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): November 21, 2025
ALLISON TRANSMISSION HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-35456 | 26-0414014 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| One Allison Way, Indianapolis, Indiana | 46222 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (317) 242-5000
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 (see General Instruction A.2. below):
| ☐ | 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 |
||
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value | ALSN | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §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. |
Certain of the information required by this Item 1.01 is included in Item 2.03 below 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. |
On November 21, 2025, the Issuer issued $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of November 21, 2025, between the Issuer and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (the “Indenture”). The Notes pay interest semi-annually in arrears. The Notes were offered in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering and borrowings under a new senior secured incremental term loan facility and its senior secured revolving credit facility, together with cash on hand and anticipated future cash flow, to finance the consummation of the Company’s previously announced acquisition of the off-highway business of Dana Incorporated (the “Dana Business Acquisition”) and to pay related fees, costs and expenses.
Optional Redemption Provisions and Change of Control Repurchase Right
At any time prior to December 1, 2028, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, the Notes will be redeemable at the Issuer’s option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus a make-whole premium as set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. Beginning December 1, 2028, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, subject to the payment of a redemption price that includes a call premium that varies (from 2.9375% to 0%) depending on the year of redemption, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the applicable redemption date. If the Dana Business Acquisition does not close, the Notes will be subject to a special mandatory redemption provision requiring the redemption of the Notes at par, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the special mandatory redemption date.
In addition, at any time prior to December 1, 2028, the Issuer may redeem up to 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 105.875% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the applicable redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of sales of one or more equity offerings by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer.
Subject to certain exceptions, the holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase their Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Indenture, at an offer price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of repurchase.
If at any time holders of not less than 90.0% of the principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept a tender offer, other offer to repurchase the Notes or exchange offer, the Issuer or a third party will have the right to redeem all of the Notes then outstanding at (i) in the case of a tender offer or other offer to repurchase the Notes, a purchase price equal to the price offered to each other holder in such offer to purchase, and (ii) in the case of an exchange offer, for the same consideration provided in such exchange offer, plus, in each case, to the extent not included in the offer price, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of repurchase.
Ranking
The Notes are the Issuer’s senior unsecured obligations. The Notes will be guaranteed by each of the Issuer’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries that is a borrower under or that guarantees obligations under the Issuer’s senior secured credit facilities, subject to certain exceptions, but will not be guaranteed by the Company. None of the Issuer’s domestic subsidiaries currently guarantee its obligations under the Issuer’s senior secured credit facilities, and therefore none of the Issuer’s domestic subsidiaries currently guarantee the Notes. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Notes rank equally in right of payment with all of the Issuer’s and the guarantors’ existing and future senior debt, including borrowings under the Issuer’s senior secured credit facilities and the Issuer’s outstanding 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027, 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 and 3.750% Senior Notes due 2031, and rank contractually senior in right of payment to the Issuer’s and the guarantors’ existing and future debt and other obligations that are, by their terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes.
The Notes are effectively subordinated to the Issuer’s and the guarantors’ existing and future secured indebtedness, including borrowings under the Issuer’s senior secured credit facilities, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Notes and guarantees are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities (including trade payables) of the Issuer’s subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes.
Restrictive Covenants
The Indenture contains covenants that limit the Issuer’s (and its restricted subsidiaries’) ability to, among other things: (i) create liens on assets and (ii) engage in mergers or consolidations.
The foregoing description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains certain forward-looking statements, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expectations regarding consummation of the Company’s previously announced acquisition of the off-highway business of Dana Incorporated and the expected use of proceeds to finance the acquisition. Statements regarding future events are based on the parties’ current expectations and are necessarily subject to associated risks related to, among other things, that the acquisition may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, that the financing intended to fund the acquisition may not be attained, and general economic conditions. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. For information regarding other related risks, see the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit Number |
Description |
|
| 4.1 | Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2025, between Allison Transmission, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Trustee (including form of Note). | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). | |
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.
| Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | ||||||
| Date: November 24, 2025 | By: | /s/ Eric C. Scroggins |
||||
| Name: | Eric C. Scroggins | |||||
| Title: | Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary | |||||
Exhibit 4.1
Execution Version
ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
as Issuer
INDENTURE
Dated as of November 21, 2025
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I | ||||||
| Definitions and Incorporation by Reference | ||||||
| SECTION 1.1. |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
| SECTION 1.2. |
Other Definitions |
29 | ||||
| SECTION 1.3. |
Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires: |
30 | ||||
| ARTICLE II | ||||||
| The Notes | ||||||
| SECTION 2.1. |
Form and Dating |
31 | ||||
| SECTION 2.2. |
Form of Execution and Authentication |
34 | ||||
| SECTION 2.3. |
Registrar and Paying Agent |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 2.4. |
Paying Agent to Hold Money |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 2.5. |
Lists of Holders of the Notes |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 2.6. |
Transfer and Exchange |
35 | ||||
| SECTION 2.7. |
Replacement Notes |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 2.8. |
Outstanding Notes |
43 | ||||
| SECTION 2.9. |
Treasury Notes |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 2.10. |
Temporary Notes |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 2.11. |
Cancellation |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 2.12. |
Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest |
44 | ||||
| SECTION 2.13. |
CUSIP and ISIN Numbers |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 2.14. |
Record Date |
45 | ||||
| ARTICLE III | ||||||
| Covenants | ||||||
| SECTION 3.1. |
Payment of Notes |
45 | ||||
| SECTION 3.2. |
Reports and Other Information |
46 | ||||
| SECTION 3.3. |
[Reserved] |
48 | ||||
| SECTION 3.4. |
[Reserved] |
48 | ||||
| SECTION 3.5. |
Liens |
48 | ||||
| SECTION 3.6. |
[Reserved] |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 3.7. |
[Reserved] |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 3.8. |
[Reserved] |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 3.9. |
Change of Control |
49 | ||||
| SECTION 3.10. |
Maintenance of Insurance |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 3.11. |
Additional Guarantors |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 3.12. |
Compliance Certificate; Statement by Officers as to Default |
51 | ||||
| SECTION 3.13. |
[Reserved] |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 3.14. |
[Reserved] |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 3.15. |
Covenant Suspension |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 3.16. |
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws |
52 | ||||
| SECTION 3.17. |
Payment of Additional Amounts on the Notes |
53 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV | ||||||
| Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets | ||||||
| SECTION 4.1. |
When the Issuer and the Guarantors May Merge or Otherwise Dispose of Assets |
55 | ||||
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| ARTICLE V | ||||||
| Redemption of Notes | ||||||
| SECTION 5.1. |
Optional Redemption |
57 | ||||
| SECTION 5.2. |
Redemption of Notes for Tax Reasons |
57 | ||||
| SECTION 5.3. |
Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee of Optional and Mandatory Redemptions |
58 | ||||
| SECTION 5.4. |
Selection by Trustee of Notes to Be Redeemed |
58 | ||||
| SECTION 5.5. |
Notice of Redemption |
58 | ||||
| SECTION 5.6. |
Deposit of Redemption Price |
59 | ||||
| SECTION 5.7. |
Notes Payable on Redemption Date |
59 | ||||
| SECTION 5.8. |
Notes Redeemed in Part |
60 | ||||
| SECTION 5.9. |
[Reserved] |
60 | ||||
| SECTION 5.10. |
Special Mandatory Redemption |
60 | ||||
| ARTICLE VI | ||||||
| Defaults and Remedies | ||||||
| SECTION 6.1. |
Events of Default |
60 | ||||
| SECTION 6.2. |
Acceleration |
63 | ||||
| SECTION 6.3. |
Other Remedies |
63 | ||||
| SECTION 6.4. |
Waiver of Past Defaults |
63 | ||||
| SECTION 6.5. |
Control by Majority |
64 | ||||
| SECTION 6.6. |
Limitation on Suits |
64 | ||||
| SECTION 6.7. |
[Reserved] |
64 | ||||
| SECTION 6.8. |
Collection Suit by Trustee |
64 | ||||
| SECTION 6.9. |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
64 | ||||
| SECTION 6.10. |
Priorities |
65 | ||||
| SECTION 6.11. |
Undertaking for Costs |
65 | ||||
| ARTICLE VII | ||||||
| Trustee | ||||||
| SECTION 7.1. |
Duties of Trustee |
65 | ||||
| SECTION 7.2. |
Rights of Trustee |
66 | ||||
| SECTION 7.3. |
Individual Rights of Trustee |
68 | ||||
| SECTION 7.4. |
Disclaimer |
68 | ||||
| SECTION 7.5. |
Notice of Defaults |
68 | ||||
| SECTION 7.6. |
Compensation and Indemnity |
68 | ||||
| SECTION 7.7. |
Replacement of Trustee |
69 | ||||
| SECTION 7.8. |
Successor Trustee by Merger |
70 | ||||
| SECTION 7.9. |
Eligibility; Disqualification |
70 | ||||
| SECTION 7.10. |
Limitation on Duty of Trustee |
70 | ||||
| SECTION 7.11. |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer |
70 | ||||
| SECTION 7.12. |
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes |
70 | ||||
| ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
| Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance | ||||||
| SECTION 8.1. |
Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance |
70 | ||||
| SECTION 8.2. |
Conditions to Defeasance |
71 | ||||
| SECTION 8.3. |
Application of Trust Money |
72 | ||||
| SECTION 8.4. |
Repayment to Issuer |
72 | ||||
| SECTION 8.5. |
Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations |
73 | ||||
| SECTION 8.6. |
Reinstatement |
73 | ||||
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| ARTICLE IX | ||||||
| Amendments | ||||||
| SECTION 9.1. |
Without Consent of Holders |
73 | ||||
| SECTION 9.2. |
With Consent of Holders |
74 | ||||
| SECTION 9.3. |
Effect of Consents and Waivers |
75 | ||||
| SECTION 9.4. |
Notation on or Exchange of Notes |
75 | ||||
| SECTION 9.5. |
Trustee To Sign Amendments |
75 | ||||
| ARTICLE X | ||||||
| Guarantees | ||||||
| SECTION 10.1. |
Guarantees |
76 | ||||
| SECTION 10.2. |
Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge |
77 | ||||
| SECTION 10.3. |
Right of Contribution |
78 | ||||
| SECTION 10.4. |
No Subrogation |
78 | ||||
| ARTICLE XI | ||||||
| INTENTIONALLY OMITTED | ||||||
| ARTICLE XII | ||||||
| Miscellaneous | ||||||
| SECTION 12.1. |
Notices |
79 | ||||
| SECTION 12.2. |
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.3. |
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.4. |
[Reserved] |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.5. |
Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.6. |
Days Other than Business Days |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.7. |
Governing Law |
80 | ||||
| SECTION 12.8. |
Jurisdiction and Service |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.9. |
Waiver of Jury Trial |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.10. |
Limitations, Waivers, and Interpretations |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.11. |
Successors |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.12. |
Multiple Originals |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.13. |
Severability |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.14. |
Entire Agreement |
81 | ||||
| SECTION 12.15. |
Variable Provisions |
82 | ||||
| SECTION 12.16. |
Table of Contents; Headings |
82 | ||||
| SECTION 12.17. |
Force Majeure |
82 | ||||
| SECTION 12.18. |
USA PATRIOT Act |
82 | ||||
| SECTION 12.19. |
Communication by Holders with Other Holders |
82 | ||||
| ARTICLE XIII | ||||||
| Compliance Matters | ||||||
| SECTION 13.1. |
Compliance in Connection with Certain Investments and Repayments |
82 | ||||
| SECTION 13.2. |
Other Compliance Matters |
83 | ||||
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EXHIBITS
| EXHIBIT A | Form of Note | |
| EXHIBIT B | Form of Certificate of Transfer | |
| EXHIBIT C | Form of Certificate of Exchange | |
| EXHIBIT D | Form of Supplemental Indenture |
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INDENTURE, dated as of November 21, 2025 as amended or supplemented from time to time (this “Indenture”), among ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”).
Recitals
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of the Notes (as defined herein):
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Incorporation by Reference
SECTION 1.1. Definitions.
“144A Global Note” means a global note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee, that shall be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Acquisition” means the “Dana Business Acquisition” as defined in the Offering Memorandum.
“Acquisition Closing Date” means the date of consummation of the Acquisition.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.
“Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, Authenticating Agent, co-registrar or additional paying agent.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any applicable Redemption Date, as calculated by the Issuer, the greater of:
(1) 1.0% of the then-outstanding principal amount of such Note; and
(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of the Note at December 1, 2028 as set forth in the applicable table appearing in the Note, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note through December 1, 2028 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to (but not including) the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note.
“Applicable Law” means any law or regulation.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary that apply to such transfer or exchange.
“Authority” means any competent regulatory, prosecuting, Tax (as defined herein) or governmental authority in any jurisdiction.
“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
“beneficial owner” has the meaning given to that term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of any securities that such “person” has the right to acquire or vote only upon the happening of any future event or contingency (including the passage of time) that has not yet occurred. The terms “beneficial ownership,” “beneficially owns” and “beneficially owned” have a corresponding meaning.
“Board of Directors” means as to any Person, the board of directors, board of managers, sole member or managing member or other governing body of such Person, or if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity or has a general partner, the board of directors, board of managers, sole member or managing member or other governing body of such entity or general partner, or in each case, any duly authorized committee thereof, and the term “directors” means members of the Board of Directors.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in the State of New York, or, with respect to any payments to be made under this Indenture, the place of payment.
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person (it being understood and agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that “cash-settled phantom appreciation programs” in connection with employee benefits that do not require a dividend or distribution shall not constitute Capital Stock).
“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(1) U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, pounds sterling, euros or the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union and, with respect to any Foreign Subsidiaries, other currencies held by such Foreign Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(2) securities issued or directly fully guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States or any country that is a member of the European Union (as of the Issue Date) or the United Kingdom or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;
(3) money market deposits, certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of two years or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding two years, and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $250.0 million in the case of domestic banks or $100.0 million (or the dollar equivalent thereof) in the case of foreign banks;
(4) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above and clause (6) below entered into with any financial institution or securities dealers of recognized national standing meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above; (5) commercial paper or variable or fixed rate notes issued by a corporation or other Person (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) rated at least “A-2” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within two years after the date of acquisition;
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(6) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;
(7) Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition, and marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least “A-2” or “P-2” from either S&P or Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);
(8) investment funds investing at least 95.0% of their assets in investments of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above and (9) and (10) below;
(9) 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 reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency); and
(10) in the case of investments by any Foreign Subsidiary or investments made in a country outside the United States of America, other investments of comparable tenor and credit quality to those described in the foregoing clauses (1) through (9) customarily utilized in the countries where such Foreign Subsidiary is located or in which such investment is made.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clause (1) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clause (1) above as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.
“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 and/ or cash management services, including, without limitation, treasury, depository, pooling, overdraft, credit, purchasing or debit card, non-card e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, treasury management services (including controlled disbursement services, overdraft automatic clearing house fund transfer services, return items and interstate depository network services), other demand deposit or operating account relationships, foreign exchange facilities and merchant services.
“CFC” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.
“CFC Holdco” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer which owns no material assets other than Capital Stock or Capital Stock and indebtedness of one or more CFCs or another CFC Holdco.
“Change of Control” means (a) any Person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), other than a Permitted Holder, acquires beneficial ownership of Voting Stock of the Issuer representing more than 50.0% of the aggregate ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the Issuer; or (b) the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder.
-3-
“Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of a Change of Control that is accompanied or followed by a downgrade by one or more gradations, including gradations within ratings categories as well as between ratings categories (unless after any such downgrade, the Notes maintain an Investment Grade Rating from at least two Rating Agencies), or withdrawal of the rating of the Notes within the Ratings Decline Period, in each case by at least two Rating Agencies, as a result of which the rating of the Notes on the last day of such Ratings Decline Period is below the rating by at least two Rating Agencies in effect immediately preceding the first public announcement of the Change of Control (or occurrence thereof if such Change of Control occurs prior to public announcement or has been withdrawn).
“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer by any Officer of the Issuer.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period:
(1) increased, in each case to the extent deducted and not added back in calculating such Consolidated Net Income (and without duplication), by:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including federal, state, franchise, excise, property and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes paid or accrued, including giving effect to any penalties and interest with respect thereto, and state taxes in lieu of business fees (including business license fees) and payroll tax credits, income tax credits and similar tax credits and including an amount equal to the amount of tax distributions actually made to the holders of Equity Interests of such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such period (in each case, to the extent attributable to the operations of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries), which shall be included as though such amounts had been paid as income taxes directly by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries; plus
(b) Consolidated Interest Expense; plus
(c) all depreciation and amortization charges and expenses, including amortization or expense recorded for upfront payments related to any contract signing and signing bonus and incentive payments; plus
(d) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary of such Person; plus
(e) earn-out obligations incurred in connection with any acquisition or other Investment and paid or accrued during the applicable period; plus
(f) all charges, costs, expenses, accruals or reserves in connection with the rollover, acceleration or payout of equity interests held by management and all losses, charges and expenses related to payments made to holders of options or other derivative equity interests in the common equity of such Person or any direct or indirect parent of such Person in connection with, or as a result of, any distribution being made to equityholders of such Person or any of its direct or indirect parents, which payments are being made to compensate such optionholders as though they were equityholders at the time of, and entitled to share in, such distribution; plus
(g) all non-cash losses, charges and expenses, including any write-offs or write-downs; provided that if any such non-cash charge represents an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future four-fiscal quarter period, (i) such Person may determine not to add back such non-cash charge in the period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being calculated and (ii) to the extent such Person does decide to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future four-fiscal quarter period will be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA for such future four-fiscal quarter period; plus (h) all costs and expenses in connection with pre-opening and opening and closure and/or consolidation of facilities that were not already excluded in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus
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(i) restructuring charges, accruals or reserves and business optimization expense, including any restructuring costs and integration costs incurred in connection with the Transactions and any acquisitions, start-up costs (including entry into new market/channels and new service offerings), costs related to the closure, relocation, reconfiguration and/or consolidation of facilities and costs to relocate employees, integration and transaction costs, retention charges, severance, contract termination costs, recruiting and signing bonuses and expenses, future lease commitments, systems establishment costs, systems facilities or equipment conversion costs and excess pension charges and consulting fees, expenses attributable to the implementation of costs savings initiatives, costs associated with tax projects/audits and costs consisting of professional consulting or other fees relating to any of the foregoing; plus
(j) Pro Forma Cost Savings; plus
(k) all adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculation of “Adjusted EBITDA” (or similar pro forma non-GAAP measures) as set forth in the “Summary” section in the Offering Memorandum relating to the offering of the Notes that contains a reconciliation of net income to such measure to the extent adjustments of such nature continue to be applicable during the period in which Consolidated EBITDA is being calculated; provided that any such adjustments that consist of reductions in costs and other operating improvements or synergies shall be calculated in accordance with, and satisfy the requirements specified in, the definition of “Pro Forma Basis”; plus
(l) the amount of loss or discount on sale of receivables and related assets to the Receivables Subsidiary in connection with a Receivables Financing; plus
(m) with respect to any joint venture that is not a Restricted Subsidiary, an amount equal to the proportion of those items described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above relating to such joint venture corresponding to such Person’s and the Restricted Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of such joint venture’s Consolidated Net Income (determined as if such joint venture were a Restricted Subsidiary) solely to the extent Consolidated Net Income was reduced thereby;
(2) decreased (without duplication and to the extent increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period) by (i) non-cash gains or income, excluding any non-cash gains that represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges that were deducted (and not added back) in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for any prior period ending after the Issue Date and (ii) the amount of any minority interest income consisting of a Subsidiary loss attributable to minority equity interest of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary (to the extent not deducted from Consolidated Net Income for such period);
(3) increased (with respect to losses) or decreased (with respect to gains) by, without duplication, any net cash or realized gains and losses relating to (i) amounts denominated in foreign currencies resulting from the application of FASB ASC 830 (including net realized gains and losses from exchange rate fluctuations on intercompany balances and balance sheet items, net of realized gains or losses from related Swap Contracts (entered into in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice)) or (ii) any other amounts denominated in or otherwise trued-up to provide similar accounting as if it were denominated in foreign currencies; and
(4) increased (with respect to losses) or decreased (with respect to gains) by, without duplication, any gain or loss relating to Swap Contracts (excluding Swap Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice);
provided that the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, elect to not make any adjustment for any item pursuant to the foregoing clauses (1) through (4) above if any such item individually is less than 1.0% of Consolidated EBITDA in any fiscal quarter (calculated without giving effect to such adjustment).
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“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) the aggregate interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including pay in kind interest payments, amortization of original issue discount, the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Swap Contracts (other than in connection with the early termination thereof) but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of Indebtedness, Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments, all amortization and write-offs of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, discounts, fees and expenses and expensing of any bridge, commitment or other financing fees, costs of surety bonds, charges owed with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities, and all discounts, commissions, fees and other charges associated with any Receivables Financing or Factoring Transaction); plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of the referent Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
(3) interest income of the referent Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;
provided that in the case of any Person that became a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person after the commencement of such four-quarter period, the interest expense of such Person paid in cash prior to the date on which it became a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person will be disregarded. For purposes of this definition, interest on Capitalized Lease Obligations will be deemed to accrue at the interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligations in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the net income (or loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends; provided that (without duplication):
(1) all net after-tax extraordinary, nonrecurring, infrequent, exceptional or unusual gains, losses, income, expenses and charges, in each case as determined in good faith by such Person, and in any event including, without limitation, all restructuring, severance, relocation, retention and completion payments, consolidation, integration or other similar charges and expenses, contract termination costs, system establishment charges, conversion costs, start-up or closure or transition costs, expenses related to any reconstruction, decommissioning, recommissioning or reconfiguration of fixed assets for alternative uses, fees, expenses or charges relating to curtailments, settlements or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, expenses associated with strategic initiatives, facilities shutdown and opening costs, and any fees, expenses, charges or change in control payments related to any acquisition or Investment (including any transition-related expenses (including retention or transaction-related bonuses or payments) incurred before, on or after the Issue Date), will be excluded;
(2) all (i) losses, charges and expenses relating to the Transactions, (ii) transaction fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of any equity issuances, investments, acquisition transactions, dispositions, recapitalizations, mergers, amalgamations, option buyouts and the Incurrence, modification or repayment of Indebtedness (including any refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof) or any amendments, waivers or other modifications under the agreements relating to such Indebtedness or similar transactions and (iii) without duplication of any of the foregoing, non-operating or non-recurring professional fees, costs and expenses for such period will be excluded;
(3) any fees, costs and expenses incurred or payable in connection with a Permitted Change of Control; (4) all net after-tax gain, loss, expense or charge attributable to business dispositions and asset dispositions, including the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person, other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by such Person) will be excluded;
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(5) all net after-tax income, loss, expense or charge attributable to the early extinguishment or cancellation of Indebtedness, Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments (including deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid) will be excluded;
(6) all non-cash gains, losses, expenses or charges attributable to the movement in the mark-to-market valuation of Indebtedness, Swap Contracts or other derivative instruments will be excluded;
(7) any non-cash or unrealized foreign currency translation or foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to changes in currency exchange rates (including remeasurements of Indebtedness and any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Contracts for currency exchange risk), will be excluded;
(8) (i) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the referent Person or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, will be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments paid in cash (or converted into cash) with respect to such equity ownership to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period and (ii) the net income for such period will include any ordinary course dividends or distributions or other payments paid in cash (or converted into cash) with respect to such equity ownership received from any such Person during such period in excess of the amounts included in subclause (i) above;
(9) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies will be excluded;
(10) the effects of purchase accounting, fair value accounting or recapitalization accounting adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the referent Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries) resulting from the application of purchase accounting, fair value accounting or recapitalization accounting in relation to any acquisition consummated before or after the Issue Date, and the amortization, write-down or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, will be excluded;
(11) all non-cash impairment charges and asset write-ups, write-downs and write-offs, in each case pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising from the application of GAAP, will be excluded;
(12) all non-cash expenses realized in connection with or resulting from equity or equity-linked compensation plans, employee benefit plans or agreements or post-employment benefit plans or agreements, or grants or sales of stock, stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, preferred stock or other similar rights will be excluded;
(13) any costs or expenses incurred in connection with the payment of dividend equivalent rights to option holders pursuant to any management equity plan, stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or post-employment benefit plan or agreement will be excluded;
(14) all amortization and write-offs of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, costs of surety bonds, charges owed with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities, and expensing of any bridge, commitment or other financing fees (including in connection with a transaction undertaken but not completed), will be excluded;
(15) all discounts, commissions, fees and other charges (including interest expense) associated with any Receivables Financing or Factoring Transaction will be excluded;
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(16) (i) the non-cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense will be excluded and (ii) the cash portion of “straight-line” rent expense that exceeds the amount expensed in respect of such rent expense will be included; (17) expenses and lost profits with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption will be disregarded to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as such Person has made a good faith determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer, but only to the extent that such amount (i) has not been denied by the applicable carrier in writing and (ii) is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date on which such liability was discovered or such casualty event or business interruption occurred (with a deduction for any amounts so added back that are not reimbursed within such 365-day period); provided that any proceeds of such reimbursement when received will be excluded from the calculation of Consolidated Net Income to the extent the expense or lost profit reimbursed was previously disregarded pursuant to this clause (17);
(18) losses, charges and expenses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any asset disposition will be excluded to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as such Person has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement, but only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 days);
(19) non-cash charges or income related to adjustments to deferred tax asset valuation allowances will be excluded;
(20) cash dividends or returns of capital from Investments (such return of capital not reducing the ownership interest in the underlying Investment), in each case received during such period, to the extent not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income for that period or any prior period subsequent to the Issue Date, will be included;
(21) accruals and reserves for liabilities or expenses that are established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions within 12 months after the Acquisition Closing Date will be excluded;
(22) all net after-tax income, loss, expense or charge from abandoned, closed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gain or loss on the disposal of abandoned, closed or discontinued operations (and all related expenses) other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by such Person) will be excluded; and
(23) any non-cash interest expense and non-cash interest income, in each case to the extent there is no associated cash disbursement or receipt, as the case may be, before the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes and the date on which all the Notes cease to be outstanding, shall be excluded;
provided that the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, elect to not make any adjustment for any item pursuant to clauses (1) through (23) above if any such item individually is less than 1.0% of Consolidated Net Income in any fiscal quarter (calculated without giving effect to such adjustment).
“Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) (x) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Issuer that is secured by a Lien as of such date and not subordinated in right of payment to the Notes minus (y) the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents that would be stated on the balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date and held by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination, and in each case, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, to (2) the Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, in the event that the Issuer shall classify Indebtedness Incurred on the date of determination as secured in part pursuant to clause (24) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” and in part pursuant to one or more other clauses of such definition (other than Liens Incurred under clause (6) (a)(B) thereof) as provided in the final paragraph of such definition, any calculation of Consolidated Total Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien for purposes of clause (x) above on such date (but not in respect of any future calculation following such date) shall not include any such Indebtedness (and shall not give effect to any repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, retirement or discharge of Indebtedness from the proceeds thereof) to the extent secured pursuant to any such other clause of such definition.
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For purposes of calculating the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio with respect to any revolving Indebtedness, the Issuer may elect, at any time (which election may not be changed with respect to such revolving Indebtedness), to either (x) give pro forma effect to the Incurrence of the entire committed amount of such Indebtedness, in which case such committed amount may thereafter be borrowed or reborrowed, in whole or in part, from time to time, without further compliance with the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio component of any provision hereunder, or (y) give pro forma effect to the Incurrence of the actual amount drawn under such revolving Indebtedness, in which case, the ability to Incur the amounts committed to under such Indebtedness will be subject to the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio (to the extent being Incurred pursuant to such ratio) at the time of each such Incurrence.
“Consolidated Total Assets” means the total consolidated assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a Pro Forma Basis.
“Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (1) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis, to the extent required to be recorded on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, consisting of funded Indebtedness for borrowed money or Capitalized Lease Obligations (other than Indebtedness with respect to a Qualified Receivables Financing, Cash Management Services or as a result of the mark-to-market impact of a Swap Contract, if any, or that are otherwise removed in consolidation or the proceeds of which have been deposited in a customary escrow account or similar arrangement (but only for so long as (x) such proceeds remain in such account or arrangement and (y) constitute “restricted” cash)) and (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Issuer and all Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and Maximum Fixed Repurchase Prices, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, in each case of clauses (1) and (2) above, based on internal financial statements that are available immediately preceding such date and calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.
“Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,
(2) to advance or supply funds:
(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or
(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or
(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.
“continuing” means, with respect to any Default or Event of Default, that such Default or Event of Default has not been cured or waived.
“Corporate Trust Office” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.1 or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Issuer or Holders pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 12.1.
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“Credit Agreement” means (i) the Senior Credit Agreement and (ii) whether or not the Senior Credit Agreement remains outstanding, if designated by the Issuer to be included in the definition of “Credit Agreement,” one or more (A) debt facilities, indentures or commercial paper facilities providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, debentures, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, (B) debt securities, notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), or (C) instruments or agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness, in each case, with the same or different borrowers or issuers and, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, restructured, renewed, refinanced, restated, increased, replaced or refunded in whole or in part from time to time and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or investor or group of lenders or investors.
“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
“Data Download Program” means the interactive electronic interface made available by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any successor information system.
“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Derivative Instrument” means with respect to a Person, any contract or instrument to which such Person is a party (whether or not requiring further performance by such Person), the value and/or cash flows of which (or any portion thereof) are based on the value and/or performance of the Notes and/or any “Deliverable Obligations” or “Obligations” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) with respect to the Issuer or Guarantors; provided that a “Derivative Instrument” will not include any contract or instrument that is entered into pursuant to bona fide market-making activities.
“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.6 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Global Note” attached thereto.
“Depositary” means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors and assigns, or such other depository institution hereinafter appointed by the Issuer.
“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interests of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is puttable, redeemable or exchangeable), in each case, at the option of the holder thereof or upon the happening of any event:
(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale; provided that the relevant asset sale or change of control provisions, taken as a whole, are no more favorable in any material respect to holders of such Equity Interests than the asset sale and change of control provisions applicable to the Notes and any purchase requirement triggered thereby may not become operative until compliance with the asset sale and change of control provisions applicable to the Notes (including the purchase of any Notes tendered pursuant thereto)),
(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, or
(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,
in each case, prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes and the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, that only the portion of Equity Interests that so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided, further, that if such Equity Interests are issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided, further, that any class of Equity Interests of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.
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“Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.”
“Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.
“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any Capital Stock that arises only by reason of the happening of a contingency or any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
“Equity Offering” means any public or private sale on or after the Issue Date of Capital Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, as applicable (other than Disqualified Stock), other than:
(1) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s or such direct or indirect parent’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or successor forms thereto; and
(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Issuer.
“European Domicile Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a)(1)(i).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is after the Issue Date (a) an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (b) not owned directly by the Issuer or one or more of its respective Subsidiaries, (c) an Immaterial Subsidiary, (d) a CFC or a CFC Holdco (or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such CFC or CFC Holdco), (e) a Foreign Subsidiary, (f) a Subsidiary that is prohibited by Applicable Law from guaranteeing the Notes, or which would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization to provide a Guarantee unless, such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received, (g) a Subsidiary with respect to which a Guarantee by it of the Notes would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Issuer or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as reasonably determined by the Issuer, (h) any Receivables Subsidiary, (i) not-for-profit subsidiaries, (j) Subsidiaries that are special purpose entities, and (k) any other Subsidiary with respect to which the Issuer determines in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive) that the cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax consequences) of guaranteeing the Notes would be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Holders therefrom.
“Factoring Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to which the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey, assign or otherwise transfer Receivables Assets (which may include a backup or precautionary grant of security interest in such Receivables Assets so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred or purported to be so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred) to any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such person that is a Subsidiary meets the qualifications in clauses (a) through (c) of the definition of “Receivables Subsidiary.”
“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price that could be negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction (as determined in good faith by the senior management or the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, whose determination will be conclusive for all purposes under this Indenture and the Notes).
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“FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standard Codifications as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including any renumbering of such standards or any successor or replacement section or sections promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Fixed GAAP Date” means except as otherwise provided in the second paragraph of the definition of “Indebtedness,” the Issue Date; provided that at any time and from time to time after the Issue Date, the Issuer may by written notice to the Trustee elect to change the Fixed GAAP Date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Fixed Lease Date) to be the date specified in such notice, and upon such notice, the Fixed GAAP Date (or the Fixed Lease Date, as applicable) shall be such date for all periods beginning on and after the date specified in such notice.
“Fixed GAAP Terms” means (a) the definitions of the terms “Capitalized Lease Obligation,” “Consolidated Interest Expense,” “Consolidated Net Income,” “Consolidated Total Assets,” “Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio,” “Consolidated Total Indebtedness,” “Consolidated EBITDA” and “Indebtedness,” (b) all defined terms in this Indenture to the extent used in or relating to any of the foregoing definitions, and all ratios and computations based on any of the foregoing definitions, and (c) any other term or provision of this Indenture or the Notes that, at the Issuer’s election, may be specified by the Issuer by written notice to the Trustee from time to time; provided that the Issuer may elect to remove any term from constituting a Fixed GAAP Term.
“Fixed Lease Date” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Indebtedness.”
“Foreign Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary not organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect on the Fixed GAAP Date (for purposes of the Fixed GAAP Terms) and as in effect from time to time (for all other purposes of this Indenture), including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession (but excluding the policies, rules and regulations of the SEC applicable only to public companies); provided that, the Issuer may at any time elect by written notice to the Trustee to use IFRS in lieu of GAAP for financial reporting purposes and, upon any such notice, references herein to GAAP shall thereafter be construed to mean (a) for periods beginning on and after the date specified in such notice, IFRS as in effect on the date specified in such notice (for purposes of the Fixed GAAP Terms) and as in effect from time to time (for all other purposes of this Indenture) and (b) for prior periods, GAAP as defined in the first sentence of this definition (prior to this proviso). All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.
“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.1(b) hereof, required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
“Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.1 or 2.6 hereof.
“guarantee” means, as to any Person, a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.
“Guarantee” means any guarantee of the Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
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“Guarantors” means, collectively, each Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that executes (or otherwise becomes a party to) this Indenture on the Issue Date and each other Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that Incurs a Guarantee of the Notes; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Person from its Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture, such Person automatically ceases to be a Guarantor.
“Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.
“Holding Company” means any Person so long as such Person directly or indirectly holds 100% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Issuer, and at the time such Person acquired such voting power, no Person and no “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act but excluding any employee benefit plan and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), shall have beneficial ownership of Voting Stock of such Person representing more than 50.0% of the aggregate ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person.
“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that, as of the date of the most recent financial statements required to be delivered by Section 3.2(a)(i) or (ii), does not have (a) assets (when combined with the assets of all other Immaterial Subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany obligations) in excess of 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets or (b) Consolidated EBITDA (when combined with the Consolidated EBITDA of all other Immaterial Subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany obligations) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date in excess of 5.0% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period.
“Incur” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien, to issue, assume, guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for such Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien, as applicable; provided that any Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:
(1) the principal of any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations or (e) representing any Swap Contracts, in each case, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than Swap Contracts) would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;
(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any guarantee by such Person of the Indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and
(3) to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of: (a) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person.
The term “Indebtedness” shall not include any lease, concession or license of property (or Guarantee thereof) which would be considered an operating lease under GAAP as in effect on December 14, 2018 (the “Fixed Lease Date”), any prepayments of deposits received from clients or customers in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices, or obligations under any license, permit or other approval (or Guarantees given in respect of such obligations) Incurred prior to the Issue Date or in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice.
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Notwithstanding the above provisions, in no event shall the following constitute Indebtedness:
(a) Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(b) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Financings;
(c) any balance that constitutes a trade payable, accrued expense or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(d) intercompany liabilities that would be eliminated on the consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and its consolidated Subsidiaries;
(e) prepaid or deferred revenue arising in the ordinary course of business;
(f) Cash Management Services;
(g) in connection with the purchase by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any business, any post-closing payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such business after the closing; provided, however, that, at the time of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid in a timely manner;
(h) for the avoidance of doubt, any obligations in respect of workers’ compensation claims, early retirement or termination obligations, deferred compensatory or employee or director equity plans, pension fund obligations or contributions or similar claims, obligations or contributions or social security or wage taxes;
(i) Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock);
(j) obligations, to the extent such obligations would otherwise constitute Indebtedness, under any agreement that has been defeased or satisfied and discharged pursuant to the terms of such agreement; or
(k) Indebtedness (and any Liens on the related escrow accounts) Incurred by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the issuance of such Indebtedness into (and pending the release from) a customary escrow arrangement.
“Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.
“Initial Notes” means the $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033 of the Issuer issued under this Indenture on the Issue Date.
“Initial Purchasers” means (a) Barclays Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Fifth Third Securities, Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and MUFG Securities Americas Inc., and (b) such other initial purchasers party to future purchase agreements entered into in connection with an offer and sale of any Additional Notes.
“Interest Payment Date” means, in the case of the Initial Notes, June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2026 and, in the case of any Additional Notes, such interest payment dates as may be designated by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2 hereof and, in each case, ending at the Stated Maturity of the Notes.
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“Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch or S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.
“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, (i) all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of (a) loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness), (b) advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances or other payments made to customers, dealers, suppliers and distributors and payroll, commission, travel and similar advances to officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants and independent contractors made in the ordinary course of business), and (c) purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any such other Person and (ii) investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of the Issuer in the same manner as the other investments included in clause (i) of this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property; provided that Investments shall not include, in the case of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business. If the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any Restricted Subsidiary issues any Equity Interests, in either case, such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Issuer, the Issuer shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of and all other Investments in such Restricted Subsidiary retained. In no event shall a guarantee of an operating lease of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary be deemed an Investment.
“Issue Date” means November 21, 2025.
“Issuer” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
“joint venture” means any joint venture or similar arrangement (in each case, regardless of legal formation), including but not limited to collaboration arrangements, profit sharing arrangements or other contractual arrangements.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction); provided that in no event shall an operating lease or an agreement to sell be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Net Short Position” means, with respect to a Person, as of a date of determination, the net positive position, if any, held by such Person that is remaining after deducting any long position that the Person holds (i.e., a position (whether as an investor, lender or holder of Notes, debt obligations and/or Derivative Instruments) where the Person is exposed to the credit risk of the Issuer or Guarantors) from any short positions (i.e., a position as described above, but where the Person has a negative exposure to the credit risk described above). For purposes of determining whether a Person has a Net Short Position on any date of determination:
(a) Derivative Instruments shall be counted at the notional amount (in U.S. dollars) of such Derivative Instrument; provided that, subject to clause (e) below, the notional amount of Derivative Instruments referencing an index that includes the Issuer or any Guarantor or any bond or loan obligation issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any Guarantor shall be determined in proportionate amount and by reference to the percentage weighting of the component which references the Issuer or any Guarantor or any bond or loan obligation issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any Guarantor that would be a “Deliverable Obligation” or an “Obligation” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) of the Issuer or any Guarantor; (b) notional amounts of Derivative Instruments in other currencies shall be converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent thereof by such Person in accordance with the terms of such Derivative Instruments, as applicable; provided that if not otherwise provided in such Derivative Instrument, such conversion shall be made in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with generally accepted financial practices and based on the prevailing conversion rate determined (on a midmarket basis) by such Person, acting in a commercially reasonable manner, on the date of determination;
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(c) Derivative Instruments that incorporate either the 2014 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions or the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions, in each case as supplemented (or any successor definitions thereto, collectively, the “ISDA CDS Definitions”) shall be deemed to create a short position with respect to the Notes if such Person is a protection buyer or the equivalent thereof for such Derivative Instrument and (A) the Notes are a “Reference Obligation” under the terms of such Derivative Instrument (whether specified by name in the related documentation, included as a “Standard Reference Obligation” on the most recent list published by IHS Markit, if “Standard Reference Obligation” is specified as applicable in the relevant documentation or in any other manner) or (B) the Notes would be a “Deliverable Obligation” or an “Obligation” (as defined in the ISDA CDS Definitions) of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the terms of such Derivative Instrument;
(d) credit derivative transactions or other Derivative Instruments which do not incorporate the ISDA CDS Definitions shall be counted for purposes of the Net Short Position determination if, with respect to the Notes, such transactions are functionally equivalent to a transaction that offers such Person protection in respect of the Notes; and
(e) Derivative Instruments in respect of an index that includes the Issuer or any Guarantor or any instrument issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any Guarantor shall not be deemed to create a short position, so long as (A) such index is not created, designed, administered or requested by such Person and (B) the Issuer or any Guarantor, and any Deliverable Obligation of the Issuer or any Guarantor, collectively, shall represent less than 5.0% of the components of such index.
“Non-Guarantor Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Guarantor.
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
“Notes” means the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes, treated as a single class of securities except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2 and Section 9.2(a).
“Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to the Global Note (as appointed by the Depositary), or any successor Person thereto and shall initially be the Trustee.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest 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 is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), premium, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
“Offering Memorandum” means the Offering Memorandum related to the offering of the Initial Notes, dated November 6, 2025.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (or any Person serving the equivalent function of any of the foregoing) of such Person (or of any direct or indirect parent or the general partner, managing member or sole member of such Person) or any individual designated as an “Officer” for purposes of this Indenture by the Board of Directors of such Person (or the Board of Directors of any direct or indirect parent or the general partner, managing member or sole member of such Person).
“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of any Person required to deliver an Officer’s Certificate under this Indenture by an Officer of such Person.
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“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer.
“Pari Passu Indebtedness” means:
(1) with respect to the Issuer, the Notes and any Indebtedness that ranks pari passu in right of payment to the Notes; and
(2) with respect to any Guarantor, its Guarantee and any Indebtedness that ranks pari passu in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guarantee.
“Participant” means a Person who has an account with the Depositary (and, with respect to DTC, shall include (i) Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system or (ii) Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme).
“Permanent Regulation S Global Note” means a permanent Global Note in the form of Exhibit A, in each case bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Temporary Regulation S Global Note upon expiration of the Restricted Period.
“Permitted Change of Control” means any Change of Control that does not constitute a Change of Control Triggering Event.
“Permitted Holder” means (a) any Holding Company and (b) any Person or group, together with its Affiliates, whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control Triggering Event in respect of which a Change of Control Offer has been made, or is not required to be made, in each case in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) Liens Incurred in connection with workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or to secure surety, stay, customs or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(2) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, landlords’, materialmen’s, repairman’s, construction contractors’, mechanics’ or other like Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue by more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review (or which, if due and payable, are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are being maintained, to the extent required by GAAP) or with respect to which the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect as determined in good faith by management of the Issuer or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer;
(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies (i) which are not yet due or payable, (ii) which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are being maintained to the extent required by GAAP, or for property taxes on property such Person or one of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property or (iii) with respect to which the failure to make payment could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect as determined in good faith by management of the Issuer or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer; (4) Liens in favor of the issuer of performance and surety bonds, bid, indemnity, warranty, release, appeal or similar bonds or with respect to regulatory requirements or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued and completion of guarantees provided for, in each case, pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;
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(5) survey exceptions, encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, servitudes, sewers, electric lines, drains, telegraph and telephone and cable television lines, gas and oil pipelines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not in the aggregate materially adversely interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of such Person;
(6) Liens Incurred to secure Obligations in respect of (a) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries or Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of the Issuer, in each case, under any Credit Agreement, the guarantees thereof and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof) up to an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed (A) $4,250.0 million at any one time outstanding (with any amounts Incurred pursuant to subclause (B) hereof reducing the amount permitted to be Incurred under this subclause (A), with the exception of the greater of (i) $1,500.0 million and (ii) 100% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) or (B) an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio does not exceed 4.50 to 1.00 (with any Indebtedness up to the greater of (i) $1,500.0 million and (ii) 100% of Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, Incurred under subclause (A) hereof on the date of determination (in the same transaction or series of transactions) of the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio not being included in the calculation of the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio under this subclause (B) on such date but not, for the avoidance of doubt, excluded from any such calculation made on any such subsequent date); (b) Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Capitalized Lease Obligations and mortgage financings as purchase money obligations) Incurred by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, Disqualified Stock issued by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and Preferred Stock issued by any of its Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries to finance all or any part of the purchase, lease, construction, installation, repair or improvement of property (real or personal), plant or equipment or other fixed or capital assets (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock arising from the conversion of the obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary under or pursuant to any “synthetic lease” transactions to on-balance sheet Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, including all Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness Incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to this clause (b), plus, in the case of any refinancing of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock permitted under this clause (b) or any portion thereof, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing; provided that Capitalized Lease Obligations Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to this clause (b) in connection with a Sale/Leaseback Transaction shall not be subject to the foregoing limitation so long as the proceeds of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction are used by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary to permanently repay any Secured Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors; provided that, in the case of clause (b), such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any replacements, additions and accessions thereto and any income or profits thereof; provided further, that individual financings provided by a lender may be cross-collateralized to other financings provided by such lender or its affiliates;
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(7) Liens of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors existing on the Issue Date, the Acquisition Closing Date or any Reversion Date (other than Liens Incurred to secure Obligations under the Senior Credit Agreement); (8) Liens on assets of, or Equity Interests in, a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, that such Liens are limited to all or a portion of the assets (and improvements on such assets) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the Liens arose, could secure) the obligations to which such Liens relate; provided, further, that for purposes of this clause (8), if a Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer, any Subsidiary of such Person shall be deemed to become a Subsidiary of the Issuer, and any assets of such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person shall be deemed acquired by the Issuer at the time of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation;
(9) Liens on assets at the time the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary acquired the assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided, further, that such Liens are limited to all or a portion of the assets (and improvements on such assets) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the Liens arose, could secure) the obligations to which such Liens relate; provided, further, that for purposes of this clause (9), if, in connection with an acquisition by means of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, a Person other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary is the successor company with respect thereto, any Subsidiary of such Person shall be deemed to become a Subsidiary of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, and any assets of such Person or any such Subsidiary of such Person shall be deemed acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, at the time of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation;
(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Guarantor owing to the Issuer or another Guarantor;
(11) Liens securing Swap Contracts;
(12) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit entered into in the ordinary course of business issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;
(13) leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, occupancy agreements or assignments of or in respect of real or personal property;
(14) Liens arising from, or from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding, operating leases or consignments entered into by the Issuer and the Guarantors in the ordinary course of business;
(15) Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Guarantor;
(16) (i) Liens on Receivables Assets and related assets or created in respect of bank accounts into which only the collections in respect of Receivables Assets have been, sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred or purported to be so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Factoring and/or Qualified Receivables Financing and (ii) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of any Receivables Subsidiary;
(17) deposits made or other security provided in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers or under self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations;
(18) Liens on the Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;
(19) grants of intellectual property, software and other technology licenses; (20) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;
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(21) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(22) Liens Incurred to secure Cash Management Services and other “bank products” (including Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis to banks and other financial institutions in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements, including cash management, cash pooling arrangements and related activities to manage cash balances of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and joint ventures including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit, purchasing or debit card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements and Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft protection, credit card programs, automatic clearinghouse arrangements and similar arrangements);
(23) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (24) or (25) of this definition; provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the original Lien (plus any replacements, additions, accessions and improvements on such property), (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (11), (24) or (25) of this definition at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (B) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including unpaid accrued interest and the aggregate amount of premiums (including tender premiums), and underwriting discounts, defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection therewith, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement, and (z) any Liens Incurred pursuant to this clause (23) to secure such refinancing of Indebtedness secured by a Lien pursuant to clauses 6(a)(A) or (25) hereunder shall reduce the amount of Obligations permitted to be secured by Liens pursuant to such clauses 6(a)(A) or (25), respectively;
(24) Liens securing Pari Passu Indebtedness if, at the time of any Incurrence of such Pari Passu Indebtedness on a Pro Forma Basis, the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio would not exceed 4.50 to 1.00;
(25) other Liens securing Obligations the principal amount of which does not exceed the greater of (x) $300.0 million and (y) 6.50% of Consolidated Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;
(26) Liens on the Equity Interests or assets of a joint venture to secure Indebtedness of such joint venture;
(27) Liens on equipment of the Issuer or any Guarantor granted in the ordinary course of business to the Issuer’s or such Guarantor’s client at which such equipment is located;
(28) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) all of the Notes or the related Guarantees;
(29) Liens on property or assets used to redeem, repay, defease or to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness; provided that such redemption, repayment, defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited by this Indenture;
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(30) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation and exportation of goods in the ordinary course of business; (31) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code, or any comparable or successor provision, on items in the course of collection; (ii) attaching to pooling, commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts Incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) in favor of banking or other financial institutions or entities, or electronic payment service providers, arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking or finance industry;
(32) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other Persons not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness; (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Issuer or any Guarantor to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and the Guarantors; or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any Guarantor in the ordinary course of business;
(33) any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;
(34) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(35) Liens on vehicles or equipment of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors granted in the ordinary course of business;
(36) Liens on assets of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $300.0 million and (y) 6.50% of Consolidated Total Assets, at any one time outstanding, plus, in the case of any refinancing of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses Incurred in connection with such refinancing, outstanding at any one time;
(37) Liens disclosed by the title insurance policies delivered on or subsequent to the Issue Date and any replacement, extension or renewal of any such Liens (so long as the Indebtedness and other obligations secured by such replacement, extension or renewal Liens are not prohibited by this Indenture); provided that such replacement, extension or renewal Liens do not cover any property other than the property that was subject to such Liens prior to such replacement, extension or renewal;
(38) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision or customary business provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights;
(39) (a) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or other agreement in respect of any Investment and (b) Liens on advances of cash or Cash Equivalents in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment;
(40) the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(41) Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Cash Equivalents under clause (4) of the definition thereof;
(42) 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;
(43) rights reserved or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision, to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit, or to require annual or periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof; (44) restrictive covenants affecting the use to which real property may be put; provided that the covenants are complied with;
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(45) security given to a public utility or any municipality or governmental authority when required by such utility or authority in connection with the operations of that Person in the ordinary course of business;
(46) zoning by-laws and other land use restrictions, including, without limitation, site plan agreements, development agreements and contract zoning agreements; and
(47) Liens on cash proceeds (and the related escrow accounts) in connection with the issuance into (and pending the release from) a customary escrow arrangement.
For purposes of determining compliance with this definition, (x) a Lien need not be Incurred solely by reference to one category of Permitted Liens described in this definition but may be Incurred under any combination of such categories (including in part under one such category and in part under any other such category), (y) in the event that a Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of such categories of Permitted Liens, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this definition, and (z) in the event that a portion of Indebtedness secured by a Lien could be classified as secured in part pursuant to clause (6) or (24) above (giving effect to the Incurrence of such portion of such Indebtedness), the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify such portion of such Indebtedness (and any Obligations in respect thereof) as having been secured pursuant to clause (6) or (24) above and thereafter the remainder of the Indebtedness as having been secured pursuant to one or more of the other clauses of this definition.
In the event that the Issuer shall classify Indebtedness Incurred on the date of determination as secured in part pursuant to clause (24) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” and in part pursuant to one or more other clauses of such definition (other than Liens Incurred under clause (6)(a)) as provided in the preceding paragraph any calculation of Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Issuer that is secured by a Lien for purposes of clause (1)(x) of the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio on such date (but not in respect of any future calculation following such date) shall not include any such Indebtedness (and shall not give effect to any repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, retirement or discharge of Indebtedness from the proceeds thereof) to the extent secured pursuant to any such other clause of this definition.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government (or any agency or political subdivision thereof) or any other entity.
“Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.1(d), to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions hereof.
“Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to the calculation of any test, financial ratio, basket or covenant under this Indenture, including the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio and the calculation of Consolidated Total Assets, of any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of any date, that pro forma effect will be given to any acquisition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, Investment, any issuance, Incurrence, assumption or repayment or redemption of Indebtedness (including Indebtedness issued, Incurred or assumed or repaid or redeemed as a result of, or to finance, any relevant transaction and for which any such test, financial ratio, basket or covenant is being calculated), any issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock, all sales, transfers and other dispositions or discontinuance of any Subsidiary, line of business, division, segment or operating unit, or any operational change (including the entry into any material contract or arrangement), in each case that have occurred during the four consecutive fiscal quarter period of such Person being used to calculate such test, financial ratio, basket or covenant (the “Reference Period”), or subsequent to the end of the Reference Period but prior to such date or prior to or substantially simultaneously with the event for which a determination under this definition is made (including any such event occurring at a Person who became a Restricted Subsidiary of the subject Person or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the subject Person or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the subject Person after the commencement of the Reference Period), as if each such event occurred on the first day of the Reference Period; provided that (x) pro forma effect will be given to reasonably identifiable and quantifiable pro forma cost savings or expense reductions related to operational efficiencies (including the entry into any material contract or arrangement), strategic initiatives or purchasing improvements and other cost savings, improvements or synergies, in each case, that have been realized, or reasonably expected to be realized, by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries based upon actions to be taken within 24 months after the consummation of the action as if such cost savings, expense reductions, improvements and synergies occurred on the first day of the Reference Period and (y) no amount shall be added back pursuant to this definition to the extent duplicative of amounts that are otherwise included in computing Consolidated EBITDA for such Reference Period.
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For purposes of making any computation referred to above:
(1) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date for which a determination under this definition is made had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Swap Contracts applicable to such Indebtedness if such Swap Contracts have a remaining term in excess of 12 months);
(2) interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer, in his or her capacity as such and not in his or her personal capacity, of the Issuer or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP;
(3) interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate;
(4) interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or a Qualified Receivables Financing computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period; and
(5) to the extent not already covered above, any such calculation may include adjustments calculated in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
Any pro forma calculation may include, without limitation, (1) adjustments calculated in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, (2) adjustments calculated to give effect to any Pro Forma Cost Savings and (3) all adjustments of the type used in connection with the calculation of “Adjusted EBITDA” as set forth in “Summary—Certain Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data” in the Offering Memorandum, to the extent such adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to the Reference Period; provided that any such adjustments that consist of reductions in costs and other operating improvements or synergies shall be calculated in accordance with, and satisfy the requirements specified in, the definition of “Pro Forma Cost Savings.”
“Pro Forma Cost Savings” means, without duplication of any amounts referenced in the definition of “Pro Forma Basis,” an amount equal to the amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions, operating improvements (including the entry into any material contract or arrangement) and acquisition synergies, in each case, projected in good faith to be realized (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such items had been realized on the first day of such period) as a result of actions taken or to be taken by the Issuer (or any successor thereto) or any Restricted Subsidiary, net of the amount of actual benefits realized or expected to be realized during such period that are otherwise included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA from such actions; provided that such cost savings, operating expense reductions, operating improvements and synergies are reasonably identifiable (as determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer, in his or her capacity as such and not in his or her personal capacity, of the Issuer (or any successor thereto) or of any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) and are reasonably anticipated to be realized within 24 months after the consummation of any change that is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, operating improvements or synergies; provided further; that no cost savings, operating expense reductions, operating improvements and synergies shall be added pursuant to this definition to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated Net Income or Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment, add back exclusion or otherwise, for such period.
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“Purchase Agreement” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with its terms) by and between Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. and Dana Incorporated.
“QIB” means any “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A).
“Qualified Receivables Factoring” means any Factoring Transaction that meets the following conditions:
(1) such Factoring Transaction is non-recourse to, and does not obligate, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or its respective properties or assets (other than Receivables Assets) in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings,
(2) all sales, conveyances, assignments and/or contributions of Receivables Assets by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries are made at Fair Market Value in the context of a Factoring Transaction (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), and
(3) such Factoring Transaction (including financing terms, covenants, termination events (if any) and other provisions thereof) is on market terms at the time such Factoring Transaction is first entered into (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.
The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) to secure any Credit Agreement shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Factoring.
“Qualified Receivables Financing” means any Receivables Financing of a Receivables Subsidiary that meets the following conditions:
(1) all sales, conveyances, assignments and/or contributions of Receivables Assets by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Receivables Subsidiary are made at Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) in the context of a Receivables Financing, and
(2) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be on market terms at the time such Receivables Financing is first entered into (as determined in good faith by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.
The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) to secure any Credit Agreement shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Financing.
“Rating Agency” means (1) each of Fitch, Moody’s and S&P and (2) if Fitch, Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the Issuer’s control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3 under the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer as a replacement agency for Fitch, Moody’s or S&P, as the case may be.
“Ratings Decline Period” means the period that (i) begins on the occurrence of a Change of Control and (ii) ends on the date that is 90 days following consummation of such Change of Control.
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“Receivables Assets” means accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other payment support obligations (including, without limitation, letters of credit, promissory notes or trade credit insurance) in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with non-recourse, asset securitization or factoring transactions involving accounts receivable and any Swap Contracts entered into by the Issuer or any such Subsidiary in connection with such accounts receivable.
“Receivables Financing” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, contribute, convey, assign or otherwise transfer Receivables Assets to (a) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries), and (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving accounts receivable and any Swap Contracts entered into by the Issuer or any such Subsidiary in connection with such accounts receivable.
“Receivables Repurchase Obligation” means (i) any obligation of a seller of receivables in a Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing to repurchase receivables arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off-set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller or (ii) any right of a seller of receivables in a Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing to repurchase defaulted receivables for the purposes of claiming sales tax bad debt relief.
“Receivables Subsidiary” means a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in a Qualified Receivables Financing with the Issuer and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries (including, a special purpose securitization vehicle (or similar entity)) in which the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer makes an Investment (or which otherwise owes to the Issuer or one of its Subsidiaries any deferral of part of the purchase price of the Receivables Assets for the purpose of credit enhancement given under the Qualified Receivables Financing) and to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer sells, conveys, assigns or otherwise transfers Receivables Assets (which may include a backup or precautionary grant of security interest in such Receivables Assets sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred or purported to be so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred)) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the purchase, acquisition or financing of Receivables Assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries or a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer and all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual or other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary and:
(a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than a Receivables Subsidiary, excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than a Receivables Subsidiary), directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings,
(b) with which neither the Issuer nor any other Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Issuer reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Issuer or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Issuer, and (c) to which neither the Issuer nor any other Subsidiary of the Issuer has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.
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Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.
“Record Date” for the interest payable on any applicable Interest Payment Date means, in the case of the Initial Notes, May 15 and November 15 (whether or not a Business Day) and, in the case of any Additional Notes, such record date (whether or not a Business Day) as may be designated by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2, in each case, next preceding such Interest Payment Date.
“Regulated Bank” means (x) a banking organization with a consolidated combined capital and surplus of at least $5.0 billion that is (i) a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913; (iii) a branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board under 12 CFR part 211; (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii); or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction or (y) any Affiliate of a Person set forth in clause (x) to the extent that (1) all of the Capital Stock of such Affiliate is directly or indirectly owned by either (I) such Person set forth in clause (x) or (II) a parent entity that also owns, directly or indirectly, all of the Capital Stock of such Person set forth in clause (x) and (2) such Affiliate is a securities broker or dealer registered with the SEC under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Note” means a Temporary Regulation S Global Note or Permanent Regulation S Global Note, as applicable.
“Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Period” means, in relation to the Initial Notes, the 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (A) the day on which the Initial Notes are offered to Persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) and (B) the Issue Date; and, in relation to any Additional Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend, the comparable period of 40 consecutive days.
“Restricted Property” means (a) any manufacturing facility, or portion thereof, owned or leased by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and located within the continental United States, which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, is of material importance to the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, but no such manufacturing facility, or portion thereof, shall be deemed of material importance if its gross book value (before deducting accumulated depreciation) is less than 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets, or (b) any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary owning any such manufacturing facility. As used in this definition, “manufacturing facility” means property, plant and equipment used for actual manufacturing such as quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, staging area for work in process materials, employees’ eating and comfort facilities and manufacturing administration, and it excludes sales offices, research facilities and facilities used only for warehousing or general administration.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person. Unless otherwise indicated in this Indenture, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
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“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between the Issuer and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien other than Indebtedness with respect to Cash Management Services.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
“Senior Credit Agreement” means the credit agreement, dated as of March 29, 2019, among Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc., the Issuer, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and Citicorp North America, Inc. as collateral agent, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, waived, renewed or otherwise modified from time to time, and (if designated by the Issuer) as replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including (if designated by the Issuer) any agreement or indenture or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof or adding Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers, issuers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders, investors or group of investors.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” of the Issuer within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.
“Similar Business” means any business engaged or proposed to be engaged in by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any business or other activities that are similar, ancillary, complementary, incidental or related to, or an extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Issuer and its Subsidiaries are engaged on the Issue Date.
“Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and guarantees of performance entered into by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer which the Issuer has determined in good faith to be customary in a Factoring Transaction or Receivables Financing including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Receivables Subsidiary, it being understood that any Receivables Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred).
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“Subordinated Indebtedness” means (a) with respect to the Issuer, any Indebtedness of the Issuer which is by its terms expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and (b) with respect to any Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Guarantor which is by its terms expressly subordinated in right of payment to its Guarantee.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50.0% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, (2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which (x) more than 50.0% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity and (3) any Person that is consolidated in the consolidated financial statements of the specified Person in accordance with GAAP.
“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, including any obligations or liabilities under any such master agreement.
“Tax” means any present or future tax, duty, levy, assessment or other similar governmental charge.
“Temporary Regulation S Global Note” means a temporary Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto, in each case bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend, and the Temporary Regulation S Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of such Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903.
“Temporary Regulation S Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.1(f).
“Transactions” means all the transactions (and any transactions related thereto) as described in the Offering Memorandum under “Summary” including all transactions described in the definition of “Transactions” in the Offering Memorandum, which, for the avoidance of doubt, need not occur on the Issue Date.
“Treasury Rate” means the yield to maturity as of the date of the relevant redemption notice of the most recently issued United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (or is obtainable from the Federal Reserve System’s Data Download Program as of the date of such H.15) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the date of such redemption notice to December 1, 2028; provided, however, that if the period from such date to December 1, 2028 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
“Trust Officer” means any officer within the corporate trust administration department of the Trustee, with direct responsibility for performing the Trustee’s duties under this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer of the Trustee to whom such matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
“Trustee” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
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“Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.
“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Global Note” attached thereto and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is designated as an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” (or any other comparable classification) under the Senior Credit Agreement.
“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 by the United States of America,
which, in each case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository 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 depository 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 depository 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 depository receipt.
“Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
“Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” means any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person 100.0% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitions.
| Term |
Defined in Section |
|
| Actual knowledge |
7.2(g) | |
| Additional Amounts |
3.17(a) | |
| Additional Notes |
2.2 | |
| Agent Members |
2.1(f) | |
| Alternate Offer |
3.9(d) | |
| Authenticating Agent |
2.2 | |
| Authentication Order |
2.2 | |
| Change in Tax Law |
5.2(a) |
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| Term |
Defined in Section |
|
| Change of Control Offer |
3.9(b) | |
| Change of Control Payment |
3.9(a) | |
| Change of Control Payment Date |
3.9(b)(iii) | |
| covenant defeasance option |
8.1(c) | |
| Covenant Suspension Event |
3.15(a) | |
| Defaulted Interest |
2.12 | |
| Directing Holder |
6.1 | |
| DTC |
2.1(b) | |
| ERISA |
2.1(d) | |
| European Domicile Transaction |
4.1(a)(1)(i) | |
| Guarantor Obligations |
10.1(a) | |
| Indenture |
Preamble | |
| Issuer |
Preamble | |
| legal defeasance option |
8.1 | |
| Maximum Fixed Repurchase Price |
13.2(a) | |
| Noteholder Direction |
6.1 | |
| Paying Agent |
2.3 | |
| Payor |
3.1 | |
| Position Representation |
6.1 | |
| Position Representation and Verification Form |
6.1 | |
| Redemption Date |
5.5 | |
| redemption notice date |
5.10 | |
| Registrar |
2.3 | |
| Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction |
3.17(a) | |
| Resale Restriction Termination Date |
2.1(d) | |
| Reversion Date |
3.15(b) | |
| Similar Laws |
2.1(d) | |
| Special Interest Payment Date |
2.12(a) | |
| Special Mandatory Redemption |
5.10 | |
| special mandatory redemption date |
5.10 | |
| special mandatory redemption event |
5.10 | |
| special mandatory redemption price |
5.10 | |
| Special Record Date |
2.12(a) | |
| Successor Company |
4.1(a)(1)(i) | |
| Successor Guarantor |
4.1(b)(i) | |
| Suspended Covenants |
3.15(a) | |
| Suspension Period |
3.15(b) | |
| Tax Redemption Date |
5.2(a) | |
| Testing Party |
13.1(a) | |
| Transaction Commitment Date |
13.1(a) | |
| Verification Covenant |
6.1 |
SECTION 1.3. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(b) “or” is not exclusive; (c) “including” means including without limitation;
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(d) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(e) (i) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness; (ii) Secured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to other Secured Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral; and (iii) Indebtedness shall not be treated as subordinated or junior to any other Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral;
(f) references to sections of, or rules under, the Securities Act or Exchange Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time;
(g) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” “Section” or “clause” refers to an Article, Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and
(h) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and any other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision.
ARTICLE II
The Notes
SECTION 2.1. Form and Dating.
(a) The Notes and the Trustee’s (or, as applicable, the Authenticating Agent’s) certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, the terms of which are incorporated in and made a part hereof. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements approved as to form by the Issuer, and required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Issuer is subject or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issuable only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
(b) The Notes shall initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes and The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), its nominees, and their respective successors, shall act as the Depositary with respect thereto. Each such Global Note (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Note or the nominee of such Depositary, (ii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or held by the Trustee as custodian for the Depositary pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions, and (iii) shall bear a Global Note Legend in substantially the following form:
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), 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.
THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
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(c) [Reserved]
(d) Except as permitted by Section 2.6(g), any Note not registered under the Securities Act shall bear the following Private Placement 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 OR 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 AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL 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), ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (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 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 CLAUSES (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.
BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY, THE HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAW.
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(e) [Reserved]
(f) The Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
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 OR 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 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S, ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (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 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 CLAUSES (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY, THE HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S.
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OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAW.
Members of, or Participants in, the Depositary (the “Agent Members”), shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee as its custodian, and the Depositary may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar, the Paying Agent and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Note for all purposes whatsoever, including but not limited to notices and payments. 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 the Depositary, or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Note. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any notice to be delivered to DTC (including, but not limited to, a notice of redemption) may be delivered electronically by the Trustee or the Issuer in accordance with applicable procedures of DTC.
SECTION 2.2. Form of Execution and Authentication. An Officer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.
A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or Authenticating Agent. The signature of the Trustee or of the Authenticating Agent shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee shall authenticate, or cause the Authenticating Agent to authenticate, as applicable, (i) Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000, and (ii) one or more series of Notes (“Additional Notes”) for original issue after the Issue Date (such Notes to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto) in an unlimited amount, in each case upon written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer of the Issuer (an “Authentication Order”). In addition, each such Authentication Order shall specify the amount of Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated, whether the securities are to be Initial Notes or Additional Notes and the aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding on the date of authentication, and shall further specify the amount of such Notes to be issued as Global Notes or Definitive Notes.
The Notes shall initially be in the form of one or more Global Notes, which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Notes to be issued, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and (iii) shall be held by the Trustee as Notes Custodian.
The Issuer shall have the right to designate the maturity date, interest rate and optional redemption provisions applicable to each series of Additional Notes, which may differ from the maturity date, interest rate and optional redemption provisions applicable to the Initial Notes. Additional Notes that differ with respect to maturity date, interest rate or optional redemption provisions from the Initial Notes will constitute a different series of Notes from such Initial Notes. Additional Notes that have the same maturity date, interest rate and optional redemption provisions as the Initial Notes will be treated as the same series as such Initial Notes unless otherwise designated by the Issuer. Except as otherwise provided in Section 9.2(a), the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes issued under this Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters as one class, and no other series of Notes shall have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter. The Issuer shall also have, subject to the provisions of Section 9.2(a), the right to vary the application of the provisions of this Indenture to any series of Additional Notes. The provisions of this section are subject to Section 2.13.
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The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes shall be resold initially only to (A) QIBs and (B) Persons other than U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S. Such Initial Notes and Additional Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs and purchasers in reliance on Regulation S in accordance with the procedures described herein.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent (each, an “Authenticating Agent”) reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Notes. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An Authenticating Agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer.
SECTION 2.3. Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (including any co-registrar, the “Registrar”) and (ii) an office or agency in the United States where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange and, upon written request from the Issuer, the Registrar shall provide the Issuer with a copy of such register to enable them to maintain a register of the Notes at their registered offices. The Issuer may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee or the Registrar in writing and the Trustee or the Registrar shall notify the Holders of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar. The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions hereof that relate to such Agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such Agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, in accordance with this Section 2.3, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as such, and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation in accordance with Section 7.6.
The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and to act as Notes Custodian.
SECTION 2.4. Paying Agent to Hold Money. The Issuer shall require the Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust, for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee, all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee in writing of any Default by the Issuer in making any such payment. While any such Default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by such Paying Agent to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer) shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. If the Issuer acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent.
SECTION 2.5. Lists of Holders of the Notes. The Trustee or the Registrar 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 and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar and Paying Agent, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and the Paying Agent at least seven Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee and the Paying Agent may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders, including the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by each thereof, and the Issuer shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).
SECTION 2.6. Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred except, as a whole, by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes, subject to any applicable laws, only (i) if the Issuer delivers to the Trustee written notice from the Depositary that the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary for the Global Notes or that is it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, the Issuer fails to appoint a successor Depositary within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary; (ii) if the Issuer in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; provided that in no event shall the Temporary Regulation S Global Note be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act; (iii) if an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes and the Depositary shall have requested in writing (or a beneficial owner shall have requested in writing delivered through the Depositary) the issuance of Definitive Notes following such occurrence; or (iv) upon request of the Trustee or Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes if there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
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In any such case, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing that, upon surrender by the Participants and Indirect Participants of their interests in such Global Note, certificated Notes shall be issued to each Person that such Participants, Indirect Participants and the Depositary jointly identify as being the beneficial owner of the related Notes. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.7 and 2.10. Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.6 or Section 2.7 or Section 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.6(a). However, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.6(b) or (c) below.
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth in this Indenture to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with the applicable subparagraphs below.
(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, no transfer of beneficial interests in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note may be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser) unless permitted by applicable law and made in compliance with Sections 2.6(b)(ii) and (iii) below. Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.6(b)(i) unless specifically stated above.
(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.6(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase, or (B) (1) if Definitive Notes are at such time permitted to be issued pursuant to this Indenture, a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above; provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903 under the Securities Act. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.6(i) below.
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(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.6(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note or the Permanent Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) [Reserved].
(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.6(b)(ii) above, and
(A) the Registrar receives the following:
(y) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or
(z) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (A), if the Registrar or the Issuer so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel of the Holder or the Issuer (except in the case the Issuer has so requested) in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (A) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (A) above.
Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.
(c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(i) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes. Subject to Section 2.6(a), if any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof; (B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
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(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) [Reserved];
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof;
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.6(i) below, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the certificate a Restricted Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Restricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.6(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee or the Registrar shall deliver such Restricted Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Restricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.6(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.
(ii) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.6(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.
(iii) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Subject to Section 2.6(a), a holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) the Registrar receives the following:
(y) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or
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(z) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof, and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (A), if the Registrar or the Issuer so request or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel of the Holder or the Issuer (except in the case the Issuer has so requested) in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes for Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Subject to Section 2.6(a), if any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.6(b)(ii) above, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.6(i) below, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the certificate an Unrestricted Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.6(c)(iv) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee or the Registrar shall deliver such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.6(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.
(i) Transfer and Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) [Reserved];
(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof, the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note and shall increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.
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(ii) Transfer and Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:
(A) the Registrar receives the following:
(y) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or
(z) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (A), if the Registrar or the Issuer so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel of the Holder or the Issuer (except in the case the Issuer has so requested) in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.6(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(iii) Transfer and Exchange of Unrestricted Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and shall increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.
If any such exchange or transfer from an Unrestricted Definitive Note or a Restricted Definitive Note, as the case may be, to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to (d)(ii)(A) or (d)(iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes, as the case may be, so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.6(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.6(e).
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(i) Transfer of Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including, if the Issuer so requests, a certification and/or Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act.
(ii) Transfer and Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if
(A) the Registrar receives the following:
(y) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or
(z) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (A), if the Registrar or the Issuer so request, an Opinion of Counsel of the Holder or the Issuer (except in the case the Issuer so requests) in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(iii) Transfer of Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.
(f) Temporary Regulation S Global Note.
(i) Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Temporary Regulation S Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Notes Custodian and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent as hereinafter provided.
(ii) During the Restricted Period, beneficial ownership interests in Temporary Regulation S Global Notes may only be sold, pledged or transferred (A) to the Issuer, (B) in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S (other than a transaction resulting in an exchange for an interest in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note) or (C) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any State of the United States; and beneficial interests in a 144A Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in a Regulation S Global Note, whether before or after the expiration of the Restricted Period, only if the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 (if applicable).
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(iii) Within a reasonable period after expiration or termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in each Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note upon delivery to DTC, as applicable, of the certification of compliance and the transfer of applicable Notes pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of the corresponding Permanent Regulation S Global Note the Trustee shall cancel the corresponding Temporary Regulation S Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of a Temporary Regulation S Global Note and a Permanent Regulation S Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee or the Registrar and the Depositary, as applicable, or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.6, a beneficial interest in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) of the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.
(g) Private Placement Legend.
(i) Except as permitted by subparagraph (ii) below, each Restricted Global Note and each Restricted Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the Private Placement Legend.
(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii) or (e)(iii) of this Section 2.6 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(h) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear the Global Note Legend.
(i) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee, the Registrar or the Depositary, at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee, the Registrar or the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(j) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2 or at the Registrar’s request.
(ii) No service charge shall be made to a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.2, 2.10, 3.9, 5.8 and 9.4).
(iii) [Reserved].
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(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits hereof, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(v) Neither the Registrar nor the Issuer shall be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business on a Business Day 15 days before the mailing of a notice of redemption of Notes and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.
(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Registrar, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuer shall deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Registrar, the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuer shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2.
(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.6 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile or electronically.
(ix) The Trustee or the Registrar shall have no 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 Note (including any transfers between or among Participants or Indirect Participants) 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.
(x) Neither the Trustee, the Issuer nor any Agent shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.
(xi) Affiliates of the Issuer may acquire, hold and dispose of the Notes and exercise voting, consent and other similar rights with respect to such Notes (subject to the express restrictions contained in this Indenture).
SECTION 2.7. Replacement Notes. If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Registrar, or the Issuer and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements for replacements of Notes are met. The Holder must supply indemnity or security sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee (with respect to the Trustee) and the Issuer (with respect to the Issuer) to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, any Agent or any authenticating agent from any loss which any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuer and the Trustee may charge for their fees and expenses in replacing a Note including amounts to cover any tax, assessment, fee or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto.
Every replacement Note is an obligation of the Issuer.
SECTION 2.8. Outstanding Notes. The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for the Notes canceled by it or the Paying Agent, as applicable, those delivered to it or the Paying Agent, as applicable, for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.8 as not outstanding.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
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If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 3.1 hereof, it shall cease to be outstanding and interest on it shall cease to accrue.
Subject to Section 2.9, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note.
SECTION 2.9. Treasury Notes. In determining whether the Holders of the requisite majority of outstanding Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, waiver or consent (other than in respect of any action pursuant to Section 9.2(a), which requires the consent of each Holder of an affected Note), Notes owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that for purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, waiver or consent, only Notes which a Trust Officer actually knows to be owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer shall be considered as not outstanding. Upon request of the Trustee, the Issuer shall promptly furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate listing and identifying all Notes, if any, known by the Issuer to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above-described persons, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Notes not listed therein are outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.
SECTION 2.10. Temporary Notes. Until Definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee shall upon receipt of an Authentication Order authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate Definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes. Until such exchange, temporary Notes shall be entitled to the same rights, benefits and privileges as Definitive Notes.
SECTION 2.11. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any such Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee shall cancel all such Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of all canceled Notes in its customary manner (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act and the Trustee), and upon the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall deliver copies of such canceled Notes to the Issuer. The Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has redeemed or paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
SECTION 2.12. Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest. Interest on any 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 Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the regular Record Date for such interest at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.3.
Any interest on any 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 by virtue of having been such Holder, and such defaulted interest and (to the extent lawful) interest on such defaulted interest at the rate borne by the 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 Notes (or their respective predecessor 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 or the Paying Agent in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date (not less than 30 days after such notice unless a shorter period shall be acceptable to the Trustee or the Paying Agent) of the proposed payment (the “Special Interest Payment Date”), and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or the Paying Agent an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements 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 clause provided. Thereupon the Issuer shall fix a record date (the “Special Record Date”)
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for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the Special Interest Payment Date and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee or the Paying Agent of the notice of the proposed payment. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee or the Paying Agent of such Special Record Date and shall, or at the written request and in the name and expense of the Issuer, the Trustee or the Paying Agent 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 12.1, not less than 10 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 Notes (or their respective predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (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 Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee or the Paying Agent of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause (b), such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee or the Paying Agent.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.
SECTION 2.13. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” and/or “ISIN” numbers (if then generally in use). The Trustee shall not be responsible for the use of CUSIP or ISIN numbers, and the Trustee makes no representation as to their correctness as printed on any Note or notice to Holders. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP or ISIN numbers. A separate CUSIP or ISIN number will be issued for any Additional Notes, unless (i) the applicable Initial Notes and such Additional Notes have the same maturity date, interest rate and optional redemption provisions and are treated as “fungible” for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (ii) another then-recognized identifier is used.
SECTION 2.14. Record Date. The Record Date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted under this Indenture shall be determined as provided for in TIA § 316(c).
ARTICLE III
Covenants
SECTION 3.1. Payment of Notes. The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if by 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture 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 Notes.
All payments made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor (including, in each case, any successor entity) (each, a “Payor”) in respect of the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee thereof, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes unless the withholding or deduction of such Taxes is then required by law. The Issuer may, to the extent it is 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. Any Payor may withhold from any interest payment made on any Note to or for the benefit of any Person who is not a “United States person” (as such term is defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) U.S. federal withholding tax, and pay such withheld amounts to the Internal Revenue Service, unless such Person provides documentation to the Issuer or other Payor such that an exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax would apply to such payment if interest on such Note were treated entirely as income from sources within the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this paragraph are subject to Section 3.17 hereof.
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SECTION 3.2. Reports and Other Information.
(a) The Issuer will provide to the Trustee and, upon request, to Holders of the Notes a copy of all of the information and reports referred to below:
(i) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (or such longer period as may be permitted by the SEC if the Issuer were then subject to SEC reporting requirements as a non-accelerated filer), annual audited financial statements for such fiscal year including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” with respect to the periods presented and a report on the annual financial statements by the Issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm (all of the foregoing financial information to be prepared on a basis substantially consistent with the corresponding financial information included in the Offering Memorandum),
(ii) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (or such longer period as may be permitted by the SEC if the Issuer were then subject to SEC reporting requirements as a non-accelerated filer), unaudited financial statements for the interim period as of, and for the period ending on, the end of such fiscal quarter including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (all of the foregoing financial information to be prepared on a basis substantially consistent with the corresponding financial information included in the Offering Memorandum), and
(iii) within 15 days of the time period specified for filing current reports on Form 8-K by the SEC, current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports containing substantially all of the information required pursuant to Sections 1, 2 and 4, Items 5.01, 5.02 (other than compensation information) and 5.03(b) of Form 8-K; provided that no such current report will be required to be furnished if the Issuer determines in its good faith judgment that such event is not material to Holders of the Notes or to the business, assets, operations, financial position or prospects of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or if the Issuer determines in its good faith judgment that such disclosure would otherwise cause material competitive harm to the business, assets, operations, financial position or prospects of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
provided, further, that such non-disclosure shall be limited only to those specific provisions that would cause material competitive harm and not the occurrence of the event itself; provided, that in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and, upon request, Holders of the Notes, the Issuer will, to the extent the requirements set forth in Section 3.2(h) are satisfied, make available to the Holders of the Notes, bona fide prospective investors in the Notes, bona fide market makers in the Notes affiliated with any Initial Purchaser and bona fide securities analysts (to the extent providing analysis of investment in the Notes) such information by (i) posting to the website of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or on a non-public, password-protected website maintained by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or a third party, in each case, within 15 days after the time the Issuer would be required to provide such information pursuant to clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, as applicable, or (ii) otherwise providing substantially comparable availability of such reports (as determined by the Issuer in good faith) (it being understood that, without limitation, making such reports available on Bloomberg or another comparable private electronic information service shall constitute substantially comparable availability); provided, further, however, that no such information shall be required to be delivered to the extent that the conditions in Section 3.2(f) are satisfied.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Issuer will not be required to furnish any information, certificates or reports required by (A) Section 302, Section 404 or Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or related Items 307 or 308 of Regulation S-K or (B) Regulation G or Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC with respect to any non-generally accepted accounting principles financial measures contained therein, (ii) the information and reports referred to in Section 3.2(a) will not be required to contain the separate financial statements or other information contemplated by Rule 3-05, Rule 3-09, Rule 3-10 or Rule 3-16 of Regulation S-X, (iii) to the extent pro forma financial information is required to be provided by the Issuer, the Issuer may provide only pro forma revenues, net income, income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, senior secured debt, total debt and capital expenditures (or equivalent financial information) in lieu thereof, (iv) the information and reports referred to in Section 3.2(a) shall not be required to present compensation or beneficial ownership information and (v) the information and reports referred to in Section 3.2(a) shall not be required to include any exhibits required by Item 15 of Form 10-K, Item 6 of Form 10-Q or Item 9.01 of Form 8-K.
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(c) For so long as the Issuer has designated certain of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required to be provided by Section 3.2(a) will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, or in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” or other comparable section, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer.
(d) In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Issuer will agree that, for so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer will furnish to Holders of the Notes, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision).
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the financial statements, information, auditors’ reports and other documents required to be provided as described above, may be, rather than those of the Issuer, those of (i) any predecessor or successor of the Issuer or any entity meeting the requirements of clause (ii) of this Section 3.2(e) or (ii) any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer; provided that, if the financial information so furnished relates to such direct or indirect parent of the Issuer and, in the reasonable judgment of the Issuer, there are material differences between the financial information of the Issuer and such direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, the same is accompanied by consolidating information, which may be posted to the website of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or, with a copy delivered to the Trustee, on a non-public, password-protected website maintained by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or a third party, that explains in reasonable detail the material differences between the information relating to such parent entity (as the case may be), on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuer and its Restricted 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 the foregoing, the Issuer will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of Section 3.2(a) if the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer (i) has filed reports or registration statements containing such information (including, to the extent required, the information referred to in the first sentence of Section 3.2(e), which, for the avoidance of doubt, need not be filed with the SEC via EDGAR to the extent it is otherwise provided to Holders pursuant to this Section 3.2) with the SEC via the EDGAR (or successor) filing system within the applicable time periods after giving effect to any extensions permitted by the SEC and that are publicly available or (ii) if the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer is no longer subject to the reporting requirements provided by the Exchange Act, with respect to the Holders of the Notes only, the Issuer or such parent entity has made such reports available electronically (including by posting to a non-public, password-protected website as provided above) pursuant to this Section 3.2.
(g) So long as Notes are outstanding the Issuer (or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) will also:
(i) promptly after furnishing to the Trustee the annual and quarterly reports required by Sections 3.2(a)(i) and (ii), hold a conference call to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period (which conference call, for the avoidance of doubt, may be held prior to such time that the annual or quarterly information and reports required by Section 3.2(a) are furnished to Holders); and
(ii) announce by press release or post to the website of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or on a non-public, password-protected website maintained by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer or a third party, which may require a confidentiality acknowledgment (but not restrict the recipients of such information from trading securities of the Issuer or its respective affiliates), prior to the date of the conference call required to be held in accordance with Section 3.2(g)(i), the time and date of such conference call and either all information necessary to access the call or informing Holders of Notes, bona fide prospective investors in the Notes, bona fide market makers in the Notes affiliated with any Initial Purchaser and bona fide securities analysts (to the extent providing analysis of an investment in the Notes) how they can obtain such information, including, without limitation, the applicable password or other login information;
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provided, however, that the Issuer will be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of clause (i) of this paragraph if any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer holds a conference call to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period.
(h) Any person who requests or accesses such financial information or seeks to participate in any conference calls required by this Section 3.2 may be required to provide its email address, employer name and other information reasonably requested by the Issuer and represent to the Issuer (to the Issuer’s reasonable good faith satisfaction) that:
(i) it is a Holder of the Notes, a beneficial owner of the Notes, a bona fide prospective investor in the Notes, a bona fide market maker in the Notes affiliated with any Initial Purchaser or a bona fide securities analyst providing an analysis of investment in the Notes;
(ii) it will not use the information in violation of applicable securities laws or regulations;
(iii) it will keep such provided information confidential and will not communicate the information to any Person; and
(iv) it (1) will not use such information in any manner intended to compete with the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and (2) is not a Person (which includes such Person’s Affiliates) that (A) is principally engaged in a Similar Business or (B) derives a significant portion of its revenues from operating or owning a Similar Business.
(v) Delivery of such reports, information or documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates). The Trustee shall have no responsibility for the filing, timeliness or content of such reports, information or documents. The Trustee shall not be obligated to monitor or confirm, on a continuing basis or otherwise, the Issuer’s compliance with the covenants or with respect to any reports or other documents filed with the SEC via EDGAR or another public website hereunder, or participate in any conference calls.
To the extent any such information is not provided within the time periods specified in this Section 3.2 and such information is subsequently provided, the Issuer will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default or Event of Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured.
SECTION 3.3. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.4. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.5. Liens.
(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create or Incur any Lien securing Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens) on any asset or property (or the proceeds thereof) of the Issuer or such Guarantor, unless (1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and any applicable Guarantee are secured by a Lien on such property or assets that is senior in priority to such Liens; or (2) in all other cases, the Notes and the applicable Guarantee are secured by a Lien on such property or assets (and the proceeds thereof) equally and ratably with or prior to such Liens.
(b) Any Lien that is granted to secure the Notes or the applicable Guarantee pursuant to Section 3.5(a) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged at the same time as the release of the Lien that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes or the applicable Guarantee under Section 3.5(a) (other than a release as a result of the enforcement of remedies in respect of such Lien or the Obligations secured by such Lien).
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(c) 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, any fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith 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 3.6. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.7. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.8. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.9. Change of Control.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event after the Issue Date, each Holder will have the right to require the Issuer to purchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the purchase date), except to the extent the Issuer has previously elected to redeem Notes pursuant to Article V of this Indenture.
(b) Prior to or within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event, except to the extent that the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem the Notes as described under Section 5.1, the Issuer shall deliver a notice (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee, or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, describing:
(i) that a Change of Control Triggering Event has occurred or, if the Change of Control Offer is being made in advance of a Change of Control Triggering Event, that a Change of Control Triggering Event is expected to occur, and that such Holder has, or upon such occurrence will have, the right to require the Issuer to purchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the purchase date);
(ii) the transaction or transactions that constitute, or are expected to constitute, such Change of Control Triggering Event;
(iii) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than ten days nor later than 60 days (unless delivered in advance of the occurrence of such Change of Control Triggering Event) from the date such notice is delivered) (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(iv) that any Note not properly tendered shall remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;
(v) that unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;
(vi) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such 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; (vii) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such Notes; provided that the Paying Agent receives, not later than the expiration time of the Change of Control Offer, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Notes purchased;
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(viii) that if a Holder (other than a Holder of a Global Note) is tendering for purchase less than all of its Notes, the Issuer will issue new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered and the unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;
(ix) 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
(x) the other instructions determined by the Issuer, consistent with this Section 3.9, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.
While the Notes are in global form and the Issuer makes an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, a Holder of the Notes may exercise its option to elect for the purchase of the Notes to be made through the facilities of DTC in accordance with the rules and regulations thereof.
(c) On the Change of Control Payment Date, all Notes purchased by the Issuer under this Section 3.9 shall be delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee or the Registrar for cancellation, and the Issuer shall pay the purchase price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the Change of Control Payment Date, to the Holders entitled thereto. With respect to any Note purchased in part, the Issuer shall issue a new Note in a principal amount equal at maturity to the unpurchased portion of the original Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.9, the Issuer shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control Triggering Event if (x) 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 Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (y) in connection with or in contemplation of any Change of Control Triggering Event, the Issuer (or any Affiliate of the Issuer) or a third party has made an offer to purchase (an “Alternate Offer”) any and all Notes validly tendered at a cash price equal to or higher than the Change of Control Payment and has purchased all Notes properly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Alternate Offer. Additionally, the Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer if the Issuer has previously issued a notice of a full redemption pursuant to Section 5.1.
(e) Prior to any Change of Control Offer, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent contained herein to the right of the Issuer to make such offer have been complied with.
(f) The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 3.9. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 3.9, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 3.9 by virtue of such compliance.
(g) A Change of Control Offer or an Alternate Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control Triggering Event, and conditioned upon such Change of Control Triggering Event.
(h) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law, (i) accept for payment all Notes issued by the Issuer or portions thereof validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
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(ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and
(iii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Registrar for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Registrar stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.
(i) At any time, the Issuer or a third party will have the right to redeem the Notes at 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the purchase date) following the consummation of a Change of Control if at least 90.0% of the applicable series of Notes outstanding prior to such date of purchase are purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer with respect to such Change of Control Offer.
(j) The provisions of this Section 3.9 relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to purchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event, including the definition of “Change of Control” or “Change of Control Triggering Event,” may be waived or modified at any time (including after a Change of Control Triggering Event) with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
SECTION 3.10. Maintenance of Insurance. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Issuer, insurance with respect to their 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 as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.
SECTION 3.11. Additional Guarantors. If, after the Issue Date, (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any newly formed, newly acquired or newly redesignated Restricted Subsidiary, but excluding any Excluded Subsidiary) that is not then a Guarantor guarantees or Incurs any Indebtedness under any Credit Agreement or (b) the Issuer otherwise elects to have any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer become a Guarantor, then, in each such case, the Issuer shall cause such Restricted Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor under this Indenture providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in this Indenture and applicable to the other Guarantors; provided that, in the case of clause (a), such supplemental indenture shall be executed and delivered to the Trustee within 20 Business Days of the date that such Indebtedness under such Credit Agreement has been guaranteed or Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary. Such supplemental indenture shall include local law limitations to the extent applicable. A form of supplemental indenture for such purpose is attached as Exhibit D hereto.
Each Guarantee shall be released in accordance with Section 10.2(b).
SECTION 3.12. Compliance Certificate; Statement by Officers as to Default. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer ending after the Issue Date, an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that to the best knowledge of the signer thereof on behalf of the Issuer, the Issuer is or is not in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Issuer (through its own action or omission or through the action or omission of any Guarantor as applicable) shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which such signer may have knowledge. The individual signing any certificate given by any Person pursuant to this Section 3.12 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of such Person or the direct or indirect parent of such Person, in compliance with TIA § 314(a)(4).
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So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days (or 120 days if with respect to a Default under Section 3.2) after the occurrence thereof, an Officer’s Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Defaults or Events of Default unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has obtained actual knowledge thereof.
SECTION 3.13. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.14. [Reserved].
SECTION 3.15. Covenant Suspension.
(a) If on any date following the Issue Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from two of the Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default (other than any Default that would not constitute a Default following a Covenant Suspension Event) has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Covenant Suspension Event”), Sections 3.9 and 3.11 (the “Suspended Covenants”) shall no longer be applicable to the Notes and any Default existing prior to a Covenant Suspension Event that would not constitute a Default following a Covenant Suspension Event will be deemed to have been cured.
(b) In the event that the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time pursuant to Section 3.15(a) (any such period, a “Suspension Period”), and on any subsequent date (the “Reversion Date”) that, due to the withdrawal of their Investment Grade Rating or the downgrade of the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, the Notes no longer have an Investment Grade Rating from two of the Rating Agencies, then the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) Any Change of Control during such Suspension Period shall not require a Change of Control Offer during or after the Suspension Period.
(e) During the Suspension Period, the Guarantees will be automatically released and the obligation to grant further Guarantees pursuant to Section 3.11 will be suspended. Upon the Reversion Date, the obligation to grant Guarantees pursuant to Section 3.11 will be reinstated (and the Reversion Date will be deemed to be the date on which any guaranteed Indebtedness was Incurred for purposes of Section 3.11).
(f) [Reserved].
(g) Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of any failure to comply with any of the Suspended Covenants during any Suspension Period, and the Issuer and any Subsidiary of the Issuer will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default or breach of the Suspended Covenants (notwithstanding the reinstatement thereof) under this Indenture, to honor, comply with or otherwise perform any contractual commitments or obligations entered into during a Suspension Period following a Reversion Date and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
The Issuer shall provide an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee indicating the occurrence of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date. The Trustee will have no obligation to (i) independently determine or verify if such events have occurred or if any such suspension or reversion was permitted under this Indenture, (ii) make any determination regarding the impact of actions taken during the Suspension Period on the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ future compliance with their covenants or (iii) notify the Holders of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date.
SECTION 3.16. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenant (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) that they shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenant that they shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
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SECTION 3.17. Payment of Additional Amounts on the Notes.
(a) All payments made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor (including, in each case, any successor entity) (each, a “Payor”) in respect of the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee thereof, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes unless the withholding or deduction of such Taxes is then required by law. If, after the occurrence of a European Domicile Transaction (as defined in Section 4.1(a)(1)(i), any deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any Taxes imposed or levied by or on behalf of:
(1) any jurisdiction from or through which payment on any Note or Guarantee thereof is made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax; or
(2) any other jurisdiction in which a Payor is organized, engaged in business for tax purposes, or otherwise considered to be a resident for tax purposes, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax (including the jurisdiction of any Successor Company or Successor Guarantor, each as defined below)
(each of clause (1) and (2), a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”), will at any time be required by law to be made from any payments made by or on behalf of the Payor or the paying agent with respect to any Note or Guarantee thereof, including payments of principal, redemption price, interest or premium, if any, the Payor will pay (together with such payments) such additional amounts (the “Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received in respect of such payments, after such withholding or deduction (including any such withholding or deduction from such Additional Amounts), will not be less than the amounts which would have been received in respect of such payments on any such Note or Guarantee thereof in the absence of such withholding or deduction; provided, however, that no such Additional Amounts will be payable for or on account of:
(1) any Taxes that would not have been so imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between the relevant Holder or beneficial owner of the Note (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, partner or shareholder of, or possessor of power over the relevant Holder or beneficial owner, if the relevant Holder or beneficial owner is an estate, nominee, trust, partnership, limited liability company or corporation) and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including, without limitation, being resident for tax purposes, or being a citizen or resident or national of, or carrying on a business or maintaining a permanent establishment in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction) but excluding, in each case, any connection arising solely from the acquisition, ownership or holding of such Note or the receipt of any payment or the exercise or enforcement of rights under such Note, this Indenture or a Guarantee of such Note;
(2) any Tax that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the Holder or the beneficial owner of the Note to provide an applicable Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (with any attachments required to establish an exemption from, or reduction in the rate of withholding on, such Tax) or W-9 or to comply with a written request of the Payor addressed to the Holder, after reasonable notice (at least 60 days before any such withholding or deduction would be made), to provide other certification, information, documents or other evidence concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or to make any declaration or similar claim or satisfy any other reporting requirement relating to such matters, which is required by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in the rate of withholding on, all or part of such Tax but, only to the extent the Holder or beneficial owner is legally entitled to provide such certification or documentation; (3) any Taxes, to the extent that such Taxes were imposed as a result of the presentation of the Note for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the relevant payment is first made available for payment to the Holder;
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(4) any Taxes that are payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from a payment on or with respect to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof;
(5) any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property or similar Taxes;
(6) any Taxes imposed in connection with a Note presented for payment by or on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner who would have been able to avoid such Tax by presenting the Note to, or otherwise accepting payment from, another paying agent in a member state of the European Union;
(7) any Taxes imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable), any current or future regulations or agreements thereunder, official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b) of the Code (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable), or any law, legislation, rules or practices implementing an intergovernmental agreement relating thereto;
(8) any Taxes imposed as a result of the Holder or beneficial owner being or having been (i) a “10-percent shareholder” of the Issuer as defined in Section 871(h)(3) of the Code or any successor provision or (ii) a controlled foreign corporation that is related to the Issuer within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code or any successor provision;
(9) any Taxes imposed as a result of the Holder or beneficial owner being a bank receiving payments on an extension of credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business, as described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code or any successor provision;
(10) any Taxes imposed by reason of the Holder’s or beneficial owner’s past or present status as a passive foreign investment company, a controlled foreign corporation, a foreign tax exempt organization or a personal holding company with respect to the United States or as a corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; or
(11) any combination of items (1) through (10) above.
(b) No Additional Amounts shall be paid with respect to a Holder who is a fiduciary or a partnership or limited liability company or any person other than the beneficial owner of the Notes, to the extent that the beneficiary or settlor with respect to such fiduciary, the member of such partnership or limited liability company or the beneficial owner would not have been entitled to Additional Amounts had such beneficiary, settlor, member or beneficial owner held such Notes directly.
(c) The applicable withholding agent will (i) make any required withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant taxing authority in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. The Payor will use all reasonable efforts to obtain certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of any Taxes so deducted or withheld from each Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction imposing such Taxes and will provide such certified copies, or if, notwithstanding the Payor’s reasonable efforts to obtain such tax receipts, such tax receipts are not available, other reasonable evidence of such payments as soon as reasonably practicable to the Trustee. Such copies or other evidence shall be made available to the Holders upon reasonable request and will be made available at the offices of the paying agent.
(d) If any Payor is obligated to pay Additional Amounts under or with respect to any payment made on any Note or Guarantee of a Note, at least 30 days prior to the date of such payment, the Payor will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating the fact that Additional Amounts will be payable and the amount estimated to be so payable (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises less than 45 days prior to the relevant payment date, in which case the Payor may deliver such Officer’s Certificate as promptly as practicable after the date that is 30 days prior to the payment date). The Trustee shall be entitled to rely solely, without further inquiry, on such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary.
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(e) Wherever in this Indenture or the Notes there is mentioned, in any context:
(1) the payment of principal;
(2) purchase prices in connection with a purchase of Notes;
(3) interest; or
(4) any other amount payable on or with respect to any Guarantee of a Note,
such reference shall be deemed to include payment of Additional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof.
(f) After the occurrence of a European Domicile Transaction, the Payor will pay and indemnify the Holders and beneficial owners of the Notes for any present or future stamp, transfer, issue, registration, court or documentary taxes, or any other excise, property or similar taxes or similar charges or levies (including any related interest or penalties with respect thereto) that arise in a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction from the execution, delivery, enforcement or registration of, or receipt of payments with respect to, any Note or any Guarantee of a Note, this Indenture, or any other document or instrument in relation thereto (other than in each case, in connection with a transfer other than the initial transfer of the Notes by the Initial Purchasers on the Issue Date and limited, solely to the extent of such taxes or similar charges or levies that arise from the receipt of any payments of principal or interest on the Notes, to any such taxes or similar charges or levies that are not excluded under clauses (1) through (3) and (5) through (10)).
The foregoing obligations will survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of this Indenture and will apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor to a Payor is organized, engaged in business for tax purposes or otherwise resident for tax purposes, or any jurisdiction from or through which any payment under, or with respect to the Notes or Guarantees thereof is made by or on behalf of such Payor, or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.
ARTICLE IV
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
SECTION 4.1. When the Issuer and the Guarantors May Merge or Otherwise Dispose of Assets.
(a) (1) The Issuer may not consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into, consummate a Division as the Dividing Person (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to any Person (other than the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Issuer into any Guarantor; provided that to the extent the Issuer merges into any Guarantor, after such merger, an entity that is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia shall become an obligor of the Notes) unless:
(i) the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, merger, amalgamation, winding up or Division (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is (or is the foreign analog of) a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or trust organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia, or any member of the European Union (as it is constituted on the Issue Date) or the United Kingdom (the Issuer or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company” and any such transaction resulting in an entity organized or existing under the laws of any member state of the European Union or the United Kingdom becoming a Successor Company, a “European Domicile Transaction”) and, if such entity is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia, an obligor of the Notes is organized or existing under such laws; (ii) the Successor Company (if other than the Issuer) expressly assumes all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;
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(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(iv) [Reserved];
(v) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s Obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and
(vi) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, amalgamation, winding up, Division, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, as the case may be, and such supplemental indentures (if any) comply with this Indenture.
(2) The Successor Company (if other than the Issuer) will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes, and (if the Successor Company is other than the Issuer) the Issuer will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding clause (3) of Section 4.1(a), (a) the Issuer may consolidate or amalgamate with, merge into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to any Guarantor, (b) the Issuer may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with an Affiliate of the Issuer incorporated or organized solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Issuer in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory of the United States or any member of the European Union (as it is constituted on the Issue Date) or the United Kingdom, (c) the Issuer may convert into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or trust, or the foreign analog of any of the foregoing entities, organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Issuer, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia; provided that, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) or (c), if the resulting entity is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia, an obligor of the Notes remains in existence or is organized or existing under such laws, (d) the Issuer or any Guarantor may change its name and (e) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with the Issuer; provided that the Issuer is the Successor Company in such merger, amalgamation or consolidation.
(b) [Reserved];
(c) [Reserved];
(d) 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 on a consolidated basis, 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.
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ARTICLE V
Redemption of Notes
SECTION 5.1. Optional Redemption.
(a) The Notes of any series may be redeemed, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, subject to the conditions and at the redemption prices set forth in Paragraph 6 of the form of Note set forth in Exhibit A hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
(b) Any optional redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent. If any redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, any notice in respect of such redemption 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 waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be modified or rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed (which may exceed 60 days from the date of the redemption notice in such case). In addition, such notice of redemption may be extended if such conditions precedent have not been met by providing notice to the Holders.
(c) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.
SECTION 5.2. Redemption of Notes for Tax Reasons.
(a) The Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon giving not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the Holders of such Notes (which notice will be irrevocable) at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date fixed for redemption (a “Tax Redemption Date”) (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which will become due on the Tax Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer determines in good faith that, as a result of:
(1) any change in, or amendment to, the law or treaties (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (as defined below); or
(2) any amendment to, or change in an official written application, administration or interpretation of such laws, treaties, regulations or rulings (including a holding, judgment or order by a court of competent jurisdiction or a change in published practice or revenue guidance)
(each of the foregoing in clauses (1) and (2), a “Change in Tax Law”), a Payor (as defined below) is, or on the next interest payment date in respect of such Notes would be, required to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such Notes, and such obligation cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Payor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of a new paying agent where this would be reasonable, but not including assignment of the obligation to make payment with respect to such Notes). Such Change in Tax Law must (i) not have been publicly announced before the Issue Date and (ii) become effective on or after the Issue Date (or if the applicable Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction on a date after the Issue Date, such later date). The foregoing provisions shall apply (a) to a Guarantor only after such time as such Guarantor is obligated to make at least one payment on such Notes and (b) mutatis mutandis to any successor Person, after such successor Person becomes a party to this Indenture.
(b) Notice of redemption for taxation reasons will be published in accordance with the procedures described in Section 5.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make such payment of Additional Amounts.
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Prior to the publication or mailing of any notice of redemption of any Notes pursuant to the foregoing, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, (a) an Officer’s Certificate stating that they are entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to their right so to redeem have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of an independent tax counsel of recognized standing qualified under the laws of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction to the effect that the Payor has been or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law. The Trustee will accept and shall be entitled to rely on such Officer’s Certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described above, without further inquiry, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the holders.
SECTION 5.3. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee of Optional and Mandatory Redemptions. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 5.1, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and the Paying Agent, at least two Business Days for Global Notes and 10 calendar days for Definitive Notes before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 5.5 (or any shorter period as the Trustee may agree in writing), an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (a) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (b) the Redemption Date, (c) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (d) the redemption price. The Issuer may also include a request in such Officer’s Certificate that the Trustee or the Paying Agent give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in Section 5.5. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, such documentation and records as shall enable the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, to select the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to Section 5.4.
SECTION 5.4. Selection by Trustee of Notes to Be Redeemed. If less than all of the Notes of a series are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes of such series for redemption in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed (so long as the Trustee knows of such listing), or if such Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (and in such manner as complies with applicable legal requirements and, in the case of Global Notes, the procedures of DTC, in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the selection of Notes for redemption shall not result in a Holder of Notes with a principal amount of Notes less than the minimum denomination. If any Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, the notice of purchase or redemption relating to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased or redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof shall be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note in accordance with Section 5.8. On and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuer has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, the Notes to be redeemed.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Notes shall relate, in the case of any Note redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Note which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 5.5. Notice of Redemption. Except in connection with a Special Mandatory Redemption under Section 5.10, the Issuer shall mail or cause to be mailed by first class mail to each Holder’s registered address, with a copy to the Trustee, or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed not less than ten nor more than 60 days prior to a date fixed for redemption (a “Redemption Date”); provided, however, that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued pursuant to Article VIII or, in the case of a redemption that is subject to one or more conditions precedent, if the Redemption Date is extended as permitted under this Indenture. At the Issuer’s written request, the Trustee or the Paying Agent may give notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense.
All notices of redemption shall be prepared by the Issuer and shall state:
(a) the Redemption Date,
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(b) the redemption price and the amount of accrued interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 5.7, if any,
(c) if less than all outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the identification of the particular Notes (or portion thereof) to be redeemed, as well as the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be outstanding after such partial redemption,
(d) in case any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice that relates to such Note shall state that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Note, the Holder shall receive, without charge, a new Note or Notes of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,
(e) that on the Redemption Date the redemption price (and accrued interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 5.7, if any) shall become due and payable upon each such Note, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed, and, unless the Issuer defaults in making the redemption payment, that interest on Notes called for redemption (or the portion thereof) shall cease to accrue on and after said date,
(f) the place or places where such Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price and accrued interest, if any,
(g) the name and address of the Paying Agent,
(h) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price,
(i) the CUSIP or ISIN number, as applicable, and that no representation is made as to the accuracy or correctness of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes, and
(j) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes are to be redeemed.
At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least two Business Days prior to the date when a redemption notice is sent (or any shorter period as the Trustee may agree in writing), 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 the preceding paragraph. Such Officer’s Certificate shall state that all conditions precedent to the delivery of such notice have been complied with.
SECTION 5.6. Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to 10:00 a.m. (New York City time), on any Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.4) an amount of money sufficient to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest on, all the Notes which are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 5.7. Notes Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Notes so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the redemption price therein specified (together with accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the redemption price and accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date) such Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Note for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Note shall be paid by the Issuer at the redemption price, together with accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling prior to or on the Redemption Date).
If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Notes.
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If a Redemption Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no further interest shall be payable to Holders whose Notes shall be subject to redemption by the Issuer.
SECTION 5.8. Notes Redeemed in Part. Any Note which is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article) shall be surrendered at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.3 (with, if the Issuer so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee (or Authenticating Agent, as applicable) upon receipt of an Authentication Order shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder of such Note at the expense of the Issuer, a new Note or Notes, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Note so surrendered, provided that each such new Note shall be in a minimum principal amount of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
SECTION 5.9. [Reserved].
SECTION 5.10. Special Mandatory Redemption. In the event that (i) the closing of the Acquisition has not occurred on or prior to September 11, 2026 (or such later date to which the Outside Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) under the Purchase Agreement may be extended), (ii) the Issuer notifies the Trustee in writing that it will not pursue the Acquisition or (iii) the Purchase Agreement has been terminated without the consummation of the Acquisition (each, a “special mandatory redemption event”), the Issuer will be required to redeem (the “Special Mandatory Redemption”) the Notes in whole at a special mandatory redemption price (the “special mandatory redemption price”) equal to 100.0% of the initial issue price of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest from and including the date of initial issuance of such Notes, or the most recent date to which interest has been paid on such Notes, whichever is later, to, but not including, the special mandatory redemption date (as defined below). Upon the occurrence of a special mandatory redemption event, the Issuer will promptly (but in no event later than five Business Days following such special mandatory redemption event) cause notice to be delivered electronically or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, with a copy to the Trustee, to each holder of the Notes at its registered address (such date of notification to the holders of the Notes, the “redemption notice date”). The notice will inform holders that the Notes will be redeemed on the third Business Day following the redemption notice date (such date, the “special mandatory redemption date”) and that all of the outstanding Notes will be redeemed at the special mandatory redemption price on the special mandatory redemption date automatically and without any further action by the holders of the Notes. At or prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the special mandatory redemption date, the Issuer will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the special mandatory redemption price for the Notes. If such deposit is made as provided above, the Notes will cease to bear interest on and after the special mandatory redemption date. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.10, installments of interest on the Notes that are due and payable on interest payment dates falling on or prior to the special mandatory redemption date will be payable on such interest payment dates to the registered holders of the Notes as of the close of business on the relevant record dates in accordance with the Notes and this Indenture.
ARTICLE VI
Defaults and Remedies
SECTION 6.1. Events of Default. Each of the following is an Event of Default with respect to the Notes:
(i) a Default in any payment of interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 consecutive days;
(ii) a Default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, of any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption (in the case of optional redemption, to the extent such Event of Default arises from the failure to pay the redemption price that is then due and is not subject to any conditions in connection with such optional redemption that have not been satisfied), upon required purchase, upon acceleration or otherwise; (iii) the failure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to comply for 60 days after receipt of written notice with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a Default pursuant to Sections 6.1(i) or 6.1(ii)) contained in the Notes or this Indenture; provided that in the case of a failure to comply with Section 3.2, such period of continuance of such Default or breach shall be 120 days;
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(iv) the failure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay the principal amount of any Indebtedness for borrowed money (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money owing to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because of a default, in each case, if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid at final maturity or acceleration exceeds the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 1.75% of Consolidated Total Assets or its foreign currency equivalent;
(v) the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(1) commences a voluntary case;
(2) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in any voluntary case;
(3) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
(4) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;
(vi) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(1) is for relief against the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;
(2) appoints a Custodian of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property; or
(3) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary;
or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;
(vii) failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary to pay final and non-appealable judgments aggregating in excess of the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 1.75% of Consolidated Total Assets or its foreign currency equivalent (net of any amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies issued by reputable insurance companies), which judgments are not discharged, waived or stayed for a period of 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; or
(viii) the Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof or of this Indenture), or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary denies in writing that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives written notice to such effect (other than by reason of the termination or discharge of this Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture) and such Default continues for ten days.
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The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
However, a Default under Section 6.1(iii) shall not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes notify the Issuer (with copy to the Trustee) in writing of the Default and such Default is not cured within the time specified in Section 6.1(iii) after receipt of such notice; provided that if such Default is only with respect to one series of Notes (or less than all series of Notes) then outstanding under this Indenture, then only Holders of at least 30.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes of such series shall be required to notify the Issuer in writing of the Default in accordance with this paragraph.
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 (each of the foregoing, a “Noteholder Direction”) provided by any one or more holders (other than any holder that is a Regulated Bank) (each, a “Directing Holder”) must be accompanied by a signed Position Representation and Verification Form (in the form attached to this Indenture) delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee (a “Position Representation and Verification Form”). The Position Representation and Verification Form will contain a representation that the applicable Directing Holder does not have (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 do not have) a Net Short Position and is not knowingly and intentionally acting in concert with any of its Affiliates for the express purpose of creating (and in fact creating) the same economic effect with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor as having a Net Short Position at such time (a “Position Representation”), which representation, in the case of a Noteholder Direction relating to the delivery of a notice of Default shall be deemed a continuing representation until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the Notes are accelerated. The Position Representation and Verification Form will also contain a covenant by the applicable Directing Holder to 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 and Verification Form required hereunder shall be provided by the beneficial owner of the Notes in lieu of DTC or its nominee and DTC shall be entitled to conclusively rely on such Position Representation and Verification Form in delivering its direction to the Trustee. In no event shall the Trustee have any liability or obligation to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any holder is Net Short and/or whether such holder has delivered any related certifications, Position Representation or Verification Covenant under this Indenture or in connection with the Notes or if any such certifications, Position Representation or Verification Covenant comply with this Indenture, the Notes, or any other documents. It is understood and agreed that the Issuer and the Trustee shall be entitled to rely on each representation, deemed representation and certification made by, and covenant of, each beneficial owner provided for in this paragraph. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Notes or any other document, the provisions of this paragraph shall apply and survive with respect to each beneficial owner notwithstanding that any such Person may have ceased to be a beneficial owner, this Indenture may have been terminated or the Notes may have been redeemed in full.
If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the 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 an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Issuer has initiated litigation 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 Default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to such Event of Default shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy 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 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 such Default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy stayed pending satisfaction of such Verification Covenant. Any breach of the Position Representation shall result in such Directing Holder’s participation in such Noteholder Direction being disregarded; and, if, without the participation of such Directing Holder, the percentage of Notes held by the remaining Directing 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, any acceleration voided and the Trustee shall be deemed not to have received such Noteholder Direction or any notice of such Default or Event of Default.
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For the avoidance of doubt, the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any Noteholder Direction delivered to it in accordance with this Indenture, shall have no duty to inquire as to or investigate the accuracy of any Position Representation, enforce compliance with any Verification Covenant, verify any statements in any Officer’s Certificate delivered to it, or otherwise make calculations, investigations or determinations with respect to Derivative Instruments or otherwise. The Trustee shall have no liability to the Issuer, any holder or any other Person in acting in good faith on a Noteholder Direction.
Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, any Noteholder Direction delivered to the Trustee during the pendency of an Event of Default as the result of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall not require compliance with the foregoing paragraphs.
For the avoidance of doubt, the requirements of the four foregoing paragraphs shall only apply to Noteholder Directions and do not apply to any other directions given by holders to the Trustee under this Indenture.
SECTION 6.2. Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(v) or (vi) above with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes by written notice to the Issuer (with copy to the Trustee) may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest, on all Notes to be due and payable; provided that if such Event of Default is only with respect to one series of Notes (or less than all series of Notes) then outstanding under this Indenture, then only Holders of at least 30.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes of such series shall be required to declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest, on all Notes to be due and payable in accordance with this Section 6.2. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default arising from Section 6.1(v) or (vi) of the Issuer occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.
SECTION 6.3. Other Remedies. If an Event of Default with respect to a series of Notes occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes of such series or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes of such series, this Indenture (including sums owed to the Trustee and its agents and counsel) and the Guarantees.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder 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 requisite Holders of the Notes, by notice to the Trustee may, in accordance with Section 9.2, waive, rescind or cancel any declaration of an existing or past Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture if such waiver, rescission or cancellation would not conflict with any judgment or decree, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium on, or the principal of, the Notes (other than such nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due as a result of such acceleration). Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
In the event of any Event of Default arising from Section 6.1(iv), such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding, however, any resulting payment Default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if prior to 20 days after such Event of Default arose, the Issuer delivers an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that (x) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged or (y) the Holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default or (z) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.
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SECTION 6.5. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of a series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such directions are unduly prejudicial to such Holders) or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability or require it to expend or risk its own funds unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against any loss, liability or expense. The Trustee shall have no liability or responsibility to perform any calculations hereunder or in connection with the Notes or confirm or verify any such calculations or information used in connection herewith. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to security or indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses, liabilities and expenses that may be caused by taking or not taking such action.
SECTION 6.6. Limitation on Suits. In case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered, and if accepted, provided to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:
(i) such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
(ii) Holders of at least 30.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes of the applicable series have requested in writing the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(iii) such Holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it in its sole discretion in respect of any loss, liability or expense;
(iv) the Trustee has not complied with such written request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(v) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
SECTION 6.7. [Reserved].
SECTION 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(i) or (ii) 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 to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.6.
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, its Subsidiaries or their respective creditors or properties and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders (pursuant to the written direction of Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of the applicable series) 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 reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan or reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in such proceeding.
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SECTION 6.10. Priorities. The Trustee shall pay out any money or property received by it in the following order:
First: to the Trustee and Agents, as applicable, for amounts due under Section 7.6;
Second: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and
Third: to the Issuer or, to the extent the Trustee receives any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer (or Trustee) shall mail 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 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, or a suit by Holders of more than 10.0% in outstanding principal amount of the Notes.
ARTICLE VII
Trustee
SECTION 7.1. Duties of Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, in the exercise of its rights and powers under this Indenture, use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise of such rights and powers as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs under the circumstances, subject to the provisions of clause (h) below.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which a Trust Officer has actual knowledge, the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable:
(i) undertake to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee or the Agents; and
(ii) in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees, as applicable. 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 to the requirements of this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees as the case may be (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(c) Each of the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, shall not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
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(i) this Section 7.1(c) does not limit the effect of Section 7.1(b); (ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken (or not taken), or errors of judgment made in good faith by its respective Trust Officer or Trust Officers unless it is proved in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(iii) the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5.
(d) The Trustee and the Agents shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee and the Agents may agree in writing with the Issuer.
(e) Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall be under any fiduciary duty or other obligation towards any Person, including the Issuer.
(f) Money held in trust by the Trustee (in any capacity) or any Paying Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(g) [Reserved].
(h) No provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees shall require the Trustee or an Agent 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 in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(i) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 7.1.
(j) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee, security, prefunding or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(k) Money held for the benefit of Holders by any Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
SECTION 7.2. Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee and the Agents may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting upon any resolution, report, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond or any other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person or Persons. The Trustee and the Agents need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting (except in connection with (x) the original issuance of Notes on the Issue Date and (y), with respect to an Opinion of Counsel, the execution of any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture), it may require and rely on written instructions or an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer or an Opinion of Counsel or any of those documents. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such written instructions or an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys, custodians, nominees and agents and shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of or for the supervision of any agent, custodians, nominees or attorney appointed with due care.
(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; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.
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(e) Each of the Trustee and the Agents, as applicable, may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder or under the Notes and the Guarantees in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
(f) The Trustee and the Agents shall not be bound to make any investigation into any statement, warranty or representation, or the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond or other paper or document made or in connection with this Indenture; moreover, the Trustee and the Agents shall not be bound to make any investigation into (i) the performance, nonperformance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein, (ii) the occurrence of any default, or the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Indenture or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (iii) the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee or an Agent, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee or an Agent, as applicable, shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default except any Default or Event of Default of which a Trust Officer shall have (x) received written notification from the Issuer or a Holder at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture or (y) obtained “actual knowledge.” “Actual knowledge” shall mean the actual fact or statement of knowing by a Trust Officer without independent investigation with respect thereto.
(h) In no event shall the Trustee or an Agent be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive, incidental, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee or Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent (including the Agents), custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.
(j) The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.
(k) The Trustee shall not have any duty (A) to see to any recording, filing, or depositing of this Indenture or any agreement referred to herein, or to see to the maintenance of any such recording or filing or depositing or to any rerecording, re-filing or redepositing of any thereof or (B) to see to any insurance.
(l) The right of the Trustee or an Agent to perform any permissive or discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(m) In the event that the Trustee or any Paying Agent receives conflicting, unclear or equivocal instructions, the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall be entitled not to take any action until such instructions have been resolved or clarified to its satisfaction and neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall be or become liable in any way to any Person for any failure to comply with any such conflicting, unclear or equivocal instructions.
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(n) The Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for any action or inaction of any Agent (unless, subject to the terms hereof, the Trustee is acting in such capacity) or any Depositary or Participant thereof.
(o) The Trustee shall have no obligation to undertake any calculation or currency conversion or exchange hereunder or have any liability for any calculation, conversion or exchange performed in connection herewith or the transactions contemplated hereunder.
SECTION 7.3. Individual Rights of Trustee. Subject to the TIA, the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, the Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Section 7.9. 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. Disclaimer. Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall be responsible for and neither of them makes any representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees, neither of them shall be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the Notes or the proceeds from the Notes, and neither of them shall be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication or for the use or application of any funds received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee.
SECTION 7.5. Notice of Defaults. If a Default occurs and is continuing and is actually known to a Trust Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall deliver to each Holder notice of the Default within 90 days after it is actually known to such Trust Officer of the Trustee (unless such Default is cured or waived within such 90-day period). Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any 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.
SECTION 7.6. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder) and the Agents from time to time such compensation for their services as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time. 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 and the Agents 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 and reviewing reports, certificates and other documents, costs of preparation and mailing of notices to Holders and reasonable costs of counsel, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder) or any predecessor Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder (including as an Agent or Registrar, if applicable), and each of their officers, directors, employees, counsel and agents, against any and all loss, liability or expense (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of their duties hereunder and under the Notes and the Guarantees, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (including this Section 7.6), the Notes and the Guarantees and of defending itself against any claims (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or otherwise). The Trustee and the Agents shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which they may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee or an Agent to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee and the Agents may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee or an Agent as a result of its own willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.
To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes. The right of the Trustee to receive payment of any amounts due under this Section 7.6 shall not be subordinate to any other liability or indebtedness of the Issuer.
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The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to this Section and any lien arising hereunder shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee or an Agent. When the Trustee or an Agent incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.1(v) or (vi) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
Pursuant to Section 10.1, the obligations of the Issuer hereunder are jointly and severally guaranteed by the Guarantors.
SECTION 7.7. Replacement of Trustee. (a) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Issuer and the Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.9;
(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(iv) 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 Notes and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of 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 promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.6. All costs reasonably incurred in connection with any resignation or removal hereunder shall be borne by the Issuer. The retiring or removed Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability for the action or inaction of any successor Trustee.
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 10.0% in principal amount of the 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 7.9, unless the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed, any Holder 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 7.7, the Issuer’s obligations under Article 7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring or removed Trustee or for the benefit of the Trustee or any removed or retiring Trustee following termination of this Indenture.
(b) Any Agent may resign its appointment upon not less than 30 days’ notice to the Issuer; provided, however, that:
(i) if such resignation would otherwise take effect less than 30 days before or after the maturity date or other date for redemption of the Notes or any interest payment date in relation to the Notes, such resignation will not take effect until the 30th day following such date;
(ii) such resignation shall not take effect until a successor has been duly appointed by the Issuer, and notice of such appointment has been given to the Holders.
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(c) If any Agent gives notice of its resignation in accordance with Section 7.7(b) and a successor thereto has not been duly appointed by the Issuer by the 10th day before the expiry of such notice, such Agent may itself, following such consultation with the Issuer as is practicable in the circumstances, appoint as its successor any reputable and experienced financial institution and give notice of such appointment to the Issuer, the other Agents and the Holders, whereupon the Issuer, the other Agents and the successor appointed pursuant to this Section 7.7(c) shall acquire and become subject to the same rights and obligations between themselves as if they had entered into an agreement in the form mutatis mutandis of this Indenture. None of Section 7.7(b) or Section 7.7(c) shall apply to the Trustee acting in any such Agent capacities.
SECTION 7.8. 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 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 Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
SECTION 7.9. Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent filed annual report of condition.
This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).
SECTION 7.10. Limitation on Duty of Trustee. The Trustee shall not have any duty to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees by the Issuer, the Guarantors or any other Person.
SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer. The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.
SECTION 7.12. Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes. Within 60 days after each March 15, beginning with March 15, 2026, the Trustee shall deliver to the Holders a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).
The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing when any Notes are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
ARTICLE VIII
Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance
SECTION 8.1. Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance. This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes of a series when:
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(a) either (i) all the Notes of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Notes pursuant to Section 2.7 which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, for cancellation or (ii) all of the Notes of such series not previously delivered to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, for cancellation (a) have become due and payable, (b) shall become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (c) have been called for redemption or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee or the Paying Agent in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee or Paying Agent funds in cash in U.S. Dollars and U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes of such series to the date of maturity or redemption, as the case may be, together with irrevocable instructions from the Issuer directing the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as applicable, to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
(b) the Issuer and/or the Restricted Subsidiaries have paid all other sums payable under this Indenture with respect to such series of Notes; and
(c) The Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
Subject to Sections 8.1(c) and 8.2, the Issuer at any time may terminate (i) all of its obligations under the Notes of a series and this Indenture (with respect to such Notes) and have each Guarantor’s obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee and cure any then-existing Events of Default (“legal defeasance option”) or (ii) its obligations under Sections 3.2, 3.5, 3.9 and 3.10 and the operation of Section 4.1 (other than Sections 4.1(a)(1)(i), (ii) and (vi)) and Sections 6.1(iii) (with respect to any Default under Sections 3.2, 3.5, 3.9 and 3.10), 6.1(iv), 6.1(v) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only), 6.1(vi) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only) and 6.1(vii) (“covenant defeasance option”). The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of the covenant defeasance option. In the event that the Issuer terminates all of its obligations under the Notes of a series and this Indenture (with respect to such Notes) by exercising the legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option, the obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee of such Notes shall be terminated simultaneously with the termination of such obligations.
If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(iii) (with respect to any Default by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with any of their obligations under Article III other than Sections 3.1, 3.11, 3.15), 6.1(iv), 6.1(v) (with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer), 6.1(vi) (with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer) or 6.1(vii).
Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminate.
(d) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 7.6, 7.7 and in this Article 8 shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.6, 8.5 and 8.6 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.
SECTION 8.2. Conditions to Defeasance.
(a) The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option only if:
(i) the Issuer irrevocably deposits or causes to be deposited in trust with the Trustee cash in U.S. Dollars or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and the interest on which shall be sufficient, or a combination thereof sufficient to pay the principal of, and premium (if any) and interest on the applicable Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be (provided that if such redemption is made pursuant to Paragraph 6(b) of the form of Note set forth in Exhibit A hereto (or any corresponding paragraph of a Global Note or a Definitive Note), (x) the amount of money or U.S. Government Obligations that the Issuer must irrevocably deposit or cause to be deposited will be determined using an assumed Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of such deposit, as calculated by the Issuer in good faith, and (y) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit or cause to be deposited additional money in trust on the redemption date as necessary to pay the Applicable Premium as determined on such date); (ii) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment shall provide cash at such times and in such amounts as shall be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest when due on all such Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
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(iii) 91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Section 6.1(v) or (vi) with respect to the Issuer occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;
(iv) the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuer;
(v) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940;
(vi) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (2) since the date of this Indenture 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, the Holders and beneficial owners (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) shall not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and shall be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;
(vii) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders and beneficial owners (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) shall not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and shall be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and
(viii) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes to be so defeased and discharged as contemplated by this Article VIII have been complied with.
Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of such Notes at a future date in accordance with Article V.
SECTION 8.3. Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article VIII. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes.
SECTION 8.4. Repayment to Issuer. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon Company Order any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee or the Paying Agent, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable; provided that the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall not be required to liquidate any U.S. Government Obligations in order to comply with the provisions of this Section 8.4.
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Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors.
SECTION 8.5. Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee or the Paying Agent against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
SECTION 8.6. Reinstatement. If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII 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 obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee or the Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that, if the Issuer or any of the Guarantors has made any payment of interest on or principal of any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such 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 hereof, this Indenture, the Notes and Guarantees may be amended or supplemented by the Issuer, any Guarantor (with respect to this Indenture or a Guarantee to which it is a party) and the Trustee without notice to or consent of any Holder:
(i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency identified in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee by or on behalf of the Issuer;
(ii) to conform the text of this Indenture (including any supplemental indenture or other instrument pursuant to which Additional Notes are issued), the Guarantees or the Notes to the “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum or, with respect to any Additional Notes and any supplemental indenture or other instrument pursuant to which such Additional Notes are issued, to the “Description of Notes” relating to the issuance of such Additional Notes, solely to the extent that such “Description of Notes” provides for terms of such Additional Notes that differ from the terms of the Initial Notes, as contemplated by Section 2.2;
(iii) to comply with Section 4.1;
(iv) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture and the Notes or Guarantee, as the case may be;
(v) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code;
(vi) (A) to add or release Guarantees in accordance with the terms of this Indenture with respect to the Notes or (B) to add co-issuers of the Notes to the extent it does not result in adverse tax consequences to the Holders;
(vii) to secure the Notes;
(viii) to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer or any Guarantor; (ix) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate by or on behalf of the Issuer certifying the absence of such adverse effect;
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(x) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
(xi) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation, to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided, however, that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes;
(xii) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee, provided that the successor Trustee is otherwise qualified and eligible to act as such under the terms of this Indenture; or
(xiii) to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with this Indenture.
SECTION 9.2. With Consent of Holders.
(a) This Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and any existing or past Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provisions of such documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such series of the Notes) other than the Notes beneficially owned by the Issuer or its Affiliates; provided that (x) if any such amendment or waiver will only affect one series of Notes (or less than all series of Notes) then outstanding under this Indenture, then only the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such series of the Notes) shall be required, and (y) if any such amendment or waiver by its terms will affect a series of Notes in a manner different from and materially adverse relative to the manner in which such amendment or waiver affects other series of Notes, then the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes of such series then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such series of the Notes) shall be required. However, without the consent of each Holder of a Note affected (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Notes held by Affiliates), no amendment, supplement or waiver may (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):
(i) reduce the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note;
(iii) reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity of any Note;
(iv) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes with respect to a non-payment default by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration;
(v) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed as described under Section 5.1; (vi) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in such Note;
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(vii) impair the right of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;
(viii) make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions of this Indenture that require each Holder’s consent, as described in clauses (i) through (vii) above;
(ix) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes; or
(x) make the Notes or any Guarantee subordinated in right of payment to any other obligations.
(b) It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, no amendment to, or deletion of, any of the covenants contained in Article III of this Indenture shall be deemed to impair or affect any rights of Holders of Notes to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to, or to receive payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes.
(c) After an amendment under this Section 9.2 becomes effective, the Issuer shall (or shall cause the Trustee, at the expense of and at the written request of the Issuer, to) mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure of the Issuer to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not in any way impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.2.
SECTION 9.3. Effect of Consents and Waivers. A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Note shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder unless it makes a change described in clauses (i) through (ix) of Section 9.2(a), in which case the amendment or waiver or other action shall bind each Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Notes. An amendment or waiver made pursuant to Section 9.2 shall become effective upon receipt by the Trustee of the requisite number of written consents.
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 above 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 take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.
SECTION 9.4. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. If an amendment changes the terms of a Note, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
SECTION 9.5. Trustee To Sign Amendments. The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not, in the sole determination of the Trustee, adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing any amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to this Article IX, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 7.1 and 7.2) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by or complies with this Indenture, that all conditions precedent to such amendment required by this Indenture have been complied with and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer, enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel will be required for the Trustee to execute any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture. All fees, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses, incurred in connection with any amendment, modification or supplement shall be payable by the Issuer.
ARTICLE X
Guarantees
SECTION 10.1. Guarantees.
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article X, each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, irrevocably, fully and unconditionally guarantees, as guarantor and not as a surety, with each other Guarantor, to each Holder of the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the Trustee and the Agents the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and all other Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes (including, without limitation, 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 Guarantor whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding and the obligations under Section 7.6) (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Guarantor Obligations”). Each Guarantor agrees (to the extent lawful) that the Guarantor Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from it, and that it shall remain bound under this Article X notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guarantor Obligation.
(b) Each Guarantor waives (to the extent lawful) presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guarantor Obligations and also waives (to the extent lawful) notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives (to the extent lawful) notice of any default under the Notes or the Guarantor Obligations.
(c) Each Guarantor further agrees that its 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 Guarantor Obligations.
(d) Except as set forth in Section 10.2 and Article VIII, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the Guarantor Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not (to the extent lawful) be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guarantor Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not (to the extent lawful) 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 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 Notes or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder for the Guarantor Obligations or any of them; (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 Guarantor 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 any Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.
(e) Each Guarantor agrees that its Guarantee herein shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guarantor Obligations or such Guarantor is released from its Guarantee in compliance with Section 4.1, Section 10.2 and Article VIII. Each Guarantor further agrees that its 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, or interest on any of the Guarantor 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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(f) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay any of the Guarantor Obligations when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Trustee or the Trustee on behalf of the Holders an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guarantor Obligations then due and owing and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guarantor 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 Guarantor whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding).
(g) Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between such Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Guarantor Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in this Indenture for the purposes of its Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guarantor Obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any such declaration of acceleration of such Guarantor Obligations, such Guarantor Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantor for the purposes of this Guarantee.
(h) Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee, the Agents or the Holders in enforcing any rights under this Section.
(i) None of the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect any Guarantee or any release, termination or discharge thereof and any such notation shall not be a condition to the validity of any Guarantee.
(j) Each Guarantee of a Guarantor not organized under the laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof or the District of Columbia shall be subject to limitations in accordance with local law in the jurisdiction of organization of the applicable Guarantor, in each case to the extent applicable.
SECTION 10.2. Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge.
(a) Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the maximum amount as shall, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law or the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
(b) A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and each Guarantor and its obligations under the Guarantee and this Indenture shall be released and discharged upon:
(1) the sale, exchange, disposition or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation or dissolution) of (x) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor, if after such transaction the Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, or (y) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor if such sale, exchange, disposition or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation or dissolution) is made in a manner not in violation of this Indenture;
(2) the Guarantor becoming (x) an Unrestricted Subsidiary or (y) an Excluded Subsidiary;
(3) (x) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary that after the Issue Date is required to guarantee the Notes pursuant to Section 3.11, the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or the repayment of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, in each case, which resulted in the obligation to guarantee the Notes, except if a release or discharge is by or as a result of payment in connection with the enforcement of remedies under such other guarantee or (y) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary that after the Issue Date is not required to guarantee the Notes pursuant to Section 3.11, but otherwise elects to provide a guarantee of the Notes, at the election of the Issuer;
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(4) the Issuer’s exercise of its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under Article VIII or if the Issuer’s Obligations under this Indenture are satisfied and discharged (including through redemption or repurchase of all of the Notes or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(5) the release or discharge of the Guarantee by, or direct obligation of, such Guarantor of the Obligations under any Credit Agreement, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment in connection with the enforcement of remedies under such guarantee or direct obligation;
(6) pursuant to or as contemplated by Article IV;
(7) pursuant to Article IX; or
(8) the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event.
A Guarantee also will be automatically released upon the applicable Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary as a result of any foreclosure of any pledge or security interest securing the Senior Credit Agreement or other exercise of remedies in respect thereof. In connection with any release of the Guarantee of a Guarantor, the Issuer will provide notice to the Trustee; provided, however, that failure to deliver such notice shall not affect such release, nor shall it constitute a Default under this Indenture.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) If any Guarantor is released from its Guarantee, any of its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors shall be released from their Guarantees, if any.
(e) In the case of Section 10.2(b), the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.
(f) The release of a Guarantor from its Guarantee and its obligations under this Indenture in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.2 shall not preclude the future applications of Section 3.11 to such Person.
SECTION 10.3. Right of Contribution. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that any such Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made on the obligations under its Guarantee, such Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against the Issuer or any other Guarantor who have not paid their proportionate share of such payment. The provisions of this Section 10.3 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of each Guarantor to the Trustee and the Holders and each Guarantor shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Guarantor hereunder.
SECTION 10.4. No Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by each Guarantor hereunder, no 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 Guarantor Obligations, nor shall any Guarantor seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Issuer or any other Guarantor in respect of payments made by such Guarantor hereunder, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holders by the Issuer on account of the Guarantor Obligations are paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Guarantor Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Guarantor in trust for the Trustee and the Holders, segregated from other funds of such Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Guarantor, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by such Guarantor (duly indorsed by such Guarantor to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against the Guarantor Obligations.
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ARTICLE XI
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE XII
Miscellaneous
SECTION 12.1. Notices. Notices given by publication shall be deemed given on the first date on which publication is made, and notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed given five calendar days after mailing. Notices personally delivered will be deemed given at the time delivered by hand. Notices given by facsimile or email will be deemed given when receipt is acknowledged. Notices given by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery will be deemed given the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier. Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person, by facsimile or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:
if to the Issuer:
Allison Transmission, Inc.
One Allison Way
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Facsimile: (317) 242-5759
Attention: General Counsel
if to the Trustee:
Wilmington Trust, National Association
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890
Facsimile: (302) 636-4149
Attention: Allison Transmission Administrator
The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed or delivered to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA.
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
The Trustee and each Agent agrees to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods. If the party elects to give the Trustee or each Agent e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee or any such Agent in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s or each Agent’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Trustee and each Agent shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s or each Agent’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The party providing electronic instructions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee and each Agent, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee and each Agent acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk or interception and misuse by third parties.
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Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Note, where this Indenture or any 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 the Depositary (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from such Depositary.
SECTION 12.2. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture (except in connection with (x) the original issuance of Notes on the Issue Date and (y), with respect to clause (ii) below, the execution of any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture), the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee:
(i) an Officer’s Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(ii) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
SECTION 12.3. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and also shall include:
(i) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(ii) 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;
(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(iv) 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 12.4. [Reserved].
SECTION 12.5. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by, or a meeting of, Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 12.6. Days Other than Business Days. If a payment date, Redemption Date or purchase date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular Record Date is not a Business Day, the Record Date shall not be affected.
SECTION 12.7. Governing Law. This Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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SECTION 12.8. Jurisdiction and Service. In relation to any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees, the Issuer and each Guarantor (i) irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in the Borough of Manhattan in the City, County and State of New York, United States, (ii) waives, 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 Notes or the Guarantees in such courts 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, (iii) designate and appoint the Issuer as their authorized agent upon which process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding that may be instituted in any such court, and (iv) agree that service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail addressed to the Issuer, with written notice of said service to such Person at the address of the Issuer set forth in Section 12.1, shall be effective service of process for any such legal action or proceeding brought in any such court.
SECTION 12.9. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE 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 INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
SECTION 12.10. Limitations, Waivers, and Interpretations.
(a) No manager, managing director, incorporator, director, officer, employee or Holder of any Equity Interests of the Issuer, any Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Note, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes. This 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.
(b) The only payment provisions, representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, guarantee provisions and other obligations applicable to the Issuer and any Guarantor are those expressly set forth in this Indenture and, by acceptance of any Note, each Holder waives and expressly disclaims to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law any implied covenant and other similar provision that may exist in law or in equity and that may be applicable to the Issuer or any Guarantor and each Holder agrees that it will not participate in any cause of action with respect to, alleging the existing or breach of, or seeking to enforce any such implied covenant or similar provision.
SECTION 12.11. Successors. All agreements of the Issuer and each Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records, 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. The Issuer agrees to assume all risks arising out of its use of electronic signatures in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including, without limitation, the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions.
SECTION 12.12. 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. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Indenture by telecopier, facsimile or other electronic transmission (i.e. a “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.
SECTION 12.13. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision hereof invalid, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, so that the remainder of the provision and Indenture shall continue in full force and effect.
SECTION 12.14. Entire Agreement. This Indenture and the transaction documents contemplated hereby set forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties related to this transaction and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written.
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SECTION 12.15. Variable Provisions. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Paying Agent and Registrar and Notes Custodian with respect to any Global Notes.
SECTION 12.16. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet 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 12.17. 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, any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, epidemics or pandemics, 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; or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex or other wire or communication facility; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
SECTION 12.18. USA PATRIOT Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act the Trustee and the Trust Officers, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, are 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 agreement agree that they shall provide the Trustee and the Trust Officers with such information as they may request in order to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.
SECTION 12.19. Communication by Holders with Other Holders. Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders of Notes with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).
ARTICLE XIII
Compliance Matters
SECTION 13.1. Compliance in Connection with Certain Investments and Repayments.
(a) With respect to any (i) Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction or Permitted Change of Control that has been definitively agreed to or publicly announced and (ii) repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock with respect to which a notice of prepayment (or similar notice), which may be conditional, has been delivered, in each case for purposes of determining:
(1) whether any Lien being incurred in connection with such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock or to secure any such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred in accordance with Section 3.5 or the definition of “Permitted Liens”;
(2) whether any other transaction undertaken or proposed to be undertaken in connection with such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock complies with the covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture or the Notes;
(3) any calculation of the ratios, baskets or financial metrics, including Consolidated Total Assets and/or Pro Forma Cost Savings and whether a Default or Event of Default exists in connection with the foregoing; and (4) whether any condition precedent to the Incurrence of Liens, in each case that is being Incurred in connection with such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is satisfied,
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at the option of the Issuer, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, any successor entity of any of the foregoing or a third party (the “Testing Party”), the date that the definitive agreement for, or public announcement of, such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control or repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is entered into or the date of any notice, which may be conditional, of such repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is given to the holders thereof (the “Transaction Commitment Date”), may be used as the applicable date of determination, as the case may be, in each case with such pro forma adjustments as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Pro Forma Basis.” For the avoidance of doubt, if the Testing Party elects to use the Transaction Commitment Date as the applicable date of determination in accordance with the foregoing, (a) any fluctuation or change in the Consolidated Total Assets and/or Pro Forma Cost Savings of the Issuer from the Transaction Commitment Date to the date of consummation of such transaction, will not be taken into account for purposes of determining whether any Lien that is being incurred in connection with such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock or in connection with compliance by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries with any other provision of this Indenture or the Notes or any other transaction undertaken in connection with such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is permitted to be Incurred, (b) if financial statements for one or more subsequent fiscal quarters shall have become available, the Testing Party may elect, in its sole discretion, to re-determine all such baskets, ratios and financial metrics on the basis of such financial statements, in which case such date of redetermination shall thereafter be deemed to be the applicable Transaction Commitment Date for purposes of such baskets, ratios and financial metrics, (c) if any ratios or financial metrics improve or baskets increase as a result of such fluctuations, such improved ratios, financial metrics or baskets may be utilized, and (d) until such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is consummated, such definitive agreements are terminated or such notices or declarations rescinded, such Investment or acquisition or other transaction and all transactions proposed to be undertaken in connection therewith (including the incurrence of Liens) will be given pro forma effect when determining compliance of other transactions (including the incurrence of Liens unrelated to such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock) that are consummated after the Transaction Commitment Date and on or prior to the date of consummation of such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock and any such transactions (including any incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof and Liens) will be deemed to have occurred on the date the definitive agreements are entered, a public announcement is made or notice or declaration is given and outstanding thereafter for purposes of calculating any baskets or ratios under this Indenture after such date and before the date of consummation of such Investment, acquisition, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction, Permitted Change of Control, repayment, repurchase or refinancing of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock. The compliance with any requirement relating to the absence of a Default or Event of Default may be determined as of the Transaction Commitment Date and not as of any later date as would otherwise be required under this Indenture, except as contemplated by clause (b) of the immediately preceding sentence.
SECTION 13.2. Other Compliance Matters.
(a) For purposes of this Indenture, the “Maximum Fixed Repurchase Price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were purchased on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in good faith by the Issuer.
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(b) To the extent the date of any delivery of any document required to be delivered pursuant to any provision of this Indenture falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the applicable date of delivery shall be deemed to be the next succeeding Business Day.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, so long as an action was taken (or not taken) in reliance upon a basket or ratio that was calculated or determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer based upon financial information available to such officer at such time and such action (or inaction) was not prohibited hereunder at the time of such calculation or determination, any subsequent restatement, modification or adjustments made to such financial information (including any restatement, modification or adjustment that would have caused such basket or ratio to be exceeded as a result of such action or inaction) shall not result in any Default or Event of Default.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, in the event any Lien is incurred or other transaction is undertaken in reliance on a ratio basket based on the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio, such ratio(s) shall be calculated with respect to such incurrence or other transaction without giving effect to amounts being utilized under any other basket (other than a ratio basket based on the Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio) on the same date. Each Lien incurred and each other transaction undertaken will be deemed to have been incurred or taken first, to the extent available, pursuant to the relevant Consolidated Senior Secured Net Debt Ratio test.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
| ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Scott Mell |
|
| Name: Scott Mell | ||
| Title: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | ||
[Signature Page to the Indenture]
| WILMINGTON TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee | ||
| By: | /s/ Karen Ferry |
|
| Name: | Karen Ferry | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
[Signature Page to the Indenture]
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
Global Note Legend, if applicable
Private Placement Legend, if applicable
A-1
| No. [___] | Principal Amount $[________________], as revised by the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto1 |
|
| CUSIP NO. _________________2 | ||
ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
5.875% Senior Note due 2033
Temporary Regulation S Legend, if applicable Allison Transmission, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the initial principal amount set forth on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto, as revised by the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto, on December 1, 2033.
Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1.
Record Dates: May 15 and November 15.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
| 1 | Insert Global Notes only |
| 2 | 144A – 019736 AH0 |
| Reg | S – U01979 AH3. |
A-2
| ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC. | ||
| By: |
|
|
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
A-3
| TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF | ||||||||
| AUTHENTICATION | ||||||||
| WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION | ||||||||
| as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture. |
||||||||
| By: |
|
|||||||
| Authorized Signatory | Date: | |||||||
A-4
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
5.875% Senior Note due 2033
| 1. | Interest and Additional Amounts |
Allison Transmission, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum shown above.
The Issuer shall pay interest semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, with the first interest payment to be made on June 1, 2026.3 Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the Notes or, if no interest has been paid, from November 21, 2025.4 Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at 2.00% per annum in excess of the above rate and shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at such higher rate to the extent lawful.
In addition, the Issuer shall pay Additional Amounts under the circumstances set forth in Section 3.17 of the Indenture.
| 2. | Method of Payment |
By no later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the date on which any principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note is due and payable, the Issuer shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, and/or interest. The Issuer shall pay interest (except Defaulted Interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the May 15 and November 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date unless Notes are cancelled, repurchased or redeemed after the record date and before the Interest Payment Date. Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Issuer shall pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) shall be made by the Paying Agent by the transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Depositary. If a Holder of Notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Issuer or the Paying Agent, the Paying Agent shall distribute the payments received in respect of a Definitive Note (including principal of, and, if applicable, interest and premium, if any, on, that Holder’s Notes) in accordance with those instructions. The Issuer shall make all other payments in respect of a Definitive Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) at the office or agency of the Paying Agent unless the Issuer elects to make interest payments through the Paying Agent by check mailed to the holders of Notes at their addresses set forth in the register of holders.
| 3. | Paying Agent and Registrar |
Initially, Wilmington Trust, National Association, duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America and having a corporate trust office at 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19890 (“Trustee”), shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may appoint and change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice to any Holder. The Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar.
| 4. | Indenture |
The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of November 21, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Indenture”), between the Issuer and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture.
| 3 | With respect to the Initial Notes. |
| 4 | With respect to the Initial Notes. |
A-5
Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the Securities Act for a statement of those terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer. This Note is one of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033 referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include (i) $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033 issued under the Indenture on November 21, 2025 (herein called “Initial Notes”) and (ii) if and when issued, additional Notes of the Issuer that may be issued from time to time under the Indenture subsequent to November 21, 2025 (herein called “Additional Notes”).
| 5. | Guarantee |
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal, premium, if any, and interest (including post-filing or post-petition interest) on the Notes and all other amounts payable by the Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors have unconditionally Guaranteed (and future guarantors shall unconditionally Guarantee), jointly and severally, such obligations on a senior unsecured basis, upon the terms and subject to the limitations described in Article X of the Indenture.
| 6. | Optional Redemption5 |
(a) On and after December 1, 2028, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon notice as described in Section 5.5 of the Indenture, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the redemption date), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on December 1 of the years set forth below:
| Year |
Percentage | |||
| 2028 |
102.9375 | % | ||
| 2029 |
101.4688 | % | ||
| 2030 and thereafter |
100.0000 | % | ||
(b) At any time prior to December 1, 2028, the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon notice as described in Section 5.5 of the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of the date of the redemption notice, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the redemption date).
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time prior to December 1, 2028, upon notice as described in Section 5.5 of the Indenture, the Issuer may redeem in the aggregate up to 40.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes of such series) with an amount up to the cash proceeds less any underwriting spread paid in cash of one or more Equity Offerings, to the extent (in the case of an Equity Offering by a direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) the net cash proceeds thereof are contributed to the common equity capital of the Issuer or used to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer from it, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 105.875%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the redemption date (subject to the right of
| 5 | With respect to the Initial Notes. |
A-6
Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the redemption date); provided, however, that at least the lesser of (i) 50.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and (ii) $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes must remain outstanding after each such redemption (except to the extent otherwise repurchased or redeemed (or to be repurchased or redeemed) in accordance with the terms of the Indenture); provided, further, that for purposes of calculating the principal amount of the Notes able to be redeemed with the net cash proceeds of such Equity Offering or Equity Offerings, such amount shall include only the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus the premium on such Notes to be redeemed; provided, further, that such redemption shall occur within 180 days after the date on which any such Equity Offering is consummated.
(d) At any time, in connection with any tender offer, other offer to purchase (including pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or Alternate Offer (each as defined in the Indenture)) or exchange offer for the Notes, if holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes of such series validly tender or exchange, as applicable, and do not withdraw such Notes in such offer, all of the holders of such series of Notes will be deemed to have consented to such tender or other offer and accordingly, the Issuer or any third party making such offer in lieu of the Issuer will have the right, upon notice as described under Section 5.5 of the Indenture given not more than 60 days following such purchase or exchange, to redeem or exchange, as applicable, all Notes of such series that remain outstanding following such purchase or exchange, as applicable, (i) in the case of a tender offer or other offer to purchase, at a price equal to the price paid to holders in such purchase (which may be less than par and shall exclude any early tender premium and any accrued and unpaid interest paid to any holder in such tender offer payment), or (ii) in the case of an exchange offer, for the same consideration provided in such exchange offer (which may be less than par and shall exclude any early exchange premium and any accrued and unpaid interest paid to any holder in such exchange offer), in each case, plus, to the extent not included in the offer consideration, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such Notes to (but not including) the date of redemption, purchase or exchange (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the date of redemption, purchase or exchange). For the avoidance of doubt, in determining whether the holders of at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have validly tendered or exchanged, as applicable, and not validly withdrawn Notes in a tender offer, Change of Control Offer, Alternate Offer or exchange offer, as applicable, Notes owned by an Affiliate of the Issuer or by funds controlled or managed by any Affiliate of the Issuer, or any successor thereof, shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of such tender offer, Change of Control Offer, Alternate Offer or exchange offer, as applicable.
(e) Any optional redemption of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent. If any redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, any notice in respect of such redemption 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 waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be modified or rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed (which may exceed 60 days from the date of the redemption notice in such case). In addition, such notice of redemption may be extended if such conditions precedent have not been met by providing notice to the noteholders.
(f) Unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
(g) Any redemption pursuant to this paragraph 6 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Article V of the Indenture.
| 7. | Redemption of Notes for Tax Reasons |
A-7
(a) As more fully described and subject to the terms set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon giving not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the holders of such Notes (which notice will be irrevocable) at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date fixed for redemption (subject to the rights of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which will become due on the Tax Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Issuer determines in good faith that, as a result of a Change in Tax Law, a Payor is, or on the next interest payment date in respect of such Notes would be, required to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such Notes, and such obligation cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Payor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of a new paying agent where this would be reasonable, but not including assignment of the obligation to make payment with respect to such Notes).
(b) Notice of redemption for taxation reasons will be published in accordance with the procedures described in Section 5.5 of the Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make such payment of Additional Amounts.
| 8. | Special Mandatory Redemption |
Upon the occurrence of the events set forth in Section 5.10 of the Indenture, the Issuer will be required to redeem the Notes at the special mandatory redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but not including, the special mandatory redemption date in accordance with Section 5.10 of the Indenture.
| 9. | Change of Control |
(a) As more fully described and subject to the terms set forth in the Indenture, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event after the Issue Date, each holder will have the right to require the Issuer to purchase all or any part of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the purchase date), except to the extent the Issuer has previously elected to redeem Notes under Section 5.1 of the Indenture.
(b) Any Change of Control Offer may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, consummation of any related Equity Offering. In addition, if such Change of Control Offer or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the purchase date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion), or such purchase may not occur and such notice may be modified or rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion) by the purchase date, or by the purchase date so delayed.
| 10. | Denominations; Transfer; Exchange |
The Notes are in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of principal amount of $2,000 and whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and the Issuer may require a Holder to pay any taxes required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar need not register the transfer of or exchange any Notes for a period beginning 15 Business Days before an Interest Payment Date and ending on such Interest Payment Date.
| 11. | Persons Deemed Owners |
The registered Holder of this Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
| 12. | Unclaimed Money |
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If money for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Issuer at its request unless an abandoned property law designates another person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look only to the Issuer and not to the Trustee or the Paying Agent for payment.
| 13. | Discharge and Defeasance |
As more fully described and subject to the terms set forth in the Indenture, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Issuer at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof (in the case of a defeasance in accordance with Section 8.2 of the Indenture, sufficient, without reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally-recognized certified public accounting firm) for the payment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.
| 14. | Amendment, Waiver |
The Indenture and the Notes may be amended or waived as set forth in Article IX of the Indenture.
| 15. | Defaults and Remedies |
Events of Default shall be as set forth in Article VI of the Indenture.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or Holders of at least 30.0% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes then outstanding may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Issuer are Events of Default which shall result in the Notes being due and payable immediately upon the occurrence of such Events of Default.
Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may refuse to enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it receives indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.
| 16. | Trustee Dealings with the Issuer |
Subject to certain limitations set forth in the Indenture, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuer or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
| 17. | Limitations, Waivers, and Interpretations |
No manager, managing director, director, officer, employee, incorporator or holder of any Equity Interests in the Issuer, any Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture or the Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a Note, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes. This 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.
The only payment provisions, representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, guarantee provisions and other obligations applicable to the Issuer and any Guarantor are those expressly set forth in the Indenture and, by acceptance of any Note, each Holder waives and expressly disclaims to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law any implied covenant and other similar provision that may exist in law or in equity and that may be applicable to the Issuer or any Guarantor and each Holder agrees that it will not participate in any cause of action with respect to, alleging the existing or breach of, or seeking to enforce any such implied covenant or similar provision.
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| 18. | Authentication |
This 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 Note.
| 19. | 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).
| 20. | CUSIP Numbers |
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Note Identification Procedures the Issuer has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
| 21. | Successor Entity |
When a successor entity assumes, in accordance with the Indenture, all the obligations of its predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture, and immediately before and thereafter no Default or Event of Default exists and all other conditions of the Indenture are satisfied, the predecessor entity shall be released from those obligations.
| 22. | Governing Law |
This Note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint ____________agent to transfer this 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 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 SEC Rule 17Ad-15.
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[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE
The initial principal amount of the Note shall be $[_____________]. The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
| Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease
in |
Amount in 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 want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Indenture, check the box:
| ☐ 3.9 |
If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Indenture, state the amount in principal amount (must be in denominations of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof): $
| Date: | Your Signature: | |||
| (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of the 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 SEC Rule 17Ad-15.
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EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Allison Transmission, Inc.
One Allison Way
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Facsimile: (317) 242-5759
Attention: General Counsel
Wilmington Trust, National Association
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890
Facsimile: (302) 636-4149
Attention: Allison Transmission Administrator
Re: 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2025 (the “Indenture”), between Allison Transmission, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
__________________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $____ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to ___________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
| 1. | ☐ | Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act. | ||
| 2. | ☐ | Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any |
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| Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act. | ||||||||
| 3. | ☐ | Check and complete if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one): | ||||||
| (a) | ☐ | such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; | ||||||
| or | ||||||||
| (b) | ☐ | such Transfer is being effected to the Issuer or a subsidiary thereof; | ||||||
| or | ||||||||
| (c) | ☐ | such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. | ||||||
| 4. | ☐ | Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. | ||||||
| (a) | ☐ | Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture. | ||||||
| (b) | ☐ | Check if Transfer is pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture. | ||||||
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| (c) | ☐ | Check if Transfer is pursuant to other exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture. |
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer.
|
|
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| [Insert Name of Transferor] | ||
| By: |
|
|
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
Dated:
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ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
| 1. |
The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following: |
|||||||
| [CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)] | ||||||||
| (a) | ☐ | a beneficial interest in the: | ||||||
| (i) | ☐ | 144A Global Note (CUSIP [ ]), or | ||||||
| (ii) | ☐ | Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP [ ]), or | ||||||
| (b) | ☐ | a Restricted Definitive Note. | ||||||
| 2. | After the Transfer the Transferee shall hold: | |||||||
| [CHECK ONE] | ||||||||
| (a) | ☐ | a beneficial interest in the: | ||||||
| (i) | ☐ | 144A Global Note (CUSIP [ ]), or | ||||||
| (ii) | ☐ | Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP [ ]), or | ||||||
| (iii) | ☐ | Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP [ ]), or | ||||||
| (b) | ☐ | a Restricted Definitive Note; or | ||||||
| (c) | ☐ | an Unrestricted Definitive Note, | ||||||
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
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EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Allison Transmission, Inc.
One Allison Way
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Facsimile: (317) 242-5759
Attention: General Counsel
Wilmington Trust, National Association
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19890
Facsimile: (302) 636-4149
Attention: Allison Transmission Administrator
Re: 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033
(CUSIP [ ])
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2025 (the “Indenture”), between Allison Transmission, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
(the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note.
(a) ☐ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(b) ☐ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
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(c) ☐ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(d) ☐ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes.
(a) ☐ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued shall continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
(b) ☐ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] _ 144A Global Note, _ Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
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This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuer.
|
|
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| [Insert Name of Transferor] | ||
| By: |
|
|
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
Dated:
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EXHIBIT D
Form of Supplemental Indenture
THIS [●] SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of [●], 20[●] (this “Supplemental Indenture”), is by and among Allison Transmission, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Issuer”), each of the parties identified as a New Guarantor on the signature pages hereto (each, a “New Guarantor” and collectively, the “New Guarantors”) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Trustee are parties to an indenture dated as of November 21, 2025 (the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2033 (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, Section 3.11 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the New Guarantors shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantors shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Issuer, the New Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:
1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. Agreements to Become Guarantors. (a) Each of the New Guarantors hereby unconditionally guarantees the Issuer’s obligations for the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes and the performance and observance of each other obligation and covenant set forth in the Indenture to be performed or observed on the part of the Issuer, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article X of the Indenture and agrees to be bound by all other provisions of the Indenture and the Notes applicable to a Guarantor therein.
(b) [Local law limitations to be inserted, if applicable.]
3. 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.
4. Limitations, Waivers, and Interpretations. (a) No manager, managing director, director, officer, employee, incorporator or holder of any Equity Interests in the Issuer, any Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the New Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes, by accepting a Note, waives and releases all such liability. This waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. This 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.
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(b) The only payment provisions, representations and warranties, covenants, events of default, guarantee provisions and other obligations applicable to the Issuer and any Guarantor are those expressly set forth in the Indenture and, by acceptance of any Note, each Holder waives and expressly disclaims to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law any implied covenant and other similar provision that may exist in law or in equity and that may be applicable to the Issuer or any Guarantor and each Holder agrees that it will not participate in any cause of action with respect to, alleging the existing or breach of, or seeking to enforce any such implied covenant or similar provision.
5. Notices. For purposes of Section 12.1 of the Indenture, the address for notices to each of the New Guarantors shall be:
Allison Transmission, Inc.
One Allison Way
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
Facsimile: (317) 242-5759
Attention: General Counsel
6. Governing Law. This Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
7. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together shall represent the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Supplemental Indenture by telecopier, facsimile or other electronic transmission (i.e. a “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof.
8. Effect of Headings. The section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
9. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by each of the New Guarantors and the Issuer.
[remainder of page intentionally blank]
D-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.
| ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC. | ||
| By: |
|
|
| Name: [ ] | ||
| Title: [ ] | ||
| [•], as a New Guarantor | ||
| By: |
|
|
| Name: [ ] | ||
| Title: [ ] | ||
D-3
| WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee | ||
| By: |
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|
| Name: [ ] | ||
| Title: [ ] | ||
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