Borrower and (C) the Borrower shall promptly provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such contribution, assignment or transfer of such Term Loans, and the Administrative Agent, upon receipt of such notice, shall reflect the cancellation of the applicable Term Loans in the Register;
(n) [Reserved].
(o) [Reserved].
(p) Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document and all Term Loans, held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 49.9% (pro rata among such Debt Fund Affiliates) of the Term Loans of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders have consented to any action pursuant to Section 10.01.
Section 10.08. Confidentiality.
Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information and not to disclose such information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ managers, administrators, directors, officers, employees, trustees, partners, investors, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority or self-regulatory authority having or asserting jurisdiction over such Person (including any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender or its Affiliates); provided that such Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (c) to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Facilities or market data collectors, similar services providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Administrative Agent in
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connection with the administration and management of this Agreement and the Loan Documents; (d) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; provided that such Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (e) to any other party to this Agreement; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(h), counterparty to a Swap Contract, Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (provided that the disclosure of any such Information to any Lenders or Eligible Assignees or Participants shall be made subject to the acknowledgement and acceptance by such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Participant that such Information is being disseminated on a confidential basis (on substantially the terms set forth in this Section 10.08 or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Borrower, including, without limitation, as agreed in any Borrower Materials) in accordance with the standard processes of such Agent or customary market standards for dissemination of such type of Information; (g) with the written consent of the Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 or becomes available to the Agents, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a Loan Party or its respective known Affiliates (so long as such source is not known to the disclosing Agent, such Lender or any of its Affiliates to be bound by confidentiality obligations to any Loan Party); (i) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (j) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender) or to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization; (k) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder, under any other Loan Document or the enforcement of its rights hereunder or thereunder or (l) to the extent such Information is independently developed by the Agents, such Lender or any of their respective Affiliates; provided that no disclosure shall be made to any Disqualified Lender. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and publicly available information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, “Information” means all information received from the Loan Parties relating to any Loan Party, its Affiliates or its Affiliates’ directors, managers, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that, subject to the penultimate paragraph of Section 6.02, all information received after the Closing Date from Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed confidential unless such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as not being confidential.
Section 10.09. Setoff.
In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates (and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and their respective Affiliates, in respect of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses payable to it hereunder) is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party, any such notice being waived by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party (on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or such Agent or its Affiliates to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (but excluding amounts held in payroll, employee benefits, tax, and other fiduciary or trust accounts) against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, and (y) the
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Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and such Lender may have.
Section 10.10. Interest Rate Limitation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
Section 10.11. Counterparts.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission be confirmed by a manually signed original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission.
Section 10.12. Integration; Termination.
This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.
Section 10.13. Survival of Representations and Warranties.
All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
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Section 10.14. Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.14, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
Section 10.15. GOVERNING LAW.
(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (OTHER THAN WITH RESPECT TO ANY COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE THEREIN) AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.
(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE OR SUPPORT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION. EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION) IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Section 10.16. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.16 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
Section 10.17. Binding Effect.
This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders on the Closing Date, the conditions set forth in Sections 4.01 and 4.02 have been satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement and the Administrative Agent shall have notified by each Lender on the Closing Date that each such Lender has executed it and, thereafter, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Loan Parties, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, in each case in accordance with Section 10.07 (if applicable) and except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04.
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Section 10.18. USA PATRIOT Act.
Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of such Loan Party and other information regarding such Loan Party that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective as to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
Section 10.19. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.
(a) In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any Agent, Arranger or Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate. Each Loan Party hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty under applicable law relating to agency and fiduciary obligations.
Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that each Lender and any affiliate thereof may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any of the Borrower, Holdings, any Affiliate thereof or any other person or entity that may do business with or own securities of any of the foregoing, all as if such Lender or Affiliate thereof were not a Lender (or an agent or any other person with any similar role under the Facilities) and without any duty to account therefor to any other Lender, Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Each Lender and any affiliate thereof may accept fees and other consideration from Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof for services in connection with this Agreement, the Facilities or otherwise without having to account for the same to any other Lender, Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Some or all of the Lenders or the Agents may have directly or indirectly acquired certain equity interests (including warrants) in Holdings, the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof or may have directly or indirectly extended credit on a subordinated basis to Holdings,
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the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof. Each party hereto, on its behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, acknowledges and waives the potential conflict of interest resulting from any such Lender, any Agent or an Affiliate thereof holding disproportionate interests in the extensions of credit under the Facilities or otherwise acting as arranger or agent thereunder and such Lender, the Agents or Affiliate thereof directly or indirectly holding equity interests in or subordinated debt issued by Holdings, the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof.
Section 10.20. Electronic Execution of Assignments.
The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Assumptions, amendments or other modifications, Committed Loan Notices, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it.
Section 10.21. Effect of Certain Inaccuracies.
In the event that any financial statement or Compliance Certificate previously delivered pursuant to Section 6.02 was inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Rate for any period (an “Applicable Period”) than the Applicable Rate applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) Holdings shall as soon as practicable deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected financial statement and a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Rate shall be determined based on the corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, and (iii) the Borrower shall within 15 days after the delivery of the corrected financial statements and Compliance Certificate pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest or fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Rate for such Applicable Period. This Section 10.21 shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders with respect to Sections 2.08(b) and 8.01.
Section 10.22. Judgment Currency
If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from the Borrower hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the “Specified Currency”) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures any Lender could purchase the Specified Currency with such other currency at such Lender’s New York office on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due to any Lender hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the Specified Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Specified Currency with such other currency; if the amount of the Specified Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender in the Specified Currency, the Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Lender against such loss, and if the amount of the Specified Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to such Lender in the Specified Currency, such Lender agrees to remit such excess to the Borrower.
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Section 10.23. 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 which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this 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 10.24. FCC.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the Loan Documents, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders, nor any of their agents, will take any action pursuant to any Loan Documents that would constitute or result in (i) any violation of the Communications Laws, or (ii) any assignment of any FCC Authorization or any transfer of control thereof, within the meaning of 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 or other Communications Law, if such assignment of license or transfer of control thereof would require thereunder the prior approval of the FCC, without first obtaining such approval of the FCC. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries will cooperate fully in the preparation and prosecution of such FCC applications as may be necessary to secure such approvals of the FCC for such assignments of licenses or transfers of control in a manner consistent with the Loan Documents.
Section 10.25. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.
To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap Contract or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):
(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
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(b) As used in this Section 10.25, the following terms have the following meanings:
“BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.
“Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).
ARTICLE XI
Guaranty
Section 11.01. The Guaranty.
Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally with the other Guarantors guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest (including any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws) on the Loans made by the Lenders to, and the Notes held by each Lender of, the Borrower, and all other Obligations from time to time owing to the Secured Parties by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree that if the Borrower or other Guarantor(s) shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.
Section 11.02. Obligations Unconditional.
The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 11.01 shall constitute a guarantee of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Guarantor (except for payment in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:
(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantors, to the extent permitted by Law, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;
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(ii) any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be done or omitted;
(iii) the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or except as permitted pursuant to Section 11.10 any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;
(iv) any Lien or security interest granted to, or in favor of, any Lender or Agent as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to be perfected; or
(v) the release of any other Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.10.
The Guarantors hereby expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and, to the extent permitted by Law, all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Secured Party exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantors waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Secured Party upon this Guaranty or acceptance of this Guaranty, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guaranty, and all dealings between the Borrower and the Secured Parties shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Guaranty. This Guaranty shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by Secured Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Secured Parties or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Borrower or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement there may be no Guaranteed Obligations outstanding.
Section 11.03. Reinstatement.
The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article XI shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or other Loan Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization, pursuant to any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise.
Section 11.04. Subrogation; Subordination.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) and the expiration or termination of the Aggregate Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement, it shall waive any claim and shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 11.01, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of a Loan Party owing to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(b) or 7.03(d) shall be unsecured or subordinated to such Loan Party’s Obligations in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.
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Section 11.05. Remedies.
The Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Guarantors and the Lenders, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes, if any, may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 8.02 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 8.02) for purposes of Section 11.01, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 11.01.
Section 11.06. Instrument for the Payment of Money.
Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the guarantee in this Article XI constitutes an instrument for the payment of money, and consents and agrees that any Secured Party, at its sole option, in the event of a dispute by such Guarantor in the payment of any moneys due hereunder, shall have the right to bring a motion-action under New York CPLR Section 3213.
Section 11.07. Continuing Guaranty.
The guarantee in this Article XI is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.
Section 11.08. General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations.
In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other Law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under Section 11.01 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 11.01, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor, any Loan Party or any other person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount (after giving effect to the right of contribution established in Section 11.11) that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.
Section 11.09. Information.
Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Guaranty, and agrees that no Secured Party shall have any duty to advise any Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.
Section 11.10. Release of Guarantors.
If, in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents, (i) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of any Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred to a person or persons, none of which is a Loan Party (or a Person that is required to become a Loan Party as a result of such sale or other transfer) or (ii) any Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer or otherwise becoming an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, be automatically released from its obligations under this Agreement (including under Section 10.05 hereof) and its obligations to pledge and grant any Collateral owned by it pursuant to any Collateral Document and, in the case of a sale of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of the Subsidiary Guarantor, the pledge of such Equity Interests to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Collateral Documents shall be automatically released, and, so long as the Borrower shall have provided the Agents such certifications or documents as any Agent shall reasonably request, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall, at such Subsidiary Guarantor’s expense, take such actions as are necessary or reasonably requested to effect each release described in this Section 11.10 in accordance with the relevant provisions
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of the Collateral Documents; provided that no Subsidiary Guarantor shall be released from its obligations under the Guaranty as a result of such Person becoming an Excluded Subsidiary unless at the time such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, (1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) if such Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of such Person becoming a non-wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings, a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, a FSHCO or a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or a FSHCO, the primary purpose of the transaction by which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary was not to evade the obligations under the Guaranty and was consummated on an arms’ length basis with an unaffiliated third-party and (3) at the time of such release (after giving effect thereto), all outstanding Indebtedness of, and Investments in, such Subsidiary Guarantor would then be permitted to be made under in accordance with the relevant provisions of Sections 7.02 and 7.03 (with the Borrower being required to reclassify any such items in reliance upon the respective Subsidiary being a Subsidiary Guarantor on another basis as would be permitted by the applicable covenant).
When all Aggregate Commitments hereunder have terminated, and all Loans or other Obligations have been paid in full (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) hereunder, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the guarantees made herein shall terminate with respect to all Obligations, except with respect to Obligations that expressly survive such repayment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. The Collateral Agent shall, at each Guarantor’s expense, take such actions as are necessary to release any Collateral owned by such Guarantor in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Collateral Documents.
Section 11.11. Right of Contribution.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment, in an amount not to exceed the highest amount that would be valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in any action or proceeding involving any state corporate, limited partnership or limited liability law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally. Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 11.04. The provisions of this Section 11.11 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Agents, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Agents, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.
Section 11.12. ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT LEGEND.
THE LOANS MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE LOANS MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE AGENT AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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EXHIBIT D
Form of Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement
[On file with the Existing Agent]
EXHIBIT E
Form of Alternative Communications Credit Agreement
[On file with the Existing Agent]
EXHIBIT F
Form of Amendment to the Existing Credit Agreement
AMENDMENT NO. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Amendment”), to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, and Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”, the Existing Credit Agreement as further amended by this Amendment, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower” or “Communications”), IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Guarantors party thereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”); capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Amended Credit Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Borrower, IH Media + Entertainment I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Entertainment I”) and certain of the Lenders are party to that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “TSA”), pursuant to which they agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, to support and enter into the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement (as defined below) and this Amendment;
WHEREAS, the Borrower and each Lender party hereto (each, a “Participating Lender” and, collectively, the “Participating Lenders”) (which collectively constitute the Required Lenders) have agreed to amend certain provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement as provided herein in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Exit Consent”);
WHEREAS, immediately after giving effect to the Exit Consent, the Borrower has offered to purchase and assume, and each Participating Lender desires to sell and assign to the Borrower, 100% (or such lesser amount as agreed between a Participating Lender and the Borrower) of such Participating Lender’s Term Loans (the “Purchased Loans”) outstanding immediately following the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below) in accordance with the terms of Section 10.07(m) of the Amended Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, immediately after giving effect to the Exit Consent, (a) the Purchased Loans shall be purchased by, transferred to and assigned to the Borrower and immediately be deemed cancelled and extinguished pursuant to Section 10.07(m) of the Amended Credit Agreement and (b) subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Agreement, each Participating Lender shall receive either (i) if the Comprehensive Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, the Comprehensive Consideration (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) or (ii) if the Alternative Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, the Alternative Consideration (as defined in the Exchange Agreement), as applicable, as consideration for its sale and assignment of its Purchased Loans to the Borrower, in each case, pursuant to that certain Term Loan Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Exchange Agreement”), among the Borrower, Entertainment I, the Participating Lenders and the Administrative Agent (collectively, the “Exchange”); and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of the Exchange, Communications has requested that the Participating Lenders enter into either (a) if the Comprehensive Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, that certain Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below) (the “Comprehensive Credit Agreement”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Exchange Agreement or (b) if the Alternative Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, each of (i) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (the “Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement”), in the form attached as Exhibit C to the Exchange Agreement and (ii) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (the “New Alternative Communications Credit Agreement” and, together with the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement, the “Alternative Credit Agreements”), in the form attached as Exhibit C to the Exchange Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Amendments. Effective as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below), immediately prior to giving effect to the Exchange:
(a) The cover page of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the adding the following words to the top of such page:
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(b) Section 1.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new defined terms in their proper alphabetical order:
“Amendment No. 5” means Amendment No. 5, dated as of Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, among the Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent.
“Amendment No. 5 Effective Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Amendment No. 5.
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“New Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain multi-lien intercreditor agreement and substantially in the form of Exhibit J-3, dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, by and among, inter alios, the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, and the other parties thereto, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Rescindable Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(i).
“TSA” means that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, among the Borrower, IH Media + Entertainment I, LLC and certain of the Lenders.
(c) The text of the definition of “Intercreditor Agreements” in Section 1.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
“Intercreditor Agreements” means the New Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
(d) The text of Sections 2.05(b)(i), 2.05(b)(ii) and 2.05(b)(iii) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(e) The text of Section 2.12(c)(i) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(i) if (1) the Borrower failed to make such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment (such assumed payment, the “Rescindable Amount”); then each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the Rescindable Amount that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
(f) The text of Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.15, 5.17, 5.18, 5.19 and 5.21 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(g) The text of Sections 6.01, 6.03, 6.04, 6.05, 6.06, 6.07, 6.08, 6.09, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.16, and 6.17 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
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(h) The text of Section 6.02 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Section 6.02 Certificates; Other Information.
Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Borrower hereby agrees to mark all Borrower Materials that the Borrower intends to be made available to Public Lenders by clearly and conspicuously designating such Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC.” By designating Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC”, the Borrower (x) authorizes such Borrower Materials to be made available to a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor”, which is intended to contain only information that is either publicly available or not material information (though it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws, (y) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat such Borrower Materials as publicly available and not containing any material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws and (z) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.”
Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to communications that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws.
(i) The text of Section 6.14 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Section 6.14 Designation of Subsidiaries.
(a) Holdings may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary.
(b) Holdings may designate (or re-designate) any Restricted Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary.
(j) The text of Sections 7.01, 7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.06, 7.07, 7.08, 7.09, 7.12, 7.13 and 7.14 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
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(k) The text of Sections 8.01(d), 8.01(e), 8.01(g), 8.01(h), 8.01(i), 8.01(j), 8.01(k) and 8.01(l) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(l) The text of Sections 8.01(f) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Holdings or the Borrower institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(m) The text of the first clause (a) set forth in Section 9.03 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein),
(n) The text of Section 9.09 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a), (f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, after consulting with Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent”, as applicable, shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated.
5
After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and such Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and Required Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged, if not previously discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence, from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
(o) The text of Sections 9.16 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Intercreditor Agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document: (a) the priority of the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent in favor of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and the exercise of any right related to any Collateral shall be subject, in each case, to the terms of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (b) in the event of any conflict between the express terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, on the one hand, and of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or such Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as the case may be, shall control (in each case, other than any clause in any Loan Document which grants a lien or security interest, which clause shall control), and (c) each Lender (and, by its acceptance of the benefits of any Collateral Document, each other Secured Party) hereunder authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to execute the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of such Lender, and such Lender agrees to be bound by the terms thereof.
6
(p) A new Section 9.18 is hereby added to the Existing Credit Agreement in appropriate numerical order as follows:
Section 9.18. Recovery of Erroneous Payments.
Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.
(q) Clause (iii) of Section 10.07(b)(i)(A) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) [reserved], (iii) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Specified Holder (as defined in the (x) Comprehensive Credit Agreement or (y) Entertainment I Credit Agreement, as applicable) or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m);
(r) Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom,”.
(s) A new Exhibit J-3 is hereby added to the Existing Credit Agreement as set forth on Annex II hereto.
SECTION 2. Other Agreements.
(a) The parties hereto agree that:
(i) With respect to any Term Loans that remain outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement immediately after giving effect to the Exchange, such Term Loans shall be converted to a new Borrowing of Term SOFR Loans with an initial Interest Period of 1 month (ending on January 20, 2025) commencing on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, with the Borrower deemed to have submitted any conversion notices required to effect the forgoing in satisfaction of any such requirements under the Existing Credit Agreement and/or the Amended Credit Agreement.
(ii) After giving effect to the Exchange, the outstanding principal amount of Term Loans under the Amended Credit Agreement (including for purposes of Section 2.07(a) and Section 2.07(b) of the Amended Credit Agreement) shall be reduced by the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans that are exchanged pursuant to the Exchange.
7
(iii) On the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date immediately after giving effect to the Exchange, (x) the obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement will cease to be “First Lien Obligations” under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement (as defined immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date) and (y) the Secured Parties shall have no rights under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
(b) The Participating Lenders confirm that the Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into the New Intercreditor Agreement (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications thereto) and hereby expressly and irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into the New Intercreditor Agreement on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.
SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.
SECTION 4. Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the “Amendment No. 5 Effective Date”; such time of such effectiveness being referred to herein as the “Amendment No. 5 Effective Time”) the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from (x) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, a counterpart of this Amendment signed on behalf of such party and (y) each Participating Lender (which shall collectively constitute the Required Lenders), an executed Lender Consent in the form attached as Exhibit A to the Exchange Agreement.
(b) The TSA shall be in full force and effect immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Time and shall not have been previously terminated in accordance with its terms.
(c) (i) All reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Existing Credit Agreement (including all such fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent (including of Moore & Van Allen PLLC, counsel to the Administrative Agent)) and (ii) all reasonable fees and documented out of pocket disbursements of (x) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and (y) Perella Weinberg Partners, in each case, incurred in connection with the representation of the Ad Hoc Group (as defined in the TSA) and the negotiation and implementation of the transactions contemplated by the TSA and to the extent invoiced at least three Business Days prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (or such later date as the Borrower may reasonably agree), shall have been paid.
SECTION 5. Conditions Subsequent.
(a) Immediately following the Amendment No. 5 Effective Time:
(i) The Exchange shall have been consummated.
(ii) if (x) the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the Closing Date (as defined in the Comprehensive Credit Agreement) shall occur, or (y) if the Alternative Transaction is consummated, the Closing Date (as defined in each of the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the New Alternative Communications Credit Agreement) shall occur.
8
(iii) The New Intercreditor Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
SECTION 6. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute a single instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf”, “.tif” or similar format) shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
SECTION 7. Headings. The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
SECTION 8. Effect of Amendment. Except as expressly set forth herein, (i) this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, in each case under the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (ii) shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document. Except as expressly set forth herein, each and every term, condition, obligation, covenant and agreement contained in the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document is hereby ratified and re-affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Without limiting the foregoing, (i) the Borrower, on its own behalf and on behalf of the other Loan Parties, acknowledges and agrees that (A) each Loan Document is hereby confirmed and ratified and shall remain in full force and effect according to its respective terms (in the case of the Existing Credit Agreement, as amended hereby) and (B) the Collateral Documents do, and all of the Collateral does, and in each case shall continue to, secure the payment of all of the Obligations on the terms and conditions set forth in the Collateral Documents, and hereby confirms and, to the extent necessary, ratifies the security interests granted pursuant to the Collateral Documents and (ii) the Borrower, on behalf of the Guarantors, hereby confirms and ratifies the continuing unconditional obligations of the Guarantors under the Guaranty with respect to all of the Guaranteed Obligations. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for purposes of the Amended Credit Agreement, including without limitation for purposes of Sections 10.15, 10.16 and 10.17 thereof, and from and after the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, all references to “the Existing Credit Agreement” in any Loan Document and all references in the Existing Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Existing Credit Agreement, shall, unless expressly provided otherwise, refer to the Amended Credit Agreement.
SECTION 9. No Novation. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as a substitution or novation of the obligations outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement or instruments securing the same, which shall remain in full force and effect, except to any extent modified hereby or by instruments executed concurrently herewith and except to the extent repaid as provided herein. Nothing implied in this Amendment or in any other document contemplated hereby shall discharge or release the Lien or priority of any Collateral Document or any other security therefor or otherwise be construed as a release or other discharge of any of the Loan Parties under any Loan Document from any of its obligations and liabilities as a borrower, guarantor or pledgor under any of the Loan Documents, except, in each case, to any extent modified hereby and except to the extent repaid as provided herein.
9
SECTION 10. Governing Law: Waiver of Jury Trial. Sections 10.15 and 10.16 of the Amended Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference mutatis mutandis.
SECTION 11. Costs and Expenses. The Borrower hereby reconfirms its obligations pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Amended Credit Agreement to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including all Attorney Costs.
SECTION 12. Severability. Any provision of this Amendment held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof and the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
[Signature Pages Follow]
10
Exhibit G
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING OF COMPREHENSIVE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in the Exchange Agreement to which this Exhibit is attached shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Comprehensive Credit Agreement. The effectiveness of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the initial funding (or deemed funding) of the Term Loans shall be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver) of, subject to Section 6.16 of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement, the following conditions:
(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or pdf copies or other facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
(i) executed counterparts to the Comprehensive Credit Agreement;
(ii) the Security Agreement and each other Collateral Document required to be executed on the Closing Date, in each case duly executed by each Loan Party party thereto, together with:
(A) certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein accompanied by undated stock or membership interest powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank (or confirmation in lieu thereof that such certificates, powers and instruments have been sent for overnight delivery to the Collateral Agent or its counsel);
(B) copies of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements in appropriate form for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each Loan Party;
(C) evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings required by the Collateral Documents as of the Closing Date or that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(D) evidence that insurance (other than title insurance) complying with the requirements of Section 6.07 of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement has been obtained and is in effect; and
(E) to the extent required by the Security Agreement, Intellectual Property Security Agreements, duly executed by the appropriate Loan Party.
(iii) the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement substantially in the form attached to the Comprehensive Credit Agreement as Exhibit J-2 among the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto; (iv) such certificates of good standing (to the extent such concept exists) from the applicable secretary of state (or equivalent public official) of the state of organization of each Loan Party, certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party (A) evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party on the Closing Date, (B) certifying copies of resolutions or other actions of the board of directors, board of managers or other applicable governing body of such Loan Party (including shareholder resolutions to the extent necessary under applicable law or any Organization Document) approving the entry into this Agreement and all other agreements in connection with the Transactions or this Agreement, to which such Loan Party is a party, and (C) certifying copies of the Organization Documents of such Loan Party;
(v) customary legal opinions from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties;
(vi) a solvency certificate from the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or other officer with equivalent duties or manager of Holdings (after giving effect to the Transactions) substantially in form and substance satisfactory of the Administrative Agent;
(vii) a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings and the Borrower, confirming satisfaction of the conditions set forth in clauses (e) hereto; and
(viii) copies of a recent Lien and judgment search (to the extent such search is available in the applicable Loan Party’s jurisdiction in which it is organized and/or its chief executive office is located) in each jurisdiction reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent with respect to the Loan Parties.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received at least three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date all documentation and other information about the Borrower and the Guarantors required under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent in writing at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
(c) The other Comprehensive Transactions (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) shall have occurred substantially concurrently on the Closing Date.
(d) The Amended Comprehensive ABL Credit Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) shall have become effective substantially concurrently on the Closing Date.
(e) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in Article V of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified).
(f) No Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.
G-2
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements of the Comprehensive Credit Agreement.
(h) The Collateral Agent shall have joined the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the Comprehensive Credit Agreement.
G-3
Exhibit H
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING OF ALTERNATIVE ENTERTAINMENT I CREDIT AGREEMENT
[On file with the Existing Agent]
EXHIBIT 10.2
CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of December 20, 2024,
Among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
as Holdings,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
as the Borrower,
THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,
and
THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
BOFA SECURITIES,
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA and
MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners
PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Co-Managers
* | Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K and will be provided on a supplemental basis to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
|
|||||
Definitions and Accounting Terms |
|
|||||
Section 1.01. |
Defined Terms |
1 | ||||
Section 1.02. |
Other Interpretive Provisions |
55 | ||||
Section 1.03. |
Accounting Terms |
55 | ||||
Section 1.04. |
Rounding |
56 | ||||
Section 1.05. |
References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. |
56 | ||||
Section 1.06. |
Times of Day |
56 | ||||
Section 1.07. |
Timing of Payment or Performance |
56 | ||||
Section 1.08. |
Initial Lenders |
57 | ||||
Section 1.09. |
[Reserved] |
57 | ||||
Section 1.10. |
Currency Equivalents Generally |
57 | ||||
Section 1.11. |
[Reserved] |
57 | ||||
Section 1.12. |
Divisions |
57 | ||||
Section 1.13. |
Interest Rates |
57 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
|
|||||
The Commitments and Credit Extensions |
|
|||||
Section 2.01. |
The Loans |
58 | ||||
Section 2.02. |
Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans |
58 | ||||
Section 2.03. |
[Reserved] |
59 | ||||
Section 2.04. |
[Reserved] |
59 | ||||
Section 2.05. |
Prepayments |
59 | ||||
Section 2.06. |
Termination or Reduction of Commitments |
70 | ||||
Section 2.07. |
Repayment of Loans |
70 | ||||
Section 2.08. |
Interest |
70 | ||||
Section 2.09. |
Fees |
71 | ||||
Section 2.10. |
Computation of Interest and Fees |
71 | ||||
Section 2.11. |
Evidence of Indebtedness |
71 | ||||
Section 2.12. |
Payments Generally |
72 | ||||
Section 2.13. |
Sharing of Payments |
73 | ||||
Section 2.14. |
Incremental Credit Extensions |
74 | ||||
Section 2.15. |
Refinancing Amendments |
77 | ||||
Section 2.16. |
Extension of Term Loans |
77 | ||||
Section 2.17. |
Defaulting Lenders |
79 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
|
|||||
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality |
|
|||||
Section 3.01. |
Taxes |
80 | ||||
Section 3.02. |
Illegality |
83 | ||||
Section 3.03. |
Inability to Determine Rates |
83 | ||||
Section 3.04. |
Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Term SOFR Loans |
85 | ||||
Section 3.05. |
Funding Losses |
86 | ||||
Section 3.06. |
Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation |
87 | ||||
Section 3.07. |
Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances |
87 | ||||
Section 3.08. |
Survival |
88 |
i
ARTICLE IV |
|
|||||
Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions |
|
|||||
Section 4.01. |
[Reserved] |
89 | ||||
Section 4.02. |
Conditions to All Credit Extensions |
89 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
|
|||||
Representations and Warranties |
|
|||||
Section 5.01. |
Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws |
89 | ||||
Section 5.02. |
Authorization; No Contravention |
89 | ||||
Section 5.03. |
Governmental Authorization; Other Consents |
90 | ||||
Section 5.04. |
Binding Effect |
90 | ||||
Section 5.05. |
Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect |
90 | ||||
Section 5.06. |
Litigation |
91 | ||||
Section 5.07. |
Special Representations Relating to FCC Authorizations, Etc. |
91 | ||||
Section 5.08. |
Ownership of Property; Liens and Real Property |
91 | ||||
Section 5.09. |
Environmental Matters |
92 | ||||
Section 5.10. |
Taxes |
92 | ||||
Section 5.11. |
ERISA Compliance |
92 | ||||
Section 5.12. |
Subsidiaries; Equity Interests |
93 | ||||
Section 5.13. |
Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act |
93 | ||||
Section 5.14. |
Disclosure |
93 | ||||
Section 5.15. |
Labor Matters |
94 | ||||
Section 5.16. |
Use of Proceeds |
94 | ||||
Section 5.17. |
Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. |
94 | ||||
Section 5.18. |
Solvency |
94 | ||||
Section 5.19. |
OFAC; USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA |
94 | ||||
Section 5.20. |
[Reserved] |
95 | ||||
Section 5.21. |
Security Documents |
95 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
|
|||||
Affirmative Covenants |
|
|||||
Section 6.01. |
Financial Statements |
96 | ||||
Section 6.02. |
Certificates; Other Information |
97 | ||||
Section 6.03. |
Notices |
98 | ||||
Section 6.04. |
Payment of Obligations |
98 | ||||
Section 6.05. |
Preservation of Existence, Etc. |
99 | ||||
Section 6.06. |
Maintenance of Properties |
99 | ||||
Section 6.07. |
Maintenance of Insurance |
99 | ||||
Section 6.08. |
Compliance with Laws |
99 | ||||
Section 6.09. |
Books and Records |
100 | ||||
Section 6.10. |
Inspection Rights |
100 | ||||
Section 6.11. |
Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors |
100 | ||||
Section 6.12. |
Compliance with Environmental Laws |
102 | ||||
Section 6.13. |
Further Assurances |
102 | ||||
Section 6.14. |
Designation of Subsidiaries |
102 | ||||
Section 6.15. |
Maintenance of Ratings |
102 | ||||
Section 6.16. |
Post-Closing Covenants |
102 | ||||
Section 6.17. |
License Subsidiaries |
103 | ||||
Section 6.18. |
Use of Proceeds |
103 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
|
|||||
Negative Covenants |
|
|||||
Section 7.01. |
Liens |
103 | ||||
Section 7.02. |
Investments |
107 | ||||
Section 7.03. |
Indebtedness |
109 |
ii
Section 7.04. |
Fundamental Changes |
113 | ||||
Section 7.05. |
Dispositions |
114 | ||||
Section 7.06. |
Restricted Payments |
116 | ||||
Section 7.07. |
Change in Nature of Business |
118 | ||||
Section 7.08. |
Transactions with Affiliates |
118 | ||||
Section 7.09. |
Burdensome Agreements |
118 | ||||
Section 7.10. |
Material Assets |
119 | ||||
Section 7.11. |
Total Net Leverage Ratio |
119 | ||||
Section 7.12. |
Change in Fiscal Year |
120 | ||||
Section 7.13. |
Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness |
120 | ||||
Section 7.14. |
Permitted Activities |
122 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
|
|||||
Events of Default and Remedies |
|
|||||
Section 8.01. |
Events of Default |
123 | ||||
Section 8.02. |
Remedies Upon Event of Default |
124 | ||||
Section 8.03. |
[Reserved] |
125 | ||||
Section 8.04. |
Application of Funds |
125 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
|
|||||
Administrative Agent and Other Agents |
|
|||||
Section 9.01. |
Appointment and Authorization of Agents |
125 | ||||
Section 9.02. |
Delegation of Duties |
126 | ||||
Section 9.03. |
Liability of Agents |
127 | ||||
Section 9.04. |
Reliance by Agents |
127 | ||||
Section 9.05. |
Notice of Default |
128 | ||||
Section 9.06. |
Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents |
128 | ||||
Section 9.07. |
Indemnification of Agents |
128 | ||||
Section 9.08. |
Agents in Their Individual Capacities |
129 | ||||
Section 9.09. |
Successor Agents |
129 | ||||
Section 9.10. |
Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim |
130 | ||||
Section 9.11. |
Collateral and Guaranty Matters |
130 | ||||
Section 9.12. |
Other Agents |
131 | ||||
Section 9.13. |
Withholding Tax Indemnity |
131 | ||||
Section 9.14. |
Appointment of Supplemental Agents |
132 | ||||
Section 9.15. |
Lender Action |
132 | ||||
Section 9.16. |
Intercreditor Agreements |
133 | ||||
Section 9.17. |
Certain ERISA Matters |
133 | ||||
Section 9.18. |
Recovery of Erroneous Payments |
134 | ||||
ARTICLE X |
|
|||||
Miscellaneous |
|
|||||
Section 10.01. |
Amendments, Etc. |
134 | ||||
Section 10.02. |
Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies |
138 | ||||
Section 10.03. |
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies |
139 | ||||
Section 10.04. |
Attorney Costs and Expenses |
139 | ||||
Section 10.05. |
Indemnification by the Borrower |
140 | ||||
Section 10.06. |
Payments Set Aside |
141 | ||||
Section 10.07. |
Successors and Assigns |
141 | ||||
Section 10.08. |
Confidentiality |
145 | ||||
Section 10.09. |
Setoff |
146 | ||||
Section 10.10. |
Interest Rate Limitation |
147 | ||||
Section 10.11. |
Counterparts |
147 |
iii
Section 10.12. |
Integration; Termination |
147 | ||||
Section 10.13. |
Survival of Representations and Warranties |
147 | ||||
Section 10.14. |
Severability |
148 | ||||
Section 10.15. |
GOVERNING LAW |
148 | ||||
Section 10.16. |
WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY |
148 | ||||
Section 10.17. |
Binding Effect |
149 | ||||
Section 10.18. |
USA PATRIOT Act |
149 | ||||
Section 10.19. |
No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility |
149 | ||||
Section 10.20. |
Electronic Execution of Assignments |
150 | ||||
Section 10.21. |
Effect of Certain Inaccuracies |
150 | ||||
Section 10.22. |
Judgment Currency |
150 | ||||
Section 10.23. |
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions |
150 | ||||
Section 10.24. |
FCC |
151 | ||||
Section 10.25. |
Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs |
151 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
|
|||||
Guaranty |
|
|||||
Section 11.01. |
The Guaranty |
152 | ||||
Section 11.02. |
Obligations Unconditional |
152 | ||||
Section 11.03. |
Reinstatement |
153 | ||||
Section 11.04. |
Subrogation; Subordination |
153 | ||||
Section 11.05. |
Remedies |
154 | ||||
Section 11.06. |
Instrument for the Payment of Money |
154 | ||||
Section 11.07. |
Continuing Guaranty |
154 | ||||
Section 11.08. |
General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations |
154 | ||||
Section 11.09. |
Information |
154 | ||||
Section 11.10. |
Release of Guarantors |
154 | ||||
Section 11.11. |
Right of Contribution |
155 | ||||
Section 11.12. |
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT LEGEND |
155 |
iv
SCHEDULES
|
1.01A |
Commitments |
||
1.01B |
Identified Assets |
|||
5.05 |
Certain Liabilities |
|||
5.06 |
Litigation |
|||
5.07 |
FCC Authorizations |
|||
5.08 |
Ownership of Property |
|||
5.09(a) |
Environmental Matters |
|||
5.10 |
Taxes |
|||
5.12 |
Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments |
|||
6.16 |
Post-Closing Covenants |
|||
7.01(b) |
Existing Liens |
|||
7.02(f) |
Existing Investments |
|||
7.02(y) |
Existing Joint Ventures |
|||
7.03(b) |
Existing Indebtedness |
|||
7.08 |
Transactions with Affiliates |
|||
7.09 |
Certain Contractual Obligations |
|||
10.02 |
Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices |
EXHIBITS
Form of | ||||
|
A |
Committed Loan Notice |
||
B |
[Reserved] |
|||
C |
Term Note |
|||
D |
[Reserved] |
|||
E |
Compliance Certificate |
|||
F |
Assignment and Assumption |
|||
G |
Security Agreement |
|||
H |
[Reserved] |
|||
I |
Intercompany Note |
|||
J-1 |
[Reserved] |
|||
J-2 |
Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement |
|||
K-1 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Lenders) |
|||
K-2 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Participants) |
|||
K-3 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Lenders) |
|||
K-4 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Participants) |
|||
L |
Administrative Questionnaire |
|||
M-1 |
Acceptance and Prepayment Notice |
|||
M-2 |
Discount Range Prepayment Notice |
|||
M-3 |
Discount Range Prepayment Offer |
|||
M-4 |
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice |
|||
M-5 |
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer |
|||
M-6 |
Specified Discount Prepayment Notice |
|||
M-7 |
Specified Discount Prepayment Response |
v
CREDIT AGREEMENT
This CREDIT AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of December 20, 2024, among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower”), IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Holdings”), the other Guarantors from time to time party hereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”).
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
WHEREAS, the parties hereto are entering into this Agreement pursuant to the terms of, and in connection with the transactions contemplated by, the Exchange Agreement (as defined below); and
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Initial Lenders extend credit in the form of Initial Term Loans to the Borrower on the Closing Date, and the Lenders are willing to extend such Initial Term Loans to the Borrower on the Closing Date on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Accounting Terms
Section 1.01. Defined Terms.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“ABL Credit Agreement” means that certain ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of the May 17, 2022, by and among Holdings, the Borrower, the other borrowers and guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, the ABL Facility Administrative Agent and the entities party from time to time thereto as swing line lender and L/C issuers, as such agreement may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time (including by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024) or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to a Permitted Refinancing (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted by this Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility” means the collective reference to the ABL Credit Agreement, any Loan Documents (as defined therein), any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any guarantee, security agreement, letter of credit applications and other guarantees, pledge agreements, security agreements and collateral documents, and other instruments and documents, executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with any of the foregoing, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time or refunded, refinanced, replaced, renewed, repaid, increased or extended from time to time pursuant to a Permitted Refinancing (whether in whole or in part, whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or other agents and lenders, and whether provided under the original ABL Credit Agreement or other credit agreement), to the extent permitted by this Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the ABL Facility (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) shall (A) not constitute “first in last out” loans, (B) not have any obligor or guarantor that is not a Loan Party (or does not become a Loan Party substantially concurrently with the incurrence) or be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral and (C) be subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A. in its capacity as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement or any successor, new or replacement administrative agent under the ABL Loan Documents.
1
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement, dated as of the May 1, 2019, among, inter alios, Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as ABL Collateral Agent, and the other agent from time to time party thereto, as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to ABL Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 17, 2022, and as the same may be further amended, restated, modified, supplemented, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
“ABL Lenders” means the “Lenders” under and as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“ABL Loan Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement.
“Acceptable Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
“Acceptable Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Acceptance and Prepayment Notice” means a notice of the Borrower’s acceptance of the Acceptable Discount in substantially the form of Exhibit M-1.
“Acceptance Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
“Acquired EBITDA” means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business (determined as if references to Holdings and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA were references to such Acquired Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries), as applicable, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business.
“Acquired Entity or Business” has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA.”
“Additional Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
“Additional Refinancing Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit L or such other form as may be supplied from time to time by the Administrative Agent.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall any Lender or Agent be deemed an Affiliate of a Loan Party solely by virtue of its capacity as a Lender or Agent hereunder.
“Agent-Related Persons” means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors, attorneys-in-fact and other representatives of such Persons and Affiliates.
2
“Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Supplemental Agents (if any).
“Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“All-In Cash Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the portion of the All-In Yield that is required to be paid in cash.
“All-In Yield” means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof incurred or payable by the applicable borrower generally to all Lenders of such Indebtedness in an amount equal to the sum of (a) the applicable margin plus any credit spread or other similar adjustment; (b) OID and upfront fees; provided that (i) OID and upfront fees shall be equated to interest rate assuming a 4-year life to maturity on a straight line basis (or, if less, the stated life to maturity at the time of incurrence of the applicable Indebtedness); and (ii) “All-In Yield” shall not include bona fide arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees and any similar fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness, reasonable (as determined by the Borrower) consent or amendment fees paid to consenting Lenders, ticking fees on undrawn commitments and any other fees not paid or payable generally to all Lenders of such Indebtedness and (c) the interest rate (exclusive of margin) after giving effect to any Term SOFR or Base Rate floor.
“Applicable Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
“Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|
Test Period ending on March 31, 2025 | 6.35 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2025 | 6.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2025 | 6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2025 | 6.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2026 | 6.55 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2026 | 6.20 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 | 5.95 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 | 5.25 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 | 5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 | 5.50 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 | 5.60 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2027 | 5.45 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on March 31, 2028 | 5.40 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on June 30, 2028 | 5.15 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on September 30, 2028 | 4.85 to 1.00 | |
Test Period ending on December 31, 2028 | 4.10 to 1.00 |
3
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
84.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
81.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
79.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
76.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
74.0 | % |
4
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 89.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
95.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
92.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
90.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
87.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
85.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price at such time shall be 100% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
5
“Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price” means, for each applicable period, the following price (expressed as a percentage):
Period |
Price | |||
On and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
75.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is four (4) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
72.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is eight (8) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
70.0 | % | ||
On and after the date that is twelve (12) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period to (but excluding) the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
67.5 | % | ||
On and after the date that is sixteen (16) months after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period |
65.0 | % |
; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) either (x) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period or (y) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period is no greater than the Applicable Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for such Test Period, then the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price at such time shall be 80.0% or (2) the exchange is with a Specified Holder during the Non-Exclusive Period, the Applicable Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange Price for each period shall be the price set forth above for the applicable period plus 2.5%.
“Applicable Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.21.
“Applicable Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).
“Applicable Rate” means with respect to any Term SOFR Loan and Base Rate Loan, as the case may be, the percentage per annum set forth below under the caption “Term SOFR Loans” and “Base Rate Loans”, as the case may be, based upon the Index Debt Rating by Moody’s and/or S&P, respectively, applicable on such date:
Applicable Rate | ||||||||||
Level | Index Debt Rating (Moody’s/S&P) |
Term SOFR Loans | Base Rate Loans | |||||||
1 | If the Index Debt Rating from both Moody’s and S&P is below Level 2 | 5.775 | % | 4.775 | % | |||||
2 | If the Index Debt Rating from both Moody’s and S&P is B2/B Rating | 5.275 | % | 4.275 | % | |||||
3 | If the Index Debt Rating from either Moody’s or S&P is Ba3/BB- Rating | 5.025 | % | 4.025 | % |
6
For purposes of each of the foregoing pricing grids, (i) if at any time the Borrower does not have an Index Debt Rating from any of S&P or Moody’s, the Applicable Rate shall be based on Level 1 status and (ii) if the Index Debt Rating established by a rating agency shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of such rating agency), such change shall be effective as of the date on which it is first announced by the applicable rating agency. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall apply during the period commencing on the effective date of such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.
“Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class.
“Approved Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.
“Arrangers” means each of (i) BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., in their capacities as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners, and (ii) PNC Capital Markets LLC, RBC Capital Markets and U.S. Bank National Association, in their capacities as co-managers.
“Assignees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
“Assignment and Assumption” means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
“Assignment Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
“Auction Agent” means (a) the Administrative Agent or (b) any other financial institution or advisor employed by the Borrower (whether or not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to act as an arranger in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that the Borrower shall not designate the Administrative Agent as the Auction Agent without the written consent of the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to agree to act as the Auction Agent); provided, further, that neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates (other than an Initial Lender) may act as the Auction Agent.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as of December 31, 2023 and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Holdings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
“Available Equity Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than any Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Borrower; plus
(b) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital (other than from a Subsidiary) of the Borrower received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Closing Date, in each case, not previously applied for a purpose other than use in the Available Equity Amount; minus
7
(c) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(III) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(d) any amount of the Available Equity Amount used to make prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of any Junior Financing pursuant to Section 7.13(a)(x)(III) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(e) the cumulative amount of Investments and Restricted Payments made to Holdings or any indirect parent thereof by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and contributed to the Borrower for the purpose of increasing the Available Equity Amount.
“Available Incremental Amount” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (x) the aggregate principal amount of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes outstanding on such date plus (y) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes on such date (it being understood that the Available Incremental Amount shall be permanently reduced by the principal amount of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes and Existing Unsecured Notes prepaid, refinanced, repurchased, redeemed, satisfied or discharged with any Term Loan Increase or New Term Loan Facility or other Indebtedness or prepayment permitted by the terms of this Agreement).
“Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) $100,000,000; minus
(b) or any amount of the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(c) or Section 7.02(z) after the Closing Date and prior to such time;
provided that the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount may be replenished up to an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (but in no event in excess of $100,000,000) by 100% of the aggregate amount actually received by the Borrower or any other Loan Party in cash and Cash Equivalents (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment) from:
(i) the sale (other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective Affiliates) of the Equity Interests of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(ii) any dividend or other distribution received in respect of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investment or joint venture), or
(iii) any interest, returns of principal payments and similar payments received in respect of any Person that is not a Loan Party (including any minority investments or joint venture).
“Available Restricted Payments Amount” means, at any time, (a) the amount of Restricted Payments that may be made at the time of determination pursuant to Section 7.06(h) minus (b) the amount of the Available Restricted Payments Amount utilized by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.02(n)(II).
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
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“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A.
“Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101–1532, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate in effect for such day and (c) Term SOFR plus 1.00%. The Base Rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% per annum if the Base Rate calculated pursuant to the foregoing provisions would otherwise be less than 1.00% per annum. If the Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof, then the Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a), and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
“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”.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
“Borrower Materials” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment” means the offer by any Company Party to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a Specified Discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B).
“Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers” means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the corresponding acceptance by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a specified range of discounts to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C).
“Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers” means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the subsequent acceptance, if any, by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D).
“Borrowing” means a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, as the context may require.
“Broadcast Licenses” means the main station licenses issued by the FCC or any foreign Governmental Authority and held by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for the Broadcast Stations operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Broadcast Stations” means each full-service AM or FM radio broadcast station or full-service television broadcast station now or hereafter owned and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located.
“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities and including in all events all amounts expended or capitalized under Capitalized Leases) by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be included as capital expenditures on the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
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“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries either existing on the Closing Date or created prior to any recharacterization described below (i) that were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently recharacterized as capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the calculation of Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA) not be treated as capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that, unless otherwise elected by the Borrower in a written notice to the Administrative Agent, for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of January 1, 2015, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may have occurred thereafter. For the avoidance of doubt, solely making an election (without any other action) referred to in this definition will not be treated as an incurrence of Indebtedness.
“Capitalized Software Expenditures” means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by Holdings and the Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and the Subsidiaries.
“Cash Collateral Account” means a blocked account at a commercial bank specified by the Administrative Agent in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by Holdings or any Subsidiary:
(1) Dollars;
(2) such local currencies held by Holdings or any Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business (including without limitation Sterling, euro, AUD or any national currency of any participating member state of the Economic and Monetary Union);
(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4), (7) and (8) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(6) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;
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(7) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an investment grade rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(11) securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(12) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and
(13) investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (12) above.
In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (a) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10), (11), (12) and (13) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (b) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (13) and in this paragraph.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.
For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by Holdings or any Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
“CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as subsequently amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the Closing Date, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
“Change of Control” shall be deemed to occur if:
(a) any person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Parent’s Equity Interests;
(b) a “change of control” (or similar event) shall occur under the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes Indenture, the Second Lien Notes Indenture, the Existing Credit Agreement, the Existing Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture, any other Junior Financing Document or any Permitted Refinancing, as applicable, in respect of any of the foregoing in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
(c) Holdings shall cease to own directly or indirectly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Borrower.
Notwithstanding the preceding or any provision of Section 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, (i) a Person or group shall not be deemed to beneficially own Equity Interests subject to a stock or asset purchase agreement, merger agreement, option agreement, warrant agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option or similar agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the acquisition of the Equity Interests in connection with the transactions contemplated by such agreement and (ii) the right to acquire Equity Interests (so long as such Person does not have the right to direct the voting of the Equity Interests subject to such right) or any veto power in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Equity Interests will not cause a party to be a beneficial owner.
“City Code” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“Claimant Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
“Class” (a) when used with respect to any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments, Refinancing Term Commitments of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series. Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments or Refinancing Term Commitments (and in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have the same terms and conditions shall be construed to be in the same Class.
“Closing Date” means December 20, 2024, the first date on which all conditions precedent in Article V of the Exchange Agreement are satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms thereof.
“CME” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited.
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Collateral” means (i) the “Collateral” as defined in the Security Agreement, (ii) all the “Collateral” or “Pledged Assets” or similar term as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted, in each case, pursuant to any Collateral Document.
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“Collateral Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as collateral agent or pledgee in its own name under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.
“Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” means, at any time, the requirement that:
(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Article V of the Exchange Agreement or from time to time pursuant to Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 hereof, subject to the limitations and exceptions of this Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party party thereto;
(b) all Obligations shall have been unconditionally guaranteed pursuant to the Guaranty by (i) Holdings, (ii) any Electing Guarantor and (iii) each direct and indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than any Excluded Subsidiary);
(c) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower and each Guarantor, and (ii) all Equity Interests of each other Subsidiary (other than any Equity Interests that constitute “Excluded Assets” (as defined in the Security Agreement)), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(d) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in, and Mortgages on, (i) in the case of Holdings, the Borrower and each Guarantor, substantially all now owned or, in the case of real property, fee owned, or at any time hereafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of each such Loan Party thereof (including Equity Interests, intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States of America, other general intangibles, Material Real Property and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and (ii) in the case of each other Loan Party, a pledge of (x) the applicable Equity Interests referred to in clause (c) above and (y) each intercompany promissory note or similar debt instrument representing intercompany Indebtedness owed from a Subsidiary of Holdings to the applicable Loan Party, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction), in each case with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements;
(e) subject to limitations and exceptions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, to the extent a security interest in and Mortgages on any Material Real Property are required pursuant to clause (d) above or under Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 (each, a “Mortgaged Property”), the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such property, together with evidence such Mortgage has been duly executed, acknowledged and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each party thereto, in form suitable for filing or recording in all filing or recording offices that the Administrative Agent may reasonably deem necessary or desirable in order to create a valid and subsisting perfected Lien (subject only to Liens described in clause (ii) below) on the property and/or rights described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and evidence that all filing and recording taxes and fees have been paid or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that if a mortgage tax will be owed on the entire amount of the indebtedness evidenced hereby, then the amount secured by the Mortgage shall, to the extent permitted pursuant to applicable law, be limited to 100% of the fair market value of the property (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent) at the time the Mortgage is entered into if such limitation results in such mortgage tax being calculated based upon such fair market value), (ii) fully paid American Land Title Association Lender’s policies of title insurance (or marked-up title insurance commitments having the effect of policies of title insurance) on the Mortgaged Property naming the Collateral Agent as the insured for its benefit and that of the Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (the “Mortgage Policies”) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent in form and substance and in an amount reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent (not to exceed 100% of the fair market value of the real properties covered thereby), insuring the Mortgages to be valid subsisting first priority Liens on the property described therein, free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted pursuant to Section 7.01 and other Liens reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, each of which shall (A) to the extent reasonably necessary, include such coinsurance and reinsurance arrangements (with
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provisions for direct access, if reasonably necessary) as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (B) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement, if available under applicable law (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount), and (C) have been supplemented by such endorsements as shall be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (including endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, doing business, non-imputation, public road access, variable rate, environmental lien, subdivision, mortgage recording tax, separate tax lot, revolving credit and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions, to the extent such endorsements are available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates), (iii) opinions of local counsel to the Loan Parties in states in which the Mortgaged Properties are located, with respect to the enforceability and perfection of the Mortgages and any related fixture filings, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (iv) no later than three Business Days prior to the date on which a Mortgage is executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, a completed “life of the loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each Mortgaged Property on which any “building” (as defined in the Flood Insurance Laws) is located, duly executed and acknowledged by the appropriate Loan Parties, together with evidence of flood insurance as and to the extent required under Section 6.07 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not enter into any Mortgage in respect of any real property acquired by the Borrower or any other Loan Party after the Closing Date until (1) the date that occurs 45 days after the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders (which may be delivered electronically) the following documents in respect of such real property: (i) a completed flood hazard determination from a third party vendor; (ii) if such real property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, (A) a notification to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) of that fact and (if applicable) notification to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) that flood insurance coverage is not available and (B) evidence of the receipt by the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) of such notice; and (iii) if such notice is required to be provided to the Borrower (or applicable Loan Party) and flood insurance is available in the community in which such real property is located, evidence of required flood insurance and (2) the Administrative Agent shall have received written confirmation from the Lenders the that flood insurance due diligence and flood insurance compliance has been completed by the Lenders (such written confirmation not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed);
(f) after the Closing Date, each Subsidiary of Holdings that is not then a Guarantor and not an Excluded Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor and signatory to this Agreement pursuant to a joinder agreement in accordance with Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 and a party to the Collateral Documents in accordance with Section 6.11; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any Subsidiary of Holdings that Guarantees (or is the borrower or issuer with respect to) (i) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing ) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness;
(g) (i) with respect to all Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts that are held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party that are not Excluded Accounts and that are in existence on the Closing Date, within the time periods set forth in Section 6.16, the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party which is not an Excluded Account that is established after the Closing Date and, within 180 days of such Deposit Account or Security Account being established, the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) shall have received a Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement, as applicable, for such Deposit Account or Security Account; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing (1) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is in effect, each Loan Party’s obligation under this clause (g) shall be deemed to be satisfied by having appointed the ABL Facility Administrative Agent as agent for the purpose of perfecting the security interests granted under the Credit Documents with resect to all ABL Controlled Accounts (as defined in the pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) pursuant to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or by adding the Collateral Agent as a secured party to any existing Deposit Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement and (2) to the extent the ABL Intercreditor Agreement is no longer in effect (and the Collateral Agent was not previously added as a secured party to each applicable existing Deposit Account Control Agreement or Security Account Control Agreement), Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party shall, within 180 days of such date, deliver to the Collateral Agent (or its counsel) Deposit Account Control Agreements and Security Account Control Agreements with respect to any Deposit Account or Securities Account that is held by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party which is not an Excluded Account; and
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(h) except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or any Collateral Document, all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, and filings with the United States Copyright Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and all other actions reasonably requested by the Required Lenders (including those required by applicable Laws) to be delivered, filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Documents (in each case, including any supplements thereto) and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Documents, shall have been delivered, filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing, registration or the recording concurrently with, or promptly following, the execution and delivery of each such Collateral Document.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary:
(A) the foregoing definition shall not require, unless otherwise stated in this clause (A), the creation or perfection of pledges of, security interests in, Mortgages on, or the obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to the following: (i) other than in the case of any Electing Guarantors, any property or assets owned by any Excluded Subsidiary, (ii) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition, (iii) any interest in fee-owned real property other than Material Real Properties, (iv) Excluded Contracts, Excluded Equipment and any interest in leased real property (it being understood that no action shall be required with respect to creation or perfection of security interests with respect to leases, including any requirement to obtain or deliver landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters), (v) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title except to the extent perfection of a security interest therein may be accomplished by filing of financing statements in appropriate form in the applicable jurisdiction under the Uniform Commercial Code, (vi) (A) Margin Stock if any such pledge thereof violates applicable Law and (B) Equity Interests of any Person other than (x) wholly-owned Subsidiaries and (y) other Subsidiaries of the Borrower except, in the case of this clause (B)(y), to the extent and for so long as (I) the pledge thereof in favor of the Collateral Agent is not permitted by the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents and after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions set forth in the Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable Law, (II) the terms of the agreement of such Person relating to a bona fide joint venture or other applicable organization documents prohibits such a pledge without the consent of any other party; provided that this clause (II) shall not apply if (x) such other party is an Affiliate of the Borrower or (y) consent has been obtained to consummate such pledge (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to obligate the Borrower or any Subsidiary to obtain any such consent) or (III) a pledge thereof would give any other party (other than an Affiliate of the Borrower) to any contract, agreement, instrument, or indenture governing such Equity Interests the right to terminate its obligations thereunder, (vii) any trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of the Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s “intent to use” such mark and for which a form evidencing use of the mark has not yet been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent that granting a security interest in such trademark application prior to such filing would impair the enforceability or validity of such trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law, (viii) the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to Holdings and any Subsidiaries of Holdings, as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower in good faith in consultation with the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), (ix) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent a security in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable Law, (x) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable Law whether on the Closing Date or thereafter (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority) after giving effect to the anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable Law, (xi) all commercial tort claims in an amount less than $2,500,000 in the aggregate, (xii) letter of credit rights in an amount less than $2,500,000, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement), (xiii) any particular assets if, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) and the Borrower, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Lenders under the Loan Documents, (xiv) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or FSHCO if current tax Law relating to pledges of stock of such Subsidiaries is similar to the law as in effect prior to the finalization of Treasury Regulations Section 1.956-1 pursuant to TD 9859, 84 Fed.
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Reg. 23716 (May 23, 2019), as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent, (xv) any segregated funds held in escrow for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party (including such funds in Escrow), (xvi) any FCC Authorizations to the extent (but only to the extent) that at such time the Collateral Agent may not validly possess a security interest therein pursuant to applicable Communications Laws, but the Collateral shall include, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all rights incident or appurtenant to the FCC Authorizations (except to the extent requiring approval of the FCC, unless such approval has first been secured consistent with Section 10.24), the economic value of the FCC Authorizations, and the right to receive all proceeds derived from or in connection with the direct or indirect sale, assignment or transfer of the FCC Authorizations, (xvii) [reserved], (xviii) [reserved] and (xix) proceeds from any and all of the foregoing assets described in the clauses above to the extent such proceeds would otherwise be excluded pursuant the clauses above;
(B) (i) except as expressly provided in the foregoing clause (g), the foregoing definition shall not require control agreements with respect to any cash, deposit accounts or securities accounts or any other assets requiring perfection through control agreements and (ii) other than with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S., or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements, or share charge (or mortgage) agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction, other than, with respect to an Electing Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction other than the U.S., a security agreement, pledge agreement or share charge governed by the laws of such jurisdiction in which such Subsidiary is organized);
(C) the Collateral Agent in its discretion may grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in, and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets (including extensions beyond the Closing Date) or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition where it reasonably determines in writing, in consultation with the Borrower, that the creation or perfection of security interests and Mortgages on, or obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions, or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition cannot be accomplished without undue delay, burden or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents;
(D) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents; and
(E) general statutory limitations, financial assistance, corporate benefit, capital maintenance rules, fraudulent preference, “thin capitalisation” rules, retention of title claims and similar principles may limit the ability of a Foreign Subsidiary to provide a Guaranty or Collateral or may require that the Guaranty or Collateral be limited by an amount or otherwise, in each case as reasonably determined by the Borrower, in consultation with the Administrative Agent.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, each of the Mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Article V of the Exchange Agreement, Section 6.11 or Section 6.13 hereof, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
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“Commitment” means an Initial Term Commitment, Incremental Term Commitment or Refinancing Term Commitment of a given Refinancing Series as the context may require.
“Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).
“Communications Laws” means the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and the FCC’s rules, regulations, published orders and published and promulgated policy statements, all as may be amended from time to time.
“Company Parties” means the collective reference to Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including the Borrower, and “Company Party” means any one of them.
“Compensation Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(ii).
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
“Conforming Changes” means, with respect to the use, administration of or any conventions associated with any proposed Successor Rate, any conforming changes to the definitions of “Base Rate”, “SOFR”, “Term SOFR” and “Interest Period”, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the definitions of “Business Day” and “U.S. Government Securities Business Day”, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices and length of lookback periods) as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such applicable rate(s) and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines that no market practice for the administration of such rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and any other Loan Document).
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case (other than with respect to clauses (h), (k) and (p)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of Holdings and the Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations), and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to clauses (1) through (15) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”; plus
(b) Fixed Charges for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in clauses (1)(i) through (viii) in the definition thereof); plus
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(c) the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; plus
(d) the amount of any actual and identifiable restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), costs and expenses for tax restructurings, start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, severance costs, costs relating to initiatives aimed at profitability improvement, costs or reserves associated with improvements to IT and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus
(e) any other non-cash charges, including any non-cash write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) Holdings may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent Holdings elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus
(f) the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary; plus
(g) the amount of any fees, compensation and indemnities and expenses paid to the members of the board of directors (or the equivalent thereof) of the Borrower or any of its parent entities; plus
(h) the amount of pro forma “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies related to mergers and other business combinations, acquisitions, investments, dispositions, divestitures, restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives generated from actions that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in each case, including prior to the Closing Date) or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings) within 12 months after a merger or other business combination, acquisition, investment, disposition or divestiture is consummated or generated by actions (including restructurings, operating improvements, cost savings initiatives and other transactions or similar initiatives) that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings), in each case, calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period, as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable in the good faith judgment of Holdings and (B) no cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be added pursuant to this clause (h) to the extent duplicative of any synergies, expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period or any period and including amounts in compliance with Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act); plus
(i) [reserved]; plus
(j) any costs or expense incurred by Holdings or a Subsidiary or a parent entity of Holdings to the extent paid by Holdings pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of Holdings or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of Holdings (other than Disqualified Equity Interest); plus
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(k) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus
(l) any net losses, charges, expenses, costs or other payments (including all fees, expenses or charges related thereto) (i) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, (ii) in respect of facilities no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of Holdings or a Subsidiary, abandoned, closed, disposed or discontinued operations and any losses on disposal of abandoned, closed or discontinued operations and (iii) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by Holdings; plus
(m) 100% of the increase in Deferred Revenue as of the end of such period from Deferred Revenue as of the beginning of such period (or minus 100% of any such decrease); plus
(n) amortization of development advance payments which were made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or customers; plus;
(o) [reserved]; plus
(p) the amount of net cost savings and net cash flow effect of revenue enhancements related to New Contracts projected by Holdings in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken or to be taken prior to or during such period (which cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be subject only to certification by management of Holdings and shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings or revenue enhancements had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings or revenue enhancements are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such actions have been taken or are to be taken within 12 months after the date of determination to take such action and (C) no cost savings or revenue enhancements shall be added pursuant to this clause (p) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges relating to such cost savings or revenue enhancements that are included in clause (d) above with respect to such period; provided that the aggregate amount of add backs made relating to New Contracts in respect of which no revenues have been received during such period pursuant to this clause (p) shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (without giving effect to any adjustments pursuant to this clause (p)),
provided, that the aggregate amount of add backs made pursuant to clause (d) and (h) (excluding any add backs made pursuant to clause (d) in connection with restructuring charges arising prior to the Closing Date) shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended prior to the determination date (calculated before giving effect to any adjustments);
(2) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of Holdings for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus
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(b) any net income from disposed, abandoned, closed or discontinued operations or attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions (other than in the ordinary course of business) as determined in good faith by Holdings; plus
(c) any net income attributable to “barter and trade income” and/or “barter revenue” in connection with investments made in companies in exchange for advertising services, calculated in a manner consistent with Parent’s past practice prior to the Closing Date.
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by Holdings or any Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by Holdings or such Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an “Acquired Entity or Business”), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term “Permitted Acquisition” and the calculation of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, but without limiting the adjustments included in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer and delivered to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent. There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or closed or classified as discontinued operations by Holdings or any Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a “Sold Entity or Business”), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer, disposition).
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period:
(1) the sum, without duplication, of consolidated interest expense of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of OID resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness and (f) cash interest expense of Indebtedness for which the proceeds are held in Escrow (except, excluding the interest expense in respect thereof that is covered by such proceeds held in Escrow), and excluding (i) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any acquisition, (iii) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (iv) any “additional interest” or “liquidated damages” with respect to the Senior Secured Notes or the Existing Notes or other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (vi) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Transactions or any acquisitions after the Closing Date including annual agency fees paid pursuant to the administrative agents and collateral agents under this Agreement or other credit facilities, (vii) [reserved] and (viii) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty); plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(3) interest income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by Holdings to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
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“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of Holdings and the Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that, without duplication,
(1) any (x) after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening and opening costs for facilities, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans and (y) restructuring costs and costs and expenses for tax restructurings, in each case, shall be excluded; provided that amounts excluded pursuant to this clause (1) shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Income for any such period;
(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;
(3) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, shall be excluded;
(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, bulk subscriber contract sales) or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded;
(5) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of Holdings shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to Holdings or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;
(6) the net income for such period of any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower or any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions in this Agreement), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to Holdings or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;
(7) [reserved];
(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
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(10) any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (“equity incentives”), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans, roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parent companies, shall be excluded;
(11) any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, Investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and other securities, the incurrence of loans under the ABL Facility and the syndication and incurrence of any Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the Senior Secured Notes, the ABL Facility, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes, the Existing Unsecured Notes and other securities and any Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), shall be excluded;
(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Closing Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions (or within twenty four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies shall be excluded; provided that amounts paid in respect of such accruals and reserves shall be deducted from Consolidated Net Income when paid in cash;
(13) any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as Holdings has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), shall be excluded;
(14) any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, shall be excluded;
(15) the following items shall be excluded:
(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging,
(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items,
(c) any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation,
(d) effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, and
(e) earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments,
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(16) [reserved]; and
(17) if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any direct or indirect parent company of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 7.06(i)(iii) shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement to the extent such expenses and charges reduced Consolidated Net Income.
“Consolidated Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, (a) the aggregate principal amount of (i) Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Transactions or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money plus (ii) Disqualified Equity Interests, purchase money indebtedness, Attributable Indebtedness and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes, bonds, debentures, loan agreements or similar instruments, minus (b) the aggregate amount of all unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) [reserved] and (iii) incurred in advance of, and the proceeds of which are to be applied in connection with, the consummation of a transaction solely to the extent and for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the relevant Person (it being understood that in any event, any such proceeds subject to such Escrow shall be deemed to constitute “restricted cash” for purposes of cash netting) (provided that such Escrow is secured only by proceeds of such Indebtedness and the proceeds thereof shall be promptly applied to satisfy and discharge such Indebtedness if the definitive agreement for such transaction is terminated prior to the consummation thereof); it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
“Consolidated Working Capital” means, with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, Current Assets at such date of determination minus Current Liabilities at such date of determination; provided that increases or decreases in Consolidated Working Capital shall be calculated without regard to any changes in Current Assets or Current Liabilities as a result of any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent. For purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, any changes to Consolidated Working Capital due to non-cash adjustments of Current Assets and/or Current Liabilities shall be ignored.
“Contract Consideration” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excess Cash Flow.”
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Control” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Affiliate.”
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“Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness in the form of term loans issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace, repurchase, retire or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans, or any then-existing Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, in each case the primary purpose of which is not to influence voting thresholds hereunder in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (“Refinanced Debt”); provided that (i) such Indebtedness has a maturity no earlier, and in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater, than the Refinanced Debt, (ii) such Indebtedness shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt plus accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties thereon and reasonable fees and expenses associated with the refinancing, (iii) the covenants and events of default and other terms and condition are, in the good faith determination of the Borrower, not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the covenants and events of default and other terms and conditions applicable to the Refinanced Debt being refinanced or replaced (except for (x) pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and prepayment and redemption terms (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement) and (y) covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness); provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such covenants and events of default satisfy the requirement of this clause (iii) shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees) unless the Lenders of the Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms (it being understood that to the extent any more restrictive terms are added for the benefit of any such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, no consent shall be required from the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to the extent that such more restrictive terms are also added for the benefit of any corresponding existing Facility, (iv) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, repurchased, retired, defeased or satisfied and discharged, all accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties in connection therewith shall be paid, and all commitments thereunder terminated, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained, (v) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Liens securing the Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (vi) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Persons other than Loan Parties, (vii) such Indebtedness does not mature prior to the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (viii) such Indebtedness does not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Initial Term Loan at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness, (ix) such Indebtedness may not be repaid or prepaid other than on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments with the Term Loans hereunder and (x) such Indebtedness shall be subject to the MFN Protection in respect of the existing Term Loans (as if such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness were Incremental Term Loans).
“Credit Extension” means a Borrowing.
“Current Assets” means, with respect to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all assets (other than cash and Cash Equivalents) of Holdings and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as current assets at such date of determination, other than amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, assets held for sale or of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) to third parties, pension assets, deferred bank fees and derivative financial instruments.
“Current Liabilities” means, with respect to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at any date of determination, all liabilities of Holdings and the Subsidiaries that would, in accordance with GAAP, be classified on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as current liabilities at such date of determination, other than (a) the current portion of any Indebtedness, (b) accruals of Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding Consolidated Interest Expense that is past due and unpaid), (c) accruals for current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits, (d) accruals for liabilities of discontinued operations, loans (permitted) from third parties, pension liabilities, and derivative financial instruments, and (e) accruals of any costs or expenses related to restructuring reserves.
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“Daily Simple SOFR” means, with respect to any applicable determination date, the SOFR published on such date on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website (or any successor source).
“Debt Fund Affiliate” means any Affiliate of Holdings that is a bona fide debt fund, financial institution or an investment vehicle or managed account that is engaged in the making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and with respect to which Holdings does not, directly or indirectly, possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the investment policies of such Affiliate.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally, including in case of the Borrower (a) a winding-up, administration or dissolution including, without limitation, bankruptcy, insolvency, voluntary or involuntary liquidation, composition with creditors, moratorium or reprieve from payment, general settlement with creditors, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and/or (b) a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar officer being appointed.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to the overdue principal or interest in respect of a Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan, plus 2.0% per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of “Lender Default.”
“Deferred Revenue” means the amount of long or short term deferred revenue of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Deposit Account” has the meaning specified in Article 9 of the UCC.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an effective account control agreement or blocked account agreement for a Deposit Account, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(2).
“Discount Range” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of a Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-2.
“Discount Range Prepayment Offer” means the irrevocable written offer by a Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-3, submitted in response to an invitation to submit offers following the Auction Agent’s receipt of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice.
“Discount Range Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Discount Range Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
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“Discounted Prepayment Determination Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Discounted Prepayment Effective Date” means in the case of a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offer or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offer, five (5) Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date or the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1), Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1) or Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1), respectively, unless a shorter period is agreed to between the Borrower and the Auction Agent.
“Discounted Term Loan Prepayment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(A).
“Disposed EBITDA” means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business (determined as if references to Holdings and the Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA (and in the component definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries) as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that (x) “Disposition” and “Dispose” shall not be deemed to include any issuance by Holdings of any of its Equity Interests to another Person and (y) no transaction or series of related transactions shall be considered a “Disposition” for purposes of Section 2.05(b)(ii) or Section 7.05 unless the Net Proceeds resulting from such transaction or series of transactions shall exceed $2,500,000.
“Disqualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of issuance of such Equity Interests; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or the Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Holdings or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
“Disqualified Lenders” means (a) such Persons that have been specified in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date, as being “Disqualified Lenders” and made available to any Lender upon request and (b) any Person who is a bona fide competitor identified in writing to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date, as such list of bona fide competitors may be updated by the Borrower (by furnishing such updates to the Administrative Agent in writing) from time to time thereafter, and (c) any Affiliate of each such Person referred to in clause (a) or (b) that is identified in writing to the Administrative Agent from time to time and in each case, any Affiliate of each such Person that is clearly identifiable on the basis of such Affiliate’s name (in each case, other than bona fide fixed income investors or debt funds that are engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of business). No updates to the list of Disqualified Lenders shall be deemed to retroactively disqualify any Person that has previously validly acquired an assignment or participation in respect of any Loans from continuing to hold or vote such previously acquired assignments and participations on the terms set forth herein for Lenders that are not Disqualified Lenders; provided that any such Person will deemed to become a Disqualified Lender as soon as such Person ceases to hold any such Loans hereunder.
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“Distressed Person” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Lender-Related Distress Event.”
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Double-Dip Provision” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(d).
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent;
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“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.
“Electing Guarantor” means any Excluded Subsidiary that at the option, and in the sole discretion, of Holdings has been designated as a Guarantor (solely during the time of such designation); provided that such Excluded Subsidiary shall not become a Guarantor until the Administrative Agent shall have received and be satisfied with all documentation and other information reasonably requested by it under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act.
“Eligible Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(a).
“Environment” means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.
“Environmental Laws” means any applicable Law relating to pollution, protection of the Environment and natural resources, pollutants, contaminants, or chemicals or any toxic or otherwise hazardous substances, wastes or materials, or the protection of human health and safety as it relates to any of the foregoing, including any applicable provisions of CERCLA.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation and remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of, or liability under or relating to, any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.
“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with a Loan Party or any Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code, or solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA or in “endangered” or “critical” status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA); (d) a written determination that a Pension Plan is in “at risk” status (within the meaning of Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA); (e) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, respectively, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302, 303 or 304 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (h) any Foreign Benefit Event; or (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate.
“Escrow” means an escrow, trust, collateral or similar account or arrangement holding proceeds of Indebtedness solely for the benefit of an unaffiliated third party.
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
“euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.
“Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.
“Excess Cash Flow” means, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, (ii) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash charges to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, and (iv) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash loss on Dispositions by Holdings and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than sales in the ordinary course of business) to the extent deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) an amount equal to the amount of all non-cash credits included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income and cash charges included in clauses (1) through (17) of the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”, (ii) the aggregate amount of (x) all principal payments of Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries during such period and (y) any premium, make-whole or penalty payments paid (or committed to be paid) in cash by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such premium, make-whole or penalty payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) that are required to be made in connection with any prepayment of Indebtedness (including (A) the principal component of payments in respect of Capitalized Leases, (B) the amount of any scheduled repayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.07, the Existing Term Loans pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, the First Lien Notes pursuant to the First Lien Notes Indenture, the Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Notes Indenture (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder) and the Existing Notes pursuant to the Existing Notes Indentures (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder) and (C) any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ii), First Lien Notes pursuant to the First Lien Notes Indenture or Second Lien Notes pursuant to the Second Lien Notes Indenture (solely to the extent permitted to be made hereunder), in each case, to the extent required due to a Disposition that resulted in an increase to Consolidated Net Income and not in excess of the amount of such increase but excluding (X) all other prepayments of Term Loans, (Y) [reserved] and (Z) all prepayments in respect of any other loans under a revolving credit facility,
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except to the extent there is an equivalent permanent reduction in commitments thereunder), in each case, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans unless such revolving loans refinance such revolving loans being repaid), (iii) an amount equal to the aggregate net non-cash gain on Dispositions by Holdings and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than Dispositions in the ordinary course of business) to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (iv) increases in Consolidated Working Capital and long-term accounts receivable of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such period, (vi) without duplication of amounts deducted from Excess Cash Flow in prior periods, the aggregate consideration required to be paid in cash by Holdings and its Subsidiaries pursuant to binding contracts (the “Contract Consideration”) entered into prior to or during such period relating to acquisitions that constitute Investments permitted under this Agreement or Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent expected to be consummated or made, plus any restructuring cash expenses, pension payments or tax contingency payments that have been added to Excess Cash Flow pursuant to clause (a)(ii) above required to be made, in each case during the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of Holdings following the end of such period; provided that to the extent the aggregate amount of proceeds utilized to finance such Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters is less than the Contract Consideration, the amount of such shortfall shall be added to the calculation of Excess Cash Flow at the end of such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (vii) the amount of cash taxes paid in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that any such taxes were not deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income in a prior period), (viii) cash expenditures in respect of Swap Contracts during such fiscal year to the extent not deducted in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans), (ix) any payment of cash to be amortized or expensed over a future period and recorded as a long-term asset, except to the extent financed with the proceeds of an incurrence or issuance of other Indebtedness of Holdings or its Subsidiaries (other than revolving loans) (it being understood that the amortization or expense of such payment shall not reduce Excess Cash Flow in any future period), (x) the amount of Capital Expenditures or acquisitions of intellectual property to the extent not expensed and Capitalized Software Expenditures accrued or made (or committed to be made) in cash during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such Capital Expenditures or acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility) and (xi) the amount of Investments and acquisitions made (other than Investments and acquisitions made with respect to Indebtedness) (or committed to be made) by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such Investments and acquisitions are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) and paid (or committed to be paid) in cash pursuant to Section 7.02(i) or (n), to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility. Notwithstanding anything in the definition of any term used in the definition of Excess Cash Flow to the contrary, all components of Excess Cash Flow shall be computed for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Agreement” means that certain Term Loan Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Holdings, the Borrower, the other Guarantors party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Existing Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement party thereto and the Lenders party thereto.
“Exchange Rate” means on any day with respect to any currency other than Dollars, the rate at which such currency may be exchanged into Dollars, as set forth at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day on the Reuters World Currency Page for such currency; in the event that such rate does not appear on any Reuters World Currency Page, the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such agreement, such Exchange Rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agent in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date for the purchase of Dollars for delivery two Business Days later.
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“Excluded Account” means (i) any deposit account, securities account, commodities account or other account of any Loan Party (and all cash, Cash Equivalents and other securities or investments held therein) exclusively used for all or any of the following purposes: payroll, employee benefits or customs, (ii) accounts used exclusively for the purposes of compliance with legal requirements, to the extent such legal requirements prohibit the granting of a Lien thereon, (iii) cash accounts of any Loan Party, the deposits in which shall not at any time aggregate to more than $20,000,000 (or such greater amount to which the Administrative Agent may agree) for all such cash accounts, (iv) accounts the balance of which is swept at the end of each Business Day into a Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement, so long as such daily sweep is not terminated or modified (other than to provide that the balance in such Deposit Account is swept into another Deposit Account subject to a Deposit Account Control Agreement) without the consent of the Collateral Agent, (v) (i) prior to the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, tax accounts, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, and any tax benefits and (ii) upon and after the termination of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, accounts consisting solely of amounts of tax collected on behalf of a Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, sales tax accounts, (vi) accounts into which governmental receivables are deposited, (vii) fiduciary or trust accounts, (viii) any deposit accounts designated by the Borrower by written notice to the Administrative Agent and containing solely of the proceeds of the Fixed Asset Collateral (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), (ix) escrow accounts permitted under this Agreement (including in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement with respect to any Investment or other acquisition of assets or Disposition) and (x) in the case of clauses (i) through (ix), the funds or other property held in or maintained in any such account.
“Excluded Contract” means, at any date, any rights or interest of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any agreement, contract, license, instrument, document or other general intangible (referred to solely for purposes of this definition as a “Contract”) to the extent that such Contract by the terms of a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Borrower or any Guarantor or other Affiliate thereof, or any requirement of law, then prohibits, or requires any consent, unless it is first secured, or establishes any other condition, unless it is first secured, for or would terminate because of an assignment thereof or a grant of a security interest therein by the Borrower or a Guarantor; provided that (i) rights under any such Contract otherwise constituting an Excluded Contract by virtue of this definition shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted thereby or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral.
“Excluded Equipment” means, at any date, any equipment or other similar assets of the Borrower or any Guarantor which is subject to, or secured by, a Capitalized Lease Obligation or a purchase money obligation if and to the extent that (i) a restriction in favor of a Person who is not Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings or any Affiliate thereof contained in the agreements or documents granting or governing such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other conditions for or would result in the termination of such agreement or document because of an assignment thereof, or a grant of a security interest therein, by the Borrower or any Guarantor and (ii) such restriction relates only to the asset or assets acquired by the Borrower or any Guarantor with the proceeds of such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation and attachments thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations secured by such assets.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary of Holdings that is not, directly or indirectly, a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Holdings, in each case, solely to the extent that such non-wholly owned Subsidiary (i) is a bona fide joint venture that is created or formed for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and (ii) the counterparty to such joint venture is not an Affiliate of a Loan Party, (b) any Subsidiary of Holdings or the Borrower that does not have total assets in excess of 2.5% of Total Assets or 2.5% of revenues for Holdings and its Subsidiaries in each case, individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b) (such Subsidiary, an “Immaterial Subsidiary”), (c) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations (other than any Contractual Obligation in favor of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) existing on the Closing Date (or, in the case of any newly acquired Subsidiary, in existence
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at the time of acquisition but not entered into in contemplation thereof) from guaranteeing the Obligations or if guaranteeing the Obligation would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained), (d) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), in consultation with the Borrower, the burden or cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guaranty shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (e) [reserved], (f) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (g) [reserved], (h)(A) any Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (B) any FSHCO and (C) any Subsidiary of an entity described in (A) or (B), (i) [reserved], (j) [reserved], (k) any captive insurance subsidiaries, and (l) [reserved]; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, “Excluded Subsidiary” shall not include (i) the Borrower, (ii) any Electing Guarantor for so long as such Electing Guarantor constitutes an Electing Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (iii) any Subsidiary of Holdings that constitutes a guarantor under (x) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing) or (y) any Junior Financing or (iv) any Guarantor referenced in the proviso of clause (f) of the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirements”.
“Excluded Taxes” means with respect to any Agent, Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes imposed in lieu of net income Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (A) 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, its applicable Lending Office) in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof), or (B) as a result of any present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than any connections arising from executing, delivering, becoming a party to, engaging in any transaction pursuant to, performing its obligations under, receiving payments under, receiving or perfecting a security interest under, or enforcing, any Loan Document, or selling or assigning an interest in any Loan or Loan Document), (ii) Taxes attributable to the failure by any Agent, Lender or any other recipient to deliver the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(d), (iii) in the case of any Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 3.07), any U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender that is in effect on the date such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, or designates a new Lending Office, except to the extent such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled immediately prior to the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment) to receive additional amounts with respect to such Tax pursuant to Section 3.01 and (iv) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent” means the “Administrative Agent” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent” means the “Collateral Agent” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Holdings, the Borrower, the other guarantors party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative and collateral agent, as in effect as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions and as such document may be further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Credit Agreement Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes and the Existing Unsecured Notes.
“Existing Notes Documents” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Documents and the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents.
“Existing Notes Indentures” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Indentures and the Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture.
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“Existing Secured Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) and the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%).
“Existing Secured Notes (4.750%)” means the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $276,868,000.
“Existing Secured Notes (5.250%)” means the 5.250% Senior Notes due 2027 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $6,983,000.
“Existing Secured Notes (6.375%)” means the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $44,643,791.
“Existing Secured Notes Documents” means the Existing Secured Notes Indentures and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%)” means the indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (5.250%)” means the indenture, dated as of August 7, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indenture (6.375%)” means the indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing Secured Notes Indentures” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (5.250%) and the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (6.375%).
“Existing Term Loan Tranche” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Existing Term Loans” means the “Term Loans” under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.
“Existing Unsecured Notes” means the 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $72,387,976.
“Existing Unsecured Notes Documents” means the Existing Unsecured Notes Indentures and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Existing Unsecured Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Existing Unsecured Notes are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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“Extended Term Loans” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Extending Term Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
“Extension” means the establishment of a Term Loan Extension Series by amending a Loan pursuant to Section 2.16 and the applicable Extension Amendment.
“Extension Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(d).
“Extension Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
“Facility” means the Initial Term Loans, a given Class of Incremental Term Loans, a given Refinancing Series of Refinancing Term Loans, or a given Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans, as the context may require.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the Closing Date (and any amended or successor version thereof that is to the extent substantively comparable), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, and any current or future fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreements, treaties, or conventions among Governmental Authorities entered into in connection with the implementation thereof.
“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission of the United States or any Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions of such commission in whole or in part.
“FCC Authorizations” means all Broadcast Licenses and other licenses, permits and other authorizations issued by the FCC and held by Holdings, the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“FIRREA” means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.
“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the first lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, among the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as collateral agent under the First Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent, the Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank, National Association, as collateral agent under the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%) and the other parties thereto (including, one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Indebtedness that is permitted under Section 7.03 to be, and intended to be, secured on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations), as supplemented on the Closing Date and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“First Lien Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the contexts may require, the First Lien Notes (9.125%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) and the First Lien Notes (7.000%).
“First Lien Notes (7.000%)” means the 7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $178,443,480.
“First Lien Notes (7.750%)” means the 7.750%% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $661,285,130.
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“First Lien Notes (9.125%)” means the 9.125%% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $717,588,265.
“First Lien Notes Documents” means the First Lien Notes Indenture and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“First Lien Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the First Lien Notes (7.000%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) and the First Lien Notes (9.125%) are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Fixed Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.11.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;
(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock during such period; and
(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests during such period.
“Flood Insurance Laws” means, collectively, (i) National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (which comprehensively revised the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973) as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (ii) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto and (iii) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.
“Foreign Benefit Event” means, with respect to any Foreign Pension Plan, (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any applicable Law or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from applicable Governmental Authority or (b) the failure to make the required contributions or payments, under any applicable Law, on or before the due date for such contributions or payments.
“Foreign Disposition” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).
“Foreign Pension Plan” means any benefit plan established or maintained outside of the United States that under applicable Law is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Holdings that is not a US Subsidiary.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of equity or equity and debt that is treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes of (i) a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or (ii) a Person described in this sentence.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
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“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided that (i) if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith and (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at “fair value,” as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Granting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.
“Guarantors” means, collectively, (i) Holdings, (ii) the direct and indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries of Holdings (other than any Excluded Subsidiary), (iii) any Electing Guarantors and (iv) those Subsidiaries of Holdings that issue a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.11 or otherwise, at the option of the Borrower, issues a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date.
“Guaranty” means, collectively, the guaranty of the Obligations by the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement.
“Hazardous Materials” means all materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, compounds, constituents, substances or wastes, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, radon gas, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, or toxic mold that are regulated pursuant to, or which could give rise to liability under, applicable Environmental Law.
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“Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
“Identified Assets” mean the assets specified on Schedule 1.01B.
“Identified Participating Lenders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
“Identified Qualifying Lenders” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Immaterial Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary.”
“Incremental Amendment” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(f).
“Incremental Facility Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(d).
“Incremental Loan Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Incremental Term Commitments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Incremental Term Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
“Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b).
“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(f) all Attributable Indebtedness;
(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;
if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of Holdings appearing upon the balance sheet of Holdings solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded; and
(h) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
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For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, (B) in the case of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, exclude (i) all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes, (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations) and (D) include outstanding amounts under any receivables, factoring or similar facilities or securitizations whether or not the same would constitute indebtedness or a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
“Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
“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 any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
“Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
“Index Debt Rating” means (i) for Moody’s, its public corporate family rating of the Borrower (or, if not available for the Borrower, of Holdings or Parent) and (ii) for S&P, its public corporate rating of the Borrower (or, if not available for the Borrower, of Holdings or Parent).
“Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08.
“Initial Lenders” means the financial institutions named on Schedule 1.01A. Each Initial Lender is deemed to be a party to this Agreement on the Closing Date pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
“Initial Term Commitment” means, as to each Initial Lender, its obligation to make (or be deemed to make) Initial Term Loans in an aggregate amount set forth opposite such Term Lender’s name in Schedule 1.01A under the caption “Initial Term Commitment”. The aggregate amount of the Initial Term Commitments is $2,145,724,113.92.
“Initial Term Loans” means the term loans deemed made by the Initial Lenders on the Closing Date to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(a).
“Intellectual Property Security Agreements” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Intercompany Note” means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit I.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor agreement or arrangement entered into pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
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“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Term SOFR Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided that if any Interest Period for a Term SOFR Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
“Interest Period” means, as to each Term SOFR Loan, the period commencing on the date such Term SOFR Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Term SOFR Loan and ending on the date one, three or six months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Term SOFR Loan and the Administrative Agent, twelve months or less than one month thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:
(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall, subject to clause (iii) below, be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(ii) any Interest Period pertaining to Term SOFR that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan (including by way of a listed Eurobond), advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person excluding, in the case of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, (i) intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms), (ii) intercompany transfer pricing and marketing re-charge fees and (iii) intercompany non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements (including, cash collection arrangements in respect of airline revenue), in each case made in the ordinary course of business or for ordinary course cash management purposes or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IP Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Junior Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a).
“Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, for each applicable Test Period, the following Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio:
Test Period |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
|||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2026 |
6.85 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on December 31, 2026 |
6.10 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on March 31, 2027 |
6.35 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on June 30, 2027 |
6.40 to 1.00 | |||
Test Period ending on September 30, 2027 |
6.55 to 1.00 |
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“Junior Financing Documentation” means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.
“Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest maturity date of any Refinancing Term Loan, any Refinancing Term Commitment or any Extended Term Loan, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, constitutions, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes, common law and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
“LCA Election” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“LCA Test Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03(c).
“Lender” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a “Lender.” Each Initial Lender is a Lender on the Closing Date.
“Lender Default” means (i) the refusal (which may be given verbally or in writing and has not been retracted) or failure of any Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of revolving loans hereunder or reimbursement obligations required to be made by it hereunder, which refusal or failure is not cured within one Business Day after the date of such refusal or failure; (ii) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, unless subject to a good faith dispute; (iii) a Lender has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations under agreements generally in which it commits to extend credit; (iv) [reserved]; (v) a Lender has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Lender becomes subject to a Lender-Related Distress Event or (vi) a Lender has become the subject of a Bail-In Action. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender Default has occurred under any one or more of clauses (i) through (vi) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and the applicable Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.
“Lender-Related Distress Event” means, with respect to any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a “Distressed Person”), as the case may be, a voluntary or involuntary case with respect to such Distressed Person under any Debtor Relief Law, or a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official is appointed for such Distressed Person or any substantial part of such Distressed Person’s assets, or such Distressed Person or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Distressed Person is subject to a forced liquidation, or such Distressed Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Distressed Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt; provided that a Lender-Related Distress Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interests in any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof, 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.
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“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“Liability Management Transaction” means any debt tender offer or exchange, refinancing, restructuring or any similar transaction (either in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions) of or for any existing Indebtedness of Holdings or any subsidiary with any other Indebtedness (or the proceeds of any other Indebtedness) that includes as components thereof (i) contractual, structural or temporal (including as to lien priority or additional collateral) seniority with respect to any of the Term Loans (except in the case of a Refinancing permitted hereunder of any existing Indebtedness that is contractually, structurally or temporally senior to the Term Loans immediately prior to such transaction) and (ii) an Investment in, Restricted Payment to, or transfer or disposition of property or assets to, a Person that is not a Loan Party or a designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“License Subsidiary” means a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower substantially all of the assets of which consist of Broadcast Licenses and related rights.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Limited Condition Transaction” means (a) any acquisition, investment of or in any assets, business or Person permitted by this Agreement, in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing, (b) any prepayment of Indebtedness for which irrevocable notice has been given and/or (c) distributions that have been publicly declared by one or more of Holdings and its Subsidiaries.
“Loan” means an extension of credit by (or deemed made by) a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan (and including any Incremental Term Loan).
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Collateral Documents, (iv) each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect and (v) any Refinancing Amendment, Incremental Amendment or Extension Amendment.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.
“Make-Whole Amount” means, as of any date, an amount in cash determined as if the Initial Term Loans that are the subject of the applicable Premium Event were being voluntarily prepaid or repaid as of such date equal to the excess of (a) the present value at such date of the sum of (I) all required interest payments that would be due on such Initial Term Loans calculated at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Rate (using the applicable pricing level based on the Index Debt Rating on such date) on such Initial Term Loans for Term SOFR Loans from the date of Premium Event through, but excluding, the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date plus (II) the prepayment premium that would be due under Section 2.05(a)(iv)(A) if such prepayment were made on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date, plus (III) the principal amount of such Initial Term Loans being repaid or prepaid, in each case, discounted to the date of prepayment on a quarterly basis (assuming a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) at a rate equal to the sum of the Treasury Rate plus 0.50%, over (b) the principal amount of such Initial Term Loans being repaid or prepaid.
“Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the FRB.
“Master Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Swap Contract.”
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“Material Adverse Effect” means a (a) material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to fully and timely perform any of their payment obligations under any Loan Document to which any of the Loan Parties is a party or (c) material adverse effect on the rights and remedies available to the Lenders or any Agent under any Loan Document.
“Material Real Property” means any fee owned Real Property located in the United States that is owned by any Loan Party with a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000 (at the Closing Date or, with respect to Real Property acquired after the Closing Date, at the time of acquisition, in each case, as reasonably estimated by the Borrower in good faith).
“Maturity Date” means (i) with respect to the Initial Term Loans, May 1, 2029 (the “Initial Term Loan Maturity Date”), (ii) with respect to any tranche of Extended Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Term Loan Extension Request accepted by the respective Lender or Lenders, (iii) with respect to any Refinancing Term Loans, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and (iv) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans under a New Term Facility, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment; provided that, in each case, that if such date is not a Business Day, then the applicable Maturity Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
“Maximum Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10.
“MFN Protection” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
“MFN Trigger Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Mortgage Policies” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”
“Mortgaged Property” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.”
“Mortgages” means collectively, the deeds of trust, trust deeds, deeds to secure debt, hypothecs and mortgages made by the Loan Parties in favor or for the benefit of the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent with such terms and provisions as may be required by the applicable Laws of the relevant jurisdiction, and any other mortgages executed and delivered pursuant to Section 6.11 and Section 6.13, in each case, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding six years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
“Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means the multi-lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of the Closing Date and substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2, by and among the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as the collateral agent under the First Lien Notes, U.S. Bank, National Association, as collateral agent under the Existing Secured Notes Indenture (4.750%), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as the collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loan Administrative Agent, the Existing Term Loan Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto (including one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of permitted Indebtedness issued or incurred pursuant to Section 7.03 that is intended to be secured on a basis junior to the Obligations), as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms thereof.
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“Net Proceeds” means:
(a) 100% of the cash proceeds actually received by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise and including casualty insurance settlements and condemnation awards, but in each case only as and when received) from any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of (i) attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, survey costs, title insurance premiums, and related search and recording charges, transfer taxes, deed or mortgage recording taxes, other customary expenses and brokerage, consultant and other customary fees actually incurred in connection therewith, (ii) the principal amount, premium or penalty, if any, interest and other amounts on any Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien (other than a Lien that ranks pari passu with or subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations or Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment) on the asset subject to such Disposition or Casualty Event and that is required to be repaid (and is timely repaid) in connection with such Disposition or Casualty Event (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents), (iii) in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds thereof (calculated without regard to this clause (iii)) attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of Holdings or a wholly-owned Subsidiary as a result thereof, (iv) Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof, and (v) the amount of any reasonable reserve established in accordance with GAAP against any adjustment to the sale price or any liabilities (other than any Taxes deducted pursuant to clause (iv) above) (x) related to any of the applicable assets and (y) retained by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); provided that Holdings may reinvest any portion of such proceeds to make capital expenditures, an investment in long-term fixed assets or any other Investment permitted by clause (i) or (w) of Section 7.02 (in each case, which such Investment shall be permitted by this Agreement) in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 in the aggregate for all such reinvestments during any fiscal year, in each case, within 365 days of such receipt and such portion of such proceeds shall not constitute Net Proceeds except to the extent not, within 365 days of such receipt, so reinvested or contractually committed to be so reinvested (it being understood that if any portion of such proceeds are not so used within such 365 day period but within such 365 day period are contractually committed to be used, then upon the termination of such contract or if such Net Proceeds are not so used within 90 days after the end of such 365 day period, such remaining portion shall constitute Net Proceeds as of the date of such termination or expiry without giving effect to this proviso (it being understood that such proceeds shall constitute Net Proceeds notwithstanding any investment notice if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing); provided, further, that if the property or assets transferred in such Disposition or Casualty Event were Collateral, then such reinvestment must also be in Collateral, and
(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.
For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to Holdings or any Subsidiary shall be disregarded.
“New Contracts” means binding new agreements or amendments to existing agreements with customers.
“New Term Facility” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(d).
“Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.
“Non-Exclusive Period” means any day after the last day of the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period.
“Not Otherwise Applied” means, with reference to any amount of net cash proceeds of any transaction or event, that such amount was not previously (and is not concurrently being) applied in determining the permissibility of a transaction under the Loan Documents where such permissibility was or is (or may have been) contingent on receipt of such amount or utilization of such amount for a specified purpose.
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“Note” means a Term Note.
“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding, and all indemnification obligations of the Loan Parties owing to any Lender under the Transaction Support Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents (and of their Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include (a) the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Prepayment Premiums, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Offered Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Offered Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“OID” means original issue discount.
“Organization Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
“Other Applicable Indebtedness” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).
“Other Debt Representative” means, with respect to any series Indebtedness permitted to be incurred hereunder on a pari passu or junior Lien basis to the Lien securing the Obligations, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.
“Other Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
“Outstanding Amount” means with respect to the Term Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding Principal Amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date.
“Overnight Rate” means, for any day, the Federal Funds Rate.
“Parent” means iHeartMedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
“Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
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“Participating Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or with respect to which a Loan Party or Subsidiary has any liability (contingent or otherwise).
“Permitted Acquisition” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(i).
“Permitted Junior Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred that:
(1) shall have no obligor (other than the Borrower and the Guarantors);
(2) shall be unsecured or, if secured, (x) shall not be secured by any assets other than the Collateral, (y) shall only be secured by Liens that rank junior in right of security to the Liens securing the Obligations and (z) the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(3) shall have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred;
(4) shall not be subject to any mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligation (other than (x) in the case of notes, customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default and (y) in the case of loans, customary mandatory prepayment provisions upon an asset sale or event of loss (or from the proceeds of a Permitted Refinancing) and a customary acceleration right after an event of default, in each case subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations) prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date then in effect;
(5) shall either (i) not allow for any cash payments, whether in respect of interest, principal or any fees (however described) to be made prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date then in effect or (ii) in the case of any Permitted Junior Debt the proceeds of which are promptly applied to refinance, repay or otherwise replace any Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, have an All-In Cash Yield that is no greater than the All-In Cash Yield of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes that are being refinanced, repaid or otherwise replaced;
(9) shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Borrower;
(10) shall only be incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(s); and
(11) shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, except as provided in this definition, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole); provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this clause (11) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this clause (11), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)) unless (x) the Lenders of the Initial Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness or shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders).
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“Permitted Refinancing” means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended, (c) at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended was incurred as Permitted Junior Debt, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension shall constitute Permitted Junior Debt, (e) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is (i) unsecured, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is unsecured, (ii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension shall not have a greater Lien priority than the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended or (iii) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, replacement, renewal, exchange or extension is either (x) secured by Liens on the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations or (y) unsecured and (e) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement, exchange or extension is incurred by the Person who is or would have been permitted to be the obligor or guarantor (or any successor thereto) on the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced, exchanged or extended.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or Subsidiary or, with respect to any such Plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
“Platform” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Pledged Debt” means, collectively, (a) “Pledged Debt” (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (b) any other Collateral constituting “Pledged Debt,” “Receivables,” “Intercompany Debt Documents” or terms of similar import (as defined in any other Collateral Document).
“Pledged Equity” means, collectively, (a) “Pledged Equity” (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (b) any other Collateral consisting of Equity Interests. For the avoidance of doubt, Pledged Equity shall not include any Equity Interests included in the definition of “Excluded Assets” (as defined in the Security Agreement).
“Post-Acquisition Period” means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated.
“Premium Event” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a)(iii)(A).
“Prepayment Premium” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(a)(iii)(A).
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“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest announced publicly by Bank of America in New York from time to time, as Bank of America’s prime rate. The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. The Administrative Agent or any other Lender may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Rate.
“Principal Amount” means the stated or principal amount of each Loan.
“Pro Forma Adjustment” means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or the Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by Holdings in good faith as a result of (a) actions that have been taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or are expected to be taken (in the good faith determination of Holdings) within 12 months after the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business with the operations of Holdings and the Subsidiaries; provided that (i) at the election of Holdings, such Pro Forma Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $40,000,000, and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such revenue is accrued or costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional revenue or costs, as applicable, will be accrued or incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided, further, that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period and shall be subject to the aggregate caps set forth in “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Consolidated Net Income”.
“Pro Forma Basis”, “Pro Forma Compliance” and “Pro Forma Effect” mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of Holdings or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of “Specified Transaction”, shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by Holdings or any of the Subsidiaries in connection therewith (without giving effect to the netting of any cash proceeds of such Indebtedness to the extent such proceeds are being utilized in connection with any such Specified Transaction), and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that (I) without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with and subject to the caps set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Net Income and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by Holdings in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on Holdings and the Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment and (II) in determining Pro Forma Compliance with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, in connection with the incurrence (including by assumption or guarantee) of any Indebtedness, the incurrence of any Indebtedness in respect of the ABL Facility included in the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio immediately prior to, or simultaneously with, the event for which the Pro Forma Compliance determination of such ratio or other test is being made, shall be disregarded. In the event any fixed “baskets” are intended to be utilized together with any incurrence-based “baskets” in a single transaction or series of related transactions, (i) compliance with or satisfaction of any applicable financial ratios or tests for the portion of Indebtedness or any other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any incurrence-based “baskets” shall first be calculated without giving effect to amounts being utilized pursuant to any fixed “baskets”, but giving full pro forma effect to all applicable and related transactions (including, subject to the foregoing with respect to fixed “baskets”, any incurrence and repayments of Indebtedness) and all other permitted Pro Forma Adjustments (except that the incurrence of any Indebtedness under the ABL Facility immediately prior to or in connection therewith shall be disregarded), and (ii) thereafter, incurrence of the portion of such Indebtedness or other applicable transaction or action to be incurred under any fixed “baskets” shall be calculated.
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“Pro Rata Share” means, with respect to each Lender, at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time.
“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.
“Public Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
“Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.
“Qualifying Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“Refinanced Debt” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Refinancing Amendment” means an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Additional Refinancing Lender and (d) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans, incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.15.
“Refinancing Series” means all Refinancing Term Loans and Refinancing Term Commitments that are established pursuant to the same Refinancing Amendment (or any subsequent Refinancing Amendment to the extent such Refinancing Amendment expressly provides that the Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments provided for therein are intended to be a part of any previously established Refinancing Series) and that provide for the same All-In Yield and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments, amortization schedule.
“Refinancing Term Commitments” means one or more Classes of Term Commitments hereunder that are established to fund Refinancing Term Loans of the applicable Refinancing Series hereunder pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.
“Refinancing Term Loans” means one or more Classes of Term Loans hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment and constitute Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(d).
“Related Fund” means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages such Lender.
“Release” means any releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing or migrating into, onto or through the Environment.
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“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.
“Repurchase Trigger” means 90.0% or more of the principal amount of each of the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date shall have been exchanged (whether on the Closing Date or subsequently pursuant to clause (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) or (ix) of Section 7.13(a)) for Initial Term Loans or Senior Secured Notes, as applicable.
“Request for Credit Extension” means with respect to a Borrowing, continuation or conversion of Term Loans, a Committed Loan Notice.
“Required Class Lenders” means, with respect to any Class on any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (i) the outstanding Loans under such Class and (ii) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility.
“Required Facility Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Facility, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (a) the Total Outstandings under such Facility and (b) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility; provided that the unused Commitments of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings under such Facility held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Required Facility Lenders.
“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
“Rescindable Amount” has the meaning as set forth in Section 2.12(c)(i).
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer or other similar officer of a Loan Party and, as to any document delivered on the Closing Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of such Loan Party and any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party whose signature is included on an incumbency certificate or similar certificate, attaching resolutions authorizing such officer or employee to sign such documents and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment that is not otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.02.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrower’s or a Subsidiary’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings and any successor thereto.
“Same Day Funds” means immediately available funds.
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“Sanction(s)” means any international economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes or other comprehensive prohibitions against transaction activity pursuant to anti-terrorism laws or export control laws administered or enforced by the United States government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury.
“Scheduled Unavailability Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b)(ii).
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Second Lien Notes” means the 10.875% Second Lien Notes issued on the Closing Date in the aggregate principal amount of $675,165,443.
“Second Lien Notes Documents” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, the notes, the purchase agreement, mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements).
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means the indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Borrower, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the trustee referred to therein pursuant to which the Second Lien Notes are issued, as such indenture may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, the Supplemental Agents and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02.
“Securities Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Securities Account Control Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Security Agreement” means the US Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G, dated as of the Closing Date, among Holdings, the Borrower, the US Guarantors and the Collateral Agent.
“Security Agreement Supplement” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Senior Secured Notes” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Lien Notes and the Second Lien Notes.
“Senior Secured Notes Documents” means, individually or collectively, as the context may require, the First Lien Notes Documents and the Second Lien Notes Documents.
“SOFR” means the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator).
“SOFR Adjustment” means, with respect to Daily Simple SOFR, 0.11448% (11.448 basis points); and with respect to Term SOFR, 0.11448% (11.448 basis points) for an Interest Period of one-month’s duration, 0.26161% (26.161 basis points) for an Interest Period of three-month’s duration, and 0.42826% (42.826 basis points) for an Interest Period of six-months’ duration.
“SOFR-Based Rate” means SOFR or Term SOFR.
“Sold Entity or Business” has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term “Consolidated EBITDA.”
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“Solicited Discount Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of the Borrower of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-4.
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer” means the irrevocable written offer by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-5, submitted following the Administrative Agent’s receipt of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice.
“Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
“Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.
“SPC” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
“Special Flood Hazard Area” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.07(b).
“Specified Default” means a Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g).
“Specified Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Prepayment Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Prepayment Notice” means a written notice of the Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-6.
“Specified Discount Prepayment Response” means the irrevocable written response by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M-7, to a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.
“Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
“Specified Discount Proration” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(3).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(viii).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(vii).
“Specified Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(vi).
“Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(v).
“Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a)(ix).
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“Specified Holders” means those certain Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) that are identified in writing by the Ad Hoc Group Advisors (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) to the Borrower or its advisors (email being sufficient) prior to the Closing Date.
“Specified Holder Exclusivity Period” means the three (3) month period immediately following the Closing Date; provided that to the extent the Specified Holders have exchanged Existing Notes and/or Existing Term Loans in excess of 10% in the aggregate for all such outstanding Indebtedness immediately after giving effect to the Transactions during such three (3) month period, the Specified Holder Exclusivity Period shall be extended by an additional three (3) months.
“Specified Transaction” means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment, Subsidiary designation or Incremental Term Loan in respect of which the terms of this Agreement require any test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect”.
“Sterling” or “£” means freely transferable lawful money of the United Kingdom (expressed in pounds sterling).
“Submitted Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Submitted Discount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
“Subsequent Closing Market Purchase Incremental Facility” means any Term Loan Increase incurred pursuant to Section 2.14 issued on the same terms as the Initial Term Loans, and used to consummate Specified Existing Term Loan Exchanges.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
“Subsidiary Guarantor” means any Guarantor other than Holdings.
“Successor Company” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d).
“Successor Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b).
“Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at least 65% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders.
“Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at least 90% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings, and (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders.
“Supplemental Agent” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14(a) and “Supplemental Agents” shall have the corresponding meaning.
“Swap” means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
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“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
“Tax Group” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06(i)(iii).
“Taxes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
“Term Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Term Loans of the same Class and Type and, in the case of Term SOFR Loans, having the same Interest Period made (or deemed made) by each of the Term Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01, an Incremental Amendment, a Refinancing Amendment or an Extension.
“Term Commitment” means a Commitment.
“Term Lender” means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term Commitment or a Term Loan at such time.
“Term Loan Extension Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Term Loan Extension Series” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
“Term Loans” means any Initial Term Loan, any Incremental Term Loan, Refinancing Term Loan or Extended Term Loan designated as a “Term Loan”, as the context may require.
“Term Loan Increase” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
“Term Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans of each Class made by such Term Lender.
“Term Priority Collateral” means “Non-Intercreditor Collateral” as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
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“Term SOFR” means:
(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Term SOFR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that if the rate is not published prior to 11:00 a.m. on such determination date then Term SOFR means the Term SOFR Screen Rate on the first U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately prior thereto, in each case, plus the SOFR Adjustment for such Interest Period; and
(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Screen Rate with a term of one month commencing that day plus the SOFR Adjustment for an Interest Period of one month;
provided that if the Term SOFR determined in accordance with either of the foregoing provisions (a) or (b) of this definition would otherwise be less than zero, the Term SOFR shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“Term SOFR Loan” means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Term SOFR.
“Term SOFR Replacement Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(b).
“Term SOFR Screen Rate” means the forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME (or any successor administrator satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).
“Test Period” means, for any date of determination under this Agreement, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b), as applicable.
“Threshold Amount” means $20,000,000.
“Total Assets” means the total assets of Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of Holdings delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) or (b).
“Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans.
“Transactions” means the “Transactions” as such term is defined in the Transaction Support Agreement and any other transactions contemplated by, relating to or in connection with the Transaction Support Agreement and the Exchange Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) the making (or deemed making) of the Initial Term Loans and the execution and delivery of Loan Documents entered into on the Closing Date and the Exchange Agreement, (b) the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and the execution and delivery of First Lien Notes Documents and the Second Lien Notes Documents entered into on the Closing Date, the supplemental indentures and other documentation in in respect of the Existing Notes Documents and an amendment and other documentation in respect of the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, (c) the payment of the Transaction Expenses and (d) in each case, the other transactions contemplated by or entered into in connection with the foregoing clauses (a) through (c).
“Transaction Expenses” means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the Facilities), this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
“Transaction Support Agreement” shall mean that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, among Holdings, the Borrower and the creditors of Holdings and the Borrower from time to time party thereto as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Closing Date.
“Transferred Guarantor” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10.
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“Treasury Rate” means, as of any date of determination, a rate equal to the then-current yield to maturity on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such date (but not more than five Business Days) (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) and having a duration equal to (or the nearest available tenor) the period from the date that the applicable repayment or prepayment is received (or the date such repayment or prepayment is required to be received) to the date that falls on the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date (or, if such period is less than one year, the weekly average Treasury Rate adjusted to a constant maturity of one year) as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
“Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Term SOFR Loan.
“Unaudited Financial Statements” means the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of Parent as of September 30, 2024 and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Parent as of September 30, 2024.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.
“United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
“United States Tax Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibits K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 hereto, as applicable.
“US Guarantor” means each US Subsidiary that constitutes a Guarantor.
“US Person” means any Person that is a “United States person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“US Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any Business Day, except any Business Day on which any of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the New York Stock Exchange or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is not open for business because such day is a legal holiday under the federal laws of the United States or the laws of the State of New York, as applicable.
“USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 10756, as amended or modified from time to time.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
“wholly owned” means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) director’s qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
“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.
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“Yield Differential” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(e)(iii).
Section 1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions.
With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
(b) The words “herein,” “hereto,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(c) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.
(d) The term “including” is by way of example and not limitation.
(e) The term “documents” includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(f) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”; and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(g) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Section 1.03. Accounting Terms.
(a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.
(b) For purposes of determining whether Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries comply with any exception to Article VII where compliance with any such exception is based on a financial ratio or metric being satisfied as of a particular point in time, it is understood that (a) compliance shall be measured at the time when the relevant event is undertaken, as such financial ratios and metrics are intended to be “incurrence” tests and not “maintenance” tests and (b) correspondingly, any such ratio and metric shall only prohibit Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries from creating, incurring, assuming, suffering to exist or making, as the case may be, any new, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments, but shall not result in any previously permitted, for example, Liens, Indebtedness or Investments ceasing to be permitted hereunder.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Agreement with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, for any Specified Transaction that is consummated in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCA Election”) the date of determination for calculation of any such ratios shall be deemed to be either (a) the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into, or (b) solely in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “City Code”) applies, the date on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention
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to make an offer in respect of such target company is made in compliance with the City Code (the “LCA Test Date”) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and the Specified Transactions to be entered into in connection therewith as if they had occurred at the beginning of the most recent date of determination ending prior to the LCA Test Date, the Borrower could have taken such action on the relevant LCA Test Date in compliance with such ratio or basket, such ratio or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCA Test Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the relevant transaction or action is permitted to be consummated or taken. If the Borrower has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio or basket availability with respect to any other Specified Transaction on or following the relevant LCA Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement for, or “Rule 2.7 announcement” in respect of, as applicable, such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio or basket shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and any associated Lien) have been consummated. In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires that no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, has occurred, is continuing or would result from any such action, as applicable, such condition shall, at the option of the Borrower, be deemed satisfied, so long as no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, exists on the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has exercised its option under this clause (c), and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the date the definitive agreements for the applicable Limited Condition Transaction were entered into and prior to the consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such Default or Event of Default (other than an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or (f)) shall be deemed to not have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Transaction is permitted hereunder.
Section 1.04. Rounding.
Any financial ratios required to be maintained by Holdings pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).
Section 1.05. References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.
Section 1.06. Times of Day.
Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
Section 1.07. Timing of Payment or Performance.
When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
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Section 1.08. Initial Lenders.
By accepting the benefits under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each Initial Lender acknowledges and agrees that it shall be bound by all provisions of this Agreement (including for the avoidance of doubt, Section 9.07) and shall have all of the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder.
Section 1.09. [Reserved].
Section 1.10. Currency Equivalents Generally.
(a) Any amount specified in this Agreement (other than in Articles II, IX and X or as set forth in paragraph (b) of this Section 1.10) or any of the other Loan Documents to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount to be determined at the rate of exchange quoted by the Reuters World Currency Page for the applicable currency at 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day (or, in the event such rate does not appear on any Reuters World Currency Page, by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agents and the Borrower, or, in the absence of such agreement, such rate shall instead be the arithmetic average of the spot rates of exchange of the Administrative Agents in the market where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date for the purchase of Dollars for delivery two Business Days later). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 7.03 with respect to any amount of Indebtedness or Investment in a currency other than Dollars, no Default shall be deemed to have occurred solely as a result of changes in rates of exchange occurring after the time such Indebtedness or Investment is incurred; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.10 shall otherwise apply to such Sections, including with respect to determining whether any Indebtedness or Investment may be incurred at any time under such Sections.
(b) For purposes of determining compliance under Sections 7.02, 7.05, 7.06 or 7.13 or for calculating the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, any amount in a currency other than Dollars will be converted to Dollars based on the average Exchange Rate for such currency for the most recent twelve-month period immediately prior to the date of determination determined in a manner consistent with that used in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period.
Section 1.11. [Reserved].
Section 1.12. 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 pursuant to such division transaction, then such asset, right, obligation or liability shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence as a result of such division transaction, 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.
Section 1.13. Interest Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to any reference rate referred to herein or with respect to any rate (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the selection of such rate and any related spread or other adjustment) that is an alternative or replacement for or successor to any such rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions or other activities that affect any reference rate referred to herein, or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing) or any related spread or other adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any reference rate referred to herein or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including, without limitation, any Successor Rate) (or any component of any of the foregoing), in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or other action or omission related to or affecting the selection, determination, or calculation of any rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
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ARTICLE II
The Commitments and Credit Extensions
Section 2.01. The Loans.
(a) The Initial Term Loan Borrowings. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement, each Initial Lender (i) is deemed to have made, on the Closing Date, a term loan to the Borrower denominated in Dollars in the amount of such Initial Lender’s Initial Term Commitment and (ii) is deemed to have executed and delivered, on the Closing Date, this Agreement pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Initial Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Term SOFR Loans, as further provided herein; provided that, on the Closing Date, the Initial Term Loans shall be deemed made as Term SOFR Loans with an initial Interest Period of 3 months ending on March 20, 2025 (it being understood and agreed that this Section 2.01(a) shall be in lieu of a Committed Loan Notice on the Closing Date).
Section 2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.
(a) Each Term Borrowing (other than a Borrowing of Initial Term Loans), each conversion of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable written notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Committed Loan Notice; provided that any telephone notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Committed Loan Notice. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Term SOFR Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans, and (ii) 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Business Day of a requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) in no event shall any (x) Term SOFR Loan be continued as a Term SOFR Loan or (y) Base Rate Loan be converted to a Term SOFR Loan and (ii) each Term SOFR Loan will be automatically, on the last day of the current Interest Period thereof, convert to a Base Rate Loan, in each case except as otherwise agreed by the applicable Required Class Lenders. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of (other than a Borrowing of Initial Term Loans), conversion to or continuation of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $2,000,000, or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, a conversion of Term Loans of any Class or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Term Loans of a Class are to be converted, (v) [reserved] and (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans shall be made as or converted to Term SOFR Loans having an Interest Period of one month, as applicable. Any such automatic conversion to one-month Term SOFR Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Term SOFR Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month.
(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Each Lender may, at its
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option, make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect in any manner the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by wire transfer of such funds in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Term SOFR Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Term SOFR Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Term SOFR Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of Term SOFR by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Prime Rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the announcement of such change.
(e) After giving effect to all Term Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect.
(f) The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.
(g) With respect to SOFR or Term SOFR, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Borrower and the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.
Section 2.03. [Reserved].
Section 2.04. [Reserved].
Section 2.05. Prepayments.
(a) Optional.
(i) The Borrower, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, may voluntarily prepay at any time or from time to time Term Loans of any Class (subject to the terms of any Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment executed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) in whole or in part without premium or penalty (subject to Section 2.05(a)(iv)); provided that (1) such notice must be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Term SOFR Loans and (B) one (1) Business Day prior to any prepayment of Base Rate Loans in each case, unless the Administrative Agent agrees to a shorter period in its discretion; (2) any prepayment of Term SOFR Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $2,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire Principal Amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Pro
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Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Term SOFR Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon to such date, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. In the case of each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a), the Borrower may in its sole discretion select the Borrowing or Borrowings (and the application of such prepayment to scheduled maturities of principal payments) to be repaid, and such payment shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares or other applicable share as provided for under this Agreement.
(ii) [Reserved.]
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, subject to the payment of any amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.05 and the Prepayment Premiums, if any, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Section 2.05(a)(i) if such prepayment is conditioned on the consummation of another concurrent transaction, which such transaction shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed. Each prepayment of any Class of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) (other than Section 2.05(a)(ii)) shall be applied in an order of priority to repayments thereof as directed by the Borrower and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a) or (b), as applicable.
(iv)
(A) In the event that (x) the Borrower makes any voluntary prepayment of Initial Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(i) or any refinancing, exchange, redemption, repayment or discharge of the Term Loans (other than pursuant to Sections 2.05(a)(v), 2.05(b)(i), 2.05(b)(ii)) or 10.07(m)), (y) a mandatory prepayment of the Initial Term Loans is required by Section 2.05(b)(iii) or (z) all or a portion of the Initial Term Loans are accelerated (or deemed accelerated) for any reason, including because of the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise) (each of the foregoing, a “Premium Event”), then, in each case, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of each applicable Term Lender, a prepayment premium equal to (A) if such Premium Event occurs from the Closing Date through, but excluding, the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date, the Make-Whole Amount, (B) if such Premium Event occurs on or after the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to the thirty-six (36) month anniversary of the Closing Date, 3.00 % of the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loans being repaid, prepaid, required to be prepaid, or accelerated and (C) if such Premium Event occurs on or after the thirty-six (36) month anniversary of the Closing Date and prior to May 1, 2028, 1.00 % of the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Term Loans being repaid, prepaid, required to be prepaid, or accelerated (the foregoing premiums, including the Make-Whole Amount, a “Prepayment Premium” and collectively the “Prepayment Premiums”); provided that on and after May 1, 2028, the premium for any prepayments, repayments and accelerations of Initial Term Loans shall be 0.00%.
(B) The parties hereto further acknowledge and agree that the Prepayment Premiums shall be presumed to be the liquidated damages sustained by each applicable Term Lender as a result of the early repayment or prepayment of the Initial Term Loans (and not intended to act as a penalty or to punish the Loan Parties for any such repayment or prepayment). Any prepayment or repayment, whether voluntary or involuntary, of the Initial Term Loans upon the occurrence of any Premium Event shall be accompanied by all unpaid accrued interest on the principal amount prepaid or repaid, together with the Prepayment Premium payable at such time, as applicable pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(iv)(A). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing in this Section 2.05(a)(iv)(B), and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is understood and agreed that if the Obligations are accelerated as a result of the
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occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, the commencement of any bankruptcy, examinership, reorganization, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding pursuant to any applicable Debtor Relief Laws, sale, disposition, or encumbrance (including that by operation of law or otherwise), the applicable Prepayment Premium, determined as of the date of acceleration, will also be due and payable and will be treated and deemed as though the Initial Term Loans were prepaid as of such date and shall constitute part of the Obligations for all purposes herein. The applicable Prepayment Premium shall also be payable in the event the Obligations (and/or this Agreement) are satisfied or released by foreclosure (whether by power of judicial proceeding or otherwise), deed in lieu of foreclosure or by any other similar means). EACH OF THE BORROWER AND THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVES (TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LAWFULLY DO SO) THE PROVISIONS OF ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE STATUTE OR LAW THAT PROHIBITS OR MAY PROHIBIT THE COLLECTION OF THE FOREGOING PREPAYMENT PREMIUM IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH ACCELERATION. Each of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties expressly agrees that (i) the applicable Prepayment Premium is reasonable and is the product of an arm’s length transaction between sophisticated business people, ably represented by counsel, (ii) the applicable Prepayment Premium shall be payable notwithstanding the then prevailing market rates at the time payment or redemption is made, (iii) there has been a course of conduct between the applicable Term Lenders, the Borrower and the other Loan Parties giving specific consideration in this transaction for such agreement to pay the Prepayment Premium, (iv) the Borrower and the other Loan Parties shall be estopped hereafter from claiming differently than as agreed to in this Section 2.05(a)(iii), (v) their respective agreement to pay or guarantee the payment of the applicable Prepayment Premium is a material inducement to the applicable Term Lenders to provide the Initial Term Commitments and make the Initial Term Loans, and (vi) the applicable Prepayment Premium represents a good faith, reasonable estimate and calculation of the lost profits or damages of the applicable Term Lenders and that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to ascertain the actual amount of damages to the applicable Term Lenders or profits lost by the applicable Term Lenders as a result of such applicable Premium Event.
(v) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, any Company Party may prepay the outstanding Term Loans (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be automatically and permanently canceled immediately upon such prepayment) (or Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries may purchase such outstanding Term Loans and immediately cancel them) on the following basis:
(A) Any Company Party shall have the right to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers (any such prepayment, the “Discounted Term Loan Prepayment”), in each case made in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that no Company Party shall initiate any action under this Section 2.05(a)(v) in order to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment unless (I) at least ten (10) Business Days shall have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date; or (II) at least three Business Days shall have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Party’s election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
(B) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such offer shall be made available, at the sole discretion of the Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such offer shall specify the aggregate principal amount offered to (1) Each Term Lender receiving such offer shall notify the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date whether or not it agrees to accept a prepayment of any of its applicable then outstanding Term Loans at the Specified Discount and, if so (such accepting Lender, a “Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender”), the amount and the tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans to be prepaid at such offered discount.
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be prepaid (the “Specified Discount Prepayment Amount”) with respect to each applicable tranche, the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the specific percentage discount to par (the “Specified Discount”) of such Term Loans to be prepaid (it being understood that different Specified Discounts and/or Specified Discount Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)), (III) the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such offer shall remain outstanding through the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Specified Discount Prepayment Notice and a form of the Specified Discount Prepayment Response to be completed and returned by each such Term Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the “Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date”).
Each acceptance of a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by a Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender shall be irrevocable. Any Term Lender whose Specified Discount Prepayment Response is not received by the Auction Agent by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept the applicable Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment.
(2) If there is at least one Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender, the relevant Company Party will make a prepayment of outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this paragraph (B) to each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender in accordance with the respective outstanding amount and tranches of Term Loans specified in such Lender’s Specified Discount Prepayment Response given pursuant to subsection (2) above; provided that if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans accepted for prepayment by all Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders exceeds the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount, such prepayment shall be made pro rata among the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders in accordance with the respective principal amounts accepted to be prepaid by each such Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Specified Discount Proration”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within three Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such offer, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, and the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date and (III) each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender of the Specified Discount Proration, if any, and confirmation of the principal amount, tranche and Type of Term Loans of such Lender to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the Company Party and such Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
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(C) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Discount Range Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate principal amount of the relevant Term Loans (the “Discount Range Prepayment Amount”), the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the maximum and minimum percentage discounts to par (the “Discount Range”) of the principal amount of such Term Loans with respect to each relevant tranche of Term Loans willing to be prepaid by such Company Party (it being understood that different Discount Ranges and/or Discount Range Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)), (III) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Discount Range Prepayment Notice and a form of the Discount Range Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the “Discount Range Prepayment Response Date”). Each Term Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer shall be irrevocable and shall specify a discount to par within the Discount Range (the “Submitted Discount”) at which such Lender is willing to allow prepayment of any or all of its then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable tranche or tranches and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Lender’s Term Loans (the “Submitted Amount”) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Submitted Discount. Any Term Lender whose Discount Range Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount to their par value within the Discount Range.
(1) The Auction Agent shall review all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received on or before the applicable Discount Range Prepayment Response Date and shall determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the Applicable Discount and Term Loans to be prepaid at such Applicable Discount in accordance with this subsection (C). The relevant Company Party agrees to accept on the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, in the order from the Submitted Discount that is the largest discount to par to the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par, up to and including the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range (such Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range being referred to as the “Applicable Discount”) which yields a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lower of (I) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount and (II) the sum of all Submitted Amounts. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Discount Range Prepayment Offer to accept prepayment at a discount to par that is larger than or equal to the Applicable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Submitted Amount (subject to any required proration pursuant to the following subsection (3)) at the Applicable Discount (each such Term Lender, a “Participating Lender”).
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Discount is a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount (the “Identified Participating Lenders”) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Participating Lenders in accordance with the Submitted Amount of each such Identified Participating Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Discount Range Proration”). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within five (5) Business Days following the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders’ responses to such solicitation, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount and tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Participating Lender of the aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Participating Lender of the Discount Range Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the relevant Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
(2) If there is at least one Participating Lender, the relevant Company Party will prepay the respective outstanding Term Loans of each Participating Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Discount Range Prepayment Offer at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the Submitted Amount by all Participating Lenders offered at a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount exceeds the Discount Range Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the relevant Term Loans for those Participating Lenders whose Submitted (D) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days’ notice in the form of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Lender with respect to any Class of Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate amount of the Term Loans (the “Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount”) and the tranche or tranches of Term Loans the Borrower is willing to prepay at a discount (it being understood that different Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)), (III) the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice and a form of the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m. (New York City time), on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Term Lenders (the “Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date”). Each Term Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer shall (x) be irrevocable, (y) remain outstanding until the Acceptance Date, and (z) specify both a discount to par (the “Offered Discount”) at which such Term Lender is willing to allow prepayment of its then outstanding Term Loan and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Loans (the “Offered Amount”) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Offered Discount. Any Term Lender whose Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount.
(1) The Auction Agent shall promptly provide the relevant Company Party with a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received on or before the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. Such Company Party shall review all such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers and select the largest of the Offered Discounts specified by the relevant responding Term Lenders in the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers that is acceptable to the Company Party (the “Acceptable Discount”), if any.
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Discount, then as soon as practicable after the determination of the Acceptable Discount, but in no event later than by the third Business Day after the date of receipt by such Company Party from the Auction Agent of a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers pursuant to the first sentence of this subsection (2) (the “Acceptance Date”), the Company Party shall submit an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice to the Auction Agent setting forth the Acceptable Discount. If the Auction Agent shall fail to receive an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice from the Company Party by the Acceptance Date, such Company Party shall be deemed to have rejected all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
If the Company Party elects to accept any Offered Discount as the Acceptable (2) Based upon the Acceptable Discount and the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, within three Business Days after receipt of an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice (the “Discounted Prepayment Determination Date”), the Auction Agent will determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans (the “Acceptable Prepayment Amount”) to be prepaid by the relevant Company Party at the Acceptable Discount in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D). If the Company Party elects to accept any Acceptable Discount, then the Company Party agrees to accept all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, in the order from largest Offered Discount to smallest Offered Discount, up to and including the Acceptable Discount. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer with an Offered Discount that is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Offered Amount (subject to any required pro rata reduction pursuant to the following sentence) at the Acceptable Discount (each such Lender, a “Qualifying Lender”). The Company Party will prepay outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this subsection (D) to each Qualifying Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lender’s Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer at the Acceptable Discount; provided that if the aggregate Offered Amount by all Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount exceeds the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the Term Loans for those Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount (the “Identified Qualifying Lenders”) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Qualifying Lenders in accordance with the Offered Amount of each such Identified Qualifying Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the “Solicited Discount Proration”). On or prior to the Discounted Prepayment Determination Date, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and Acceptable Prepayment Amount comprising the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Acceptable Discount, and the Acceptable Prepayment Amount of all Term Loans and the tranches to be prepaid to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Qualifying Lender of the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Acceptable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Qualifying Lender of the Solicited Discount Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to such Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to such Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
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(3) In connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may require as a condition to any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the payment of customary fees and expenses from a Company Party in connection therewith.
(E) If any Term Loan is prepaid in accordance with paragraphs (B) through (D) above, a Company Party shall prepay such Term Loans on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. The relevant Company Party shall make such prepayment to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and all such prepayments shall be applied to the remaining principal installments of the relevant tranche of Loans on a pro rata basis across such installments. The Term Loans so prepaid shall be accompanied by all accrued and unpaid interest on the par principal amount so prepaid up to, but not including, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. Each prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall be paid to the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, and shall be applied to the relevant Loans of such Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Share. The aggregate principal amount of the tranches and installments of the relevant Term Loans outstanding shall be deemed reduced by the full par value of the aggregate principal amount of the tranches of Term Loans prepaid on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment. In connection with each prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v), the relevant Company Party shall waive any right to bring any action against the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such, in connection with any such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment.
(F) To the extent not expressly provided for herein, each Discounted Term Loan Prepayment shall be consummated pursuant to procedures consistent with the provisions in this Section 2.05(a)(v), established by the Auction Agent acting in its reasonable discretion and as reasonably agreed by the Borrower.
(G) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, for purposes of this Section 2.05(a)(v), each notice or other communication required to be delivered or otherwise provided to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) shall be deemed to have been given upon Auction Agent’s (or its delegate’s) actual receipt during normal business hours of such notice or communication; provided that any notice or communication actually received outside of normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given as of the opening of business on the next Business Day.
(H) Each of the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may perform any and all of its duties under this Section 2.05(a)(v) by itself or through any Affiliate of the Auction Agent and expressly consents to any such delegation of duties by the Auction Agent to such Affiliate and the performance of such delegated duties by such Affiliate. The exculpatory provisions pursuant to this Agreement shall apply to each Affiliate of the Auction Agent and its respective activities in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment provided for in this Section 2.05(a)(v) as well as activities of the Auction Agent.
(I) Each Company Party shall have the right, by written notice to the Auction Agent, to revoke in full (but not in part) its offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and rescind the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Notice, Discount Range Prepayment Notice or Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice therefor at its discretion at any time on or prior to the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date (and if such offer is revoked pursuant to the preceding clauses, any failure by such Company Party to make any prepayment to a Lender, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 8.01 or otherwise).
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(b) Mandatory.
(i) Within five (5) Business Days after financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) (commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025) and the related Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a), the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount (such amount, the “Applicable ECF Amount”) equal to (A) 75.0% of Excess Cash Flow, if any, for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements minus (B) the sum of (1) all voluntary prepayments or repurchases of Term Loans made during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is made (including, in the case of Term Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v), the actual purchase price paid in cash pursuant to a “Dutch Auction”), (2) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of loans under the ABL Facility during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (other than any such prepayment, repurchase or redemption made on the Closing Date in connection with the Transactions) to the extent the commitments under the ABL Facility are permanently reduced by the amount of such payments, (3) all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of First Lien Notes (9.125%) and any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and any other Indebtedness that, in each case, matures on or prior to the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date and is secured on a pari passu basis with the Initial Term Loans, and repurchased or redeemed on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis with the Initial Term Loans (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due, (4) the amount of Restricted Payments paid in cash (or committed to be paid) during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, paid after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually paid as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) pursuant to Section 7.06(i) (clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) only) or Section 7.06(g), to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility, (5) cash payments by the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries made (or committed to be made) during such period or, at the option of the Borrower, made after such period and prior to the date the Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (it being understood that to the extent such payments are not actually made as committed in a subsequent period, such amount shall be added back in calculating Excess Cash Flow for such subsequent period) in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and its respective Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness, to the extent financed with internally generated cash or borrowings under the ABL Facility, (6) at the option of the Borrower, an amount up to the aggregate face amount of outstanding Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes that mature on or prior to the twelve month anniversary of the date when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due and (7) without of duplication of any amounts deducted in the immediately preceding fiscal year pursuant to the foregoing clause (6), all voluntary prepayments, repurchases or redemptions of Existing Term Loans and Existing Notes (except to the extent financed with proceeds of long-term funded Indebtedness (other than revolving loans)) during such fiscal year or after year-end and prior to when such Excess Cash Flow prepayment is due (which shall be limited to the actual purchase price paid in cash), in the case of each of the immediately preceding clauses (1) through (7), without duplication of any deduction from Excess Cash Flow in any prior period; provided that such prepayment shall be reduced if at the time that any such prepayment would be required, the Borrower is required to offer to repurchase or otherwise redeem any First Lien Notes (9.125%) with such Excess Cash Flow, in which case the Borrower may apply the Applicable ECF Amount on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and the First Lien Notes (9.125%) at such time) and the remaining Applicable ECF Amount so received to the repurchase or redemption of the First Lien Notes (9.125%); provided, further, that (A) the portion of the Applicable ECF Amount allocated to the First Lien Notes (9.125%) shall not exceed the amount of the Applicable ECF Amount required to be allocated to the First Lien Notes (9.125%) pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of the Applicable ECF Amount shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof to the prepayment of the Term Loans, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i) shall be reduced accordingly and (B) to the extent the holders of the First Lien Notes (9.125%) decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or redeemed, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, further, repayments pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i) shall only be required if the Applicable ECF Amount for such fiscal year is greater than $10,000,000 (and only such excess amount shall be applied to the payment thereof).
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(ii) If (x) Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries Disposes of any property or assets pursuant to Section 7.05(j), (m) or (q) or (y) any Casualty Event occurs, which results in the realization or receipt by Holdings or Subsidiary of Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below, on or prior to the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt by Holdings or any Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds, subject to clause (b)(xi) below, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% all Net Proceeds received (such amount, the “Applicable Proceeds”); provided that such prepayment shall be reduced if at the time that any such prepayment would be required, the Borrower is required to offer to repurchase any First Lien Notes or other Indebtedness (other than the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%)) outstanding at such time that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral ranking pari passu with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Term Loans pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing the First Lien Notes or such other Indebtedness with the Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event (such Indebtedness together with the Senior Secured Notes required to be offered to be so repurchased, “Other Applicable Indebtedness”), in which case the Borrower may apply the Applicable Proceeds on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness at such time) and the remaining Net Proceeds so received to the prepayment of such Other Applicable Indebtedness; provided, further, that (A) the portion of the Applicable Proceeds (but not the other Net Proceeds received) allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of Applicable Proceeds required to be allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of the Applicable Proceeds shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof to the prepayment of the Term Loans and to the repurchase or prepayment of Other Applicable Indebtedness, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii) shall be reduced accordingly and (B) to the extent the holders of Other Applicable Indebtedness decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or prepaid, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof; provided, further, that that only the amount of Net Proceeds in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate per fiscal year for all such Dispositions or Casualty Events shall be subject to prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii) and, in such case, the required prepayment shall be only the amount in excess thereof.
(iii) If Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs or issues any Indebtedness after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 (excluding Section 7.03(t)), the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(x) below an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received therefrom on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the receipt by Holdings or such Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds.
(iv) [Reserved].
(v) [Reserved].
(vi) Except with respect to Loans incurred in connection with any Refinancing Amendment, Term Loan Extension Request, or any Incremental Amendment (which may be prepaid on a less than pro rata basis in accordance with its terms), (A) each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied on a pro rata basis to each Class of Term Loans then outstanding (provided that (i) any prepayment of Term Loans with the Net Proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness shall be applied solely to each applicable Class of Refinanced Debt, and (ii) any Class of Incremental Term Loans may specify that one or more other Classes of Term Loans and Incremental Term Loans may be prepaid prior to such Class of Incremental Term Loans); (B) with respect to each Class of Term Loans, each prepayment pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied to the scheduled installments of principal thereof following the date of prepayment as directed by the Borrower (without premium or penalty) and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof; and (C) each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares of such prepayment.
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(vii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(b) at least four (4) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrower’s prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the prepayment.
(viii) Funding Losses, Etc. All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Term SOFR Loan on a date prior to the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Term SOFR Loan pursuant to Section 3.05. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of Section 2.05(b), so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Term SOFR Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05(b), prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b).
(ix) Term Opt-out of Prepayment. With respect to each prepayment of Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (A) each Lender of Term Loans will have the right to refuse such offer of prepayment by giving written notice of such refusal to the Administrative Agent within one (1) Business Day after such Lender’s receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent of such offer of prepayment (and the Borrower shall not prepay any Term Loans of such Lender on the date that is specified in clause (B) below), (B) the Borrower will make all such prepayments not so refused upon the fourth Business Day after delivery of notice by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(vii) and (C) any prepayment refused by Lenders of Term Loans may be retained by the Borrower.
(x) In connection with any mandatory prepayments by the Borrower of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b), such prepayments shall be applied on a pro rata basis to the then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class or Classes being prepaid irrespective of whether such outstanding Term Loans are Base Rate Loans or Term SOFR Loans; provided that if no Lenders exercise the right to waive a given mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ix), then, with respect to such mandatory prepayment, the amount of such mandatory prepayment within any tranche of Term Loans shall be applied first to Term Loans of such tranche that are Base Rate Loans to the full extent thereof before application to Term Loans of such tranche that are Term SOFR Loans in a manner that minimizes the amount of any payments required to be made by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.05.
(xi) Foreign Dispositions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.05, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary (“Foreign Disposition”) or Excess Cash Flow attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries are prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05 but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Borrower hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that, in each case, would otherwise be required to be used to make an offer of prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(i) or 2.05(b)(ii), is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition or Foreign Subsidiary Excess Cash Flow would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow, such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause
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(ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b) or any such Excess Cash Flow would have been required to be applied to prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b), the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary); provided that any such prepayment pursuant to this clause (ii) shall be deemed a mandatory prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.05(b) and not a voluntary prepayment for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow or any Excess Cash Flow prepayment under Section 2.05(b)(i).
Section 2.06. Termination or Reduction of Commitments.
(a) Optional. The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently reduce the unused Commitments of any Class, in each case without premium or penalty; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, and (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000, or any whole multiple of $1,000,000, in excess thereof or, if less, the entire amount thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.
(b) Mandatory. The Initial Term Commitment of each Term Lender of each Class shall be automatically and permanently reduced to $0 upon the deemed making of Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date.
(c) Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Appropriate Lenders of any termination or reduction of the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.06. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
Section 2.07. Repayment of Loans.
(a) The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term Lenders (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the last Business Day of the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date, an aggregate principal amount of Initial Term Loans deemed made on the Closing Date equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on the Closing Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the Initial Term Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on such date.
(b) In the event any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans are made, such Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans, as applicable, shall be repaid by the Borrower in the amounts and on the dates set forth in the Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment with respect thereto and on the applicable Maturity Date thereof.
Section 2.08. Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b), (i) each Term SOFR Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to Term SOFR for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
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(b) During the continuance of a Default or Event of Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g), the Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts owing by it hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws; provided that no interest at the Default Rate shall accrue or be payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
Section 2.09. Fees.
The Borrower shall pay to the Agents such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).
Section 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees.
All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to Term SOFR) shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
Section 2.11. Evidence of Indebtedness.
(a) The Term Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Term Loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount, and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Section 2.11(a), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Section 2.11(a), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
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Section 2.12. Payments Generally.
(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office for Dollar-denominated payments and in Same Day Funds not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Appropriate Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s applicable Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after the time specified above shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, if any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be; provided that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Term SOFR Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.
(c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, one Business Day prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:
(i) if (1) the Borrower failed to make such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment (such assumed payment, the “Rescindable Amount”); then each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the Rescindable Amount that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
(ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment, such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the “Compensation Period”) at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
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(d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV or in the applicable Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.
(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
(g) Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.04. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law), but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the sum of the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time.
Section 2.13. Sharing of Payments.
If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders, at a cash price equal to the par amount thereof, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and fees thereon, such participations in the Loans made by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lender’s required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement as in effect from time to time (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant permitted hereunder. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.
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Section 2.14. Incremental Credit Extensions.
(a) Incremental Commitments. The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (an “Incremental Loan Request”), request one or more new commitments (including delayed draw term loan commitments) which may be in the same Facility as any outstanding Term Loans of an existing Class of Term Loans (a “Term Loan Increase”) or a new Class of Term Loans (each, an “New Term Facility”, collectively with any Term Loan Increase, the “Incremental Term Commitments”), whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders.
(b) Incremental Term Loans. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Term Commitments of any Class are effected (including through any Term Loan Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.14, (i) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall make a Loan to the Borrower (an “Incremental Term Loan”) in an amount equal to its Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and (ii) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Term Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.14, any Term Loan Increase that is a Subsequent Closing Market Purchase Incremental Facility shall have identical terms as the Initial Term Loans issued on the Closing Date and shall otherwise constitute the same Class of Term Loans as the Initial Term Loans; provided further that, if an Incremental Term Loan is not fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with any Initial Term Loan or Incremental Term Loan then outstanding, such Incremental Term Loan shall bear a separate CUSIP number or other identifier from each tranche of the Incremental Term Loans and Initial Term Loans with which it is not fungible.
(c) Incremental Loan Request. In connection with any Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (other than a Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange), the Initial Lenders shall be provided written notice of Borrower’s intent to incur such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (and the material terms and conditions thereof) at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Borrower soliciting offers from third parties to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility. No Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (other than a Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange) may be incurred without first offering each Initial Lender the right to participate in such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility based on their respective Pro Rata Share of the Initial Term Loans then outstanding on the same terms as offered to any other prospective lender. If any Initial Lender has not accepted or declined such offer within five (5) Business Days from receipt of such notice, such Initial Lender shall be deemed to have declined, and each Initial Lender which has elected to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility shall be offered an opportunity to participate in the remaining portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility that has so been declined by the other Initial Lenders based on its Pro Rata Share of Initial Term Loans then outstanding (which Lenders shall be deemed to have declined to provide such additional portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility to the extent such Lender has not provided a commitment to provide such additional portion of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility within three (3) Business Days after such additional offer has been made)). If (1) no Initial Lender elects to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility, the Borrower may then close and fund such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility with other prospective lenders (on identical (with respect to sizing, pricing, original issue discount, tenor, maturity, prepayments, amortization, call protection, end of term fees and other fees or economic terms) or substantially identical (with respect to all other terms and conditions) terms and conditions to those initially provided in its written notice to the Lenders) or (2) some, but less than all, of the Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility remains uncommitted after the steps set forth above, the Borrower may then close and fund such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility with other prospective lenders and with the relevant existing Lenders who have elected to provide such Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility (on identical (with respect to sizing, pricing, original issue discount, tenor, maturity, prepayments, amortization, call protection, end of term fees and other fees or economic terms) or substantially identical (with respect to all other terms and conditions) terms and conditions to those initially provided in its written notice to the Lenders). Any Lender approached to participate in any Term Loan Increase or New Term Facility may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to participate in such increase or new facility. Subject to this Section 2.14(c), the Borrower may also invite additional Eligible Assignees reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to become Lenders pursuant to an Incremental Amendment. Neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent (in their respective capacities as such) shall be required to execute, accept or acknowledge any Incremental Amendment pursuant to this Section 2.14 and such execution shall not be required for any such Incremental Amendment to be effective; provided that, with respect to any Incremental Term Commitments, the Borrower must provide to the Administrative Agent the documentation providing for such Incremental Term Commitments. For the avoidance of doubt, no Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans, unless it so agrees.
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(d) Effectiveness of Incremental Amendment. The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment, and the Incremental Term Commitments thereunder, shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (the “Incremental Facility Closing Date”) of each of the following conditions:
(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Incremental Term Commitments;
(ii) after giving effect to such Incremental Term Commitments, the conditions of Section 4.02(i) shall be satisfied (it being understood that all references to “the date of such Credit Extension” or similar language in such Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment); provided that the requirement to deliver a Committed Loan Notice may be waived;
(iii) the primary purpose of the issuance of such Incremental Term Commitments is not to influence voting thresholds hereunder in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise be permitted prior to the incurrence of any such Incremental Term Commitments;
(iv) [reserved];
(v) the aggregate amount of the Incremental Term Loans shall not exceed the Available Incremental Amount; and
(vi) such other conditions as the Borrower, each Incremental Term Lender providing such Incremental Term Commitments and the Administrative Agent shall agree.
(e) Required Terms. The terms, provisions and documentation of the Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Term Commitments of any Class shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Term Commitments; provided that:
(i) the terms of any Term Loan Increase and the Incremental Term Commitments and Incremental Term Loans in respect thereof shall be identical to the applicable Class of Term Loans and constitute part of the same Class of Term Loans;
(ii) in respect of all other Incremental Term Loans:
(A) such Incremental Term Loans shall rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Initial Term Loans,
(B) such Incremental Term Loans shall not mature earlier than the Latest Maturity Date of any Term Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans,
(C) such Incremental Term Loans shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Term Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans (without giving effect to prior prepayments that would otherwise modify the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans),
(D) such Incremental Term Loans shall have an Applicable Rate, and subject to clauses (e)(i)(B) and (e)(i)(C) above and clause (e)(i)(I) below, amortization determined by the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Term Lenders,
(E) the Incremental Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or less than pro rata basis (but not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory prepayments of Term Loans hereunder, as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment,
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(F) the Incremental Term Loans shall otherwise have terms and conditions, covenants or other provisions (other than, subject to the other provisions of this Section 2.14, pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole); provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this subclause (F) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this subclause (F), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)) unless (x) the Lenders of the Term Loans receive the benefit of such more restrictive terms or (y) any such provisions apply after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness or shall otherwise be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders),
(G) (I) there shall be no borrower in respect of any Incremental Term Loans other than the Borrower and (II) there shall be no other obligor or guarantor in respect of the Incremental Term Loans other than a Guarantor;
(H) no Incremental Term Loans shall be secured by any assets that do not constitute Collateral; and
(I) the amortization schedule applicable to any Incremental Term Loans and the All-In Yield applicable to the Incremental Term Loans of each Class shall be determined by the Borrower and the applicable new Lenders and shall be set forth in each applicable Incremental Amendment; provided that with respect to any Loans under Incremental Term Loan Commitments that are secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis with the Initial Term Loans with a maturity date that is less than 12 months after the Initial Term Loan Maturity Date, (I) if the All-In Yield applicable to such Incremental Term Loans shall be greater than the applicable All-In Yield payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement as amended through the date of such calculation with respect to such Initial Term Loans by more than 50 basis points per annum (the amount of such excess, the “Yield Differential”), then the interest rate (together with, as provided in the proviso below, the Term SOFR or Base Rate floor) with respect to the Initial Term Loans shall be increased by the applicable Yield Differential; provided that, if any Incremental Term Loans include a Term SOFR or Base Rate floor that is greater than the Term SOFR or Base Rate floor applicable to the Initial Term Loans, such differential between interest rate floors shall be included in the calculation of All-In Yield for purposes of this clause (iii) but only to the extent an increase in the Term SOFR or Base Rate Floor applicable to the Initial Term Loans would cause an increase in the interest rate then in effect thereunder, and in such case the Term SOFR and Base Rate floors (but not the Applicable Rate, unless the Borrower otherwise elects in its sole discretion) applicable to the Initial Term Loans shall be increased to the extent of such differential between interest rate floors and (II) the prepayment premiums, end of term fees and similar call protection applicable to any Incremental Term Loans, if any, shall not be greater than those applicable to the Initial Term Loans, unless the Initial Term Loans shall also benefit from such prepayment premiums, end of term fees and/or similar call protection (this proviso, the “MFN Protection”); and
(iii) the proceeds of any Incremental Term Loans (including any Term Loan Increase) shall be used solely for Specified Existing Term Loan Exchanges and exchanges of Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes or, in the case of any new money Incremental Term Commitments, to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes pursuant to clauses (iv), (x), (xi) or (xii) of Section 7.13(a).
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(f) Incremental Amendment. Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans shall become Commitments, under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “Incremental Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, each Incremental Lender providing such Commitments and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Loan Party, Agent or Lender, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14 (including (i) to increase the All-In Yield of the applicable Class of Term Loans, or make other changes to any applicable Class of Term Loans that are favorable to the Lenders thereof, in any such case to the extent necessary in order to ensure that any applicable Class of New Term Loans are “fungible” with any applicable existing Class of Term Loans, (ii) to add mechanics to allow for the accrual and payment of payment-in-kind interest in respect of any such additional Class of New Term Loans and (iii) to add or extend, in either case, any other “call protection” for the benefit of any applicable existing Class of Term Loans).
Section 2.15. Refinancing Amendments.
(a) On one or more occasions after the Closing Date, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment under this Agreement and in accordance with this Section 2.15 (each, an “Additional Refinancing Lender”) (provided that the Administrative Agent shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to such Lender’s or Additional Refinancing Lender’s making such Refinancing Term Loans to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans to such Lender or Additional Refinancing Lender.
(b) The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.
(c) Each issuance of Refinancing Term Loans under Section 2.15(a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $10,000,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.
(d) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Refinancing Term Loans incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.15, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
Section 2.16. Extension of Term Loans.
(a) Extension of Term Loans. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Term Loans of a given Class (each, an “Existing Term Loan Tranche”) be amended to extend the scheduled maturity date(s) with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Term Loans (any such Term Loans which have been so amended, “Extended Term Loans”) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.16. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Term Loan Tranche) (each, a “Term Loan Extension Request”) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche and (y) be identical to the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans are to be amended, except that: (i) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of principal of
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the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the All-In Yield with respect to the Extended Term Loans (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, OID or otherwise) may be different than the All-In Yield for the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans); and (iv) Extended Term Loans may have call protection as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders thereof; provided that no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans were amended are repaid in full, unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by at least a pro rata optional prepayment of such Existing Term Loan Tranche; provided, further, that (A) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any then existing Term Loans hereunder, (B) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof shall be no shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Existing Term Loan Tranche, (C) any such Extended Term Loans (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect), (D) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing and (E) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case as specified in the respective Term Loan Extension Request. Any Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a “Term Loan Extension Series”) of Extended Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Term Loans amended from an Existing Term Loan Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Term Loan Extension Series with respect to such Existing Term Loan Tranche. Each Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans incurred under this Section 2.16 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000 (or such greater amount that the Borrower, at its election, specifies as a condition to consummating any Extension Amendment (to be determined and specified in the relevant Term Loan Extension Request in the Borrower’s sole discretion and as may be waived by the Borrower)).
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Extension Request. The Borrower shall provide the applicable Term Loan Extension Request at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which Lenders under the Existing Term Loan Tranche are requested to respond, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.16. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to have any of its Term Loans of any Existing Term Loan Tranche amended into Extended Term Loans pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request. Any Lender holding a Loan under an Existing Term Loan Tranche (each, an “Extending Term Lender”) wishing to have all or a portion of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to such Term Loan Extension Request amended into Extended Term Loans shall notify the Administrative Agent (each, an “Extension Election”) on or prior to the date specified in such Term Loan Extension Request of the amount of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche which it has elected to request be amended into Extended Term Loans (subject to any minimum denomination requirements imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche in respect of which applicable Term Lenders shall have accepted the relevant Term Loan Extension Request exceeds the amount of Extended Term Loans requested to be extended pursuant to the Term Loan Extension Request or Term Loans, as applicable, subject to Extension Elections shall be amended to Extended Term Loans on a pro rata basis (subject to rounding by the Administrative Agent, which shall be conclusive) based on the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans included in each such Extension Election.
(d) Extension Amendment. Extended Term Loans shall be established pursuant to an amendment (each, an “Extension Amendment”) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Term Lender providing an Extended Term Loan thereunder, which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Section 2.16(a) above, respectively (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). The effectiveness of any Extension Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative
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Agent of (i) legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that the Extended Term Loans are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Extension Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to an Extension Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Extended Term Loans incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) modify the scheduled repayments set forth in Section 2.07 with respect to any Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to an Extension Election to reflect a reduction in the principal amount of the Term Loans thereunder in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to the applicable Extension (with such amount to be applied ratably to reduce scheduled repayments of such Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.07), (iii) modify the prepayments set forth in Section 2.05 to reflect the existence of the Extended Term Loans and the application of prepayments with respect thereto, (iv) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (v) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.16, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Extension Amendment.
(e) No conversion of Loans pursuant to any Extension in accordance with this Section 2.16 shall constitute a voluntary or mandatory payment or prepayment for purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.17. Defaulting Lenders.
(a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i) Waivers and Amendments. That 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 Section 10.01.
(ii) Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; fourth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, 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 that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and sixth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
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(iii) Certain Fees. That Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.09(a) 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) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be 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), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders, whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
ARTICLE III
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality
Section 3.01. Taxes.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 3.01, any and all payments made by or on account of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, assessments, deductions or withholdings (including backup withholding) or similar fees or charges imposed by any Governmental Authority including interest, penalties and additions to tax (collectively “Taxes”), except as required by applicable Law. If the Borrower, any Guarantor or other applicable withholding agent shall be required by any Laws to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (A) to the extent the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax, the sum payable by the Borrower or such Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions and withholdings (including deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (B) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (C) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (D) as soon as practicable after the date of such payment, if the Borrower or any Guarantor is the applicable withholding agent, shall furnish to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence reasonably acceptable to such Agent or Lender.
(b) In addition, each Loan Party agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording taxes, or charges or levies of the same character, imposed by any Governmental Authority, which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document (including additions to tax, penalties and interest related thereto) excluding, in each case, such amounts that result from an Agent or Lender’s Assignment and Assumption, grant of a participation, transfer or assignment to or designation of a new applicable Lending Office or other office for receiving payments under any Loan Document (collectively, “Assignment Taxes”) to the extent such Assignment Taxes result from a present or former connection that the Agent or Lender has with the taxing jurisdiction (other than any connections arising from executing, delivering, becoming a party to, engaging in any transactions pursuant to, performing its obligations under, receiving payments under, receiving or perfecting a security interest under, or enforcing, any Loan Document, or selling or assigning an interest in any Loan or Loan Document), except for such Assignment Taxes resulting from assignment or participation that is requested or required in writing by the Borrower (all such non-excluded Taxes described in this Section 3.01(b) being hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”), or at the option of an Agent timely reimburse such Agent for payment of any such Taxes. As soon as practicable after the date of payment of any Other Taxes by a Loan Party, the Loan Parties shall furnish to the Administrative Agent the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence reasonably acceptable to such Agent.
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(c) The Loan Parties agree to indemnify each Agent and each Lender, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) the full amount of Indemnified Taxes (including any such Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable by, or required to be withheld or deducted from any payment to, such Agent or such Lender and (ii) any reasonable documented and out-of-pocket expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority; provided that, if a Loan Party reasonably believes that such Taxes were not correctly or legally imposed or asserted, such Agent or Lender shall, upon the written request of the Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for such belief that such Taxes were not correctly or legally imposed or asserted, use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Loan Parties to apply for a refund of such Taxes, which shall be repaid to the Loan Party in accordance with, and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in, Section 3.01(f), so long as such efforts would not result in any out-of-pocket costs or expenses not reimbursed by the Loan Party (including any additional Indemnified Taxes or fees, penalties, interest and additions to tax) or be otherwise disadvantageous to such Agent or Lender as determined in such Agent’s or Lender’s sole discretion (it being understood that in no event will any Agent or Lender be required to (w) apply for or obtain any taxpayer identification number (including a U.S. employer identification number) from the IRS or other applicable taxing jurisdiction, (x) retain counsel or other advisers (legal, accounting or otherwise), (y) make available its tax returns or any other information that such Agent or Lender reasonably deems confidential or (z) in the case of a Lender, solicit information from or otherwise contact any direct or indirect shareholder, investor, partner, member or other equity holder or beneficial owner thereof). A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability prepared in good faith by such Agent or Lender (or by an Agent on behalf of such Lender), accompanied by a written statement thereof setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts shall be conclusive absent manifest error. For the avoidance of doubt, no Agent or Lender shall be entitled to duplicative payments from the Loan Parties in respect of the same Indemnified Tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a) and (b), on the one hand, and this Section 3.01(c), on the other hand.
(d) Each Lender (which shall, for purposes of this Section 3.01(d) include any Administrative Agent to whom payment is made) shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Law certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under the Loan Documents. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders such documentation obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the applicable withholding agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so. Unless the applicable withholding agent has received forms or other documents satisfactory to it indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Lender are not subject to withholding Tax or are subject to such Tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or other applicable withholding agent shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable Law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (d), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this clause (d) that such Lender is not legally able to deliver. Without limiting the foregoing:
(i) Each Lender that is a US Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from federal backup withholding.
(ii) Each Lender that is not a US Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) whichever of the following is applicable:
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(A) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, and such other documentation as required under the Code,
(B) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),
(C) in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (a) a United States Tax Compliance Certificate to the effect that such Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (b) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor form), or
(D) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY and/or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable (provided that if the Lender is a partnership, and one or more beneficial partners of such Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of such partner).
(iii) 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, to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA and, as necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the Closing Date.
(iv) The Administrative Agent and any successor thereto shall deliver to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon request of the Borrower) (i) if the Administrative Agent (or such successor to the Agent) is a US Person, two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that it is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding, or (ii) if the Administrative Agent (or such successor to the Administrative Agent) is not a US Person, (A) two properly completed and duly signed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor form) with respect to any amounts payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for its own account, and (B) IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor form) with respect to any amounts payable under any Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of others, certifying that it is a “U.S. branch” and that the payments it receives for the account of others are not effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or business within the United States and that it is using such form as evidence of its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a US Person and thus act as the withholding agent with respect to such payments (and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree to so treat the Administrative Agent as a US Person with respect to such payments as contemplated by Treasury Regulation Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv)(A)).
(e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.01 and Section 3.04(a) shall, if requested in writing by the Borrower, use its reasonable efforts to change the jurisdiction of its Lending Office (or assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates) if, in the sole determination of such Lender, such a change or assignment would (i) reduce any such additional amounts (including any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue) and (ii) not result in any unreimbursed cost or expense or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender. The Loan Parties agree to pay all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expense incurred by any Lender in connection with any such change, and nothing in this Section 3.01(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Loan Parties or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Section 3.01.
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(f) If any Lender or Agent receives a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall promptly remit such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnification or additional amounts paid by such Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes) of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, incurred in obtaining such refund and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant taxing authority) to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.01(f), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 3.01(f) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party 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 shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other person.
(g) For U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax purposes, the Loan Parties and each Lender and Participant, and any assign, agree to treat the Term Loans as “variable rate debt instruments” described under U.S. Treasury Regulations section 1.1275-5 that are issued by the Borrower. To the extent applicable, each Loan Party, Lender and Participant, and any assign, agrees to file all U.S. federal, and applicable state and local, income tax returns consistently with the foregoing unless otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” described under Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Tax law).
Section 3.02. Illegality.
If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Term SOFR Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Term SOFR, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Term SOFR Loans in the affected currency or currencies, or, in the case of Term SOFR Loans denominated in Dollars, to convert Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable and such Loans are denominated in Dollars, convert all applicable Term SOFR Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Term SOFR Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Term SOFR Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
Section 3.03. Inability to Determine Rates.
(a) If in connection with any request for a Term SOFR Loan or a conversion of Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans or a continuation of any of such Loans, as applicable, (i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (A) no Successor Rate has been determined in accordance with Section 3.03(b), and the circumstances under clause (i) of Section 3.03(b) or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred, or (B) adequate and reasonable means do not otherwise exist for determining Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Term SOFR Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason that Term SOFR for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.
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Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Term SOFR Loans, or to convert Base Rate Loans to Term SOFR Loans, shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Term SOFR component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Term SOFR component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by the Required Lenders described in clause (ii) of this Section 3.03(a), until the Administrative Agent upon instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.
Upon receipt of such notice, (i) the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to, or continuation of Term SOFR Loans (to the extent of the affected Term SOFR Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein and (ii) any outstanding Term SOFR Loans shall be deemed to have been converted to Base Rate Loans immediately at the end of their respective applicable Interest Period.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower) that the Required Lenders have determined that:
(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR, including, without limitation, because the Term SOFR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or
(ii) CME or any successor administrator of the Term SOFR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent or such administrator with respect to its publication of Term SOFR, in each case acting in such capacity, has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which one month, three month and six month interest periods of Term SOFR or the Term SOFR Screen Rate shall no longer be made available, or permitted to be used for determining the interest rate of loans, or shall or will otherwise cease permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that will continue to provide such interest periods of Term SOFR after such specific date (such specific date, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”),
then, on a date and time determined by the Administrative Agent (any such date, the “Term SOFR Replacement Date”), which date shall be at the end of an Interest Period or on the relevant interest payment date, as applicable, for interest calculated and, solely with respect to clause (ii) above, no later than the Scheduled Unavailability Date, Term SOFR will be replaced hereunder and under any Loan Document with Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, in each case, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Successor Rate”).
If the Successor Rate is Daily Simple SOFR plus the SOFR Adjustment, all interest payments will be payable on a monthly basis.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 10.01, (i) if the Administrative Agent determines that Daily Simple SOFR is not available on or prior to the Term SOFR Replacement Date, or (ii) if the events or circumstances of the type described in Section 3.03(b)(i) or (ii) have occurred with respect to the Successor Rate then in effect, then in each case, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing Term SOFR or any then current Successor Rate in accordance with this Section 3.03 at the end of any Interest Period, relevant interest payment date or payment period for interest calculated, as applicable, with an alternative benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar
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U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such alternative benchmark and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities syndicated and agented in the United States for such benchmark, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion and may be periodically updated. For the avoidance of doubt, any such proposed rate and adjustments, shall constitute a “Successor Rate”. Any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders object to such amendment.
The Administrative Agent will promptly (in one or more notices) notify the Borrower and each Lender of the implementation of any Successor Rate.
Any Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
Notwithstanding anything else herein, any definition of Successor Rate shall provide that in no event shall such Successor Rate, with respect to the Initial Term Loans, be less than zero for purposes of this Agreement.
In connection with the implementation of a Successor Rate, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Conforming Changes from time to time, in consultation with the Borrower, and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such Conforming Changes to the Lenders and the Borrower reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.
For purposes of this Section 3.03, those Lenders that either have not made, or do not have an obligation under this Agreement to make, the relevant Loans in Dollars shall be excluded from any determination of Required Lenders.
Section 3.04. Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Term SOFR Loans.
(a) If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of any Change in Law, in each case after the Closing Date, or such Lender’s compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Loans or (as the case may be), or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Indemnified Taxes, (ii) Excluded Taxes, or (iii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c)) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining the Loan (or of maintaining its obligations to make any Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction; provided that to the extent any increased costs or reductions are incurred by any Lender as a result of any requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or pursuant to Basel III after the Closing Date, then such Lender shall be compensated pursuant to this Section 3.04 only if such Lender imposes such charges under other syndicated credit facilities involving similarly situated borrowers that such Lender is a lender under.
(b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital adequacy or liquidity requirements or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office), has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any Person controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lender’s obligations hereunder (taking into
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consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity requirements and such Lender’s desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender (or the Person controlling such Lender) for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.
(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves, capital or liquidity with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Term SOFR funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each applicable Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower equal to the actual costs of such reserves, capital or liquidity allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio, capital or liquidity requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of any Term SOFR Loans of the Borrower, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan; provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation.
(e) If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage; provided, further, that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Sections 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).
Section 3.05. Funding Losses.
Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense actually incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan;
(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Term SOFR Loan of the Borrower on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower, including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Term SOFR Loan made by it at Term SOFR for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the applicable interbank market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Term SOFR Loan was in fact so funded.
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Section 3.06. Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation.
(a) Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
(b) With respect to any Lender’s claim for compensation under Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another applicable Term SOFR Loan, or, if applicable, to convert Base Rate Loans into Term SOFR Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.
(c) If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue any Term SOFR Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Term SOFR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lender’s applicable Term SOFR Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans (or, if such conversion is not possible, repaid) on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Term SOFR Loans (or, in the case of an immediate conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:
(i) to the extent that such Lender’s Term SOFR Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s applicable Term SOFR Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and
(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Term SOFR Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans (if possible), and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Term SOFR Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
(d) If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of any of such Lender’s Term SOFR Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Term SOFR Loans made by other Lenders under the applicable Facility are outstanding, if applicable, such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Term SOFR Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Term SOFR Loans under such Facility and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments for the applicable Facility.
Section 3.07. Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances.
(a) If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes) or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make any Term SOFR Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, (iii) any Lender elects not to be an Extending Term Lender or (iv) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at its sole cost and expense, on ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (x) replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii)) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other
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such Person; provided, further, that (A) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes), such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to, and shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of, the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents; or (y) terminate the Commitment of such Lender (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or clause (iv)), as the case may be, and in the case of a Lender, repay all Obligations (including the payment of any Prepayment Premium) of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date; provided that in the case of any such termination of a Non-Consenting Lender such termination shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents and such termination shall be in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i)) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iv).
(b) Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a)(x) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lender’s applicable Commitment and outstanding Loans in respect thereof, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and outstanding Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans, Commitments and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such Assignment and Assumption (provided that Obligations other than with respect to the principal of the Loans may be paid by the Borrower) and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of each Lender, each affected Lender or each affected Lender of a certain Class in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a consent, waiver or amendment involving all affected Lenders of a certain Class, the Required Class Lenders as applicable) have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a “Non-Consenting Lender.”
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, any amounts owing to a Non-Consenting Lender or a Lender electing not to be an Extending Term Lender under Section 2.05(a) shall be required to be paid as a condition to replacing or terminating such Lender under this Section 3.07.
Section 3.08. Survival.
All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations under any Loan Document.
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ARTICLE IV
Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions
Section 4.01. [Reserved].
Section 4.02. Conditions to All Credit Extensions.
The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a (x) Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans and or (y) a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility which shall be governed by Section 2.14(d)) is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(i) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified).
(ii) No Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.
(iii) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Term SOFR Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(i) and (ii) (or, in the case of a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility, the conditions specified in Section 2.14(d)) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower and each Guarantor party hereto (solely to the extent applicable to it) represents and warrants to the Agents and the Lenders at the time of each Credit Extension (to the extent required by the Exchange Agreement and/or Section 4.02, as applicable) that:
Section 5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws.
Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business as currently conducted and (ii) in the case of the Loan Parties, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs and injunctions and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case, referred to in clause (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (b)(i) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (c), (d) and (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.02. Authorization; No Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, and the consummation of the Transactions, are within such Loan Party’s corporate or other powers, (a) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and (b) do not (i) contravene the terms
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of any of such Person’s Organization Documents, (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than as permitted by Section 7.01), or require any payment to be made under (x) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject, or (iii) violate any applicable Law; except with respect to any conflict, breach or contravention or payment (but not creation of Liens) referred to in clause (b)(ii)(x), to the extent that such violation, conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.
No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transactions, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings, recordings and registrations with Governmental Authorities necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect (except to the extent not required to be obtained, taken, given or made or be in full force and effect pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and except that (x) certain actions which may be taken by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in the exercise of their rights and remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Document may require the prior consent of the FCC, and (y) copies of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be required to be filed with the FCC for informational purposes.
Section 5.04. Binding Effect.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity, (ii) the need for filings, recordations and registrations necessary to create or perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties and (iii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges and/or Liens granted by the Loan Parties, if any, of or in Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries.
Section 5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) The Audited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(i) The Unaudited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(b) Any forecasts of consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income and cash flow of Holdings and its Subsidiaries which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such forecasts, it being understood that actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.
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(c) Since December 31, 2023, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) As of the Closing Date, none of Holdings and its Subsidiaries has any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) the liabilities reflected on Schedule 5.05 or otherwise set forth on the Unaudited Financial Statements, (ii) obligations arising under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents and the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents and (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business that, either individually or in the aggregate, have not had nor could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).
Section 5.06. Litigation.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.06, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.07. Special Representations Relating to FCC Authorizations, Etc.
(a) The Borrower and its Subsidiaries hold all FCC Authorizations that are necessary or required for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to conduct their business in the manner in which it is currently being conducted, except where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Schedule 5.07 hereto lists each material FCC Authorization held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary as of the Closing Date. With respect to each Broadcast License issued by the FCC and listed on Schedule 5.07 hereto, the description includes the call sign, FCC identification number, community of license and the license expiration date.
(b) All material FCC Authorizations held by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, with such exceptions as would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.07, and except for such matters as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has knowledge of any investigation, notice of apparent liability, notice of violation, notice of forfeiture or complaint issued by or filed with or before the FCC with respect to any material FCC Authorization (other than proceedings relating to the broadcast industry generally), and (ii) no event has occurred that has resulted in, or after notice or lapse of time or both would reasonably be expected to result in, revocation, suspension, material adverse modification, non-renewal, material impairment, material restriction or termination of, or material forfeiture with respect to, any material FCC authorization. For purposes of this Section 5.07, all references to material FCC Authorizations include all of the Broadcast Licenses. The Borrower and the Subsidiaries have timely filed all required reports and notices with the FCC and have paid all amounts due in timely fashion on account of fees and charges to the FCC, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens and Real Property.
(a) Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries has good record title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all Real Property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except as set forth on Schedule 5.08(a) hereto and except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and except where the failure to have such title or other interest could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.08(b) hereto, as of the Closing Date, neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any Material Real Property.
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Section 5.09. Environmental Matters.
Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09(a) or except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each Loan Party and its respective properties and operations are and, other than any matters which have been finally resolved with no further liability or obligations, have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all applicable Environmental Permits required under such Environmental Laws to carry on the business of the Loan Parties;
(b) the Loan Parties have not received any written notice that alleges any of them is in violation of or potentially liable under any Environmental Laws and none of the Loan Parties nor any of the Real Property is the subject of any claims, investigations, liens, demands, or judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened, under or relating to any Environmental Law;
(c) there has been no Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any Real Property or facilities currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, or arising out of the conduct of the Loan Parties that requires or could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability;
(d) there are no facts, circumstances or conditions arising out of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective operations or any facilities currently or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, formerly owned, leased or operated by any of the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries, that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability; and
(e) the Borrower has made available to the Administrative Agent all environmental reports, studies, assessments, audits, or other similar documents containing information regarding any Environmental Liability that are in the possession or control of a Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party.
Section 5.10. Taxes.
Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns required to be filed, and have paid all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, that are due and payable (including in their capacity as a withholding agent), except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted. Except as described on Schedule 5.10, there is no proposed Tax deficiency or assessment known to any Loan Parties against the Loan Parties that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.11. ERISA Compliance.
(a) Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder and other Applicable Laws.
(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred during the five year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could reasonably be expected to be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, (v) each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received from the IRS a favorable determination or opinion letter, which has not by its terms expired, that such Plan is so qualified, or such Plan is entitled to rely on an IRS advisory or
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opinion letter with respect to an IRS-approved master and prototype or volume submitter plan, or a timely application for such a determination or opinion letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto, and nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification; (vi) there is no “funding shortfall” (within the meaning of Section 430(c) of the Code or Section 303(c) of ERISA) with respect to each Pension Plan (determined as of the end of the most recently preceding plan year pursuant to the assumptions used for funding such Pension Plan for the applicable plan year in accordance with Section 430 of the Code); (vii) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan; and (viii) there has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to a Plan that is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code) in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) With respect to each Foreign Pension Plan and except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) such Foreign Pension Plan has been maintained and administered in compliance with its terms and with the requirements of all applicable Law, (ii) all required contributions with respect to such Foreign Pension Plan have been made when due and (iii) the present value of the accrued benefit liabilities (whether or not vested) under each such Foreign Pension Plan, determined as of the most recent valuation date of such Foreign Pension plan, on the basis of actuarial assumptions each of which are reasonable, did not exceed the current value of the assets of such Foreign Pension plan allocable to such liabilities.
Section 5.12. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.
As of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Transactions), no Loan Party has any Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests owned by the Loan Parties in its material Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid and all Equity Interests owned by a Loan Party in such material Subsidiaries are owned free and clear of all Liens except any Lien that is permitted to be on such Equity Interests under Section 7.01. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.12 sets forth the name and jurisdiction of each Loan Party and sets forth the ownership interest of the Borrower and any other Guarantor in each material Subsidiary, including the percentage of such ownership.
Section 5.13. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
(a) None of the Loan Parties is engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System.
(b) None of the Borrower or any other Loan Party is an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Section 5.14. Disclosure.
No written report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party (other than projected financial information, pro forma financial information and information of a general economic or industry nature) to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (when taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. With respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, each of Holdings and the Borrower represents that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by Holdings and the Borrower to be reasonable at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections are as to future events and are not to be viewed as facts, are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, that no assurance can be given that any particular projections will be realized and that actual results during the period or periods covered may vary significantly from actual results and that such variances may be material.
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Section 5.15. Labor Matters.
Except as, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened, (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Laws, (c) the Borrower and the other Loan Parties have complied with all applicable labor laws including work authorization and immigration and (d) all payments due from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on account of employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the relevant party.
Section 5.16. Use of Proceeds.
The Borrower will (a) use the proceeds of the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date to consummate the Existing Debt Purchase (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) and (b) use the proceeds of Incremental Term Loans solely in accordance with Section 2.14(e)(iii).
Section 5.17. Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.
Holdings and its Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights and other intellectual property rights, whether owned or licensed (collectively, “IP Rights”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, and, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, such IP Rights do not conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such failure to own, license or possess or such conflicts, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The business of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon, misappropriate or otherwise violate any IP Rights held by any Person except for such infringements, misappropriations and violations, individually or in the aggregate, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any of the IP Rights, is filed and presently pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, presently threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except pursuant to licenses and other user agreements entered into by each Loan Party in the ordinary course of business, as of the Closing Date, all registrations listed on schedules to the applicable Intellectual Property Security Agreements entered into on the Closing Date are valid and subsisting except, in each case, to the extent failure of such registrations to be valid and subsisting could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.18. Solvency.
On the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Transactions, Holdings and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
Section 5.19. OFAC; USA PATRIOT Act; FCPA.
(a) To the extent applicable, each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) applicable Sanctions, the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and other anti-corruption laws, and (ii) the USA PATRIOT Act.
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(b) Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties, any director, officer, employee, agent or controlled affiliate of Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings is currently the subject of any Sanctions, nor is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in any country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive Sanctions (as of the Closing Date, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine).
(c) No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, lent, contributed or otherwise made available, directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or Holdings, indirectly, by the Borrower or Holdings (i) in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended or other applicable anti-corruption law; (ii) for the purpose of financing or facilitating any activities or business of or with, involving or for the benefit of any Person that, at the time of such financing or facilitation, is the subject of any Sanctions in violation of applicable Sanctions; or (iii) in any other manner that would result in a violation of applicable Sanctions by any Person.
Section 5.20. [Reserved].
Section 5.21. Security Documents.
(a) Valid Liens. Each Collateral Document delivered pursuant to the Exchange Agreement and Sections 6.11 and 6.13 will, upon execution and delivery thereof, be effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral described therein to the extent intended to be created thereby and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate offices for filing and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the applicable Collateral Document), the Liens created by the Collateral Documents (other than the Mortgages) shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in (to the extent intended to be created thereby), all right, title and interest of the grantors in such Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing financing statements or the taking of possession or control, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder.
(b) PTO Filing; Copyright Office Filing. When the Intellectual Property Security Agreements are properly filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, to the extent such filings may perfect such interests, the Liens created by the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Copyrights (as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to establish a Lien on registered Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights acquired by the grantors thereof after the Closing Date).
(c) Mortgages. Upon recording thereof in the appropriate recording office, each Mortgage is effective to create, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable perfected Liens on, and security interest in, all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Properties thereunder and the proceeds thereof, subject only to Liens permitted hereunder, and when any Mortgage executed and delivered after the Closing Date in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and Section 6.13, is filed in the offices specified in the local counsel opinion delivered with respect thereto in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.11 and 6.13, the Mortgages shall constitute legal, valid and enforceable perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, other than Liens permitted by hereunder.
Notwithstanding anything herein (including this Section 5.21) or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party makes any representation or warranty as to (A) the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest in any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary, or as to the rights and remedies of the Agents or any Lender with respect thereto, under foreign Law or (B) the pledge or creation of any security interest, or the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest to the extent such pledge, security interest, perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
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ARTICLE VI
Affirmative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied Holdings shall, and shall cause, to the extent applicable, each of its Subsidiaries to:
Section 6.01. Financial Statements.
(a) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 105 days after the end of such fiscal year), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of any independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit other than a going concern qualification or “emphasis of matter” resulting from (i) an upcoming maturity date under the Facilities (including any Refinancing Loans, Incremental Loans or any Extended Loans) or Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 or (ii) any actual or prospective financial covenant default; and
(b) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Holdings (which may be extended to the extent such extension is permitted and such extension is granted by the SEC but, in any event, no later than 60 days after the end of such fiscal quarter), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter and the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders’ equity for the current fiscal quarter and consolidated statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of Holdings as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of Holdings and the Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings, including Parent) or (B) Holdings’ (or any direct or indirect parent thereof, including Parent), as applicable, Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that with respect to clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of Holdings, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to Holdings (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 6.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of any independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, except as permitted in Section 6.01(a), shall not be subject to any “going concern” or “emphasis of matter” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.
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Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and Section 6.02(b) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings) posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the website on the Internet at Holdings’ website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on Holdings’ behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, Holdings shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent; and (ii) Holdings shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.
Section 6.02. Certificates; Other Information.
Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:
(a) no later than five (5) Business Days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings and the Borrower, which shall include a reconciliation of “Consolidated EBITDA” with “Adjusted EBITDA” (or any similar term or concept) as used in any applicable financial statements of Holdings (or any indirect parent thereof, including Parent), including Form 10-K or 10-Q (to the extent such reconciliation is not included in such financial statements);
(b) promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which Holdings, (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings, including Parent) or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 6.02(b) may be satisfied so long as such information is publicly available on the SEC’s EDGAR website;
(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material requests or material notices received by any Loan Party (other than in the ordinary course of business) or material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or of any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any Secured Notes Documents, Existing Credit Agreement Documents, Existing Notes Documents or any other Junior Financing Documentation and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, and any other Indebtedness in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other clause of this Section 6.02;
(d) together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a), (i) in the case of annual Compliance Certificates only, a report setting forth the legal name and the jurisdiction of formation of each Loan Party and the location of the chief executive office of each Loan Party or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such report, (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last fiscal quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.05(b) and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary of Holdings that identifies each Excluded Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or confirmation that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such list;
(e) [reserved]; and
(f) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
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Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Borrower hereby agrees to mark all Borrower Materials that the Borrower intends to be made available to Public Lenders by clearly and conspicuously designating such Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC.” By designating Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC”, the Borrower (x) authorizes such Borrower Materials to be made available to a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor”, which is intended to contain only information that is either publicly available or not material information (though it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws, (y) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat such Borrower Materials as publicly available and not containing any material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws and (z) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.” The Borrower agrees that (i) any Loan Documents and notifications of changes in terms of the Loan Documents, (ii) any financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and (iii) any Compliance Certificates delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) will be deemed to be “public-side” Borrower Materials and may be made available to Public Lenders.
Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to communications that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws.
Section 6.03. Notices.
Within 3 Business Days after a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower has obtained knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:
(a) of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;
(b) of any matter that has resulted in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) of the filing or commencement of any action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, (i) against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) with respect to any Loan Document.
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Sections 6.03(a), (b) or (c) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 6.04. Payment of Obligations.
Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable in the normal conduct of its business, all its obligations and liabilities in respect of Taxes imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, except, in each case, (i) to the extent any such Tax is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established or (ii) if such failure to pay or discharge such obligations and liabilities would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except (x) in a transaction permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and (y) any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Subsidiary in a transaction permitted by Article VII and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including its good standing where applicable in the relevant jurisdiction), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business (including any material Broadcast Licenses) except, in the case of (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower) or (b), to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.06. Maintenance of Properties.
Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, preserve and protect all of its material tangible or intangible properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition (including, in the case of IP Rights, by maintaining, preserving and protecting such rights, including by maintaining and renewing registrations and reasonably prosecuting applications therefor), ordinary wear and tear excepted and fire, casualty or condemnation excepted.
Section 6.07. Maintenance of Insurance.
(a) Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.
(b) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a special flood hazard area (a “Special Flood Hazard Area”) with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as in effect on the Closing Date or thereafter or any successor act thereto), then the Borrower shall, or shall cause each Loan Party to, (i) maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer (except to the extent that any insurance company insuring the Mortgaged Property of such Loan Party ceases to be financially sound and reputable after the Closing Date, in which case, such Loan Party shall promptly replace such insurance company with a financially sound and reputable insurance company), flood insurance in an amount as the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may from time to time reasonably require, and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) promptly upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, will deliver to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders, evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, including, without limitation, evidence of annual renewals of such insurance.
(c) All such liability and casualty insurance (other than business interruption insurance) as to which the Administrative Agent shall have reasonably requested to be so named, shall name the Administrative Agent as additional insured or lender loss payee, as applicable.
Section 6.08. Compliance with Laws.
(a) Comply with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
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(b) Operate all of the Broadcast Stations and other facilities authorized by the FCC Authorizations in material compliance with the Communications Laws and with the terms of the FCC Authorizations, (i) timely file all required reports and notices with the FCC and pay all amounts due in a timely fashion on account of fees and charges to the FCC and (ii) timely file and prosecute all applications for renewal or for extension with respect to all of the FCC Authorizations, except, in each case of the foregoing, for any failure which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.09. Books and Records.
Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied and which reflect all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of Holdings or a Subsidiary, as the case may be (it being understood and agreed that certain Foreign Subsidiaries maintain individual books and records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in their respective countries of organization and that such maintenance shall not constitute a breach of the representations, warranties or covenants hereunder).
Section 6.10. Inspection Rights.
Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants’ customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, other than any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two times during any calendar year and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrower’s expense; provided, further, that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing from time to time at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrower’s independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of Holdings nor any Subsidiary shall be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product.
Section 6.11. Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors.
At the Borrower’s expense, take all action either necessary or as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:
(a) Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by Holdings or (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary (including, following the designation of a Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor) (a “New Subsidiary”):
(i) within sixty (60) days after such formation, acquisition, cessation or designation or election, or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion:
(A) cause each such Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (each, a “New Guarantor”) to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) joinders to this Agreement as Guarantors, Security Agreement Supplements (with respect to any US Guarantor), Intellectual
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Property Security Agreements, Mortgages, a counterpart of the Intercompany Note, each Intercreditor Agreement, if applicable, and other security agreements and documents (including, with respect to such Mortgages, the documents listed in Section 6.13)), as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (consistent with the Mortgages, Security Agreement and other Collateral Documents in effect on the Closing Date), in each case granting Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(B) cause each such New Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests in such New Subsidiary (to the extent certificated or constituting “certificated securities”) and intercompany notes that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank;
(C) take and cause any such New Subsidiary that is a New Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to take whatever action (including the recording of Mortgages, the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and intellectual property security agreements, and delivery of Pledged Equity and Pledged Debt, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank) as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent to vest in the Collateral Agent (or in any representative of the Collateral Agent designated by it) valid and perfected Liens securing the Obligations to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(ii) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Loan Parties consistent with the opinion delivered pursuant to the Exchange Agreement on the Closing Date;
(iii) as promptly as practicable after the request therefor by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, deliver to the Collateral Agent with respect to each Material Real Property, any existing title reports, abstracts or environmental assessment reports, to the extent available and in the possession or control of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries; provided that there shall be no obligation to deliver to the Administrative Agent any existing environmental assessment report whose disclosure to the Administrative Agent would require the consent of a Person other than the Loan Parties or one of their respective Subsidiaries, where, despite the commercially reasonable efforts of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries to obtain such consent, such consent cannot be obtained; and
(iv) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Collateral Agent any other items necessary from time to time to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement with respect to perfection and existence of security interests with respect to property of any Guarantor acquired after the Closing Date and subject to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, but not specifically covered by the preceding clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) or clause (b) below.
(b) Not later than ninety (90) days after the acquisition by any Loan Party of any Material Real Property as determined by the Borrower (acting reasonably and in good faith) (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion) that is required to be provided as Collateral pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, cause such property to be subject to a Lien and Mortgage in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and take, or cause the relevant Loan Party to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect or record such Lien, in each case to the extent required by, and subject to the limitations and exceptions of, the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
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Section 6.12. Compliance with Environmental Laws.
Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, comply, and take all commercially reasonable actions to cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain, maintain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, in each case to the extent the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries are required by Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, remedial or other corrective action necessary to address Hazardous Materials at any property or facility in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.
Section 6.13. Further Assurances.
Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral, and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of any Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent reasonably determines that it is required by applicable Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of any Loan Party subject to a Mortgage constituting Collateral, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of FIRREA.
Section 6.14. Designation of Subsidiaries.
Holdings may designate (or re-designate) any Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary; provided that (i) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Excluded Subsidiary if it is a guarantor for the purpose of any Secured Notes Documents, ABL Loan Documents, Existing Credit Agreement Documents, Existing Notes Documents or any other Junior Financing, (ii) any such designation (or redesignation) of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary shall (x) constitute an Investment by Holdings or the relevant Subsidiary, as applicable, therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by Holdings) of the Investments held by Holdings and/or the applicable Subsidiaries in such Electing Guarantor immediately prior to such designation and such Investments shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (y) not be done for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction, (iii) any Indebtedness or Liens of any Subsidiary designated (or re-designated) as an Electing Guarantor or an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be deemed to be incurred after giving effect to such designation and such incurrence shall otherwise be permitted hereunder and (iv) after giving effect to any re-designation of an Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be an Immaterial Subsidiary.
Section 6.15. Maintenance of Ratings.
Use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause not later than forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date the Initial Term Loans to be continuously rated (but not any specific rating) by S&P and Moody’s and (ii) maintain not later than forty-five (45) days after the Closing Date a public corporate rating for the Borrower (but not any specific rating) from S&P and a public corporate family rating for the Borrower (but not any specific rating) from Moody’s. For purposes of clause (ii) of this Section 6.15, a public corporate rating of Holdings and/or Parent and a public corporate family for Holdings and/or Parent shall be sufficient.
Section 6.16. Post-Closing Covenants.
Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, Holdings and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each of the other Loan Parties to, deliver each of the documents, instruments and agreements and take each of the actions set forth on Schedule 6.16 within the time periods set forth therein (or such longer time periods as determined by the Required Lenders in their reasonable discretion).
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Section 6.17. License Subsidiaries.
(a) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that each License Subsidiary engages only in the business of holding Broadcast Licenses and rights and activities related thereto in all material respects.
(b) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that the FCC Authorizations held by each License Subsidiary are not (i) commingled with the property of the Borrower and any Subsidiary thereof other than another License Subsidiary in all material respects or (ii) transferred by such License Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any other License Subsidiary), except in connection with a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05.
(c) Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material and adverse impact on the Lenders, ensure that no License Subsidiary has any material Indebtedness or other material liabilities except (i) liabilities arising under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, Permitted Junior Debt, Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and any Permitted Refinancing in respect of the foregoing and (ii) trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business, tax liabilities incidental to ownership of such rights and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business, including those in connection with agreements necessary or desirable to operate broadcast stations, including affiliation, programming, syndication, time brokerage, joint sales, lease and similar agreements.
Section 6.18. Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Term Loans in the manner contemplated by Section 5.16.
ARTICLE VII
Negative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (and Holdings in the case of Section 7.14) covenant and agree that:
Section 7.01. Liens.
Neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:
(a) (i) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document; (ii) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(ii) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iii) with the priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (iv) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iv) that rank equal or junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, (v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(u) that rank pari passu or junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, and (vi) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(v) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations; provided that the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness is or becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
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(b) Liens (x) in existence on the Closing Date that are listed, and the property subject thereto described, in Schedule 7.01(b) (or, to the extent not listed on such Schedule 7.01(b), where the principal amount of obligations secured by such Lien is less than $10,000,000), and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (x) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (y) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted by Section 7.03;
(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or not yet payable or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than forty-five (45) days or if more than forty-five (45) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property, and any exceptions on the Mortgage Policies issued in connection with the Mortgaged Properties, that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);
(i) leases, licenses, subleases, cross-licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;
(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
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(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institution’s general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens (i) on cash advances or Cash Equivalents in favor of (x) the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Sections 7.02(i) and (n) or (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05 (other than 7.05(e)), in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Borrower or a Subsidiary on assets of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party securing permitted intercompany Indebtedness and (ii) in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Borrowing or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Agreement;
(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 7.02;
(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(r) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are located;
(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(e); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 365 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
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(v) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(s) that rank junior in right of security to the Liens securing the Obligations in accordance with the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” and the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement (or another intercreditor agreement in a form substantially consistent with the form of Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement);
(w) In the case of Liens securing Indebtedness assumed pursuant to Section 7.03(g), Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14), in each case after the Closing Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral, the Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (A) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (B) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the liens securing the Obligations, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(y) to the extent constituting a Lien, Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this Section 7.01; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 7.03 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(bb) other Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(f);
(cc) other Liens securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $100,000,000; provided that such Liens secure obligations incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(dd) [reserved];
(ee) [reserved];
(ff) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or banker’s acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;
(gg) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises; and
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(hh) Liens on proceeds of Indebtedness held in Escrow for so long as the proceeds thereof are and continue to be held in an Escrow and are not otherwise made available to the Borrower or a Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no Loan Party shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien securing debt for borrowed money on the Equity Interests of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary held by a Loan Party unless such Equity Interests shall also be pledged to the Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.01, (A) Liens need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens permitted by this Section 7.01 but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) with respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any amount permitted under Section 7.03(x) in respect of such Indebtedness.
Section 7.02. Investments.
Neither the Borrower nor the Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, make any Investments, except:
(a) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;
(b) Loans or advances to officers, directors, managers and employees of any Loan Party (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent thereof directly from such issuing entity (provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time (x) under clause (ii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate and (y) under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;
(c) Investments by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that, in the case of any Investment by a Loan Party in a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, (i) the aggregate amount of such Investments made pursuant to this clause (c), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the succeeding clause (z), shall not exceed the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount, (ii) such Investment is made for a bona fide business purpose and (iii) so long as no Event of Default is continuing or would result from such Investment;
(d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(e) Investments (excluding loans and advances made in lieu of Restricted Payments pursuant to and limited by Section 7.02(m) below) consisting of transactions permitted under Sections 7.01, 7.03 (other than 7.03(c) and (d)), 7.04 (other than 7.04(c), (d) and (e)), 7.05 (other than 7.05(d) or (e)), 7.06 and 7.13, respectively;
(f) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(f) (or, to the extent not listed on such Schedule 7.02(f), where the amount of such Investment is less than $5,000,000) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Closing Date by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that, in each case, the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Closing Date and described on Schedule 7.02(f) or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.02;
(g) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 7.03;
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(h) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05 to an unaffiliated third party;
(i) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of a Person, or any Equity Interests in a Person that becomes a Subsidiary or a division or line of business of a Person, in a single transaction or series of related transactions (including as a result of an Investment in any such Person so long as such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, a Loan Party); provided that (i) no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) the newly acquired business shall comply with Section 7.07 and (iii) (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall be acquired by a Loan Party and/or (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor (any such acquisition, a “Permitted Acquisition”);
(j) [reserved];
(k) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(l) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;
(m) loans and advances to Holdings and any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction), and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof) Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with Sections 7.06(f), (g), (h) or (l) (it being understood that the amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made under Section 7.06(f), (g), (h) or (l) shall be reduced by the amount of Investments made pursuant this clause (m));
(n) other Investments made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (n) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the sum of (I) $250,000,000 plus (II) the Available Restricted Payments Amount plus (III) the Available Equity Amount plus (IV) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Cash Equivalents (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Investments made pursuant to Section 7.02(n) in an amount not to exceed the original cost of such Investment (other than (A) in respect of any Investment made in connection with or in contemplation of or with the intent to facilitate or enable the making of such Investment or (B) cash and Cash Equivalents received substantially concurrently with an Investment); provided, further, that any Investment in a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.02(n) shall not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate;
(o) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is contemporaneously made solely with Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower);
(q) Investments of a Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a Person merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Borrower or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Subsidiary in accordance with Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
(r) [reserved];
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(s) [reserved];
(t) Guarantees by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(u) the licensing and contribution of intellectual property pursuant to bona fide joint venture arrangements with unaffiliated on-air or other talent providers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(v) Investments for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) in an unaffiliated Person that is not a Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent that the payment for any such Investment is made with advertising or other media inventory;
(w) [reserved];
(x) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Investments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 calculated on a consolidated basis for the then most recent Test Period ended immediately preceding the date on which Investment is consummated;
(y) Investments in bona fide joint ventures of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(y);
(z) Investments in joint ventures of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the Closing Date made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction); provided that, the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (z), when taken together with the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to the proviso to the foregoing clause (c), shall not exceed the Available Non-Loan Party Investment Amount (in each case, determined on the date such Investment is made, with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);
(aa) earnest money deposits required in connection with Permitted Acquisitions (or similar Investments); and
(bb) contributions to a “rabbi” trust for the benefit of employees or other grantor trusts subject to claims of creditors in the case of bankruptcy of the Borrower.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.02, in the event that an item of Investment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Investments described in clauses (a) through (bb) above, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Investment or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with this Section 7.02 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Investment in one or more of the above clauses. In the event that a portion of the Investments could be classified as incurred under a “ratio-based” basket (giving pro forma effect to the making of such Investments), the Borrower, in its sole discretion, may classify such portion of such Investment as having been incurred pursuant to such “ratio-based” basket and thereafter the remainder of the Investments as having been incurred pursuant to one or more of the other clauses of this Section 7.02.
Section 7.03. Indebtedness. Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) (i) Indebtedness of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents, (ii) the Existing Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof, (iii) Indebtedness under the ABL Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the sum of (x) $475,000,000 (which shall include, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any prepayment premium, make-whole premium or exit or similar premium or fee) plus (y) other ABL Facility obligations not constituting principal (other than as set forth in clause (x) above) and any Permitted Refinancing
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thereof, (iv) the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (v) the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) and the Existing Unsecured Notes, in each case, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(b) (i) Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 7.03(b) hereto (or, to the extent not listed on Schedule 7.03(b), where the principal amount of such Indebtedness is less than $5,000,000) in each case in an aggregate principal amount outstanding as of the Closing Date immediately after giving effect to the Transactions and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(c) Guarantees by the Borrower and any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that (A) no Guarantee of (i) the ABL Facility, the First Lien Notes, the Second Lien Notes, the Existing Term Loans, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing Unsecured Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing) or (ii) any Junior Financing shall, in each case, be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guaranty of the Obligations on the terms set forth herein, (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guaranty of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness and (C) any such Guarantee by a Loan Party of Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.03(c) shall be an Investment that must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(d) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or any Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower); provided that any such Indebtedness (i) owing by any Loan Party to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall, in each case be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note, (ii) subject to Section 6.16, owed to a Loan Party by any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall be evidenced by the Intercompany Note (which, for the avoidance of doubt, such Intercompany Note shall be pledged to the extent evidencing Indebtedness owed to a Loan Party) and (iii) owing by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Loan Party shall be an Investment in a non-Loan Party that must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(e) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) (other than sale-leaseback transactions) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary prior to or within 365 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000,000 at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(m) and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this Section 7.03(e) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
(f) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(g) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $50,000,000; provided that (i) any such assumed Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or similar permitted Investment, (ii) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio in effect immediately prior to the making of such Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, in each case, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (iii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;
(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
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(i) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to future, present or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower permitted by Section 7.06;
(j) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments;
(k) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;
(l) obligations in respect of Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
(m) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed $125,000,000; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred under this Section 7.03(m) shall be incurred for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and shall not be provided by an Affiliate of the Borrower (other than a Loan Party); provided, further, that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to this Section 7.03(m) shall not exceed at any time outstanding $25,000,000; provided, further, that if a Loan Party is an obligor of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this Section 7.03(m), such Indebtedness (x) shall be unsecured or (y) if secured, (i) the Liens securing such Indebtedness shall rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations and (ii) may not be secured by any assets other than Collateral;
(n) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 Business Days following the incurrence thereof;
(p) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(q) [Reserved;]
(r) Indebtedness supported by a letter of credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such letter of credit;
(s) (i) Permitted Junior Debt; provided that (x) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Indebtedness and (y) either (1) the proceeds of such Permitted Junior Debt are promptly applied to refinance or replace any Existing Term Loans or the Existing Notes in accordance with Section 7.13(a) or (2) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not greater than 7.40 to 1.00 determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Test Period and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(t) (i) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that such refinancing shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Section 7.03 other than by an amount equal to (x) unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
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(u) (i) the First Lien Notes (9.125%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (9.125%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (9.125%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(vi), (ii) the First Lien Notes (7.750%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (7.750%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.750%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(vii), (iii) the First Lien Notes (7.000%) issued on the Closing Date and additional First Lien Notes (7.000%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.000%)) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(viii) and (ix) and (iv) in the case of clauses (i) through (iii) above, any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(v) (i) the Second Lien Notes issued on the Closing Date and additional Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes) issued after the Closing Date in exchange for or to prepay, refinance, repurchase, redeem, satisfy or discharge the Existing Unsecured Notes in accordance with Section 7.13(a)(ix) and (ii) any Permitted Refinancing thereof; and
(w) [reserved]; and
(x) subject to the restrictions set forth in clause (a)(iii) above, all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in the clauses above.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in the clauses above, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide, classify or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness or any portion thereof in a manner that complies with this Section 7.03 and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that (i) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents or the Existing Notes Documents and in each case any Permitted Refinancing thereof, will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the applicable exception in Section 7.03(a), (ii) all Indebtedness outstanding under the First Lien Notes Documents and any Permitted Refinancing thereof will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in Section 7.03(u) and (iii) all Indebtedness outstanding under the Second Lien Notes Documents and any Permitted Refinancing thereof will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in Section 7.03(v). The accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 7.03.
For the avoidance of doubt, Permitted Refinancings (and all subsequent refinancings thereof with Permitted Refinancings) shall not increase the amount of Indebtedness that is permitted to be incurred pursuant to any provision of this Section 7.03 other than, in each case, as permitted by the definition of Permitted Refinancings with respect to each such incurrence thereof.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document:
(A) any Indebtedness incurred after the Closing Date owed by any Loan Party to any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party shall be unsecured and subordinated in right payment to the Obligations pursuant to the Intercompany Note; and
(B) no Indebtedness incurred by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, the proceeds of which is or is contemplated to be lent by such Subsidiary to any Loan Party may be Guaranteed by any Loan Party nor shall any Loan Party provide any other credit support in respect of such Indebtedness (this clause (B), together with clause (A), the “Double-Dip Provision”).
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Section 7.04. Fundamental Changes.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:
(a) any Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction); provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person and such merger does not result in the Borrower ceasing to be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) one or more other Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Loan Party is merging with a Subsidiary, a Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
(b) (i) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may liquidate or dissolve if (x) the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders or the Collateral Agent and (y) to the extent such Subsidiary is a Loan Party, any assets or business not otherwise disposed of or transferred in accordance with Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e) or (h)) or 7.05 or, in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to otherwise owned or conducted by another Loan Party after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor will remain a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Guarantor hereunder), and (iii) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders or the Collateral Agent and all actions are taken to maintain the perfection of the Collateral Agent’s Liens on the Collateral);
(c) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then either (i) the transferee must be a Guarantor or the Borrower or (ii) such Disposition shall be made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and constitute an Investment in a non-Loan Party and must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the “Successor Company”), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Guaranty shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (D) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement and/or other applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, (E) if requested by the Administrative Agent, each mortgagor of a Mortgaged Property, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by an amendment to or restatement of the applicable Mortgage (or other instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Company’s obligations under the Loan Documents, and (F) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Agreement, the Guaranty and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided, further, that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement;
(e) [reserved];
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(f) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.05 (other than a Disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries); and
(g) the Transactions may be consummated.
Section 7.05. Dispositions
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition, except:
(a) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of immaterial property in the ordinary course of business that is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries;
(b) Dispositions of inventory or goods (or other assets, including furniture and equipment) held for sale, intellectual property licensed to customers and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business), in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party, (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party or (ii) such transaction shall be deemed to be an Investment in a non-Loan Party and must be permitted by Section 7.02(c) or (n);
(e) to the extent constituting Dispositions, transactions permitted by Sections 7.01, 7.02 (other than Section 7.02(e)), 7.04 (other than Section 7.04(f)) and 7.06 (provided that the Equity Interests issued in respect of any such Restricted Payment shall have complied with the other provisions of this Section 7.05);
(f) Dispositions of Identified Assets not for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction;
(g) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;
(h) leases, subleases, licenses, cross-licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(i) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events;
(j) Dispositions of property; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition and (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $5,000,000, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than Permitted Liens; provided that for the purposes of this clause (j)(ii), the following shall be deemed to be cash: (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s (or the Subsidiaries’, as applicable) most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee pursuant to a Disposition for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) to a non-Affiliate third party and for which the Borrower and all of its Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents
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(to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition and (C) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed the greater of $5,000,000 (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents);
(k) [reserved];
(l) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with any committed receivables, factoring, securitization or similar financing);
(m) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Closing Date shall not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate;
(n) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower;
(o) [reserved];
(p) the unwinding of any Swap Contract pursuant to its terms;
(q) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(r) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(s) Dispositions of assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate fair market value of less than or equal to $5,000,000 for a single Disposition or series of related Dispositions; provided that, in no event shall Dispositions pursuant to this clause (s) exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year;
provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 7.05 (except pursuant to Sections 7.05(e), (i), (p), (r) and (s) and except for Dispositions from a Loan Party to any other Loan Party) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 7.05 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents (and such Liens shall be automatically released), and the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.05, (A) Dispositions need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Dispositions permitted by this Section 7.05 but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that Dispositions (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Dispositions permitted by this Section 7.05, the Borrower may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Dispositions (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this provision.
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Section 7.06. Restricted Payments.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Subsidiaries shall declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:
(a) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower, and other Subsidiaries of the Borrower (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any other Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall directly or indirectly make any Restricted Payment pursuant to this Section 7.06(a) to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party unless it is promptly further contributed to a Loan Party;
(b) the Borrower and each Subsidiary may declare and make Restricted Payments payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 7.03) of such Person;
(c) [reserved];
(d) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(e) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e) and (m)), 7.04 or 7.08 (other than Sections 7.08(e) or 7.08(j));
(f) repurchases of Equity Interests in Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any Subsidiary of Holdings in the ordinary course of business deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(g) the Borrower and each Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (or of the Borrower or any other such direct or indirect parent thereof) from any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of such Subsidiary) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, manager, director, officer or consultant of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (g) shall not exceed $5,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum amount of Restricted Payments of $10,000,000 made in any calendar year) and (ii) other than in the case of a non-discretionary the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement, no Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom; provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(i) to the extent contributed to Holdings, the net cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of any of Holdings’ direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Closing Date, to the extent net cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have been Not Otherwise Applied; plus
(ii) the Net Proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by Holdings or its Subsidiaries; less
(iii) the amount of Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clause (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.06(g).
(h) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 minus amounts outstanding at such time (or otherwise applied to the extent such loans and advances are not repaid in cash) in respect of loans and advances to Holdings pursuant to Section 7.02(m); provided that no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom;
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(i) The Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower:
(i) to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors, managers or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used by such parent to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any of its direct or indirect parents’) corporate existence or good standing under applicable law;
(iii) for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date (A) in which Holdings and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group (a “Tax Group”) of which a direct or indirect parent of Borrower is the common parent or (B) in which Holdings is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes, to pay U.S. federal, state and local and foreign Taxes that are attributable to the taxable income, revenue, receipts, gross receipts, gross profits, capital or margin of Holdings and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount of such Taxes that Holdings and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay if they were a stand-alone Tax Group with Holdings as the corporate common parent of such stand-alone Tax Group;
(iv) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to Section 7.02 if such parent were subject to such Section; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment and (B) such parent shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or the other Loan Parties or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 7.04) of the Person formed or acquired into the Borrower or the other Loan Parties in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11; provided, further, that in no event shall any contribution pursuant to this Section 7.06(i)(iv) increase the Available Equity Amount or Investment capacity under Section 7.02;
(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries; and
(vi) the proceeds of which shall be used by the Borrower to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) that is directly attributable to the operations of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;
(j) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar non-U.S. Taxes with respect to any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant and any repurchases of Equity Interests in consideration of such payments including deemed repurchases in connection with the exercise of stock options;
(k) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition; and
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(l) any Restricted Payment by the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary.
Section 7.07. Change in Nature of Business.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by Holdings and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
Section 7.08. Transactions with Affiliates.
Neither the Borrower shall, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of Holdings, whether or not in the ordinary course of business for a transaction value in excess of $15,000,000 per each individual transaction or series of related transactions, other than (a) loans and other transactions among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Subsidiary or as a result of such loan or other transaction to the extent permitted under this Article VII, (b) on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (c) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions, (d) [reserved], (e) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06 and Investments permitted under Section 7.02, (f) employment and severance arrangements between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business, (g) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (h) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (i) [reserved], (j) payments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by Section 7.06(i)(iii), (k) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower to any Permitted Holder or to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof or (l) a joint venture which would constitute a transaction with an Affiliate solely as a result of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary owning an equity interest or otherwise controlling such joint venture or similar entity.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.08, no Affiliate of Holdings (other than the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) shall provide Indebtedness to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries unless (i) there are non-Affiliate holders of such Indebtedness, (ii) such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such Indebtedness and (iii) such Indebtedness is incurred for a bona fide business for purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction) and not to evade the requirements for incurring Indebtedness under Section 7.03.
Section 7.09. Burdensome Agreements.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of (a) any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or to make or repay intercompany loans and advances to Holdings or any Guarantor or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facilities and the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations which (i)(x) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.09) are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted
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modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation, (ii) are binding on a Subsidiary at the time such Subsidiary first becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided, further, that this clause (ii) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that are binding on a Person that becomes a Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Loan Party which is permitted by Section 7.03, (iv) arise in connection with any Disposition permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such Disposition, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 7.02 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness, (vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto, (viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), (g) or (m) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness, (ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Sections 7.01 and 7.02 and limited to such cash or deposit, (xiii) [reserved] and (xiv) are restrictions contained in any ABL Loan Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents or, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof.
Section 7.10. Material Assets.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, no Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or material intellectual property or other material property or asset that, in each case, is necessary at such time to the operation of the business of the Loan Parties (or Equity Interests in any Loan Party that owns any such Broadcast Licenses, Broadcast Stations, FCC Authorizations or any such material intellectual property or other material property or asset) that are, in each of the foregoing cases, owned by a Loan Party, may be transferred (whether as an Investment, Restricted Payment, Disposition or otherwise) in any respect, whether directly or indirectly or by one or more transactions (including pursuant the release of any Guaranty provided by any Guarantor), by any Loan Party to any Affiliate of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party, other than pursuant to non-exclusive royalty and/or licensing agreements made for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction).
Section 7.11. Total Net Leverage Ratio.
(a) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes, the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.35 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
(b) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%), the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.40 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
(c) Solely to the extent a Repurchase Trigger has not occurred on or prior to such date, as of the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%), the Borrower shall not permit both (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period to be greater than 6.55 to 1.00 and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) to which such maturity date applies to exceed $50,000,000 on such date.
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Section 7.12. Change in Fiscal Year.
The Borrower shall not make any change in its fiscal year; provided that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders), in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.
Section 7.13. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness.
(a) The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) of any Indebtedness (i) that is or is required to be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, (ii) for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 that is unsecured (other than the Existing Unsecured Notes or Existing Secured Notes that become unsecured) and under which the Borrower or a Guarantor is an obligor, (iii) that is secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations or (iv) that constitutes Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) (the foregoing clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), collectively “Junior Financing”) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation, except:
(i) (A) the refinancing thereof with the Net Proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes a Permitted Refinancing and, if such Indebtedness was originally incurred under Section 7.03(g) or (s), is permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(g) or (s)), to the extent not required to prepay any Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b) and (B) the refinancing, redemption or repurchase of Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes with the proceeds of Permitted Junior Debt;
(ii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents,
(iii) the prepayment of Indebtedness of Holdings or any Subsidiary to Holdings or any Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note;
(iv) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, so long as no Default or Event of Default is continuing or would result therefrom, unlimited prepayments of Junior Financing, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00;
(v) exchanges of Existing Term Loans in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Term Loan Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Term Loans so exchanged and consisting of consideration of solely Initial Term Loans (or other Term Loans with substantially the same terms as the Initial Term Loans), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Term Loans so exchanged, and otherwise effectuated pursuant to exchange agreement substantially consistent with the Exchange Agreement (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (v), a “Specified Existing Term Loan Exchange”);
(vi) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of solely First Lien Notes (9.125%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (9.125%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vi), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (6.375%) Exchange”);
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(vii) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of First Lien Notes (7.750%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.750%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) Exchange”);
(viii) exchanges of Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) so exchanged and consisting of consideration of First Lien Notes (7.000%) (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the First Lien Notes (7.000%)), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) Exchange”);
(ix) exchanges of Existing Unsecured Notes in existence on the Closing Date for an exchange price not to exceed the then Applicable Unsecured Notes (6.375%) Exchange Price of the face amount of the Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged and consisting of consideration of Second Lien Notes (or other notes with substantially the same terms as the Second Lien Notes), plus the cash payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Unsecured Notes so exchanged (any such exchange pursuant to this subclause (vii), a “Specified Existing Unsecured Notes Exchange”);
(x) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances, exchanges and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of (i) $160,000,000 plus (ii) the Available Equity Amount;
(xi) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%), in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is 180 days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Term Loans or the Existing Secured Notes (6.375%), as applicable, or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
(xii) on and after the first day of the Non-Exclusive Period, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of:
(A) the Existing Unsecured Notes (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes; provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Unsecured Notes or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger;
(B) the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) (a) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%); provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (5.250%) or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger; and
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(C) the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) in an unlimited amount during the period from the date that is one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) to (but excluding) the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%); provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the Test Period immediately preceding such prepayment, redemption, defeasance or other payment shall not exceed the Junior Financing Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a Pro Forma Basis and (b) in an unlimited amount at any time on or following either (x) , the date that is thirty (30) days prior to the maturity date of the Existing Secured Notes (4.750%) or (y) the occurrence of a Repurchase Trigger.
(b) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Subsidiaries to amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders any term or condition of any Junior Financing Documentation without the consent of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction of the Required Lenders) (it being understood that any amendments or modifications to Junior Financing Documentation that cause any such Junior Financing to no longer satisfy the definition of “Permitted Junior Debt” shall be deemed materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders).
(c) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest of such Indebtedness shall be permitted) the First Lien Notes (7.000%), the First Lien Notes (7.750%) or the Second Lien Notes (and, in each case, any successive Permitted Refinancings thereof or other Refinancings thereof) or Refinancings of the Existing Term Loans or Existing Notes, except (i) as otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 7.13(a), (ii) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 during the term of this Agreement and (iii) other prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments, in each case so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00.
Section 7.14. Permitted Activities. Holdings, shall not conduct, transact or otherwise engage in any material business or operations (including any prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments of Indebtedness); provided that the following shall be permitted in any event: (i) its ownership of the Equity Interests of the Borrower; (ii) the entry into, and the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents, the Existing Credit Agreement Documents, the ABL Loan Documents, the First Lien Notes Documents, the Second Lien Notes Documents, the Existing Secured Notes Documents, the Existing Unsecured Notes Documents, any documentation relating to any Permitted Junior Debt and any documentation relating to any Permitted Refinancing of the foregoing; (iii) the consummation of the Transactions; (iv) the payment of dividends and distributions permitted to be made to Holdings pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the making of contributions to the capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Guarantees of Indebtedness set forth in clause (ii) above and the Guarantees of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness; (v) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance and performance of activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees and those of its Subsidiaries); (vi) the performing of activities in preparation for and consummating any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) including converting into another type of legal entity; (vii) the participation in tax, accounting and other administrative matters, including compliance with applicable Laws and legal, tax and accounting matters related thereto and activities relating to its officers, directors, managers and employees; (viii) the holding of any cash and Cash Equivalents (but not operating any property) and (ix) the entry into and performance of its obligations with respect to contracts and other arrangements relating to the indemnification to officers, managers, directors and employees; and (xii) any activities incidental to the foregoing.
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ARTICLE VIII
Events of Default and Remedies
Section 8.01. Events of Default.
Any of the following from and after the Closing Date shall constitute an event of default (an “Event of Default”):
(a) Non-Payment. Any Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or
(b) Specific Covenants. Holdings or any Subsidiary, fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03(a) or 6.05(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower) or Article VII; or
(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Sections 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to Holdings or the Borrower; or
(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of Holdings or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
(e) Cross-Default. Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than (i) the ABL Facility, which shall be governed solely by clause (C) hereof or (ii) Indebtedness hereunder) having an outstanding aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount or in respect of the Existing Term Loans, Existing Secured Notes or Existing Unsecured Notes, (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, after giving effect to all applicable grace periods, or any other event occurs (other than, with respect to (i) the ABL Facility, which shall be governed solely by clause (C) hereof or (ii) Indebtedness consisting of Swap Contracts, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such Swap Contracts), the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (B) shall not apply to Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder; provided, further, that (i) this clause (e) shall not apply if such failure is remedied or waived by the holders of such Indebtedness prior to any termination of the Commitments or acceleration of the Loans pursuant to this Article VIII, (ii) any event or condition set forth under this clause (e) shall not, until the expiration of any applicable grace period or the delivery of notice for the acceleration of the underlying Indebtedness by the applicable holder or holders of such Indebtedness, constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” for purposes of this Agreement or (C) shall breach any covenant or any default shall occur with respect to any ABL Facility or any Permitted Refinancing thereof, it being understood that any such breach or default shall not constitute a “Default” or “Event of Default” with respect to any Term Loans unless and until the ABL Lenders have declared all amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility to be immediately due and payable and all outstanding commitments under the ABL Facility to be immediately terminated, and such declaration has not been rescinded on or before such date; or
(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
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(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or
(h) Judgments. There is entered against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days from the entry thereof; or
(i) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document or the validity or priority of a Lien as required by the Collateral Documents on a material portion of the Collateral; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or
(j) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or
(k) Collateral Documents. (i) Any Collateral Document or any material portion thereof, after delivery thereof pursuant to the Exchange Agreement or Sections 6.11 or 6.13 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms hereof and thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement) cease to be in full force and effect and to create a valid and perfected Lien, with the priority required by this Agreement, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to the Lien priority permitted under Section 7.01, (x) except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or any loss thereof results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements and (y) except as to Collateral consisting of Real Property to the extent that such losses are covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and such insurer has not denied coverage, or (ii) any of the Equity Interests of the Borrower shall for any reason cease to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents; or
(l) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or a Subsidiary in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) a Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan and a Material Adverse Effect could reasonably be expected to result.
Section 8.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may (with the consent of the Required Lenders) and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:
(i) terminate the Aggregate Commitments;
(ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the foregoing shall become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Loan Parties;
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(iii) [reserved]; and
(iv) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;
provided that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.01(f) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is not an Immaterial Subsidiary, (x) the Aggregate Commitments shall automatically terminate, and (y) the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including the Prepayment Premium) shall be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Holdings, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
Section 8.03. [Reserved].
Section 8.04. Application of Funds.
After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to any Intercreditor Agreements then in effect, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law):
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III or Section 10.05) payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its capacity as such and their Agent-Related Parties;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, to the payment of all other Obligations of the Borrower that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and
Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law or as directed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
ARTICLE IX
Administrative Agent and Other Agents
Section 9.01. Appointment and Authorization of Agents.
(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America, N.A. to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (for purposes of this Section 9.01, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are referred to collectively as the “Agents”) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the
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provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Agents to (i) execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and (ii) negotiate, enforce or the settle any claim, action or proceeding affecting the Lenders in their capacity as such, at the direction of the Required Lenders and, in each case, acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral 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 or the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any 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.
(b) [Reserved].
(c) Each of the Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or on trust for) such Secured Party for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to execute any and all documents (including releases) with respect to the Collateral and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, as contemplated by and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Collateral Documents and acknowledge and agree that any such action by any Agent shall bind the Lenders.
(d) Except as provided in Sections 9.09 and 9.11, the provisions of this Article IX are solely for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
(e) The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
Section 9.02. Delegation of Duties.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, sub-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, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their
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respective Agent-Related Persons. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Agent-Related Persons of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Facilities as well as activities as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects, so long as such selection was made in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined in the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).
Section 9.03. Liability of Agents.
No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), (b) except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as an Agent or any of their respective Affiliates in any capacity, (c) be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to such Agent or (d) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or Participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by any Agent or any of their respective Affiliates under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, any failure to monitor or maintain any part of the Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Agent shall (a) be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) shall not be required to carry out any “know your customer” or other checks in relation to any person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Administrative Agent that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates and (c) have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that no Agent (as applicable) shall be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose such Agent (as applicable) to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may affect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law.
Section 9.04. Reliance by Agents.
Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it
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shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan.
Section 9.05. Notice of Default.
The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice (it being understood that posting of such notice to the “private side” of the Platform shall be sufficient if (i) the Borrower determines that such notice contains material non-public information with respect to any of the Loan Parties or their securities and is not suitable for posting to “public” Lenders and (ii) such notice relates to Defaults (other than Events of Default); it being understood and agreed that the Administrative Agent shall post notices regarding Events of Default and payment Defaults to all Lenders). The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.
Section 9.06. Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents.
Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of, and investigation into, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.
Section 9.07. Indemnification of Agents.
Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Person’s own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of
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competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse each Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by each Agent, as the case may be, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that such Agent, as the case may be, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Loan Parties; provided that such reimbursement by the Lenders shall not affect the Loan Parties’ continuing reimbursement obligations with respect thereto. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.
Section 9.08. Agents in Their Individual Capacities.
Bank of America, N.A. and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and its respective Affiliates as though such Person were not an Agent and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Bank of America, N.A. and/or any of its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that no Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Bank of America, N.A. and its Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not an Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include Bank of America, N.A. in its individual capacity. Any successor to Bank of America, N.A. as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall also have the rights attributed to Bank of America, N.A. under this paragraph.
Section 9.09. Successor Agents.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a), (f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, with the consent of the Required Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent”, as applicable, shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and such Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and Required
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Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged, if not previously discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence, from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
Section 9.10. 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 Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law) entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, curator, 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 or the Collateral 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 or the Collateral Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under Sections 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05.
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 9.11. Collateral and Guaranty Matters.
The Lenders irrevocably agree:
(a) that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is Disposed or to be Disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder to any Person other than a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent
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or the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents, (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders (iv) to the extent such asset constitutes an Excluded Asset (as defined in the Security Agreement) or (v) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;
(b) to release or subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Sections 7.01(u) or (w) (in the case of clause (w), to the extent required by the terms of the obligations secured by such Liens);
(c) that any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under the Guaranty in accordance with Section 11.10; and
(d) the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent may, without any further consent of any Lender, enter into (i) the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the Other Debt Representative for any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(a)(iv), (g) and (u) that is secured on a pari passu basis with the Liens securing the Obligations and/or (iii) a Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the Other Debt Representative for any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Sections 7.03(a)(ii), (a)(iv), (g), (s), (u) and (v) that is secured on a junior lien basis with the Liens securing the Obligations, in each case, where such Indebtedness is secured by Liens permitted under Section 7.01. The Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may rely exclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of Holdings or the Borrower as to whether any such other Liens are permitted. The ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement entered into by the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be binding on the Secured Parties.
Subject to Section 10.01, upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent will promptly (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to), at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as the Borrower may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11.
Section 9.12. Other Agents.
None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a “joint lead bookrunner”, “joint lead arranger”, “bookrunner”, “arranger”, “co-manager”, “co-syndication agent” or “co-documentation agent” shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.
Section 9.13. Withholding Tax Indemnity.
To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the IRS or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed by such Lender, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective), such Lender shall, within 10 days after written demand therefor, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to
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Section 3.01 and Section 3.04 and without limiting or expanding the obligation of the Borrower to do so) for all amounts paid by the Administrative Agent as Taxes, together with all reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.13. The agreements in this Section 9.13 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitment and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
Section 9.14. Appointment of Supplemental Agents.
(a) It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a “Supplemental Agent” and collectively as “Supplemental Agents”).
(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Agent, as the context may require.
Should any instrument in writing from any Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, such Loan Party shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. In case any Supplemental Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Agent.
Section 9.15. Lender Action.
(a) Each Lender agrees that it shall not take or institute any actions or proceedings, judicial or otherwise, for any right or remedy against any Loan Party or any other obligor under any of the Loan Documents (including the exercise of any right of setoff (except to the extent permitted by Section 10.09), rights on account of any banker’s lien or similar claim or other rights of self-help), or institute any actions or proceedings, or otherwise commence any remedial procedures, with respect to any Guaranty or any Collateral or any other property of any such Loan Party, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The provisions of this Section 9.15 are for the sole benefit of the Lenders and the Agents and shall not afford any right to, or constitute a defense available to, any Loan Party.
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(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the right of any Lender to bring suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, and premium (if any) or interest on, any Loan on or after the Maturity Date applicable thereto shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Lender.
Section 9.16. Intercreditor Agreements.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document: (a) the priority of the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent in favor of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and the exercise of any right related to any Collateral shall be subject, in each case, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (b) in the event of any conflict between the express terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, on the one hand, and of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as the case may be, shall control (in each case, other than any clause in any Loan Document which grants a lien or security interest, which clause shall control), and (c) each Lender (and, by its acceptance of the benefits of any Collateral Document, each other Secured Party) hereunder authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to execute the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of such Lender, and such Lender agrees to be bound by the terms thereof.
Section 9.17. Certain ERISA Matters.
(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 respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of Section 3(42) of ERISA or otherwise) of one or more Benefit Plans with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans or the Commitments,
(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 Commitments 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 Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments 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 Commitments 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.
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(b) In addition, unless either (1) sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or (2) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (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 not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that the Administrative Agent is not 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 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).
Section 9.18. Recovery of Erroneous Payments.
Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
Section 10.01. Amendments, Etc.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders, or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders, and such Loan Party (with an executed copy thereof promptly delivered to the Administrative Agent if not otherwise part thereto; provided that failure to deliver such a copy shall not result in any Default or Event of Default nor affect the effectiveness of any such amendment, waiver or consent) and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that any amendment or waiver contemplated in clause (g) below, shall only require the consent of such Loan Party and the Required Facility Lenders under the applicable Facility, as applicable; provided, further, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender holding such Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);
(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce or forgive the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Sections 2.07 or 2.08 (or amend the definition of “Default” or “Event of Default” to exclude the failure to pay interest or principal on any date), or change any provision of Section 9.15(b) without the written consent of each Lender holding the applicable Obligation (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest);
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(c) reduce or forgive the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, or change the amount of principal or interest payable in cash on, or extend by more than ten (10) Business Days the grace period applicable to the payment of interest or any other amount in respect of, any Loan or (subject to clause (ii) of the first proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or extend the timing of payments of such fees or other amounts) without the written consent of each Lender holding such Loan or to whom such fee or other amount is owed; provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;
(d) change any provision of 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders,” “Required Facility Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders” or any other provision specifying the number of Lenders or portion of the Loans or Commitments required to take any action under the Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (it being understood that with the consent of the Required Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the “Required Lenders,” “Required Facility Lenders,” “Required Class Lenders” or similar provisions on substantially the same basis as the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date);
(e) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;
(f) release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender;
(g) amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision which directly affects Lenders under one or more Facilities and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the Required Facility Lenders under such applicable Facility (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Required Facility Lenders of each such Facility, subject to the other clauses of this Section 10.01); provided that the waivers described in this clause (g) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the Required Facility Lenders under such Facility or Facilities;
(h) without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby, (A) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Agreement or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) the Obligations in right of payment to any Indebtedness for borrowed money or (B) subordinate or have the direct or indirect effect of subordinating (either through amendment or amendments to this Agreement or through the establishment of intercreditor, subordination or similar agreement(s) or arrangement(s) or otherwise) any Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the Obligations to the Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral securing any other Indebtedness for borrowed money (any such Indebtedness to which such Liens securing any of such obligations or such obligations, as applicable, are subordinated, “Senior Indebtedness”), in the case of each of clause (A) and (B), except (1) any Indebtedness that is expressly permitted by this Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date to rank senior in payment or lien priority to the Obligations or (2) in connection with a “debtor in possession” financing pursuant to Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar financing arrangement in an insolvency proceeding in a non-U.S. jurisdiction);
(i) waive, amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.05(b)(x), Section 2.13 or Section 8.04 in a manner that would by its terms alter the pro rata sharing or the order of applicable payments required thereby (or add or change any other provision of this Agreement that has the effect of making any such alteration to such provisions), or modify the definition of “Pro Rata Share”, without the consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
(j) waive, amend or modify this Agreement or any Loan Document that would authorize the incurrence of additional Indebtedness under this Agreement for the primary purpose of influencing any voting threshold required under this Agreement in order to obtain consent to any transaction that would not otherwise not been permitted prior to the incurrence of any such additional Indebtedness, without the consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby;
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(k) Without the consent of the Supermajority (65%) Required Lenders:
(i) amend, modify or waive any provision of this Agreement that would permit additional transfers of assets from Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, including any such provisions specified in Sections 7.02, 7.04, 7.05 and 7.06; or
(ii) amend, modify or waive any provision of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to the Lenders (other than for the purpose of effectuating a Liability Management Transaction);
(l) Without the consent of the Supermajority (90%) Required Lenders:
(i) amend, modify or waive any provisions of Section 11.10 in a manner that is material and adverse to the Lenders;
(ii) amend, modify or waive any provisions of the definition of “Excluded Subsidiary” in a manner that is material and adverse to Lenders;
(iii) permit the creation or existence of any Subsidiary or otherwise amend the definition of “Subsidiary” in a manner that would result in any Subsidiary or any other Person being “unrestricted” or otherwise generally excluded from the requirements, taken as a whole, applicable to Subsidiaries pursuant to the Loan Documents (including the covenants set forth in Article VII);
(iv) amend, modify or waive the Double-DIP Provision;
(v) amend, modify or waive Section 7.10;
(vi) amend, modify or waive Section 10.07(m) in a manner that would permit purchases of Term Loans that are not open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis; or
(vii) amend, modify or waive any requirement in this Agreement that an action be taken, or prohibiting an action from not being taken, for a bona fide business purpose (and not for the purpose of effectuating any Liability Management Transaction);
provided, further, that (i) [reserved]; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iii) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; (iv) the consent of Lenders holding more than 50% of any Class of Commitments or Loans shall be required with respect to any amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments or Collateral hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms materially and adversely affects any Defaulting Lender (if such Lender were not a Defaulting Lender) to a greater extent than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender and (v) no amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement may involve the payment by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, through participation in any transaction in which Holdings or any of its Affiliate participates) of any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Lender for or as an inducement to such amendment, modification or waiver unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Lenders which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, modification or waiver (other than the reimbursement of counsel fees and other expenses in connection with the negotiation of the terms of such transaction).
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Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders providing any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans pursuant to an Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto (including, without limitation, in order to change or impose “MFN” pricing protection with respect to additional Loans and/or Commitments made after the date of such amendment) and (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions of Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, as applicable (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, as applicable, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender consent is required to effect any amendment or supplement to any ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement or other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement that is for the purpose of adding the holders of Credit Agreement Refinancing Debt, as expressly contemplated by the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, such First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, such Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement or such other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement, as applicable (it being understood that any such amendment or supplement may make such other changes to the applicable intercreditor agreement as, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, are required to effectuate the foregoing; provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect, to the interests of the Lenders); provided that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment is delivered in order (a) to correct or cure ambiguities, errors, omissions, defects, (b) to effect administrative changes of a technical or immaterial nature, (c) to fix incorrect cross references or similar inaccuracies in this Agreement or the applicable Loan Document, (d) solely to add benefit to one or more existing Facilities, including increase in margin, interest rate floor, prepayment premium, call protection and reestablishment of or increase in amortization schedule, in order to cause any Incremental Facility to be fungible with any existing Facility and (e) to add any financial covenant for the benefit of all Lenders or any Class of Lenders pursuant to the conditions imposed on the incurrence of any Indebtedness set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, and in each case of clauses (a), (b) and (c), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or the consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof. The Collateral Documents and related documents in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, supplement or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities, omissions, mistakes or defects or (iii) to cause such Collateral Documents or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that, in any such case, such amendment, supplement or waiver shall become effective only if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders to the Administrative Agent within five (5) days following receipt of notice thereof.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may enter into any Incremental Amendment in accordance with Section 2.14, Refinancing Amendment in accordance with Section 2.15 and Extension Amendment in accordance with Section 2.16 and such Incremental Amendments, Refinancing Amendments and Extension Amendments shall be effective to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, in each case, without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document.
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Section 10.02. Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.
(a) General. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile or other electronic image scan transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower (or any other Loan Party) or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, to the address, facsimile number or electronic mail address specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and
(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number or electronic mail address specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.
All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four (4) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(c)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder.
(b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures. Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic image scan communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on all Loan Parties, the Agents and the Lenders.
(c) Reliance by Agents and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(d) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e mail, FpML messaging, and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may each, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
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(e) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, any arranger or any of their respective Related Parties (the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to any Loan Party, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether or not based on strict liability and including direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise)) arising out of the Borrower’s, any other Loan Party’s or any Agent Party’s transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet.
Section 10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.
Section 10.04. Attorney Costs and Expenses.
The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are consummated) and any other documents prepared in connection herewith or therewith, and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to (i) one counsel to the Administrative Agent, (ii) one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole and (iii) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as counsel to the Initial Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement) (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses following the Closing Date in connection with post-closing obligations of the Loan Parties) and (b) from and after the Closing Date, (i) [reserved], and (ii) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement or preservation (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all respective Attorney Costs which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of (i) one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, (ii) one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole, (iii) solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated affected Persons and (iv) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as counsel to Initial Consenting Holders (as defined in the Transaction Support Agreement). The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all reasonable search, filing, recording and title insurance charges and fees related thereto, and other reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail including, if requested by the Borrower and to the extent reasonably available, backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request; provided that with respect to the Closing Date, all amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid on the Closing Date solely to the extent invoiced to the Borrower within three Business Days of the Closing Date (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Borrower). If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.04 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
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Section 10.05. Indemnification by the Borrower.
The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Arranger, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively the “Indemnitees”) from and against any and all liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities), obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs but limited in the case of legal fees and expenses to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and one counsel to the Lenders taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel for such Persons in each relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated affected Indemnitees) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of the Transaction Support Agreement, any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment or Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom or (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto and regardless of whether any such matter is initiated by a third party or by Holdings, the Borrower, any of their respective Affiliates, creditors or equity holders or any other Person (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, (y) a material breach of any funding obligations, or a material breach in bad faith of any other obligations, under any Loan Document by such Indemnitee or of any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an agent or arranger or any similar role or as a letter of credit issuer under any Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Affiliates). No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee, Loan Party or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential or exemplary damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date) (other than, in the case of any Loan Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party and for any out-of-pocket expenses); it being agreed that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, any of their respective Affiliates, directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor (together with backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request); provided that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund the amount of any payment to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05. The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.05 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
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Section 10.06. Payments Set Aside.
To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, to the fullest extent possible under provisions of applicable Law, be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect, in the applicable currency of such recovery or payment.
Section 10.07. Successors and Assigns.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (except as permitted by Section 7.04) and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Assignee pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) and the first proviso to this Section 10.07(a) (such an assignee, which for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be a natural person, an “Eligible Assignee”) (A) [reserved]), (B) in the case of any Assignee that is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, Section 10.07(m), or (C) in the case of any Assignee that, immediately prior to or upon giving effect to such assignment, is a Debt Fund Affiliate, Section 10.07(p), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(f), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(h) or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(i) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no Lender may assign or transfer by participation any of its rights or obligations hereunder to (i) any Person that is a Defaulting Lender or a Disqualified Lender (solely to the extent the list of Disqualified Lenders is available upon request to the Lenders), (ii) a natural Person or (iii) to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries (except pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v) or Section 10.07(m)); provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any assignment of Term Loans unless the Borrower shall have objected thereto within five (5) Business Days after having received written notice thereof. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(f) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have no responsibility or liability for monitoring or enforcing the list of Disqualified Lenders or for any assignment of any Loan or Commitment or for the sale of any participation, in either case, to a Disqualified Lender.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below and the last paragraph of this Section 10.07(b), any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (“Assignees”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) [reserved], (iii) if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or, solely with respect to the Borrower, Section 8.01(f) has occurred and is continuing or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(l), Section 10.07(m) or Section 10.07(p);
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(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment (i) of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (ii) all or any portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m).
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than an $1,000,000 and shall be in increments of an amount of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the remaining portion of the assigning Lender’s Loans and/or Commitments under the applicable Facility) (provided that simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds shall be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with this Section 10.07(b)(ii)(A)), unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents; provided that such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;
(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption via an electronic settlement system acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or if previously agreed with the Administrative Agent, manually), together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent); provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds; and
(C) other than in the case of assignments pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire (in which the Assignee shall designate one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their Affiliates or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws) and all applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d).
This paragraph (b) shall not prohibit any Lender from assigning all or a portion of its rights and obligations among separate Facilities on a non-pro rata basis among such Facilities.
In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
(c) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 10.07(d) and (e), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, (1) other than in connection with an assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and (2) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the
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interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(f).
(d) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a nonfiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it, and each notice of cancellation of any Loans delivered by the Borrower or another Subsidiary pursuant to Section 10.07(m) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and, with respect to such Lender’s own interest only, any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. No assignment shall be effective unless recorded in the Register. This Section 10.07(d) and Section 2.11 shall be construed so that all Loans are at all times maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations).
(e) Upon its receipt of, and consent to, a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an Eligible Assignee, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect of the assignee (unless the Assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above, if applicable, and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, if required, and, if required, the Borrower to such assignment and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d), the Administrative Agent shall promptly (i) accept such Assignment and Assumption and (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that, with respect to each Initial Lender that has failed to comply with its obligations hereunder to provide a completed Administrative Questionnaire and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d) with respect to itself, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to accept any Assignment and Assumption nor record the information contained therein in the Register until such Initial Lender has provided a completed Administrative Questionnaire and any such applicable tax forms which are, in each case, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. No assignment shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (e).
(f) Any Lender may at any time sell participations to any Person, subject to the proviso to Section 10.07(a) (each, a “Participant”), in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the second proviso to Section 10.01 that requires the affirmative vote of such Lender. Subject to Section 10.07(g), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”). No
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participation shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Participant Register as provided in this Section 10.07(f); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary in connection with an audit or other proceeding to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive 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 such) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(g) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(h) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an “SPC”) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) such SPC and the applicable Loan or any applicable part thereof, shall be appropriately reflected in the Participant Register. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) an SPC shall be entitled to the benefit of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Section), but neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement except in the case of Sections 3.01 or 3.04, to the extent that the grant to the SPC was made with the prior written consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis for withholding consent if an exercise by SPC immediately after the grant would result in materially increased indemnification obligations to the Borrower at such time), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.
(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (1) any Lender may in accordance with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.
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(k) [Reserved].
(l) [Reserved].
(m) Any Lender may, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, at any time, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations with respect to Term Loans under this Agreement to Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary through (x) Dutch auctions open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis in accordance with procedures of the type described in Section 2.05(a)(v) or (y) notwithstanding Sections 2.12 and 2.13 or any other provision in this Agreement, open market purchases open to all applicable Lenders on a pro rata basis solely for for cash or Refinancing Term Loans; provided that in connection with assignments pursuant to clause (y) above:
(i) if Holdings or any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) is the assignee, upon such assignment, transfer or contribution, Holdings or such Subsidiaries shall automatically be deemed to have contributed the principal amount of such Term Loans, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the Borrower; or
(ii) if the assignee is the Borrower (including through contribution or transfers set forth in clause (i) above) or another Subsidiary), (A) the principal amount of such Term Loans, along with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, so contributed, assigned or transferred to the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall be deemed automatically cancelled and extinguished on the date of such contribution, assignment or transfer, (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Term Loans of the remaining Lenders shall reflect such cancellation and extinguishing of the Term Loans then held by the Borrower and (C) the Borrower shall promptly provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such contribution, assignment or transfer of such Term Loans, and the Administrative Agent, upon receipt of such notice, shall reflect the cancellation of the applicable Term Loans in the Register;
(n) [Reserved].
(o) [Reserved].
(p) Notwithstanding anything in Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” to the contrary, for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders have (i) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification, waiver, consent or other action with respect to any of the terms of any Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (ii) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document or (iii) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document and all Term Loans, held by Debt Fund Affiliates may not account for more than 49.9% (pro rata among such Debt Fund Affiliates) of the Term Loans of consenting Lenders included in determining whether the Required Lenders have consented to any action pursuant to Section 10.01.
Section 10.08. Confidentiality.
Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information and not to disclose such information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ managers, administrators, directors, officers, employees, trustees, partners, investors, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority or self-regulatory authority having or asserting jurisdiction over such Person (including any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender or its Affiliates); provided that such Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (c) to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Facilities or market data collectors, similar services providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Administrative Agent in
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connection with the administration and management of this Agreement and the Loan Documents; (d) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; provided that such Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (e) to any other party to this Agreement; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(h), counterparty to a Swap Contract, Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (provided that the disclosure of any such Information to any Lenders or Eligible Assignees or Participants shall be made subject to the acknowledgement and acceptance by such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Participant that such Information is being disseminated on a confidential basis (on substantially the terms set forth in this Section 10.08 or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Borrower, including, without limitation, as agreed in any Borrower Materials) in accordance with the standard processes of such Agent or customary market standards for dissemination of such type of Information; (g) with the written consent of the Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 or becomes available to the Agents, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a Loan Party or its respective known Affiliates (so long as such source is not known to the disclosing Agent, such Lender or any of its Affiliates to be bound by confidentiality obligations to any Loan Party); (i) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (j) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender) or to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization; (k) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder, under any other Loan Document or the enforcement of its rights hereunder or thereunder or (l) to the extent such Information is independently developed by the Agents, such Lender or any of their respective Affiliates; provided that no disclosure shall be made to any Disqualified Lender. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and publicly available information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, “Information” means all information received from the Loan Parties relating to any Loan Party, its Affiliates or its Affiliates’ directors, managers, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that, subject to the penultimate paragraph of Section 6.02, all information received after the Closing Date from Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed confidential unless such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as not being confidential.
Section 10.09. Setoff.
In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates (and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and their respective Affiliates, in respect of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses payable to it hereunder) is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to Holdings, the Borrower or any other Loan Party, any such notice being waived by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Loan Party (on its own behalf and on behalf of each of its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or such Agent or its Affiliates to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (but excluding amounts held in payroll, employee benefits, tax, and other fiduciary or trust accounts) against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Agents and the Lenders, and (y) the
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Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and such Lender may have.
Section 10.10. Interest Rate Limitation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
Section 10.11. Counterparts.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission be confirmed by a manually signed original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission.
Section 10.12. Integration; Termination.
This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.
Section 10.13. Survival of Representations and Warranties.
All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
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Section 10.14. Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.14, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
Section 10.15. GOVERNING LAW.
(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (OTHER THAN WITH RESPECT TO ANY COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS TO THE EXTENT EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE THEREIN) AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSES OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF, BUT INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW.
(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE OR SUPPORT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION. EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION) IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
Section 10.16. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.16 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
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Section 10.17. Binding Effect.
This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders on the Closing Date, the conditions set forth in Sections 4.01 and 4.02 have been satisfied or waived in accordance with this Agreement and the Administrative Agent shall have notified by each Lender on the Closing Date that each such Lender has executed it and, thereafter, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Loan Parties, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, in each case in accordance with Section 10.07 (if applicable) and except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04.
Section 10.18. USA PATRIOT Act.
Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of such Loan Party and other information regarding such Loan Party that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective as to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
Section 10.19. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.
(a) In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any Agent, Arranger or Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate. Each Loan Party hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against the Agents, the Arrangers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty under applicable law relating to agency and fiduciary obligations.
Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that each Lender and any affiliate thereof may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any of the Borrower, Holdings, any Affiliate thereof or any other person or entity that may do business with or own securities of any of the foregoing, all as if such Lender or Affiliate thereof were not a Lender (or an agent or any other person with any similar role under the Facilities) and without any duty to account therefor to any other Lender, Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Each Lender and any affiliate thereof may accept fees and other consideration from Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof for services in connection with this Agreement, the Facilities or otherwise without having to account for the same to any other Lender, Holdings, the Borrower or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Some or all of the Lenders or the Agents may have directly or indirectly acquired certain equity interests (including warrants) in Holdings, the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof or may have directly or indirectly extended credit on a subordinated basis to Holdings,
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the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof. Each party hereto, on its behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, acknowledges and waives the potential conflict of interest resulting from any such Lender, any Agent or an Affiliate thereof holding disproportionate interests in the extensions of credit under the Facilities or otherwise acting as arranger or agent thereunder and such Lender, the Agents or Affiliate thereof directly or indirectly holding equity interests in or subordinated debt issued by Holdings, the Borrower or an Affiliate thereof.
Section 10.20. Electronic Execution of Assignments.
The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Assumptions, amendments or other modifications, Committed Loan Notices, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it.
Section 10.21. Effect of Certain Inaccuracies.
In the event that any financial statement or Compliance Certificate previously delivered pursuant to Section 6.02 was inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Rate for any period (an “Applicable Period”) than the Applicable Rate applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) Holdings shall as soon as practicable deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected financial statement and a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Rate shall be determined based on the corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, and (iii) the Borrower shall within 15 days after the delivery of the corrected financial statements and Compliance Certificate pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest or fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Rate for such Applicable Period. This Section 10.21 shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders with respect to Sections 2.08(b) and 8.01.
Section 10.22. Judgment Currency
If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from the Borrower hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the “Specified Currency”) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures any Lender could purchase the Specified Currency with such other currency at such Lender’s New York office on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due to any Lender hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the Specified Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the Specified Currency with such other currency; if the amount of the Specified Currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender in the Specified Currency, the Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Lender against such loss, and if the amount of the Specified Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to such Lender in the Specified Currency, such Lender agrees to remit such excess to the Borrower.
Section 10.23. 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:
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(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this 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 10.24. FCC.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any of the Loan Documents, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Lenders, nor any of their agents, will take any action pursuant to any Loan Documents that would constitute or result in (i) any violation of the Communications Laws, or (ii) any assignment of any FCC Authorization or any transfer of control thereof, within the meaning of 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 or other Communications Law, if such assignment of license or transfer of control thereof would require thereunder the prior approval of the FCC, without first obtaining such approval of the FCC. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries will cooperate fully in the preparation and prosecution of such FCC applications as may be necessary to secure such approvals of the FCC for such assignments of licenses or transfers of control in a manner consistent with the Loan Documents.
Section 10.25. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.
To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for any Swap Contract or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support, “QFC Credit Support”, and each such QFC, a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):
(a) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
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(b) As used in this Section 10.25, the following terms have the following meanings:
“BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.
“Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).
ARTICLE XI
Guaranty
Section 11.01. The Guaranty.
Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally with the other Guarantors guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest (including any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws) on the Loans made by the Lenders to, and the Notes held by each Lender of, the Borrower, and all other Obligations from time to time owing to the Secured Parties by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree that if the Borrower or other Guarantor(s) shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.
Section 11.02. Obligations Unconditional.
The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 11.01 shall constitute a guarantee of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Guarantor (except for payment in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:
(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantors, to the extent permitted by Law, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;
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(ii) any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be done or omitted;
(iii) the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or except as permitted pursuant to Section 11.10 any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;
(iv) any Lien or security interest granted to, or in favor of, any Lender or Agent as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to be perfected; or
(v) the release of any other Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.10.
The Guarantors hereby expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and, to the extent permitted by Law, all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Secured Party exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Borrower under this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantors waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Secured Party upon this Guaranty or acceptance of this Guaranty, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guaranty, and all dealings between the Borrower and the Secured Parties shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Guaranty. This Guaranty shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by Secured Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Secured Parties or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Borrower or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement there may be no Guaranteed Obligations outstanding.
Section 11.03. Reinstatement.
The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article XI shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or other Loan Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization, pursuant to any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise.
Section 11.04. Subrogation; Subordination.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet due and payable) and the expiration or termination of the Aggregate Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement, it shall waive any claim and shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 11.01, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of a Loan Party owing to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(b) or 7.03(d) shall be unsecured or subordinated to such Loan Party’s Obligations in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.
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Section 11.05. Remedies.
The Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Guarantors and the Lenders, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes, if any, may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 8.02 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 8.02) for purposes of Section 11.01, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 11.01.
Section 11.06. Instrument for the Payment of Money.
Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the guarantee in this Article XI constitutes an instrument for the payment of money, and consents and agrees that any Secured Party, at its sole option, in the event of a dispute by such Guarantor in the payment of any moneys due hereunder, shall have the right to bring a motion-action under New York CPLR Section 3213.
Section 11.07. Continuing Guaranty.
The guarantee in this Article XI is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.
Section 11.08. General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations.
In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other Law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under Section 11.01 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 11.01, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor, any Loan Party or any other person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount (after giving effect to the right of contribution established in Section 11.11) that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.
Section 11.09. Information.
Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Guaranty, and agrees that no Secured Party shall have any duty to advise any Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.
Section 11.10. Release of Guarantors.
If, in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents, (i) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of any Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred to a person or persons, none of which is a Loan Party (or a Person that is required to become a Loan Party as a result of such sale or other transfer) or (ii) any Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer or otherwise becoming an Excluded Subsidiary, as applicable, be automatically released from its obligations under this Agreement (including under Section 10.05 hereof) and its obligations to pledge and grant any Collateral owned by it pursuant to any Collateral Document and, in the case of a sale of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of the Subsidiary Guarantor, the pledge of such Equity Interests to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Collateral Documents shall be automatically released, and, so long as the Borrower shall have provided the Agents such certifications or documents as any Agent shall reasonably request, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall, at such Subsidiary Guarantor’s expense, take such actions as are necessary or reasonably requested to effect each release described in this Section 11.10 in accordance with the relevant provisions
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of the Collateral Documents; provided that no Subsidiary Guarantor shall be released from its obligations under the Guaranty as a result of such Person becoming an Excluded Subsidiary unless at the time such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, (1) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (2) if such Guarantor became an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of such Person becoming a non-wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings, a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, a FSHCO or a Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code or a FSHCO, the primary purpose of the transaction by which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary was not to evade the obligations under the Guaranty and was consummated on an arms’ length basis with an unaffiliated third-party and (3) at the time of such release (after giving effect thereto), all outstanding Indebtedness of, and Investments in, such Subsidiary Guarantor would then be permitted to be made under in accordance with the relevant provisions of Sections 7.02 and 7.03 (with the Borrower being required to reclassify any such items in reliance upon the respective Subsidiary being a Subsidiary Guarantor on another basis as would be permitted by the applicable covenant).
When all Aggregate Commitments hereunder have terminated, and all Loans or other Obligations have been paid in full (other than contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) hereunder, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the guarantees made herein shall terminate with respect to all Obligations, except with respect to Obligations that expressly survive such repayment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. The Collateral Agent shall, at each Guarantor’s expense, take such actions as are necessary to release any Collateral owned by such Guarantor in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Collateral Documents.
Section 11.11. Right of Contribution.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment, in an amount not to exceed the highest amount that would be valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in any action or proceeding involving any state corporate, limited partnership or limited liability law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally. Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 11.04. The provisions of this Section 11.11 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Agents, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Agents, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.
Section 11.12. ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT LEGEND.
THE LOANS MAY BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE LOANS MAY BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE AGENT AT ITS ADDRESS AS SPECIFIED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., as Borrower | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, as Holdings | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
||
JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION | ||
PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Jordan Fasbender | |
Name: Jordan Fasbender | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Priscilla Ruffin | |
Name: Priscilla Ruffin | ||
Title: AVP |
[Lender signature pages on file with the Administrative Agent]
Exhibit 10.3
MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
by and among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
the other Grantors party hereto,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties and as a Second Priority Representative,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative,
and
the other Representatives from time to time party hereto.
Dated as of December 20, 2024
This MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among:
(i) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(ii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2029) Representative”), |
(iii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2030) Representative”), |
(iv) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2031) Representative”), |
(v) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Existing 2028 Notes Representative”), |
(vi) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Second Lien Notes Representative”), |
(vii) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(viii) | any Additional First Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09, |
(ix) | any Additional Second Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10, |
(x) | any Additional Third Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11, and |
(xi) | iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors (as defined below) party hereto. |
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Collateral Agent and Designated Junior Priority Representative (as such terms are defined therein), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Notes Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein) and each Additional Junior Priority Representative party thereto (as such term is defined therein), as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional First Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional First Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional First Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional First Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and First Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Facilities for purposes of the First Priority Debt Documents or the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional First Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional First Priority Representative in an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.09, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional First Priority Facility.
“Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereof required to be delivered by an Additional First Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09 in order to include Additional First Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional First Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional First Priority Representative.
“Additional Second Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Second Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Second Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the Second Lien Notes Indenture for purposes of the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional Second Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Second Priority Representative in an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.10, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Second Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10 in order to include Additional Second Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Second Priority Representative.
“Additional Third Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Third Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Third Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Third Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral on a junior basis to the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under an Additional Third Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Third Priority Representative in an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.11, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit D hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Third Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11 in order to include Additional Third Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Third Priority Representative.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Authorized Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
“Bankruptcy Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, administration, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar federal, state or foreign debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, or where the registered office of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative is located, are authorized or required by law to close.
“Collateral” means all assets now or hereafter subject to a Lien created pursuant to any Collateral Document securing any First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations.
“Collateral Documents” means the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Debt Documents” means the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Designated First Priority Representative” means the Controlling Collateral Agent as defined in and determined in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
“Designated Second Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Second Priority Representative, such Second Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Designated Third Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Third Priority Representative, such Third Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“DIP Financing” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.
“Discharge” means (i) payment in full in cash of the principal of, interest (including interest accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding at the rate set forth in the applicable Debt Documents, whether or not allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and premium (if any) on all applicable Obligations outstanding under the applicable Debt Documents, (ii) payment in full in cash of all other Obligations that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing under or in connection with the applicable Debt Documents at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid or commitments referred to in the following clause (iii) are terminated (other than any contingent obligations for which no demand or claim has been made), and (iii) termination of all other commitments of the applicable Secured Parties to extend credit under the applicable Debt Documents, in each case without giving effect to any limitations on the enforceability thereof, or the enforceability or allowance of the applicable Obligations under applicable Bankruptcy Laws or otherwise (including, without limitation, with respect to interest, fees, or expenses which accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or which would accrue but for the operation of Bankruptcy Laws); except, with respect to the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and Third Priority Obligations, to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.06 and Section 6.04.
“Disposition” means any conveyance, sale, lease, assignment, transfer, license or other disposition.
“Enforcement Action” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.
“Event of Default” shall mean “Event of Default” (or similar term) as defined under any applicable Facility.
“Existing 2028 Notes Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, issued by the Company pursuant to the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time), by and among the Company, each of the guarantors named therein, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, as trustee and collateral agent; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative.
“Facility” means each of the First Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Facilities and the Third Priority Facilities.
“First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Facilities); provided (a) that the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and (b) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative or the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the “First Lien Credit Agreement” (and not an Additional First Priority Obligation) hereunder.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor administrative agent as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2029)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2030)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2031)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, Holdings, the other Grantors party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative and certain other parties thereto from time to time, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2030), and the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2031), with respect to the issuance of (1) the First Lien Notes (2029), (2) the First Lien Notes (2030), and (3) the First Lien Notes (2031), as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“First Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any First Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any First Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable First Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any First Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any First Priority Secured Party.
“First Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the First Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any First Priority Obligation from time to time or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“First Priority Debt Documents” means the First Priority Facilities, the First Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Facilities” means the debt facilities arising under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“First Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement or the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, in its capacity as administrative agent and the collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2030), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iv) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2031), the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (v) with respect to the Obligations under the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent and (vi) with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations or Additional First Priority Secured Parties, the Additional First Priority Representative under the applicable Additional First Priority Facility. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to “the First Priority Representative” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative, including any successor administrative agent, collateral agent and trustee as provided in the First Priority Facilities. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to the “the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other “First Priority Secured Party” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative on behalf of the First Priority Secured Parties for which it serves as a Representative.
“First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the First Priority Representatives.
“Grantors” means the Company and each Subsidiary that has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document (including any Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as contemplated by Section 8.07) to secure any Secured Obligations.
“Holdings” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means an assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any Grantor, whether or not voluntary; or any case or proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law, whether or not voluntary; or any proceeding by or against the Company or any Grantor seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking receivership, liquidation, dissolution, marshaling of assets or liabilities, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, administration, protection, relief, or composition of
it or its debts, in each case, whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, monitor, trustee, administrator or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and assets, whether or not voluntary; or any event or action analogous to or having a substantially similar effect to any of the events or actions set forth in this definition (other than a solvent reorganization) under the law of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company or any Grantor.
“Lien” means, any lien, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, charge, assignment by way of security, security interest, preference, priority, encumbrance, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar lien, in each case of any kind and whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest, fees, expenses and other amounts accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other amounts are an allowed or allowable claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any indebtedness.
“Officer’s Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.08.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, division of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, estate, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Pledged or Controlled Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.05(a).
“Proceeding” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.12(a).
“Proceeds” means (x) the proceeds of any sale, collection, disposition or other liquidation of Shared Collateral and any payment or distribution made in respect of, or attributable to, the Shared Collateral or the value thereof, including in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any distribution of equity or debt securities or other instruments or any additional or replacement collateral provided during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and (y) any amounts received by the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, or any other Third Priority Secured Party in respect of Shared Collateral.
“Purchase Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Refinance” means, in respect of any indebtedness or other obligation, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend and restate, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other indebtedness or other obligation in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness or other obligation in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrower and/or guarantors, and including in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness or other obligation has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. “Refinancing” and “Refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning.
“Representative” means any First Priority Representative, any Second Priority Representative and any Third Priority Representative.
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the Second Priority Representative, as trustee and collateral agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Second Lien Notes Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement and shall include any successor trustee or collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture.
“Second Lien Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Second Lien Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representative.
“Second Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Second Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Second Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Second Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Second Priority Secured Party.
“Second Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Second Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Second Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Second Priority Debt Documents” means the Second Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Second Priority Obligations.
“Second Priority Facilities” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and any Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Second Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Second Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Second Lien Indenture or the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties, the Second Lien Notes Representative, and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations or Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Second Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representatives.
“Secured Obligations” means the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations.
“Secured Parties” means the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Shared Collateral” means at any time, Collateral in which any holder of First Priority Obligations (or the First Priority Representative), any holder of Second Priority Obligations (or the Second Priority Representative) and/or any holder of Third Priority Obligations (or the Third Priority Representative) hold, or are purported or deemed to hold (including pursuant to this Agreement) or are required to be granted, a Lien at such time, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien.
“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any specified Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of capital stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Unless specified otherwise, any reference to a “Subsidiary” shall be deemed to be a reference to a Subsidiary of Holdings.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the Third Existing Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, Amendment No. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement, and shall include any successor administrative agent or collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, in such capacity, and the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative..
“Third Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Third Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Third Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Third Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Third Priority Secured Party.
“Third Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Third Lien Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Third Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Third Priority Debt Documents” means the Third Priority Facilities, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Third Priority Obligations.
“Third Priority Facilities” means the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“Third Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Third Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement or the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and shall include any successor administrative agent and collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations or Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Third Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Third Priority Representatives.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in the State of New York; provided that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, priority or remedies.
Section 1.01. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. Unless the context shall otherwise require, the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, and all references herein to Sections and Exhibits shall be deemed references to Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement. All references herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to any agreement or instrument will be deemed to include a reference to that agreement or instrument as assigned, amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
PRIORITIES AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO SHARED COLLATERAL AND OTHER PROPERTY
Section 2.01. Subordination.
(a) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case, on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Parties, any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
(b) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
Section 2.02. Nature of First Priority Obligation Claims. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and the First Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the First Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the First Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Second Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Second Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations.
Section 2.03. Nature of Second Priority Obligation Claims. Each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the Second Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the Second Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 2.04. Prohibition on Contesting Liens or Claims. (a) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any First Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, (b) each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, (c) each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, and (d) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, in each case as provided in Section 2.01) or any of the First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents or Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable.
Section 2.05. Perfection of Liens.
(a) Except for the limited agreements of the First Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the First Priority Representatives or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the First Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each Second Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(b) Except for the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Second Priority Representatives or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(c) Except for the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Second Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
ARTICLE III
ENFORCEMENT
Section 3.01. Exercise of Remedies.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (i) none of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party, or Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, will (A) initiate any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against any Grantor or any Subsidiary of any Grantor, (B) assert any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available to junior secured creditors, (C) exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Shared Collateral, or any other First Priority Collateral or in the case of the Third Priority Representative or of any other Third Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Collateral, or instituting any action or proceeding with respect to such rights and remedies (including any action of foreclosure), or (D) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or other action brought with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral or any other property of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party in respect of the First Priority Obligations, the exercise of any right by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (or any agent or sub-agent on behalf thereof) in respect of the First Priority Obligations under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral, of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor, or otherwise in respect of the First Priority Collateral or the First Priority Obligations (each an “Enforcement Action”), or object to the forbearance by the First Priority Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Shared Collateral in respect of First Priority Obligations and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the
Designated First Priority Representative on behalf of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff, recoupment and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (x) the Second Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (y) the Third Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Third Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (B) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations or the rights of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Shared Collateral, (C) to the extent not inconsistent with or prohibited by this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise their rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, to the extent provided and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 5.04, (D) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may exercise the rights and remedies provided for in Section 6.03, and may vote on a proposed plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Section 6.12), and (E) each Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, each Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may file any necessary or appropriate responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims or Liens of the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in each case in the foregoing clauses (A) through (E), to the extent such action is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement. In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the First Priority Collateral, the Designated First Priority Representative may enforce the provisions of the First Priority Debt Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of the Designated First Priority Representative to sell or otherwise dispose of Shared Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), (x) each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Second Priority Obligations and (y) each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Third Priority Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, unless and until both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred), (x) the sole right of
the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and (y) the sole right of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Third Priority Obligations pursuant to the Third Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
(c) (i) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that neither it nor any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, will take any action that would hinder, delay or interfere with any exercise of remedies in respect of the Shared Collateral undertaken by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents, including any Disposition of the Shared Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, (ii) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives any and all rights it or any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Parties seek to enforce the Liens granted on any of the First Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Party is adverse to the interests of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties.
(d) Each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Priority Debt Document or Third Priority Debt Document, shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement or the other First Priority Debt Documents.
(e) (i) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto and (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Second Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations; provided further, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Third Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Third Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
Section 3.02. Cooperation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, (x) unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral and (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated Second Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
Section 3.03. Actions Upon Breach.
(a) Should the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any First Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against such Second Priority Representative, other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agree that the First Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the First Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party.
(b) Should the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any Second Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against the Third Priority Representative or such other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agrees that the Second Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority
Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the Second Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party.
ARTICLE IV
PAYMENTS
Section 4.01. Application of Proceeds. So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced, the Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, collection on, or recovery on such Shared Collateral or Proceeds of Shared Collateral (x) upon the exercise of remedies or (y) at any time after any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has commenced, shall be applied by the Designated First Priority Representative to the First Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Second Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Second Priority Representative to the Second Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Third Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Third Priority Representative to the Third Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
Section 4.02. Payments Over.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Priority
Representative for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated First Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated Second Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
Section 4.03. Method of Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the First Priority Obligations to as provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the First Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Designated Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Second Priority Obligations as provided for in the Second Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, all payments received by the Designated Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Third Priority Obligations as provided for in the Third Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
ARTICLE V
OTHER AGREEMENTS
Section 5.01. Releases.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, in the event of a Disposition of any specified item of Shared Collateral (x) following an Event of Default, (y) in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative or (z) if not following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative, so long as such Disposition or release is permitted by the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents, the (x) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties to secure Second Priority Obligations and (y) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties to secure Third Priority Obligations, each shall terminate and be released, automatically and without any further action, concurrently with the termination and release of all Liens granted upon such Shared Collateral to secure First Priority Obligations. Upon delivery to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative of an Officer’s Certificate stating that any such termination and release of Liens securing the First Priority Obligations has become effective (or shall become effective concurrently with such termination and release of the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative, and/or the other Third Priority Secured Parties) and any necessary or proper instruments of termination or release prepared by the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative will promptly execute, deliver or acknowledge, at the Company’s or the other Grantor’s sole cost and expense and without any representation or warranty, such instruments to evidence such termination and release of the Liens. Nothing in this Section 5.01(a) will be deemed to affect (x) any agreement of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents or (y) any agreement of the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Third Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Designated First Priority Representative and any officer or agent of the Designated First Priority Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Second Priority Representative, such other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, such other Third Party Secured Party or in the Designated First Priority Representative’s own name, from time to time in the Designated First Priority Representative’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Section 5.01(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of Section 5.01(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
(c) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consent to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of First Priority Obligations pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(c) shall be construed to prevent or impair (x) the rights of the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Second Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement or (y) the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(d) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and unless and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(d) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Priority Collateral Document or any Third Priority Collateral Document, in the event the terms of (x) a First Priority Collateral Document, (y) a Second Priority Collateral Document and/or and (y) a Third Priority Collateral Document each require any Grantor (i) to make payment in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, (ii) to deliver or afford control over any item of Shared Collateral to, or deposit any item of Shared Collateral with, (iii) to register ownership of any item of Shared Collateral in the name of or make an assignment of ownership of any Shared Collateral or the rights thereunder to, (iv) cause any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other Person acting in a similar capacity to agree to comply, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, with instructions or orders from, or to treat, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, as the entitlement holder, (v) hold any item of Shared Collateral in trust for (to the extent such item of Shared Collateral cannot be held in trust for multiple parties under applicable law), (vi) obtain the agreement of a bailee or other third party to hold any item of Shared Collateral for the benefit of or subject to the control of or, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, to follow the instructions of or (vii) obtain the agreement of a landlord with respect to access to leased premises where any item of Shared Collateral is located or waivers or subordination of rights with respect to any item of Shared Collateral in favor of, in any case, each of the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and/or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, such Grantor may, until the applicable Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, comply with such requirement under the Second Priority Collateral Document and/or Third Priority Collateral Document, as it relates to such Shared Collateral, by taking any of the actions set forth above only with respect to, or in favor of, the Designated First Priority Representative.
Section 5.02. Insurance and Condemnation Awards.
(a) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any person authorized by it) and the First Priority Secured Parties shall, as between the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, have the sole and exclusive right, subject in each case to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents, (i) to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Shared Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (ii) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Shared Collateral.
(b) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents and to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation), if in respect of the Shared Collateral, shall be paid (i) first, prior to the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Designated First Priority Representative for the benefit of First Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) second, after the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, (iii) third, after the occurrence of both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, to the Third Priority Representative for the benefit of the Third Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents and (iv) fourth, if no Third Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or First Priority Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated First Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02. After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated Second Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02.
Section 5.03. Certain Amendments.
(a) Without limitation to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, no Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral, as applicable, would be prohibited by or inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Second Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Second Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Second Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust
Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case (under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(c) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Third Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(d) In the event that the First Priority Representative and/or the First Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any First Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in First Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any First Priority Obligation, then
such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of (x) each comparable Second Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Second Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor and (y) each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor, in each case unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(c), as applicable, or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case without its consent. The First Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(e) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative and/or the Second Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the Second Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Second Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in Second Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any Second Priority Obligation, then such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(c) or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Third Priority Representative without its consent. The Second Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(f) The First Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the First Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that, without the consent of each Second Priority Representative and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
(g) The Second Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Second Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities), the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Part; provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative, and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
(h) The Third Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Third Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of (x) the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities) or (y) the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the Second Priority Facilities); provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative and each Second Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
Section 5.04. Rights as Unsecured Creditors.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors (including the ability to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Company and any other Grantor arising under either applicable Bankruptcy Laws, any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any express provision of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any provision of this Agreement (including any provision prohibiting or restricting the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties from taking various actions or making various objections, which actions or objections the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not pursue whether acting in such capacities or in any other capacity). Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Third Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Third Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect (x) any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral or (y) any rights or remedies the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the Second Priority Collateral.
Section 5.05. Gratuitous Bailee for Perfection.
(a) Each Representative acknowledges and agrees that if it shall at any time hold a Lien on any Shared Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Shared Collateral or of any account in which such Shared Collateral is held, and if such Shared Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of such Representative, or of agents or bailees of such Person (such Shared Collateral being referred to herein as the “Pledged or Controlled Collateral”), or if it shall at any time obtain any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights in or access to Shared Collateral, such Representative shall also hold such Pledged or Controlled Collateral, or take such actions with respect to such landlord waiver, bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, as sub-agent or gratuitous bailee for (i) in the case of a First Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the applicable First Priority Secured Parties under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, in the case of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties under the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (iii) in all cases, as bailee for the benefit of or agent on behalf of the other Representatives and other Secured Parties, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the Liens granted under the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents, respectively, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(b) In the event that the First Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the First Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for (x) the relevant Second Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents and (y) the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) The First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the First Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Second Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative and the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(e) The First Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waive and release the First Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the First Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(f) Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Second Priority Representative (or, if the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations previously occurred, the Designated Third Priority Representative), to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated First Priority Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated Third Priority Representative) is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The First Priority Representative has no obligations to follow instructions from the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(g) Neither the First Priority Representative nor any of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
(h) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(i) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(j) The Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the Second Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (h) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(k) The Second Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Third Priority Collateral Documents or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives and releases the Second Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the Second Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(l) Upon both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Third Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional
insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Third Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) has no obligations to follow instructions from the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(m) After the discharge of First Priority Obligations, neither the Second Priority Representative nor any of the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party under the Second Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
Section 5.06. When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.
(a) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any First Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of First Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of First Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of First Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such First Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a First Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such First Priority Obligations shall be the First Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new First Priority Representative), the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative each shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new First Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new First Priority Representative the rights of a First Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such First Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Second Priority Representative or any Third Priority Representative, or any of their agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new First Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
(b) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred and solely to the extent permitted by the First Priority Debt Documents, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any Second Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of
Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of Second Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a Second Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such Second Priority Obligations shall be the Second Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Second Priority Representative), the Third Priority Representative shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new Second Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Second Priority Representative the rights of a Second Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such Second Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Third Priority Representative, or any of its agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new Second Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
Section 5.07. Purchase Right.
(a) Without prejudice to the enforcement of any of the First Priority Secured Parties’ remedies under the First Priority Debt Documents, this Agreement, at law or in equity or otherwise, the First Priority Secured Parties agree that upon the occurrence of (i) an acceleration of any of the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) a payment default under any First Priority Debt Document that has not been cured or waived by the applicable First Priority Secured Parties within 60 days of the occurrence thereof and (iii) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor (each of such events for purposes of this paragraph, a “Triggering Event”), the Designated First Priority Representative will promptly deliver a notice of the occurrence of each Triggering Event to the Second Priority Representative (provided that none of the Designated First Priority Representative nor any First Priority Secured Party shall have any liability for failure of such notice to be delivered), and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall have the option, but not the obligation, to deliver a written notice to the Designated First Priority Representative (a “Purchase Notice”) no later than the 15th Business Day after the occurrence of any Triggering Event (or, if later, the date that notice of such Triggering Event is delivered by the Designated First Priority Representative to the Second Priority Representative) that they commit to purchase from the First Priority Secured Parties the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) of outstanding First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties at the Purchase Price without warranty or representation or recourse except as provided in Section 5.07(d), on a pro rata basis from the First Priority Secured Parties. A Purchase Notice may be delivered by less than all of the Second Priority Secured Parties so long as all the purchasing Second Priority Secured Parties shall, when taken together, commit to purchase the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) as set forth above.
(b) The “Purchase Price” will equal the sum of (1) the full amount of all First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties then-outstanding and unpaid at par (including principal, accrued but unpaid interest and fees, applicable premiums and any other unpaid amounts, including any prepayment penalties or premiums, make whole obligations, and breakage costs), (2) the cash collateral to be furnished to the First Priority Secured Parties providing letters of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in such amount (not to exceed 103% thereof) as such First Priority Secured Parties determine is reasonably necessary to secure such First Priority Secured Parties in connection with any such outstanding and undrawn letters of credit and (3) all accrued and unpaid fees, expenses and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) owed to the First Priority Secured Parties under or pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents on the date of purchase.
(c) A Purchase Notice delivered by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be irrevocable, and the Second Priority Secured Parties and the other parties shall endeavor to close promptly after delivery thereof. Such purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations shall be exercised pursuant to documentation mutually acceptable (with such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to each of the First Priority Representative and the Second Priority Representative. Each First Priority Secured Party will retain all rights to indemnification provided in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents for all claims and other amounts relating to periods prior to the purchase of the First Priority Obligations pursuant to this Section 5.07.
(d) The purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties under this Section 5.07 will be without recourse and without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Priority Secured Parties, except that the First Priority Secured Parties shall severally and not jointly represent and warrant to the Second Priority Secured Parties, on the date of such purchase, immediately before giving effect to the purchase:
(i) the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and premium on the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties, and the fees and expenses thereof owed to the respective First Priority Secured Parties, are as stated in any assignment agreement prepared in connection with the purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations; and
(ii) each First Priority Secured Party owns the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties purported to be owned by it free and clear of any Liens (other than participation interests not prohibited by the First Priority Debt Documents, in which case the Purchase Price will be appropriately adjusted so that the Second Priority Secured Parties, do not pay amounts represented by participation interests to the extent that the Second Priority Secured Parties, expressly assume the obligations under such participation interests).
ARTICLE VI
INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS
Section 6.01. Financing Issues.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that if the Designated First Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to
(if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing (provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party from objecting to any such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing in their capacity as unsecured creditors) and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Second Priority Collateral and/or the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations and/or the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated First Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of First Priority Obligations or the First Priority Collateral made by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any First Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid First Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the First Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated First Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Designated First Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Second Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, (x) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any
such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (y) (A) the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative are not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, except as provided in Section 6.01(b), without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, none of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may, directly or indirectly, provide DIP Financing to the Company, any Grantor or any of their Subsidiaries.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 6.01(a), nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from providing DIP Financing to the Company or any other Grantor so long as (i) (A) any liens securing such DIP Financing are junior in priority to the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations and (B) the order approving such DIP Financing (1) includes customary stipulations as to the validity, priority, perfection, enforceability and non-avoidability of the First Priority Obligations and the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations and (2) provides for adequate protection of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations that includes (I) periodic cash payments to the Designated First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, in the amount of interest (including any default interest) accruing on the First Priority Obligations; (II) payment of the reasonable fees and expenses of the First Priority Secured Parties to the extent provided under the First Priority Debt Documents; (III) customary superpriority claims for diminution in value of the First Priority Collateral, senior in right of payment to such DIP Financing and any superpriority claim provided to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (IV) customary adequate protection Liens securing such superpriority claims on all collateral that secures such DIP Financing, senior in priority to such DIP Financing and to any adequate protection liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (V) any other right granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party as adequate protection including, for the avoidance of doubt, the right to terminate the consent to the use of collateral or cash collateral upon the occurrence of agreed termination events or (ii) such DIP Financing provides for the Discharge of the First Priority Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right of the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties to object to such DIP Financing for any reason is expressly preserved.
(c) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that if the Designated Second Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to (if requested by the Designated Second Priority
Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated Second Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of Second Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Collateral made by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any Second Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid Second Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the Second Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated Second Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Second Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (x) (A) the Third Priority Representative is not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral.
Section 6.02. Relief from the Automatic Stay.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative.
Section 6.03. Adequate Protection.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the First Priority Representative’s or any First Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the First Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all First Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that the First Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Second Priority Representative’s or any Second Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the Second Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all Second Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that the Second Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Third Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04. Preference Issues.
(a) If any First Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “First Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the First Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of First Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such First Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority
Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.
(b) If any Second Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Second Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Second Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Second Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Second Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Second Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
(c) If any Third Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Third Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Third Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Third Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Third Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Third Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
Section 6.05. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classifications.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that
(i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens,
(ii) the respective claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the First Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors,
(iii) the claims of the Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors, and
(iv) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Priority Obligations, and the Second Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the Third Priority Obligations, and each must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan proposed, confirmed, or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
(b) To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that any claims of the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties constitute a single class of claims (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then
(i) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were three separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Second Priority Obligations or the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Designated First Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties), and
(ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were two separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Second Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Third Priority Secured Parties).
Section 6.06. No Waivers of Rights.
(a) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by (x) any Second Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Second Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise or (y) any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
(b) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
Section 6.07. Application. This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, shall be effective and enforceable before, during and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. The relative rights as to the Shared Collateral and Proceeds shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition therefor, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor. All references herein to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor.
Section 6.08. Other Matters.
(a) To the extent that the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Representative has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, to the extent that the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
Section 6.09. 506(c) Claims.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
Section 6.10. Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of, or in connection with, the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing), then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing) are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations (it being understood and agreed that nothing in this Section 6.10 shall entitle the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties to receive a distribution pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan).
Section 6.11. Post-Petition Interest.
(a) No Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of First Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(c) No First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Second Priority Collateral of such Second Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Second Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
(d) No First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Third Priority Representative or any Third Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Third Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Third Priority Collateral of such Third Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Third Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 6.12. Voting.
(a) No Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement other than with the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan unless such plan (i) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all First Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of First Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation and (ii) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all Second Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of Second Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation.
ARTICLE VII
RELIANCE; ETC.
Section 7.01. Reliance. The (x) consent by the First Priority Secured Parties to the execution and delivery of the First Priority Debt Documents permitted under the First Priority Debt Documents, and (y) all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the First Priority Secured Parties to the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. The First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other First Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and
based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the First Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the First Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Second Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Second Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Second Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Third Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Third Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement.
Section 7.02. No Warranties or Liability.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the First Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The First Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the First Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges and agrees that neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Second Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Second Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Second Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion,
deem appropriate, and the Second Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(c) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectability of any of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) any Grantor’s title to or right to transfer any of the Shared Collateral, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereto or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Section 7.03. Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document;
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any First Priority Debt document, of the terms of any Second Priority Debt Document or of the terms of any Third Priority Debt Document;
(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Shared Collateral or any other collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee thereof;
(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or
(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, (i) the Company, Holdings or any other Grantor in respect of any Secured Obligations or (ii) the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case in respect of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01. Conflicts. Subject to Section 8.21, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the agreements in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement among the holders of ABL Obligations and Junior Priority Debt Obligations, the provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement shall govern. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the provisions of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
Section 8.02. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
Section 8.03. Amendments; Waivers.
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 8.03(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) This Agreement may be amended in writing signed by each Representative (in each case, acting in accordance with the documents governing the applicable Facility); provided that any such amendment, supplement or waiver that, by the terms of this Agreement, requires the Company’s consent or that increases the obligations or reduces the rights of, or otherwise adversely affects, Company or any Grantor shall require the consent of the Company. Any such amendment, supplement or waiver shall be in writing and shall be binding upon the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a First Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.09 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Second Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.10 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Third Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.11 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any Refinancing in full of any Facility, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to designate the credit facility that Refinances the Facility as a replacement Facility, in which case such designated credit facility shall thereafter constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable; provided that each such predecessor Facility shall continue to be bound by (and entitled to the benefits of) the provisions of this Agreement as applied to such Facilities, the related agreements and all obligations thereunder prior to the Refinancing thereof.
(g) Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement Facility (as contemplated by preceding clause (d)):
(i) The Company shall deliver to the Representatives an Officer’s Certificate stating that the applicable Grantors in the case of preceding clause (d), intend to enter or have entered into a Refinancing, in whole or in part, of the Facility, as the case may be, that such agreement shall thereafter (upon any such Refinancing in full) constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable, and certifying that the issuance or incurrence of such Refinancing is permitted by the Debt Documents. The Representatives shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the determination of the Company that such issuance and/or incurrence does not violate the provisions of Debt Documents; provided, however, that such determination will not affect whether or not each applicable Grantor has complied with its undertakings in the Debt Documents; and
(ii) in the case of the preceding clause (d), the Company shall provide written notice of the Refinancing Facility to each Representative, together with copies thereof, and identifying the new administrative agent or trustee (as applicable) and collateral agent thereunder, and providing its notice information for purposes hereof, and such administrative agent or trustee, as the case may be, and collateral agent shall each execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, and upon such execution shall be deemed First Priority Representatives, Second Priority Representatives or Third Priority Representatives, as applicable, hereunder.
Section 8.04. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that any of the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party, it shall be under no obligation to (a) make, and the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the
other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (b) provide any additional information or provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (c) undertake any investigation or (d) disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
Section 8.05. Subrogation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
Section 8.06. Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, (x) all payments received by the First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied, to such part of the First Priority Obligations as the First Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Second Priority Obligations as the Second Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (z) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Third Priority Obligations as the Third Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and/or the Second Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.
Section 8.07. Additional Grantors. Each of the Company and Holdings agrees that, if any Subsidiary shall become a Grantor after the date hereof, it shall promptly cause such Subsidiary to become party hereto by executing and delivering an instrument in the form of Exhibit A. Upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary will become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect
as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereunder, and will be acknowledged by each of the Representatives. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
Section 8.08. Dealings with Grantors. Upon any application or demand by the Company or any other Grantor to any Representative to take or permit any action under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document (if such action is subject to the provisions hereof), the Company or such other Grantor, as appropriate, shall furnish to such Representative a certificate of an Authorized Officer (an “Officer’s Certificate”) stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
Section 8.09. Additional First Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional First Priority Obligations under an Additional First Priority Facility. Any such Additional First Priority Obligations may be secured by a first priority Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant First Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional First Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional First Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.09.
(b) In order for an Additional First Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional First Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.09 are satisfied with respect to the Additional First Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional First Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional First Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a first priority basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional First Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional First Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional First Priority Obligations.
Section 8.10. Additional Second Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Second Priority Obligations under an Additional Second Priority Facility. Any such Additional Second Priority Obligations may be secured by a second priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Second Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Second Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.10.
(b) In order for an Additional Second Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Second Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.10 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Second Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Second Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Second Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a second priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Second Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Second Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 8.11. Additional Third Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Third Priority Obligations under an Additional Third Priority Facility. Any such Additional Third Priority Obligations may be secured by a third priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Third Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Third Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.11.
(b) In order for an Additional Third Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Third Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.11 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Third Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative or Second Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Third Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Third Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a third priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Third Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Third Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Third Priority Obligations.
Section 8.12. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the city of New York with respect to actions brought against it as a defendant in respect of any suit, action or proceeding or arbitral award arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Collateral Documents, the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents (a “Proceeding”), and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may do so under applicable law, trial by jury and any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(b) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
(c) Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, in any proceedings anywhere (whether for an injunction, specific performance or otherwise), no immunity (to the extent that it may at any time exist, whether on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from such proceedings, from attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) of its assets or from execution of judgment shall be claimed by
it or on its behalf or with respect to its assets, except to the extent required by applicable law, any such immunity being irrevocably waived, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, where permitted by applicable law, it and its assets are, and shall be, subject to such proceedings, attachment or execution in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 8.13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by mail, telecopy or hand delivery:
(a) If to the Company or any other Grantor:
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
Attn: Treasury Department
Telephone: (210) 832-3311
Fax: (210) 832-3884
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Patrick Ryan
Telephone: 212-455-3463
Email: pryan@stblaw.com
(b) If to the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte, NC 28255
Attention Priscilla Ruffin
Office: 980.386.3475 l
Fax : 704.409.0918
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Moore & Van Allen PLLC
100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Attn: Tripp Monroe
T/F: 704-331-1107
Email: trippmonroe@mvalaw.com
(c) If to the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, First Lien Notes (2030) Representative or First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, each a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(d) If to the Second Lien Notes Representative, a Second Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(e) If to any Additional First Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.09.
(f) If to any Additional Second Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.10.
(g) If to any Additional Third Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.11.
Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by fax or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 8.13 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 8.13. As agreed to among Company, each First Priority Representative, each Second Priority Representative, each Third Priority Representative and the applicable holders of Secured Obligations from time to time, notices and other communications may also be delivered by e-mail to the email address of a representative of the applicable Person provided from time to time by such Person.
Section 8.14. Further Assurances. Each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, agrees that it will take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the other parties hereto may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of, and the Lien priorities contemplated by, this Agreement.
Section 8.15. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
(b) EACH OF PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER SECURED DEBT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 8.16. Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the Representatives and the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein or in any Collateral Document is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement, any Collateral Document, or the Shared Collateral. All obligations of the Grantors hereunder will inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of, and be enforceable by, the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, and each present and future holder of Secured Obligations and all of their respective successors and assigns.
Section 8.17. Headings. Section, subsection and other headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 8.18. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Agreement, including in electronic .pdf format. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Agreement. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication or electronic mail), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.19. Electronic Signatures. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, including without limitation, digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to the
First Priority Representative by any other authorized representative), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative, including the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.
Section 8.20. Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement. The First Priority Representative represents and warrants that its entry into this Agreement is authorized by the First Priority Facilities. The Second Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Third Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Third Priority Secured Parties.
Section 8.21. Third Party Beneficiaries; Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. The Lien priorities set forth in this Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder in respect of such Lien priorities shall inure solely to the benefit of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties the Third Priority Representative, the other Third Priority Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person (including the Grantors, or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert such rights; provided that the Company and each Grantor may assert the benefits of Section 5.01(d), Section 5.03(d), Section 5.06, Section 8.03, Section 8.08, Section 8.12 and Section 8.21. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligation of any Grantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the Secured Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
Section 8.22. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
Section 8.23. Representatives. It is understood and agreed that (a) each First Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the First Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the First Priority Representatives hereunder, (b) each Second Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Second Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Second Priority Representatives hereunder and (c) each Third Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Third Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Third Priority Representatives hereunder.
Section 8.24. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Section 8.25. Successors. For the avoidance of doubt, any successor administrative agent, collateral agent or trustee appointed under any series of Secured Obligations may replace the applicable Representative hereunder with respect to such series of Secured Obligations by executing a counterpart signature page hereto and delivering such signature page to each party hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
Bank of America, N.A.,, as First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Lindsay Sames |
|
Name: Lindsay Sames |
||
Title: Vice President |
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Existing 2028 Notes Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: | /s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
|
Name: Wally Jones |
||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
|
Name: Wally Jones |
||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and as a First Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
|
Name: Wally Jones |
||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Notes Representative, and as a Second Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones |
|
Name: Wally Jones |
||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
Bank of America, N.A., as Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and as a Third Priority Representative |
||
By: |
/s/ Linday Sames |
|
Name: Linday Sames | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., as Borrower | ||
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Bressler |
|
Name: Richard J. Bressler |
||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
||
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, as Holdings | ||
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Bressler |
|
Name: Richard J. Bressler |
||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
BROADER MEDIA HOLDINGS, LLC | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. IHM LICENSES LLC |
||
JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. | ||
KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION | ||
PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Jordan Fasbender |
|
Name: Jordan Fasbender |
||
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
[Signature Page to Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this “Grantor Joinder Agreement”), to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Grantors have entered into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Pursuant to certain First Priority Debt Documents, certain Second Priority Debt Documents and certain Third Priority Debt Documents, certain newly acquired or organized Subsidiaries of Holdings are required to enter into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Subsidiaries may become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Grantor Joinder Agreement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “New Grantor”) is executing this Grantor Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Grantor agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Grantor had originally been named therein as a Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Representatives and the other Secured Parties that this Grantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
A-1
SECTION 3. This Grantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Grantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 6. In case any provision contained in this Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Company as specified in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. The Company, Holdings or the New Grantor shall reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Grantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
A-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Representatives have duly executed this Grantor Joinder Agreement acknowledging the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
Acknowledged by:
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: |
||
Name: |
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Title: |
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[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: |
||
Name: |
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Title: |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional First Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional First Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and to have such Additional First Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a first priority basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional First Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional First Priority Representative, Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional First Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional First Priority Obligations and such Additional First Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional First Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional First Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
B-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional First Priority Representative and First Priority Representative and to the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional First Priority Representative” or “First Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
Attn: | ||
Tel: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
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By: |
||
Name: |
||
Title: |
||
[______], |
||
By: |
||
Name: |
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Title: |
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THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: |
||
Name: |
||
Title: |
B-4
Schedule I to the
Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
B-5
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Second Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Second Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Second Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a second priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Second Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Second Priority Representative, Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Second Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Second Priority Obligations and such Additional Second Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Second Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Second Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
C-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Second Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative and to the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Second Priority Representative” or “Second Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
C-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
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Attn: |
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Tel: |
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Fax: |
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Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
C-5
EXHIBIT D
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Third Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Third Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Third Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a third priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Third Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Third Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Third Priority Representative, Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Third Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Third Priority Obligations and such Additional Third Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Third Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Third Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
D-1
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Third Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative and to the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Third Priority Representative” or “Third Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
Attn: | ||
Tel: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-3
Acknowledged by:
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-4
Schedule I to the
Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
D-5
Exhibit 10.5
JOINDER NO. 3 dated as of December 20, 2024 to the FIRST LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of May 1, 2019 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”), (as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Joinder Agreement”), among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Company” or the “Borrower”), the other Grantors from time to time party thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as collateral agent and administrative agent for the Credit Agreement Secured Parties (in such capacity, the “Existing Credit Agreement Collateral Agent”) and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (the “2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent”) for the 9.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2029, trustee and collateral agent (the “2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent”) for the 7.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and trustee and collateral agent (the “2031 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent” and, together with the 2029 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent and 2030 First Lien Notes Collateral Agent, the “New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents”) for the 7.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2031, or a similar representative for any First Lien Obligations (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) of any other Class (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement).
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercreditor Agreement.
B. Section 7.02 of the Intercreditor Agreement provides that upon a Refinancing of the Credit Agreement Obligations, the collateral agent in respect of such financing arrangement or agreement of an instrument may execute and deliver a joinder in the form of this Joinder Agreement. The undersigned (the “New Credit Agreement Agent”) is executing this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents.
C. As a condition to the ability of the Borrower to incur Additional First Lien Obligations and to secure such Additional First Lien Obligations with the liens and security interests created by the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents, the Additional Collateral Agent in respect of such Additional Senior Class Debt is required to become subject to and bound by the Intercreditor Agreement. Article IX of the Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Collateral Agent may become subject to and bound by the Intercreditor Agreement, upon the execution and delivery by the Additional Collateral Agent of an instrument in the form of this Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Article IX of the Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents (together with the New Credit Agreement Agent, the “New Representatives”) are executing this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents.
Accordingly, the New Representatives agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Joinder to Intercreditor Agreement. In accordance with Article IX and Section 7.02 of the Intercreditor Agreement, (i) the New Credit Agreement Agent by its signature below becomes the “Credit Agreement Administrative Agent” under the Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Credit Agreement Agent had originally been named therein in such capacity and (ii) the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents by their signatures below become Additional Collateral Agents under the Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents had originally been named therein as an Additional Collateral Agent and the New Representatives hereby agree to and reaffirm all the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it in such capacity.
1
The Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Representations and Warranties. Each New Representative represents and warrants to each Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties, individually, that (i) it has full power and authority to enter into this Joinder Agreement, in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the New Credit Agreement, with respect to the New Credit Agreement Agent, and as trustee and collateral agent under the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, the guarantors from time to time party thereto and the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents, with respect to the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents, (ii) this Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, and (iii) the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents relating to such Additional First Lien Obligations provide that, upon the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents’ entry into this Joinder Agreement, the New First Lien Notes Collateral Agents will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Collateral Agents.
SECTION 3. Counterparts. This Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Joinder Agreement that bears the signatures of the New Representatives. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. Governing Law. THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 6. Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
SECTION 7. Notices. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.01 of the Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representatives shall be given to it at its address set forth below its signature hereto.
2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Credit Agreement Agent has duly executed this Joinder to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as the New Credit Agreement Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Priscilla Ruffin | |
Name: Priscilla Ruffin | ||
Title: AVP | ||
Address for notices
Bank of America, N.A. Agency Management 900 W Trade St. Mail Code: NC1-026-06-03 Charlotte, NC 28255-0001 Phone: 980-386-3475 Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com |
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[Signature Page for Joinder No. 3 (First Lien Intercreditor Agreement)]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association has duly executed this Joinder to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2029 First Lien Notes |
/s/ Wally Jones |
Name: Wally Jones |
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page for Joinder No. 3 (First Lien Intercreditor Agreement)]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association has duly executed this Joinder to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2030 First Lien Notes |
/s/ Wally Jones |
Name: Wally Jones |
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page for Joinder No. 3 (First Lien Intercreditor Agreement)]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association has duly executed this Joinder to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2031 First Lien Notes |
/s/ Wally Jones |
Name: Wally Jones |
Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page for Joinder No. 3 (First Lien Intercreditor Agreement)]
Acknowledged by | ||
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., as the Borrower | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page for Joinder No. 3 (First Lien Intercreditor Agreement)]
EXHIBIT 10.7
JOINDER AGREEMENT
(New Additional Junior Priority Representative)
This JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Joinder Agreement”), is executed by the undersigned in connection with that certain ABL Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 to ABL Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2022, and as further amended, restated, supplemented, waived, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Collateral Agent and as Designated Junior Priority Representative, U.S. Bank National Association, as Notes Collateral Agent and each Additional Junior Priority Representative from time to time party thereto. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercreditor Agreement.
Each signatory hereto is required to execute this Joinder Agreement pursuant to Section 7.22 of the Intercreditor Agreement.
In consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each signatory hereby agrees as follows:
1. | Each such signatory is acting as trustee and/or agent, as applicable, for the benefit of the holders of obligations under (a) that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC (“Capital I”), iHeartCommunications, Inc. (“Communications”), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”), (b) that certain Indenture (the “First Lien Indenture”), dated as of the date hereof, among Capital I, Communications, the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (“US Bank”), as trustee and collateral agent for each of the 2029 First Lien Notes, 2030 First Lien Notes, and 2031 First Lien Notes (each as defined in the First Lien Indenture), and (c) that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among Capital I, Communications, the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, and US Bank, as trustee and second lien notes collateral agent (the “Second Lien Indenture”, and together with the Term Loan Credit Agreement and First Lien Indenture, the “Additional Junior Priority Debt Documents”). Each such signatory represents and warrants to the ABL Collateral Agent and each Junior Priority Representative and the other Secured Parties, individually, that (i) it has full power and authority to enter into this Joinder Agreement, in its capacity as trustee and/or agent, as applicable, (ii) this Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, and (iii) the Additional Junior Priority Debt Documents provide that, upon its entry into the Intercreditor Agreement, the Secured Parties in respect of the Additional Junior Priority Debt represented by such signatory will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement as Secured Parties in respect of Additional Junior Priority Debt. |
2. | Each such signatory acknowledges receipt of the Intercreditor Agreement, assumes all the rights and obligations of an Additional Junior Priority Representative under the Intercreditor Agreement and agrees that such signatory, for itself and as agent for each of the holders of any Additional Junior Priority Debt pursuant to the Additional Junior Priority Debt Documents, shall be bound as an Additional Junior Priority Representative under the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement as if it had been an original signatory to the Intercreditor Agreement. |
3. | Each such signatory’s address for notices under the Intercreditor Agreement shall be as set forth beneath its signature hereto. |
4. | Each such signatory hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Joinder Agreement by the other parties to the Intercreditor Agreement. |
5. | Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
6. | In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which come as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions. |
[Signature Pages Follow.]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as an |
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Additional Junior Priority Representative |
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By: |
/s/ Lindsay Sames | |
Name: Lindsay Sames |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Joinder Agreement]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2029 First Lien Notes | ||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Agent Joinder to ABL Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2030 First Lien Notes | ||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Agent Joinder to ABL Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as First Lien Notes Collateral Agent for the 2031 First Lien Notes | ||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Agent Joinder to ABL Intercreditor Agreement]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Second Lien Notes Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
/s/ Wally Jones | |
Name: Wally Jones |
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Title: Vice President |
[Signature Page to Agent Joinder to ABL Intercreditor Agreement]
EXHIBIT 10.8
AMENDMENT NO. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Amendment”), to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019 (as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, and Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”, the Existing Credit Agreement as further amended by this Amendment, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), among IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Borrower” or “Communications”), IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the other Guarantors party thereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”) and each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”); capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Amended Credit Agreement.
WHEREAS, the Borrower, IH Media + Entertainment I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Entertainment I”) and certain of the Lenders are party to that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “TSA”), pursuant to which they agreed, subject to the terms and conditions thereunder, to support and enter into the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement (as defined below) and this Amendment;
WHEREAS, the Borrower and each Lender party hereto (each, a “Participating Lender” and, collectively, the “Participating Lenders”) (which collectively constitute the Required Lenders) have agreed to amend certain provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement as provided herein in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Exit Consent”);
WHEREAS, immediately after giving effect to the Exit Consent, the Borrower has offered to purchase and assume, and each Participating Lender desires to sell and assign to the Borrower, 100% (or such lesser amount as agreed between a Participating Lender and the Borrower) of such Participating Lender’s Term Loans (the “Purchased Loans”) outstanding immediately following the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below) in accordance with the terms of Section 10.07(m) of the Amended Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, immediately after giving effect to the Exit Consent, (a) the Purchased Loans shall be purchased by, transferred to and assigned to the Borrower and immediately be deemed cancelled and extinguished pursuant to Section 10.07(m) of the Amended Credit Agreement and (b) subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Agreement, each Participating Lender shall receive either (i) if the Comprehensive Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, the Comprehensive Consideration (as defined in the Exchange Agreement) or (ii) if the Alternative Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, the Alternative Consideration (as defined in the Exchange Agreement), as applicable, as consideration for its sale and assignment of its Purchased Loans to the Borrower, in each case, pursuant to that certain Term Loan Exchange Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Exchange Agreement”), among the Borrower, Entertainment I, the Participating Lenders and the Administrative Agent (collectively, the “Exchange”); and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of the Exchange, Communications has requested that the Participating Lenders enter into either (a) if the Comprehensive Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, that certain Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below) (the “Comprehensive Credit Agreement”) in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Exchange Agreement or (b) if the Alternative Transaction (as defined in the TSA) is consummated, each of (i) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (the “Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement”), in the form attached as Exhibit C to the Exchange Agreement and (ii) the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Amendment No.
5 Effective Date (the “New Alternative Communications Credit Agreement” and, together with the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement, the “Alternative Credit Agreements”), in the form attached as Exhibit C to the Exchange Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. Amendments. Effective as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (as defined below), immediately prior to giving effect to the Exchange:
(a) The cover page of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the adding the following words to the top of such page:
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(b) Section 1.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new defined terms in their proper alphabetical order:
“Amendment No. 5” means Amendment No. 5, dated as of Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, among the Borrower, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent.
“Amendment No. 5 Effective Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Amendment No. 5.
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“New Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain multi-lien intercreditor agreement and substantially in the form of Exhibit J-3, dated as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, by and among, inter alios, the Borrower and the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, and the other parties thereto, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the requirements thereof and of this Agreement, and which shall also include any replacement intercreditor agreement entered into in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Rescindable Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(i).
“TSA” means that certain Transaction Support Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2024, among the Borrower, IH Media + Entertainment I, LLC and certain of the Lenders.
(c) The text of the definition of “Intercreditor Agreements” in Section 1.01 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
“Intercreditor Agreements” means the New Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
(d) The text of Sections 2.05(b)(i), 2.05(b)(ii) and 2.05(b)(iii) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(e) The text of Section 2.12(c)(i) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(i) if (1) the Borrower failed to make such payment; (2) the Administrative Agent has made a payment in excess of the amount so paid by the Borrower (whether or not then owed); or (3) the Administrative Agent has for any reason otherwise erroneously made such payment (such assumed payment, the “Rescindable Amount”); then each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the Rescindable Amount that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
(f) The text of Sections 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.15, 5.17, 5.18, 5.19 and 5.21 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(g) The text of Sections 6.01, 6.03, 6.04, 6.05, 6.06, 6.07, 6.08, 6.09, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.16, and 6.17 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(h) The text of Section 6.02 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Section 6.02 Certificates; Other Information.
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Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Borrower hereby agrees to mark all Borrower Materials that the Borrower intends to be made available to Public Lenders by clearly and conspicuously designating such Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC.” By designating Borrower Materials as “PUBLIC”, the Borrower (x) authorizes such Borrower Materials to be made available to a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor”, which is intended to contain only information that is either publicly available or not material information (though it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws, (y) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat such Borrower Materials as publicly available and not containing any material non-public information with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, their respective Affiliates or any of their respective securities for purposes of foreign, United States federal and state securities laws and (z) authorizes the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC.”
Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to communications that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws.
(i) The text of Section 6.14 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Section 6.14 Designation of Subsidiaries.
(a) Holdings may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary.
(b) Holdings may designate (or re-designate) any Restricted Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary as an Electing Guarantor and may designate (or re-designate) any Electing Guarantor as an Excluded Subsidiary.
(j) The text of Sections 7.01, 7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.06, 7.07, 7.08, 7.09, 7.12, 7.13 and 7.14 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
(k) The text of Sections 8.01(d), 8.01(e), 8.01(g), 8.01(h), 8.01(i), 8.01(j), 8.01(k) and 8.01(l) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read “[Reserved]” and each reference to any such section in the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.
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(l) The text of Sections 8.01(f) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Holdings or the Borrower institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(m) The text of the first clause (a) set forth in Section 9.03 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein),
(n) The text of Section 9.09 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable upon thirty (30) days’ notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days’ notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a), (f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, after consulting with Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term “Administrative Agent” or “Collateral Agent”, as applicable, shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the Collateral Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement.
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If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrower’s notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agent’s or the retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and such Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and Required Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the successor Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged, if not previously discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence, from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s or Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
(o) The text of Sections 9.16 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
Intercreditor Agreements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document: (a) the priority of the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent in favor of the Secured Parties pursuant to the Loan Documents and the exercise of any right related to any Collateral shall be subject, in each case, to the terms of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (b) in the event of any conflict between the express terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, on the one hand, and of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, on the other hand, the terms and provisions of the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or such Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as the case may be, shall control (in each case, other than any clause in any Loan Document which grants a lien or security interest, which clause shall control), and (c) each Lender (and, by its acceptance of the benefits of any Collateral Document, each other Secured Party) hereunder authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent to execute the New Intercreditor Agreement, ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of such Lender, and such Lender agrees to be bound by the terms thereof.
(p) A new Section 9.18 is hereby added to the Existing Credit Agreement in appropriate numerical order as follows:
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Section 9.18. Recovery of Erroneous Payments.
Without limitation of any other provision in this Agreement, if at any time the Administrative Agent makes a payment hereunder in error to any Lender, whether or not in respect of an Obligation due and owing by the Borrower at such time, where such payment is a Rescindable Amount, then in any such event, each Lender receiving a Rescindable Amount severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the Rescindable Amount received by such Lender in immediately available funds in the currency so received, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such Rescindable Amount is received by it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation. Each Lender irrevocably waives any and all defenses, including any “discharge for value” (under which a creditor might otherwise claim a right to retain funds mistakenly paid by a third party in respect of a debt owed by another) or similar defense to its obligation to return any Rescindable Amount. The Administrative Agent shall inform each Lender promptly upon determining that any payment made to such Lender comprised, in whole or in part, a Rescindable Amount.
(q) Clause (iii) of Section 10.07(b)(i)(A) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read:
(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) [reserved], (iii) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Specified Holder (as defined in the (x) Comprehensive Credit Agreement or (y) Entertainment I Credit Agreement, as applicable) or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m);
(r) Section 10.07(m) of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase “, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom,”.
(s) A new Exhibit J-3 is hereby added to the Existing Credit Agreement as set forth on Annex II hereto.
SECTION 2. Other Agreements.
(a) The parties hereto agree that:
(i) With respect to any Term Loans that remain outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement immediately after giving effect to the Exchange, such Term Loans shall be converted to a new Borrowing of Term SOFR Loans with an initial Interest Period of 1 month (ending on January 20, 2025) commencing on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, with the Borrower deemed to have submitted any conversion notices required to effect the forgoing in satisfaction of any such requirements under the Existing Credit Agreement and/or the Amended Credit Agreement.
(ii) After giving effect to the Exchange, the outstanding principal amount of Term Loans under the Amended Credit Agreement (including for purposes of Section 2.07(a) and Section 2.07(b) of the Amended Credit Agreement) shall be reduced by the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans that are exchanged pursuant to the Exchange.
(iii) On the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date immediately after giving effect to the Exchange, (x) the obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement will cease to be “First Lien Obligations” under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement (as defined immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date) and (y) the Secured Parties shall have no rights under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
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(b) The Participating Lenders confirm that the Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into the New Intercreditor Agreement (and any amendments, amendments and restatements, restatements or waivers of or supplements to or other modifications thereto) and hereby expressly and irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into the New Intercreditor Agreement on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date.
SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that, as of the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, this Amendment has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity.
SECTION 4. Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the “Amendment No. 5 Effective Date”; such time of such effectiveness being referred to herein as the “Amendment No. 5 Effective Time”) the following conditions have been satisfied:
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from (x) the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, a counterpart of this Amendment signed on behalf of such party and (y) each Participating Lender (which shall collectively constitute the Required Lenders), an executed Lender Consent in the form attached as Exhibit A to the Exchange Agreement.
(b) The TSA shall be in full force and effect immediately prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Time and shall not have been previously terminated in accordance with its terms.
(c) (i) All reasonable and documented fees and out-of-pocket expenses required to be paid on the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Existing Credit Agreement (including all such fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent (including of Moore & Van Allen PLLC, counsel to the Administrative Agent)) and (ii) all reasonable fees and documented out of pocket disbursements of (x) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and (y) Perella Weinberg Partners, in each case, incurred in connection with the representation of the Ad Hoc Group (as defined in the TSA) and the negotiation and implementation of the transactions contemplated by the TSA and to the extent invoiced at least three Business Days prior to the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date (or such later date as the Borrower may reasonably agree), shall have been paid.
SECTION 5. Conditions Subsequent.
(a) Immediately following the Amendment No. 5 Effective Time:
(i) The Exchange shall have been consummated.
(ii) if (x) the Comprehensive Transaction is consummated, the Closing Date (as defined in the Comprehensive Credit Agreement) shall occur, or (y) if the Alternative Transaction is consummated, the Closing Date (as defined in each of the Alternative Entertainment I Credit Agreement and the New Alternative Communications Credit Agreement) shall occur.
(iii) The New Intercreditor Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by the parties thereto.
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SECTION 6. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute a single instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Amendment by facsimile or other electronic transmission (including “.pdf”, “.tif” or similar format) shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart hereof. The words “execution,” “execute”, “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Amendment and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
SECTION 7. Headings. The headings of this Amendment are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
SECTION 8. Effect of Amendment. Except as expressly set forth herein, (i) this Amendment shall not by implication or otherwise limit, impair, constitute a waiver of or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, in each case under the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (ii) shall not alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document. Except as expressly set forth herein, each and every term, condition, obligation, covenant and agreement contained in the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document is hereby ratified and re-affirmed in all respects and shall continue in full force and effect. Without limiting the foregoing, (i) the Borrower, on its own behalf and on behalf of the other Loan Parties, acknowledges and agrees that (A) each Loan Document is hereby confirmed and ratified and shall remain in full force and effect according to its respective terms (in the case of the Existing Credit Agreement, as amended hereby) and (B) the Collateral Documents do, and all of the Collateral does, and in each case shall continue to, secure the payment of all of the Obligations on the terms and conditions set forth in the Collateral Documents, and hereby confirms and, to the extent necessary, ratifies the security interests granted pursuant to the Collateral Documents and (ii) the Borrower, on behalf of the Guarantors, hereby confirms and ratifies the continuing unconditional obligations of the Guarantors under the Guaranty with respect to all of the Guaranteed Obligations. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document for purposes of the Amended Credit Agreement, including without limitation for purposes of Sections 10.15, 10.16 and 10.17 thereof, and from and after the Amendment No. 5 Effective Date, all references to “the Existing Credit Agreement” in any Loan Document and all references in the Existing Credit Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to the Existing Credit Agreement, shall, unless expressly provided otherwise, refer to the Amended Credit Agreement.
SECTION 9. No Novation. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as a substitution or novation of the obligations outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement or instruments securing the same, which shall remain in full force and effect, except to any extent modified hereby or by instruments executed concurrently herewith and except to the extent repaid as provided herein. Nothing implied in this Amendment or in any other document contemplated hereby shall discharge or release the Lien or priority of any Collateral Document or any other security therefor or otherwise be construed as a release or other discharge of any of the Loan Parties under any Loan Document from any of its obligations and liabilities as a borrower, guarantor or pledgor under any of the Loan Documents, except, in each case, to any extent modified hereby and except to the extent repaid as provided herein.
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SECTION 10. Governing Law: Waiver of Jury Trial. Sections 10.15 and 10.16 of the Amended Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated herein by reference mutatis mutandis.
SECTION 11. Costs and Expenses. The Borrower hereby reconfirms its obligations pursuant to Section 10.04 of the Amended Credit Agreement to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including all Attorney Costs.
SECTION 12. Severability. Any provision of this Amendment held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof and the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC., as Borrower | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC, as Holdings | ||
By: | /s/ Richard J. Bressler | |
Name: Richard J. Bressler | ||
Title: President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
ANDO MEDIA, LLC | ||
BLOGTALKRADIO, INC. | ||
CHRISTAL RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
IHEART OPERATIONS, INC. | ||
IHEARTMEDIA + ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | ||
IHEARTMEDIA MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IHM IDENTITY, INC. | ||
IHM LICENSES LLC | ||
JELLI, LLC | ||
KATZ COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | ||
KATZ MEDIA GROUP, INC. | ||
KATZ MILLENNIUM SALES & MARKETING, INC. KATZ NET RADIO SALES, INC. | ||
M STREET CORPORATION | ||
PREMIERE NETWORKS, INC. | ||
SPACIAL AUDIO SOLUTIONS, LLC | ||
SPREAKER, INC. | ||
STUFF MEDIA, LLC | ||
TRITON DIGITAL, INC. | ||
TTWN MEDIA NETWORKS, LLC | ||
TTWN NETWORKS, LLC | ||
UNIFIED ENTERPRISES CORP. | ||
VOXNEST, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Jordan Fasbender | |
Name: Jordan Fasbender | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 5]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
||
By: | /s/ Priscilla Ruffin |
|
Name: Priscilla Ruffin | ||
Title: AVP |
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 5]
[Lender signature pages on file with the Administrative Agent]
[Signature Page to Amendment No. 5]
ANNEX I
New Intercreditor Agreement
[See Attached]
Execution Version
MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
by and among
IHEARTMEDIA CAPITAL I, LLC,
IHEARTCOMMUNICATIONS, INC.,
the other Grantors party hereto,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties and as a First Priority Representative,
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Collateral Agent for the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties and as a Second Priority Representative,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties and as a Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative,
and
the other Representatives from time to time party hereto.
Dated as of December 20, 2024
This MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT, dated as of December 20, 2024 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among:
(i) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(ii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2029) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2029) Representative”), |
(iii) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2030) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2030) Representative”), |
(iv) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the First Lien Notes (2031) (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “First Lien Notes (2031) Representative”), |
(v) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Existing 2028 Secured Notes (as defined below) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Existing 2028 Notes Representative”), |
(vi) | U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Second Lien Notes Representative”), |
(vii) | Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement (as defined below) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities, and as more specifically defined below, the “Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative”), |
(viii) | any Additional First Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09, |
(ix) | any Additional Second Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10, |
(x) | any Additional Third Priority Representative (as defined below) that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11, and |
(xi) | iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors (as defined below) party hereto. |
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among Bank of America, N.A., as ABL Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Term Loan Collateral Agent and Designated Junior Priority Representative (as such terms are defined therein), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Notes Collateral Agent (as such term is defined therein) and each Additional Junior Priority Representative party thereto (as such term is defined therein), as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional First Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional First Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional First Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional First Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and First Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Facilities for purposes of the First Priority Debt Documents or the First Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional First Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional First Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional First Priority Representative in an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.09, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional First Priority Facility.
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“Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit B hereof required to be delivered by an Additional First Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09 in order to include Additional First Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional First Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional First Priority Representative.
“Additional Second Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Second Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Second Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral equally and ratably with, or on the same basis as, the Obligations under and in respect of the Second Lien Notes Indenture for purposes of the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Second Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and/or similar agent under an Additional Second Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Second Priority Representative in an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.10, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit C hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Second Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.10 in order to include Additional Second Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties.
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“Additional Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Second Priority Representative.
“Additional Third Priority Debt Documents” means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Third Priority Obligations, the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility and any notes, security documents and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Obligations, including any agreement entered into for the purpose of securing such Additional Third Priority Obligations, including, if applicable, the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Facility” means each debt facility arising under each credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in each case as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time.
“Additional Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Additional Third Priority Debt Documents which are permitted by the then extant First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents to be secured by the Shared Collateral on a junior basis to the Obligations under and in respect of the First Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Additional Third Priority Representative” means the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under an Additional Third Priority Facility (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) that is named as the Additional Third Priority Representative in an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement executed and delivered in accordance with Section 8.11, and shall include any successor trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent as provided in such Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit D hereof required to be delivered by an Additional Third Priority Representative to each other Representative party hereto pursuant to Section 8.11 in order to include Additional Third Priority Obligations hereunder and to become the Representative hereunder for the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Additional Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and any Additional Third Priority Representative.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.
“Authorized Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
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“Bankruptcy Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code and any other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, administration, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar federal, state or foreign debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, or where the registered office of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative is located, are authorized or required by law to close.
“Collateral” means all assets now or hereafter subject to a Lien created pursuant to any Collateral Document securing any First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations.
“Collateral Documents” means the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Company” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Debt Documents” means the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents.
“Designated First Priority Representative” means the Controlling Collateral Agent as defined in and determined in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
“Designated Second Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Second Priority Representative, such Second Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Designated Third Priority Representative” means (i) so long as there is only one Third Priority Representative, such Third Priority Representative and (ii) at all other times, the Controlling Collateral Agent (or similar term) as defined in and determined in accordance with the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“DIP Financing” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.
“Discharge” means (i) payment in full in cash of the principal of, interest (including interest accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding at the rate set forth in the applicable Debt Documents, whether or not allowed or allowable in such proceeding) and premium (if any) on all applicable Obligations outstanding under the applicable Debt Documents, (ii) payment in full in cash of all other Obligations that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing under or in connection with the applicable Debt Documents at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid or commitments referred to in the following clause (iii) are terminated (other than any contingent obligations for which no demand or claim has been made), and (iii) termination of all other commitments of the applicable Secured Parties to extend credit under the applicable Debt Documents, in each case without giving effect to any limitations on the enforceability thereof, or the enforceability or allowance of the applicable Obligations under applicable Bankruptcy Laws or otherwise (including, without limitation, with respect to interest, fees, or expenses which accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or which would accrue but for the operation of Bankruptcy Laws); except, with respect to the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and Third Priority Obligations, to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.06 and Section 6.04.
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“Disposition” means any conveyance, sale, lease, assignment, transfer, license or other disposition.
“Enforcement Action” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.
“Event of Default” shall mean “Event of Default” (or similar term) as defined under any applicable Facility.
“Existing 2028 Notes Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes” means the 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, issued by the Company pursuant to the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain indenture, dated as of November 22, 2019 (as amended, modified, or otherwise supplemented from time to time), by and among the Company, each of the guarantors named therein, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, as trustee and collateral agent; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Existing 2028 Secured Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative.
“Facility” means each of the First Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Facilities and the Third Priority Facilities.
“First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or Refinanced from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Facilities); provided (a) that the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and (b) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative or the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the “First Lien Credit Agreement” (and not an Additional First Priority Obligation) hereunder.
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“First Lien Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor administrative agent as provided in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement.
“First Lien Notes (2029)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031)” means the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031 issued under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2029) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Representative” has the meaning given in the preamble and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2029)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2030)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement.
“First Lien Notes Secured Parties (2031)” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement.
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“First Lien Notes (2029) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2030) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Notes (2031) Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Grantors party thereto, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, Holdings, the other Grantors party thereto from time to time, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative and the Existing 2028 Notes Representative and certain other parties thereto from time to time, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“First Lien Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2030), and the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, as trustee and collateral agent of the First Lien Notes (2031), with respect to the issuance of (1) the First Lien Notes (2029), (2) the First Lien Notes (2030), and (3) the First Lien Notes (2031), as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“First Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any First Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any First Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable First Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any First Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any First Priority Secured Party.
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“First Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the First Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any First Priority Obligation from time to time or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“First Priority Debt Documents” means the First Priority Facilities, the First Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any First Priority Obligations.
“First Priority Facilities” means the debt facilities arising under the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, and any Additional First Priority Facility.
“First Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“First Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement or the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, in its capacity as administrative agent and the collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, (ii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2029), the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iii) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2030), the First Lien Notes (2030) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (iv) with respect to the Obligations with respect to the First Lien Notes (2031), the First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent, (v) with respect to the Obligations under the Existing 2028 Secured Notes Indenture, the Existing 2028 Notes Representative, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent and (vi) with respect to any Additional First Priority Obligations or Additional First Priority Secured Parties, the Additional First Priority Representative under the applicable Additional First Priority Facility. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to “the First Priority Representative” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative, including any successor administrative agent, collateral agent and trustee as provided in the First Priority Facilities. References in this Agreement or in any joinder to this Agreement to the “the First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other “First Priority Secured Party” or phrases of similar import shall include each and any First Priority Representative on behalf of the First Priority Secured Parties for which it serves as a Representative.
“First Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any First Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the First Priority Representatives.
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“Grantors” means the Company and each Subsidiary that has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document (including any Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement as contemplated by Section 8.07) to secure any Secured Obligations.
“Holdings” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means an assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any Grantor, whether or not voluntary; or any case or proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any Grantor under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law, whether or not voluntary; or any proceeding by or against the Company or any Grantor seeking to adjudicate it bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking receivership, liquidation, dissolution, marshaling of assets or liabilities, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, administration, protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts, in each case, whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, monitor, trustee, administrator or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and assets, whether or not voluntary; or any event or action analogous to or having a substantially similar effect to any of the events or actions set forth in this definition (other than a solvent reorganization) under the law of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company or any Grantor.
“Lien” means, any lien, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, charge, assignment by way of security, security interest, preference, priority, encumbrance, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or other similar lien, in each case of any kind and whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest, fees, expenses and other amounts accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other amounts are an allowed or allowable claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any indebtedness.
“Officer’s Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.08.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, division of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, estate, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Pledged or Controlled Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.05(a).
“Proceeding” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.12(a).
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“Proceeds” means (x) the proceeds of any sale, collection, disposition or other liquidation of Shared Collateral and any payment or distribution made in respect of, or attributable to, the Shared Collateral or the value thereof, including in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any distribution of equity or debt securities or other instruments or any additional or replacement collateral provided during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and (y) any amounts received by the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, or any other Third Priority Secured Party in respect of Shared Collateral.
“Purchase Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
“Refinance” means, in respect of any indebtedness or other obligation, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend and restate, restructure, replace, refund or repay, or to issue other indebtedness or other obligation in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness or other obligation in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrower and/or guarantors, and including in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness or other obligation has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. “Refinancing” and “Refinanced” shall have a correlative meaning.
“Representative” means any First Priority Representative, any Second Priority Representative and any Third Priority Representative.
“Second Lien Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among the Company, as issuer, the Grantors identified therein, the Second Priority Representative, as trustee and collateral agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Second Lien Notes Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement and shall include any successor trustee or collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture.
“Second Lien Notes Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Second Lien Notes Indenture, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representative.
“Second Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Second Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Second Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Second Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Second Priority Secured Party.
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“Second Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Second Priority Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Second Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
“Second Priority Debt Documents” means the Second Priority Facilities, the Second Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Second Priority Obligations.
“Second Priority Facilities” means the Second Lien Notes Indenture and any Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Second Priority Debt Documents.
“Second Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Second Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Second Lien Indenture or the Second Lien Notes Secured Parties, the Second Lien Notes Representative, and shall include any successor trustee and collateral agent as provided in the Second Lien Notes Indenture, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Second Priority Obligations or Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Second Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Second Priority Facility.
“Second Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Second Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Second Priority Representatives.
“Secured Obligations” means the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations.
“Secured Parties” means the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties.
“Shared Collateral” means at any time, Collateral in which any holder of First Priority Obligations (or the First Priority Representative), any holder of Second Priority Obligations (or the Second Priority Representative) and/or any holder of Third Priority Obligations (or the Third Priority Representative) hold, or are purported or deemed to hold (including pursuant to this Agreement) or are required to be granted, a Lien at such time, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien.
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“Subsidiary” means, in respect of any specified Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of capital stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Unless specified otherwise, any reference to a “Subsidiary” shall be deemed to be a reference to a Subsidiary of Holdings.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2019, by and among the Company, as borrower, Holdings, the Grantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, the Third Existing Credit Agreement Representative, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, as amended or otherwise modified by Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 16, 2020, Amendment No. 3, dated as of July 16, 2021, Joinder Agreement to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2021, Successor Agent Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020, Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 15, 2023, Amendment No. 5, dated as of December 20, 2024, and as further amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided, (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble of this Agreement, and shall include any successor administrative agent or collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement.
“Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties” means the holders of Obligations arising under or in connection with the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, in such capacity, and the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative..
“Third Priority Collateral” means all “Collateral” or “Pledged Collateral” or similar term as defined in any Third Priority Debt Document and all other property and assets of the Company or any other Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, on which a Lien is, or is purported to or required to be granted, to any Third Priority Representative pursuant to the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents (including pursuant to this Agreement) to secure any Third Priority Obligation, regardless of the enforceability of, any actual or alleged avoidance of, any actual or alleged subordination (equitable or otherwise) of or any other actual or alleged defects whatsoever with respect to any such Lien, and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Third Priority Secured Party.
“Third Priority Collateral Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” (or any similar term) as defined in the Third Lien Debt Documents, and any other documents or instruments granting (or purporting to grant) a Lien on real or personal property to secure any Third Priority Obligation or granting rights or remedies with respect to such Liens.
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“Third Priority Debt Documents” means the Third Priority Facilities, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, and all other notes, agreements, documents and instruments securing, providing for, evidencing or governing any Third Priority Obligations.
“Third Priority Facilities” means the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Obligations” means all Obligations under and in respect of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
“Third Priority Recovery” means has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
“Third Priority Representative” means (i) with respect to the Obligations under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement or the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement Representative, and shall include any successor administrative agent and collateral agent as provided in the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Third Priority Obligations or Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, the Additional Third Priority Representative under the applicable Additional Third Priority Facility.
“Third Priority Secured Parties” means the holders of any Third Priority Obligations, in such capacity, and the Third Priority Representatives.
“Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in the State of New York; provided that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, priority or remedies.
Section 1.01. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” The words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights. Unless the context shall otherwise require, the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, and all references herein to Sections and Exhibits shall be deemed references to Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement. All references herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to any agreement or instrument will be deemed to include a reference to that agreement or instrument as assigned, amended, supplemented, amended and restated, or otherwise modified from time to time or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE II
PRIORITIES AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO SHARED COLLATERAL AND OTHER PROPERTY
Section 2.01. Subordination.
(a) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case, on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that:
(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Parties, any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations or any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any First Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
(b) Notwithstanding (w) the date, time, manner or order of grant, filing or recordation of any document or instrument, actual or alleged avoidance, enforceability, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral, or of any Liens granted or purported to be granted to the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing), (x) any provision of the UCC, any applicable law (including any Bankruptcy Law), any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, (y) whether any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case, either directly or through agents, holds possession of, or has control over, all or any part of the Shared Collateral, or (z) any other circumstance whatsoever, each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees that:
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(i) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations;
(ii) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Third Priority Representative, any other Third Priority Secured Parties or any other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations; and
(iii) all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing or purporting to secure any Third Priority Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing or purporting to secure any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination) to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated (including by way of equitable subordination), voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
Section 2.02. Nature of First Priority Obligation Claims. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and the First Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the First Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the First Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Second Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Second Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional First Priority Obligations.
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Section 2.03. Nature of Second Priority Obligation Claims. Each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge that (a) the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Second Priority Obligations may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the Second Priority Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (b) the aggregate amount of the Second Priority Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties, and without affecting the provisions hereof, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Company and the other Grantors and the Third Priority Secured Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Company and the other Grantors contained in any Third Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 2.04. Prohibition on Contesting Liens or Claims. (a) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any First Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, (b) each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, (c) each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to, any Second Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, and (d) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) challenge or contest or support any other Person in challenging or contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority, allowability, or enforceability of any Lien securing, or claim asserted with respect to any Third Priority Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any First Priority Representative, Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, in each case as provided in Section 2.01) or any of the First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents or Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable.
Section 2.05. Perfection of Liens.
(a) Except for the limited agreements of the First Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the First Priority Representatives or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties.
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Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the First Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the First Priority Representatives or any other First Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each Second Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the First Priority Representatives nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the First Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Second Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(b) Except for the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representative pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Second Priority Representatives or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Second Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party. Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Third Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Second Priority Representatives nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Third Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
(c) Except for the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives pursuant to Section 5.05, none of the Third Priority Representatives or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the First Priority Representatives, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties. Each First Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, and each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, further acknowledge and agree that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duties or other obligations to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to any Shared Collateral, other than the limited agreements of the Third Priority Representatives in Section 5.05, in each case without representation or warranty on the part of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party.
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Without limiting the foregoing, each First Priority Secured Party and Second Priority Secured Party agrees that neither the Third Priority Representatives nor any other Third Priority Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of the Shared Collateral (or any other collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the First Priority Secured Parties or Second Priority Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation.
ARTICLE III
ENFORCEMENT
Section 3.01. Exercise of Remedies.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (i) none of the Second Priority Representatives or any other Second Priority Secured Party, or Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, will (A) initiate any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against any Grantor or any Subsidiary of any Grantor, (B) assert any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available to junior secured creditors, (C) exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Shared Collateral, or any other First Priority Collateral or in the case of the Third Priority Representative or of any other Third Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Collateral, or instituting any action or proceeding with respect to such rights and remedies (including any action of foreclosure), or (D) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or other action brought with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral or any other property of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party in respect of the First Priority Obligations, the exercise of any right by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (or any agent or sub-agent on behalf thereof) in respect of the First Priority Obligations under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral, of any Grantor or Subsidiary of any Grantor, or otherwise in respect of the First Priority Collateral or the First Priority Obligations (each an “Enforcement Action”), or object to the forbearance by the First Priority Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Shared Collateral in respect of First Priority Obligations and (ii) except as otherwise provided herein, the Designated First Priority Representative on behalf of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff, recoupment and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other First Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, (x) the Second Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (y) the Third Priority Representative may file a claim, proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Third Priority Obligations in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (B) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations or the rights of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Shared Collateral, (C) to the extent not inconsistent with or prohibited by this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise their rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, to the extent provided and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 5.04, (D) each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative may exercise the rights and remedies provided for in Section 6.03, and may vote on a proposed plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (including Section 6.12), and (E) each Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, each Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may file any necessary or appropriate responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims or Liens of the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, in each case in the foregoing clauses (A) through (E), to the extent such action is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.
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In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the First Priority Collateral, the Designated First Priority Representative may enforce the provisions of the First Priority Debt Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as it may determine in the exercise of its sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of the Designated First Priority Representative to sell or otherwise dispose of Shared Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, so long as both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has not occurred), (x) each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Second Priority Obligations and (y) each Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not take or receive any Shared Collateral or Proceeds in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to any Third Priority Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (and, in the case of the Third Priority Representatives or any other Third Priority Secured Party, unless and until both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred), (x) the sole right of the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and (y) the sole right of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Third Priority Obligations pursuant to the Third Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
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(c) (i) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that neither it nor any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, will take any action that would hinder, delay or interfere with any exercise of remedies in respect of the Shared Collateral undertaken by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents, including any Disposition of the Shared Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, (ii) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives any and all rights it or any other Second Priority Secured Party or Third Priority Secured Party, respectively, may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Parties seek to enforce the Liens granted on any of the First Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Party is adverse to the interests of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties.
(d) Each Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Priority Debt Document or Third Priority Debt Document, shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement or the other First Priority Debt Documents.
(e) (i) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto and (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or any Person authorized by it) shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral against any Grantor and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Second Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Second Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations; provided further, however, that nothing in this Section shall impair the right of the Third Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Third Priority Secured Parties to take such actions with respect to the Shared Collateral after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
Section 3.02. Cooperation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
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(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, (x) unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated First Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral and (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Designated Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties upon the request of the Designated Second Priority Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Shared Collateral.
Section 3.03. Actions Upon Breach.
(a) Should the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any First Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against such Second Priority Representative, other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agree that the First Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the First Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party.
(b) Should the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party contrary to this Agreement, in any way take or attempt to take any action prohibited by this Agreement (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party (in its or their own name or, to the extent authorized by any Second Priority Debt Document, in the name of the Company or any other Grantor) or the Company may obtain relief against the Third Priority Representative or such other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby (i) agrees that the Second Priority Secured Parties’ damages from the actions of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable, may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Company, Holdings, any other Grantor or the Second Priority Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party.
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ARTICLE IV
PAYMENTS
Section 4.01. Application of Proceeds. So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced, the Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, collection on, or recovery on such Shared Collateral or Proceeds of Shared Collateral (x) upon the exercise of remedies or (y) at any time after any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has commenced, shall be applied by the Designated First Priority Representative to the First Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Second Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Second Priority Representative to the Second Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). Upon the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Third Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Third Priority Representative to the Third Priority Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents (subject, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
Section 4.02. Payments Over.
(a) So long as the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has not occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations (as defined in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Priority Representative for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated First Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, regardless of whether an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement), any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds received by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff or recoupment) with respect to the Shared Collateral or otherwise relating to or on account of the Shared Collateral, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except as otherwise expressly set forth in Article VI) or otherwise in contravention of this Agreement, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.
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The Designated Second Priority Representative is hereby authorized by the Third Priority Representative to make any such endorsements as agent for the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, as applicable. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
Section 4.03. Method of Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Designated First Priority Representative or the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the First Priority Obligations to as provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents (subject to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the First Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Designated Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Second Priority Obligations as provided for in the Second Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement). In exercising remedies, whether as a secured creditor or otherwise, the Designated Second Priority Representative shall have no obligation or liability to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party regarding the adequacy of any Proceeds for any action or omission, save and except solely for an action or omission that breaches the express obligations undertaken by each party under the terms of this Agreement.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations have occurred, all payments received by the Designated Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to the Third Priority Obligations as provided for in the Third Priority Debt Documents (subject to, as between the holders of the ABL Obligations on the one side, and the holders of the Junior Priority Debt Obligations on the other side, the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement).
ARTICLE V
OTHER AGREEMENTS
Section 5.01. Releases.
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(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that, in the event of a Disposition of any specified item of Shared Collateral (x) following an Event of Default, (y) in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative or (z) if not following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of the exercise of remedies in respect of Shared Collateral by the Designated First Priority Representative, so long as such Disposition or release is permitted by the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents, the (x) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties to secure Second Priority Obligations and (y) Liens upon such Shared Collateral (but not on the proceeds thereof) granted to the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties to secure Third Priority Obligations, each shall terminate and be released, automatically and without any further action, concurrently with the termination and release of all Liens granted upon such Shared Collateral to secure First Priority Obligations. Upon delivery to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative of an Officer’s Certificate stating that any such termination and release of Liens securing the First Priority Obligations has become effective (or shall become effective concurrently with such termination and release of the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative, and/or the other Third Priority Secured Parties) and any necessary or proper instruments of termination or release prepared by the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative will promptly execute, deliver or acknowledge, at the Company’s or the other Grantor’s sole cost and expense and without any representation or warranty, such instruments to evidence such termination and release of the Liens. Nothing in this Section 5.01(a) will be deemed to affect (x) any agreement of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents or (y) any agreement of the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, to release the Liens on the Third Priority Collateral in other circumstances as set forth in the relevant Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Designated First Priority Representative and any officer or agent of the Designated First Priority Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Second Priority Representative, such other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative, such other Third Party Secured Party or in the Designated First Priority Representative’s own name, from time to time in the Designated First Priority Representative’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Section 5.01(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of Section 5.01(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
(c) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consent to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of First Priority Obligations pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(c) shall be construed to prevent or impair (x) the rights of the Second Priority Representative or the other Second Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Second Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement or (y) the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
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(d) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and unless and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby consents to the application, whether prior to or after an Event of Default, of Proceeds of Shared Collateral to the repayment of Second Priority Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents; provided that nothing in this Section 5.01(d) shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties to receive Proceeds in connection with the Third Priority Obligations not otherwise in contravention of this Agreement.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Priority Collateral Document or any Third Priority Collateral Document, in the event the terms of (x) a First Priority Collateral Document, (y) a Second Priority Collateral Document and/or and (y) a Third Priority Collateral Document each require any Grantor (i) to make payment in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, (ii) to deliver or afford control over any item of Shared Collateral to, or deposit any item of Shared Collateral with, (iii) to register ownership of any item of Shared Collateral in the name of or make an assignment of ownership of any Shared Collateral or the rights thereunder to, (iv) cause any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other Person acting in a similar capacity to agree to comply, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, with instructions or orders from, or to treat, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, as the entitlement holder, (v) hold any item of Shared Collateral in trust for (to the extent such item of Shared Collateral cannot be held in trust for multiple parties under applicable law), (vi) obtain the agreement of a bailee or other third party to hold any item of Shared Collateral for the benefit of or subject to the control of or, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, to follow the instructions of or (vii) obtain the agreement of a landlord with respect to access to leased premises where any item of Shared Collateral is located or waivers or subordination of rights with respect to any item of Shared Collateral in favor of, in any case, each of the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and/or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, such Grantor may, until the applicable Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, comply with such requirement under the Second Priority Collateral Document and/or Third Priority Collateral Document, as it relates to such Shared Collateral, by taking any of the actions set forth above only with respect to, or in favor of, the Designated First Priority Representative.
Section 5.02. Insurance and Condemnation Awards.
(a) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative (or any person authorized by it) and the First Priority Secured Parties shall, as between the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties, have the sole and exclusive right, subject in each case to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents, (i) to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Shared Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (ii) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Shared Collateral.
(b) Unless and until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Priority Debt Documents and to the terms of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation), if in respect of the Shared Collateral, shall be paid (i) first, prior to the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Designated First Priority Representative for the benefit of First Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) second, after the occurrence of the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, to the Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, (iii) third, after the occurrence of both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, to the Third Priority Representative for the benefit of the Third Priority Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents and (iv) fourth, if no Third Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or First Priority Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.
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Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated First Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02. After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated Second Priority Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02.
Section 5.03. Certain Amendments.
(a) Without limitation to the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents, no Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or entered into to the extent such amendment, supplement or modification, or the terms of any new Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral, as applicable, would be prohibited by or inconsistent with any of the terms of this Agreement.
(b) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Second Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Second Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Second Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case (under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
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(c) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that each Third Priority Debt Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative):
“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the Third Priority Representative on the Shared Collateral (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below) are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties (in each case, as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the Third Priority Representative or any other party hereunder in respect of such Shared Collateral is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of December 20, 2024 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative, any Additional Second Priority Representative, any Additional Third Priority Representative, iHeartCommunications, Inc., as the Company, iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, as Holdings, and the other Grantors (as defined therein) party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.”
(d) In the event that the First Priority Representative and/or the First Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any First Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in First Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any First Priority Obligation, then such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of (x) each comparable Second Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Second Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor and (y) each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor, in each case unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Second Priority Collateral Document or Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(c), as applicable, or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Second Priority Representative or Third Priority Representative, in each case without its consent.
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The First Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Second Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(e) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative and/or the Second Priority Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the Second Priority Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Second Priority Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in Second Priority Collateral), or make any determination as to whether any property should become subject to any Lien securing any Second Priority Obligation, then such amendment, waiver, consent or determination shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Third Priority Collateral Document without the consent of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and without any action by the Third Priority Representative, the Company or any other Grantor unless such automatic application would not comply with formal requirements for amending or changing documents under applicable law; provided, however, that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of removing assets subject to the Lien of any Third Priority Collateral Document, except (A) to the extent that a release of such Lien is provided for in Section 5.01(c) or (B) following an Event of Default or in connection with or in lieu of any exercise of remedies by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Representative so long as any proceeds are applied in a manner that is consistent with this Agreement, and (ii) no such amendment shall impose any additional duties on the Third Priority Representative without its consent. The Second Priority Secured Parties shall give written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent to the Third Priority Representative within ten (10) Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver, consent or determination.
(f) The First Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the First Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; provided, however, that, without the consent of each Second Priority Representative and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
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(g) The Second Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Second Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities), the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Part; provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative, and each Third Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
(h) The Third Priority Debt Documents may be amended, restated, amended and restated, waived, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the indebtedness under the Third Priority Facilities may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of (x) the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the First Priority Facilities) or (y) the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party (except to the extent a consent is required to permit such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing under the Second Priority Facilities); provided, however, that, without the consent of each First Priority Representative and each Second Priority Representative, any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, waiver, supplement, modification or Refinancing shall comply with, and shall not contravene any provision of, this Agreement.
Section 5.04. Rights as Unsecured Creditors.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors (including the ability to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Company and any other Grantor arising under either applicable Bankruptcy Laws, any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any express provision of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Priority Debt Documents. In the event the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral.
(b) The Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate, or are not inconsistent with, any provision of this Agreement (including any provision prohibiting or restricting the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties from taking various actions or making various objections, which actions or objections the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not pursue whether acting in such capacities or in any other capacity). Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Third Priority Debt Documents.
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In the event the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Third Priority Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations and/or Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect (x) any rights or remedies the First Priority Representative or the First Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the First Priority Collateral or (y) any rights or remedies the Second Priority Representative or the Second Priority Secured Parties may have with respect to the Second Priority Collateral.
Section 5.05. Gratuitous Bailee for Perfection.
(a) Each Representative acknowledges and agrees that if it shall at any time hold a Lien on any Shared Collateral that can be perfected by the possession or control of such Shared Collateral or of any account in which such Shared Collateral is held, and if such Shared Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession or under the control of such Representative, or of agents or bailees of such Person (such Shared Collateral being referred to herein as the “Pledged or Controlled Collateral”), or if it shall at any time obtain any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights in or access to Shared Collateral, such Representative shall also hold such Pledged or Controlled Collateral, or take such actions with respect to such landlord waiver, bailee’s letter or similar agreement or arrangement, as sub-agent or gratuitous bailee for (i) in the case of a First Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the applicable First Priority Secured Parties under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, in the case of the Second Priority Representative, for itself and as the collateral agent for the Second Priority Secured Parties under the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (iii) in all cases, as bailee for the benefit of or agent on behalf of the other Representatives and other Secured Parties, in each case solely for the purpose of perfecting the Liens granted under the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents, respectively, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(b) In the event that the First Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the First Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for (x) the relevant Second Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents and (y) the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(c) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated First Priority Representative and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
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(d) The First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the First Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Second Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative and the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(e) The First Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Third Priority Collateral Documents, or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waive and release the First Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the First Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(f) Upon the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, the Designated First Priority Representative shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Second Priority Representative (or, if the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations previously occurred, the Designated Third Priority Representative), to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated First Priority Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated Third Priority Representative) is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The First Priority Representative has no obligations to follow instructions from the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(g) Neither the First Priority Representative nor any of the other First Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party under the First Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
(h) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, in the event that the Second Priority Representative (or its agents or bailees) has Lien filings against intellectual property that is part of the Shared Collateral that are necessary for the perfection of Liens in such Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Representative agrees to hold such Liens as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative and any assignee thereof, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Liens pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
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(i) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Designated Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged or Controlled Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Third Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Pledged or Controlled Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(j) The Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, to assure that any of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the Second Priority Representative under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (h) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Third Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by the Third Priority Representative.
(k) The Second Priority Representative shall not have by reason of the Third Priority Collateral Documents or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby waives and releases the Second Priority Representative from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the Second Priority Representative’s roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(l) Upon both the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) shall, at the Grantors’ sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Third Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Designated Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral without recourse, representation or warranty, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be an additional loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Third Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Company and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby. The Second Priority Representative (or the Designated First Priority Representative) has no obligations to follow instructions from the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in contravention of this Agreement.
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(m) After the discharge of First Priority Obligations, neither the Second Priority Representative nor any of the other Second Priority Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary to the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party under the Second Priority Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
Section 5.06. When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred.
(a) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any First Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of First Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of First Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of First Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such First Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a First Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such First Priority Obligations shall be the First Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new First Priority Representative), the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative each shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new First Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new First Priority Representative the rights of a First Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such First Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Second Priority Representative or any Third Priority Representative, or any of their agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new First Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
(b) If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred and solely to the extent permitted by the First Priority Debt Documents, the Company, Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs any Second Priority Obligations (other than in respect of the payment of indemnities surviving the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations), then such Discharge of Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of Second Priority Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such Second Priority Obligations shall automatically be treated as a Second Priority Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such Second Priority Obligations shall be the Second Priority Representative for all purposes of this Agreement.
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Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Second Priority Representative), the Third Priority Representative shall promptly (i) enter into such documents and agreements (at the expense of the Company), including amendments, supplements or modifications to this Agreement, as the Company or such new Second Priority Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Second Priority Representative the rights of a Second Priority Representative contemplated hereby, (ii) deliver to such Second Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by the Third Priority Representative, or any of its agents or bailees, as applicable, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Pledged or Controlled Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailee’s letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (iii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iv) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new Second Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
Section 5.07. Purchase Right.
(a) Without prejudice to the enforcement of any of the First Priority Secured Parties’ remedies under the First Priority Debt Documents, this Agreement, at law or in equity or otherwise, the First Priority Secured Parties agree that upon the occurrence of (i) an acceleration of any of the First Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, (ii) a payment default under any First Priority Debt Document that has not been cured or waived by the applicable First Priority Secured Parties within 60 days of the occurrence thereof and (iii) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor (each of such events for purposes of this paragraph, a “Triggering Event”), the Designated First Priority Representative will promptly deliver a notice of the occurrence of each Triggering Event to the Second Priority Representative (provided that none of the Designated First Priority Representative nor any First Priority Secured Party shall have any liability for failure of such notice to be delivered), and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall have the option, but not the obligation, to deliver a written notice to the Designated First Priority Representative (a “Purchase Notice”) no later than the 15th Business Day after the occurrence of any Triggering Event (or, if later, the date that notice of such Triggering Event is delivered by the Designated First Priority Representative to the Second Priority Representative) that they commit to purchase from the First Priority Secured Parties the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) of outstanding First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties at the Purchase Price without warranty or representation or recourse except as provided in Section 5.07(d), on a pro rata basis from the First Priority Secured Parties. A Purchase Notice may be delivered by less than all of the Second Priority Secured Parties so long as all the purchasing Second Priority Secured Parties shall, when taken together, commit to purchase the entire aggregate amount (but not less than the entirety) as set forth above.
(b) The “Purchase Price” will equal the sum of (1) the full amount of all First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties then-outstanding and unpaid at par (including principal, accrued but unpaid interest and fees, applicable premiums and any other unpaid amounts, including any prepayment penalties or premiums, make whole obligations, and breakage costs), (2) the cash collateral to be furnished to the First Priority Secured Parties providing letters of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in such amount (not to exceed 103% thereof) as such First Priority Secured Parties determine is reasonably necessary to secure such First Priority Secured Parties in connection with any such outstanding and undrawn letters of credit and (3) all accrued and unpaid fees, expenses and other amounts (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) owed to the First Priority Secured Parties under or pursuant to the First Priority Debt Documents on the date of purchase.
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(c) A Purchase Notice delivered by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be irrevocable, and the Second Priority Secured Parties and the other parties shall endeavor to close promptly after delivery thereof. Such purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations shall be exercised pursuant to documentation mutually acceptable (with such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to each of the First Priority Representative and the Second Priority Representative. Each First Priority Secured Party will retain all rights to indemnification provided in the relevant First Priority Debt Documents for all claims and other amounts relating to periods prior to the purchase of the First Priority Obligations pursuant to this Section 5.07.
(d) The purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties under this Section 5.07 will be without recourse and without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Priority Secured Parties, except that the First Priority Secured Parties shall severally and not jointly represent and warrant to the Second Priority Secured Parties, on the date of such purchase, immediately before giving effect to the purchase:
(i) the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest and premium on the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties, and the fees and expenses thereof owed to the respective First Priority Secured Parties, are as stated in any assignment agreement prepared in connection with the purchase and sale of the First Priority Obligations; and
(ii) each First Priority Secured Party owns the First Priority Obligations and any DIP Financing provided by the First Priority Secured Parties purported to be owned by it free and clear of any Liens (other than participation interests not prohibited by the First Priority Debt Documents, in which case the Purchase Price will be appropriately adjusted so that the Second Priority Secured Parties, do not pay amounts represented by participation interests to the extent that the Second Priority Secured Parties, expressly assume the obligations under such participation interests).
ARTICLE VI
INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS
Section 6.01. Financing Issues.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that if the Designated First Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to (if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing (provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party from objecting to any such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing in their capacity as unsecured creditors) and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Second Priority Collateral and/or the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations and/or the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated First Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party.
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Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of First Priority Obligations or the First Priority Collateral made by the Designated First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any First Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid First Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the First Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated First Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Designated First Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Second Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations, (x) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the First Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (y) (A) the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative are not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires)
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the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, except as provided in Section 6.01(b), without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, none of the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may, directly or indirectly, provide DIP Financing to the Company, any Grantor or any of their Subsidiaries.
(b) Notwithstanding anything in Section 6.01(a), nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from providing DIP Financing to the Company or any other Grantor so long as (i) (A) any liens securing such DIP Financing are junior in priority to the Liens securing any First Priority Obligations and (B) the order approving such DIP Financing (1) includes customary stipulations as to the validity, priority, perfection, enforceability and non-avoidability of the First Priority Obligations and the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations and (2) provides for adequate protection of the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations that includes (I) periodic cash payments to the Designated First Priority Representative, for the benefit of the First Priority Secured Parties, in the amount of interest (including any default interest) accruing on the First Priority Obligations; (II) payment of the reasonable fees and expenses of the First Priority Secured Parties to the extent provided under the First Priority Debt Documents; (III) customary superpriority claims for diminution in value of the First Priority Collateral, senior in right of payment to such DIP Financing and any superpriority claim provided to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (IV) customary adequate protection Liens securing such superpriority claims on all collateral that secures such DIP Financing, senior in priority to such DIP Financing and to any adequate protection liens granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party; (V) any other right granted to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party as adequate protection including, for the avoidance of doubt, the right to terminate the consent to the use of collateral or cash collateral upon the occurrence of agreed termination events or (ii) such DIP Financing provides for the Discharge of the First Priority Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right of the Designated First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties to object to such DIP Financing for any reason is expressly preserved.
(c) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, if Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that if the Designated Second Priority Representative shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Company’s or any other Grantor’s obtaining financing under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), it will affirmatively consent to (if requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative), raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest or oppose (or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) such sale, use or lease of such cash constituting Shared Collateral or other Shared Collateral or such DIP Financing and, except to the extent permitted by Section 6.03, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any Second Priority Obligations are subordinated to or have the same priority as the Liens securing such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens on the Third Priority Collateral, to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any “carve-out” for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Designated Second Priority Representative, and (z) any adequate protection Liens granted to the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party.
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Each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, further agrees that, until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, (a) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of Second Priority Obligations or the Second Priority Collateral made by the Designated Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, (b) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any lawful exercise by any Second Priority Secured Party of the right to credit bid Second Priority Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of First Priority Collateral (including, without limitation, pursuant to section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or to exercise any rights under section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) with respect to the Second Priority Collateral, (c) it will raise no objection to (and will not otherwise contest or oppose or support any other Person in raising an objection or otherwise contesting or opposing) any Disposition (including pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision under any other Bankruptcy Law) of assets of any Grantor for which the Designated Second Priority Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such Disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations pursuant to this Agreement, and (d) it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the Second Priority Representative has consented to such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets; provided, however, that (w) the Third Priority Secured Parties are not deemed to have waived any rights to credit bid on the Shared Collateral in any such Disposition in accordance with section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law), so long as any such credit bid provides for the payment in full in cash of the Second Priority Obligations resulting in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations, and (x) (A) the Third Priority Representative is not required as a condition to such DIP Financing to release their Liens on the Collateral as the same may exist at the time of such DIP Financing and (B) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of Collateral (excluding ordinary course discounting of accounts receivable for purposes of collection and any Disposition described in clause (c) above) prior to a default under the final documentation governing the DIP Financing; provided that the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) shall not restrict any such DIP Financing from containing “milestones” related to a sale transaction, any sale transaction otherwise approved by the applicable Bankruptcy Court (provided that the proceeds of such sale are applied as required hereunder) or any other actions where this Agreement provides for (or requires) the automatic release of such Liens upon a sale of Collateral. .
Section 6.02. Relief from the Automatic Stay.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
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(b) After the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative.
Section 6.03. Adequate Protection.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agree that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the First Priority Representative’s or any First Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the First Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all First Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, agrees that the First Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the First Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the First Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing First Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that none of them shall object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection in any form, (b) any objection by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Second Priority Representative’s or any Second Priority Secured Party’s claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the allowance and/or payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party under section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (as adequate protection or otherwise).
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Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (y) if the Second Priority Secured Parties are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral or a superpriority claim in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of (as applicable) a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and/or a superpriority claim, which Lien and/or superpriority claim is subordinated to the Liens and or claim securing and providing adequate protection for, and claims with respect to, all Second Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens or claims granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement and (z) in the event the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the other Third Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of a Lien on additional or replacement collateral, then the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that the Second Priority Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security and adequate protection for the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing or providing adequate protection for the Third Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing and claims with respect to the Second Priority Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the Second Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Third Priority Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Second Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
Section 6.04. Preference Issues.
(a) If any First Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “First Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the First Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of First Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such First Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference, fraudulent transfer or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.
(b) If any Second Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Second Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Second Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Second Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Second Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts.
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If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Second Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
(c) If any Third Priority Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be or avoided as fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason (any such amount, a “Third Priority Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or recoupment or otherwise, then the Third Priority Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Third Priority Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Third Priority Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Third Priority Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto.
Section 6.05. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classifications.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that
(i) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Second Priority Collateral Documents and the Third Priority Collateral Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens,
(ii) the respective claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the First Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors,
(iii) the claims of the Third Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims of the Second Priority Secured Parties against the Grantors, and
(iv) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Priority Obligations, and the Second Priority Obligations are fundamentally different from the Third Priority Obligations, and each must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan proposed, confirmed, or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
(b) To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that any claims of the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties constitute a single class of claims (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then
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(i) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were three separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the First Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Second Priority Obligations or the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Designated First Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties), and
(ii) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, each Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, each hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were two separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors (with the effect being that, the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest, fees, expenses and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest, fees, and expenses (whether or not a claim therefor is allowed or allowable in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the Third Priority Obligations in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the Third Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each other Third Priority Secured Party, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Second Priority Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them in respect of the Shared Collateral to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Third Priority Secured Parties).
Section 6.06. No Waivers of Rights.
(a) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by (x) any Second Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Second Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise or (y) any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
(b) Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Third Priority Secured Party, including the seeking by any Third Priority Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by any Third Priority Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Third Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
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Section 6.07. Application. This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, shall be effective and enforceable before, during and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. The relative rights as to the Shared Collateral and Proceeds shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition therefor, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor. All references herein to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor.
Section 6.08. Other Matters.
(a) To the extent that the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Representative has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated First Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, to the extent that the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party has or acquires rights under section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral and Proceeds, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees not to assert any such rights in contravention of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Designated Second Priority Representative, provided that, if requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, the Third Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Designated Second Priority Representative, including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
Section 6.09. 506(c) Claims.
(a) Until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agree that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the First Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
(b) After Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, agrees that it will not assert or enforce any claim under section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the Second Priority Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
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Section 6.10. Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of, or in connection with, the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing), then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations and the Third Priority Obligations (or any two of the foregoing) are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations (it being understood and agreed that nothing in this Section 6.10 shall entitle the Second Priority Secured Parties or the Third Priority Secured Parties to receive a distribution pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan).
Section 6.11. Post-Petition Interest.
(a) No Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the First Priority Representative or any First Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of First Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Second Priority Secured Parties and the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise (for this purpose ignoring all claims and Liens held by the Third Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral).
(c) No First Priority Representative or any other First Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Second Priority Collateral of such Second Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Second Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
(d) No First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Third Priority Representative or any Third Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Third Priority Obligations consisting of claims for post-petition interest, fees, costs, expenses, and/or other charges, under section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision under any other applicable Bankruptcy Law) or otherwise, to the extent attributable to the Third Priority Collateral of such Third Priority Secured Party, to the extent that the value of the Lien on the Shared Collateral exceeds the amount of the Third Priority Obligations after taking into account all claims and Liens held by the First Priority Secured Parties and the Second Priority Secured Parties on the Shared Collateral; provided that to the extent that any such payments are later recharacterized as payments of principal by the applicable bankruptcy court, such payments shall, upon such recharacterization, be turned over to the Designated First Priority Representative and applied in accordance with Section 4.01 hereof.
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Section 6.12. Voting.
(a) No Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement other than with the prior written consent of the Designated First Priority Representative.
(b) No Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party may (in its capacity as a secured or an unsecured creditor), directly or indirectly, propose, support or vote in favor of any plan of reorganization or arrangement, liquidating plan, proposal or other dispositive restructuring plan unless such plan (i) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all First Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of First Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of First Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation and (ii) (A) pays off, in cash in full, all Second Priority Obligations and results in the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations upon the date of consummation of such plan or (B) provides that acceptance by the class of holders of Second Priority Obligations voting thereon in accordance with section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law is an unwaivable condition precedent to such plan’s confirmation and consummation.
ARTICLE VII
RELIANCE; ETC.
Section 7.01. Reliance. The (x) consent by the First Priority Secured Parties to the execution and delivery of the First Priority Debt Documents permitted under the First Priority Debt Documents, and (y) all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the First Priority Secured Parties to the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. The First Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable First Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other First Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the First Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the First Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Second Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Second Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Second Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement. The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges that it and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Third Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Third Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement.
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Section 7.02. No Warranties or Liability.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, and the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledge and agree that neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the First Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The First Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the First Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the First Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the First Priority Representative nor any other First Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, acknowledges and agrees that neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Second Priority Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Second Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Second Priority Debt Documents in accordance with law and consistent with this Agreement as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the Second Priority Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither the Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Secured Party shall have any duty to the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with Company or any Subsidiary (including the Third Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
(c) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectability of any of the First Priority Obligations, the Second Priority Obligations, the Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) any Grantor’s title to or right to transfer any of the Shared Collateral, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereto or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
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Section 7.03. Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document;
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any First Priority Debt document, of the terms of any Second Priority Debt Document or of the terms of any Third Priority Debt Document;
(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Shared Collateral or any other collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or Third Priority Obligations or any guarantee thereof;
(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or
(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, (i) the Company, Holdings or any other Grantor in respect of any Secured Obligations or (ii) the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party, in each case in respect of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 8.01. Conflicts. Subject to Section 8.21, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Priority Debt Document, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Third Priority Debt Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the agreements in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement among the holders of ABL Obligations and Junior Priority Debt Obligations, the provisions of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement shall govern. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the provisions of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
Section 8.02. Severability. In case any provision contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
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Section 8.03. Amendments; Waivers.
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by Section 8.03(b), and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) This Agreement may be amended in writing signed by each Representative (in each case, acting in accordance with the documents governing the applicable Facility); provided that any such amendment, supplement or waiver that, by the terms of this Agreement, requires the Company’s consent or that increases the obligations or reduces the rights of, or otherwise adversely affects, Company or any Grantor shall require the consent of the Company. Any such amendment, supplement or waiver shall be in writing and shall be binding upon the First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a First Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.09 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the First Priority Representative and the other First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Second Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.10 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Second Priority Representative and the other Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to allow a Third Priority Representative to become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.11 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Obligations shall be subject to the terms hereof.
(f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon any Refinancing in full of any Facility, this Agreement shall be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time at the request of the Company, and without the consent of any Secured Party, solely to designate the credit facility that Refinances the Facility as a replacement Facility, in which case such designated credit facility shall thereafter constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable; provided that each such predecessor Facility shall continue to be bound by (and entitled to the benefits of) the provisions of this Agreement as applied to such Facilities, the related agreements and all obligations thereunder prior to the Refinancing thereof.
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(g) Upon the execution and delivery of the replacement Facility (as contemplated by preceding clause (d)):
(i) The Company shall deliver to the Representatives an Officer’s Certificate stating that the applicable Grantors in the case of preceding clause (d), intend to enter or have entered into a Refinancing, in whole or in part, of the Facility, as the case may be, that such agreement shall thereafter (upon any such Refinancing in full) constitute a First Priority Facility, Second Priority Facility or Third Priority Facility, as applicable, and certifying that the issuance or incurrence of such Refinancing is permitted by the Debt Documents. The Representatives shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the determination of the Company that such issuance and/or incurrence does not violate the provisions of Debt Documents; provided, however, that such determination will not affect whether or not each applicable Grantor has complied with its undertakings in the Debt Documents; and
(ii) in the case of the preceding clause (d), the Company shall provide written notice of the Refinancing Facility to each Representative, together with copies thereof, and identifying the new administrative agent or trustee (as applicable) and collateral agent thereunder, and providing its notice information for purposes hereof, and such administrative agent or trustee, as the case may be, and collateral agent shall each execute and deliver a joinder to this Agreement, and upon such execution shall be deemed First Priority Representatives, Second Priority Representatives or Third Priority Representatives, as applicable, hereunder.
Section 8.04. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries. The First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative and the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that any of the First Priority Representative, any other First Priority Secured Party, the Second Priority Representative, any other Second Priority Secured Party, the Third Priority Representative or any other Third Priority Secured Party in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party, it shall be under no obligation to (a) make, and the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties, the Third Priority Representative or the other Third Priority Secured Parties shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (b) provide any additional information or provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (c) undertake any investigation or (d) disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
Section 8.05. Subrogation.
(a) The Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred.
(b) The Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, hereby agrees not to assert any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred.
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Section 8.06. Application of Payments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, (x) all payments received by the First Priority Secured Parties shall be applied, to such part of the First Priority Obligations as the First Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the First Priority Debt Documents and in accordance with the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (y) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations has occurred and until the Discharge of Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Second Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Second Priority Obligations as the Second Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents, and (z) after the Discharge of First Priority Obligations and Second Priority Obligations has occurred, all payments received by the Third Priority Secured Parties shall be applied to such part of the Third Priority Obligations as the Third Priority Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Third Priority Debt Documents.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Second Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Third Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each other applicable Third Priority Secured Party, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Priority Obligations, Second Priority Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the First Priority Obligations and/or the Second Priority Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.
Section 8.07. Additional Grantors. Each of the Company and Holdings agrees that, if any Subsidiary shall become a Grantor after the date hereof, it shall promptly cause such Subsidiary to become party hereto by executing and delivering an instrument in the form of Exhibit A. Upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary will become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereunder, and will be acknowledged by each of the Representatives. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
Section 8.08. Dealings with Grantors. Upon any application or demand by the Company or any other Grantor to any Representative to take or permit any action under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document (if such action is subject to the provisions hereof), the Company or such other Grantor, as appropriate, shall furnish to such Representative a certificate of an Authorized Officer (an “Officer’s Certificate”) stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
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Section 8.09. Additional First Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional First Priority Obligations under an Additional First Priority Facility. Any such Additional First Priority Obligations may be secured by a first priority Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant First Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional First Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional First Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.09.
(b) In order for an Additional First Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional First Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.09 are satisfied with respect to the Additional First Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional First Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional First Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a first priority basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional First Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional First Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional First Priority Obligations.
Section 8.10. Additional Second Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Second Priority Obligations under an Additional Second Priority Facility. Any such Additional Second Priority Obligations may be secured by a second priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Second Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Second Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.10.
(b) In order for an Additional Second Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Second Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit C (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties;
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(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.10 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Second Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Second Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Second Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a second priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and any Second Priority Debt Documents; and
(iii) the Additional Second Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Second Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Second Priority Obligations.
Section 8.11. Additional Third Priority Obligations.
(a) To the extent, but only to the extent, not prohibited from being incurred or issued and sold pursuant to the provisions of the then extant First Priority Debt Documents, Second Priority Debt Documents and Third Priority Debt Documents at the time of such incurrence or issuance and sale, the Company or any other Grantor may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Third Priority Obligations under an Additional Third Priority Facility. Any such Additional Third Priority Obligations may be secured by a third priority, subordinated Lien on all or part of the Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Third Priority Collateral Documents for such Additional Third Priority Obligations, if and subject to the condition that the Additional Third Priority Representative, acting on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with this Section 8.11.
(b) In order for an Additional Third Priority Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(i) such Additional Third Priority Representative shall have executed and delivered an Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit D (with such changes as may be approved by the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties;
(ii) the Company shall have delivered to the First Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative an Officer’s Certificate stating that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.11 are satisfied with respect to the Additional Third Priority Obligations and, if requested by the First Priority Representative or Second Priority Representative, true and complete copies of each Additional Third Priority Debt Document, certified as being true and correct by an Authorized Officer of the Company on behalf of the relevant Grantor and identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Third Priority Obligations, and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured on a third priority, lien subordinated basis in accordance with each of the First Priority Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents; and
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(iii) the Additional Third Priority Obligations shall provide that each Additional Third Priority Secured Party will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional Third Priority Obligations.
Section 8.12. Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or U.S. Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the city of New York with respect to actions brought against it as a defendant in respect of any suit, action or proceeding or arbitral award arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Collateral Documents, the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents (a “Proceeding”), and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may do so under applicable law, trial by jury and any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such Proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such Proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
(b) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for in the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents or the Third Priority Debt Documents, as applicable. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
(c) Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, in any proceedings anywhere (whether for an injunction, specific performance or otherwise), no immunity (to the extent that it may at any time exist, whether on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from such proceedings, from attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) of its assets or from execution of judgment shall be claimed by it or on its behalf or with respect to its assets, except to the extent required by applicable law, any such immunity being irrevocably waived, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. Each of the Grantors and each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, irrevocably agrees that, where permitted by applicable law, it and its assets are, and shall be, subject to such proceedings, attachment or execution in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 8.13. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent by mail, telecopy or hand delivery:
(a) | If to the Company or any other Grantor: |
iHeartCommunications, Inc.
20880 Stone Oak Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78258
Attn: Treasury Department
Telephone: (210) 832-3311
Fax: (210) 832-3884
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attn: Patrick Ryan
Telephone: 212-455-3463
Email: pryan@stblaw.com
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(b) If to the First Lien Credit Agreement Representative, a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
900 W Trade Street
Mail Code NC1-026-06-03
Charlotte, NC 28255
Attention Priscilla Ruffin
Office: 980.386.3475 l
Fax : 704.409.0918
Email: Priscilla.L.Ruffin@bofa.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Moore & Van Allen PLLC
100 North Tryon Street, Suite 4700
Charlotte, NC 28202-4003
Attn: Tripp Monroe
T/F: 704-331-1107
Email: trippmonroe@mvalaw.com
(c) If to the First Lien Notes (2029) Representative, First Lien Notes (2030) Representative or First Lien Notes (2031) Representative, each a First Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
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(d) If to the Second Lien Notes Representative, a Second Priority Representative, to the address below (or at such other address as shall be designated by it in a written notice to the Company):
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
333 Commerce Street, Suite 900
Nashville, Tennessee 37291
Attn: Global Corporate Trust Services
Telephone: 615-251-0733
Facsimile: 615-251-0737
Email: wally.jones@usbank.com
With a copy to (which copy shall be delivered as an accommodation and shall not be required to be delivered in satisfaction of any requirement hereof):
Holland & Knight LLP
511 Union Street, Suite 2700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attn: Beth Vessel
Email: Beth.Vessel@hklaw.com
(e) If to any Additional First Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.09.
(f) If to any Additional Second Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.10.
(g) If to any Additional Third Priority Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.11.
Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by fax or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 8.13 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 8.13. As agreed to among Company, each First Priority Representative, each Second Priority Representative, each Third Priority Representative and the applicable holders of Secured Obligations from time to time, notices and other communications may also be delivered by e-mail to the email address of a representative of the applicable Person provided from time to time by such Person.
Section 8.14. Further Assurances. Each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties for whom it is acting, agrees that it will take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the other parties hereto may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of, and the Lien priorities contemplated by, this Agreement.
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Section 8.15. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
(b) EACH OF PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER SECURED DEBT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 8.16. Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the Representatives and the Secured Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein or in any Collateral Document is intended or shall be construed to give any other person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement, any Collateral Document, or the Shared Collateral. All obligations of the Grantors hereunder will inure to the sole and exclusive benefit of, and be enforceable by, the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative or the Third Priority Representative, as applicable, and each present and future holder of Secured Obligations and all of their respective successors and assigns.
Section 8.17. Headings. Section, subsection and other headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 8.18. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Agreement, including in electronic .pdf format. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Agreement. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts (which may include counterparts delivered by any standard form of telecommunication or electronic mail), each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 8.19. Electronic Signatures. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement or any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, including without limitation, digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to the First Priority Representative by any other authorized representative), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to the First Priority Representative, the Second Priority Representative and the Third Priority Representative, including the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.
Section 8.20. Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement. The First Priority Representative represents and warrants that its entry into this Agreement is authorized by the First Priority Facilities. The Second Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Second Priority Secured Parties. The Third Priority Representative represents and warrants that this Agreement is binding upon the Third Priority Secured Parties.
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Section 8.21. Third Party Beneficiaries; Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. The Lien priorities set forth in this Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder in respect of such Lien priorities shall inure solely to the benefit of the First Priority Representative, the other First Priority Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representative, the other Second Priority Secured Parties the Third Priority Representative, the other Third Priority Secured Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person (including the Grantors, or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert such rights; provided that the Company and each Grantor may assert the benefits of Section 5.01(d), Section 5.03(d), Section 5.06, Section 8.03, Section 8.08, Section 8.12 and Section 8.21. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligation of any Grantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the Secured Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
Section 8.22. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
Section 8.23. Representatives. It is understood and agreed that (a) each First Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable First Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the First Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the First Priority Representatives hereunder, (b) each Second Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Second Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Second Priority Representatives hereunder and (c) each Third Priority Representative is entering into this Agreement not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as administrative agent, collateral agent and/or trustee under the applicable Third Priority Debt Documents, and all rights, protections, indemnities and benefits applicable to the Third Priority Representatives in such capacities shall also apply to the Third Priority Representatives hereunder.
Section 8.24. Survival of Agreement. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
Section 8.25. Successors. For the avoidance of doubt, any successor administrative agent, collateral agent or trustee appointed under any series of Secured Obligations may replace the applicable Representative hereunder with respect to such series of Secured Obligations by executing a counterpart signature page hereto and delivering such signature page to each party hereto.
58
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this “Grantor Joinder Agreement”), to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Grantors have entered into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Pursuant to certain First Priority Debt Documents, certain Second Priority Debt Documents and certain Third Priority Debt Documents, certain newly acquired or organized Subsidiaries of Holdings are required to enter into the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Subsidiaries may become party to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Grantor Joinder Agreement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the “New Grantor”) is executing this Grantor Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Grantor agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.07 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Grantor had originally been named therein as a Grantor. Each reference to a “Grantor” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
A-1
SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Representatives and the other Secured Parties that this Grantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity.
SECTION 3. This Grantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Grantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 6. In case any provision contained in this Grantor Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Company as specified in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. The Company, Holdings or the New Grantor shall reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Grantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
A-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor and the Representatives have duly executed this Grantor Joinder Agreement acknowledging the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW GRANTOR] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged by:
[______], as First Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartCommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional First Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional First Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the First Priority Obligations and to have such Additional First Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a first priority basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the First Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional First Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and the Additional First Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional First Priority Representative, Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional First Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional First Priority Obligations and such Additional First Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional First Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B-1
The undersigned Additional First Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL FIRST PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional First Priority Obligations and Additional First Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional First Priority Representative and First Priority Representative and to the other Additional First Priority Secured Parties and First Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional First Priority Representative” or “First Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
B-2
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
B-3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
||
Attn: |
||
Tel: |
||
Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-4
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
B-5
Schedule I to the
Additional First Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
B-6
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Second Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Second Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Second Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a second priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Second Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Second Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and the Additional Second Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Second Priority Representative, Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Second Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Second Priority Obligations and such Additional Second Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Second Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
C-1
The undersigned Additional Second Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL SECOND PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Second Priority Obligations and Additional Second Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Second Priority Representative and Second Priority Representative and to the other Additional Second Priority Secured Parties and Second Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Second Priority Representative” or “Second Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
C-2
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.13 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
||
Attn: |
||
Tel: |
||
Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-4
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-5
Schedule I to the
Additional Second Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
C-6
EXHIBIT D
[FORM OF] ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY REPRESENTATIVE JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ], to the MULTI-LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of December 20, 2024 (the “Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among Bank of America, N.A, as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent for the Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, in each case under the First Lien Secured Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in each case, in such capacities and together with its successors in such capacities), U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Second Lien Notes Indenture (as defined in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement) (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Third Lien Existing Credit Agreement, any Additional First Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.09 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Second Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.10 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Third Priority Representative that from time to time becomes a party thereto pursuant to Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, iHeartcommunications, Inc., a Texas corporation (or any successor thereof, the “Company”), iHeartmedia Capital I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (or any successor thereof, “Holdings”), and the other Grantors party hereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Company or any other Grantor to incur Additional Third Priority Obligations and to secure such Additional Third Priority Obligations with Liens on the Shared Collateral on an equal priority basis with the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Third Priority Obligations and to have such Additional Third Priority Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a third priority, lien subordinated basis, in each case, under and pursuant to the Third Priority Collateral Documents, the Additional Third Priority Representative is required to become a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and the Additional Third Priority Secured Parties are required to become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Third Priority Representative, Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties. Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Additional Third Priority Representative may become a Representative under, and such Additional Third Priority Obligations and such Additional Third Priority Secured Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Additional Third Priority Representative of an instrument in the form of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section
D-1
8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Additional Third Priority Representative (the “New Representative”) is executing this Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the First Priority Debt Documents, the Second Priority Debt Documents and the Third Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Representatives and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative (acting as trustee under [DESCRIBE ADDITIONAL THIRD PRIORITY FACILITY]), by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the Additional Third Priority Obligations and Additional Third Priority Secured Parties become subject to and bound by, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as an Additional Third Priority Representative and Third Priority Representative and to the other Additional Third Priority Secured Parties and Third Priority Secured Parties. Each reference to a “Representative”, “Additional Third Priority Representative” or “Third Priority Representative” in the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Additional Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
SECTION 5. In case any provision contained in this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties hereby waive any provision of law which renders any term or provision hereof invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
D-2
SECTION 6. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.11 of the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 7. The Company agrees to reimburse each Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each such Representative.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Representatives have duly executed this Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as New Representative |
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By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: |
||
Attn: |
||
Tel: |
||
Fax: |
||
Email: |
[______], as First Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Second Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], as Third Priority Representative |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-4
Acknowledged by:
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[______], |
||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
THE GRANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-5
Schedule I to the
Additional Third Priority Representative Joinder Agreement to the
Multi-Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[______]
D-6
Exhibit 99.1
iHeartMedia Completes Comprehensive Exchange Transactions
NEW YORK – December 23, 2024 – iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: IHRT) (“iHeartMedia” or the “Company”) today announced the successful completion of its previously announced comprehensive exchange transactions of iHeartCommunications, Inc.’s (“iHeartCommunications”) outstanding 6.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Secured Notes”), 5.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Secured Notes”), 4.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Secured Notes”), 8.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Unsecured Notes”) and senior secured term loans due 2026 (the “Existing Term Loans”) (collectively, the “Existing Debt”) for new 9.125% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2029, 7.750% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2030, 7.000% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2031, 10.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030 and senior secured first lien term loans due 2029, respectively, in each case issued by iHeartCommunications (collectively, the “Exchange Offers”).
Approximately $4.8 billion (or 92.2%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Debt participated in the Exchange Offers, which expired at 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on December 18, 2024 (the “Expiration Time”).
As a result of the transactions, iHeartMedia has extended the vast majority of its debt maturities by three years; its consolidated annual net cash interest payments are expected to remain relatively flat; and the Company has reduced its total debt by over $440 million. The completion of the Exchange Offers results in a strengthened capital structure that provides iHeartMedia with extended maturities which increases its flexibility to execute on its strategy and business initiatives.
As of the Expiration Time, approximately $755.4 million (or 94.4%) of the aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Secured Notes, approximately $743.0 million (or 99.1%) of the aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Secured Notes, approximately $223.1 million (or 44.6%) of the aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Secured Notes, approximately $844.0 million (or 92.1%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Unsecured Notes, in each case, were tendered in the Exchange Offers and approximately $2,258.7 million (or 99.7%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Term Loans participated in the Exchange Offers.
Additional details on the completion of the comprehensive exchange transactions are included in a Form 8-K filed today.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as counsel and PJT Partners served as financial advisor to the Company. Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP served as counsel and Perella Weinberg Partners served as financial advisor to an ad hoc group of certain of the holders of the Existing Debt.
About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with 90% of Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the size of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
Media
Wendy Goldberg
Chief Communications Officer
(212) 377-1105
wendygoldberg@iheartmedia.com
Investors
Mike McGuinness
EVP, Deputy CFO, and Head of Investor Relations
(212) 377-1336
mbm@iheartmedia.com
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