Exhibit 10.2
EXECUTION VERSION
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
AND MODIFICATION TO LOAN DOCUMENTS
This AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT AND MODIFICATION TO LOAN DOCUMENTS (this “Agreement”) dated as of September 17, 2020 is made by and among SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Lenders signatory hereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (“Bank of America”), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), and as Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer and each of the other Loan Parties signatory hereto.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Company, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as an L/C Issuer, and the lenders parties thereto from time to time (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”) have entered into that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 30, 2016 (as hereby by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 2020 and as from time to time further amended, modified, supplemented, restated, or amended and restated, the “Credit Agreement”; capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings given thereto in the Credit Agreement), pursuant to which the Lenders have made available to the Company a revolving credit facility, including a letter of credit subfacility and a swing line subfacility; and
WHEREAS, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors has entered into the Subsidiary Guaranty pursuant to which each has guaranteed the payment and performance of the obligations of the Company under the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the respective Loan Parties that are parties thereto have entered into the Security Agreement, the Escrow Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement and other Security Instruments, securing the Obligations under the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents; and
WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement as set forth below, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders signatory hereto are willing to effect such amendment on the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and further valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1.Amendments to Credit Agreement; Release.
(a)Amendments to Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended so that, as amended, it shall read as set forth in, and shall have the terms, covenants, conditions and other provisions in the form of Credit Agreement set forth as Exhibit A to this Agreement (the “Consolidated Form Credit Agreement”). The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that each amendment to the Credit Agreement reflected in the Consolidated Form Credit Agreement is and shall be effective as if individually specified in this Agreement (the parties further acknowledging that amending the Credit Agreement by reference to the Consolidated Form Credit Agreement provides a convenience to the parties to permit the amended terms to be read in the context of the full Credit Agreement), and that this Agreement is not a novation of the Credit Agreement or of any
credit facility provided thereunder or in respect thereof. The signature pages contained may be left off of the Consolidated Form Credit Agreement. Notwithstanding that the cover page of the Consolidated Form Credit Agreement is dated “as of November 30, 2016”, the changes to the Credit Agreement effected by this Agreement shall be effective as of the satisfaction or waiver to the conditions to effectiveness set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement.
(b)Release. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders party hereto hereby (i) acknowledge that substantially all of the assets of Kramer Motors Incorporated, a California corporation, SAI Cleveland N, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, SAI Columbus Motors, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, SAI Columbus VWK, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company, SAI Fort Myers H, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, SAI Tysons Corner H, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, Sonic – Cadillac D, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, Sonic–Volvo LV, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, Stevens Creek Cadillac, Inc., a California corporation, Sonic – Newsome Chevrolet World, Inc., a South Carolina corporation and Sonic–Capitol Imports, Inc., a South Carolina corporation have been sold prior to the date hereof (such entities described in this clause (i), collectively, the “Disposed Dealership Entities”), (ii) agree that the Disposed Dealership Entities shall no longer constitute “Guarantors” or “Loan Parties” (each as defined in the Credit Agreement) under the Loan Documents and the obligations of the Disposed Dealership Entities under any of the Loan Documents are hereby released (except for any obligations or liabilities of any Disposed Dealership Entities thereunder which expressly survive such release) and (iii) the security interests and liens granted by the Disposed Dealership Entities to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, securing the Obligations under the Loan Documents (and relating to the revolving credit facility provided thereunder) are hereby released, provided that, in no event shall the release described above result in any additional obligations on the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any of the Loan Documents.
2.Amendments to the Schedules to Credit Agreement. Each of the following Schedules to the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated or added, as applicable, to read in its entirety as set forth on set forth as Exhibit B to this Agreement (the “Amended Schedules to Credit Agreement”), including:
Schedule 1.01A Silo Subsidiaries
Schedule 1.01B Dual Subsidiaries
Schedule 1.01C Certain ERISA Information
Schedule 2.01B Swing Line Commitments
Schedule 2.01C L/C Commitments
Schedule 2A.03(a) Information Regarding Collateral
Schedule 5.01(a) Information regarding Alabama Administrative Appeal
Schedule 5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests
Schedule 6.13 Location of Collateral
3.Pledge Agreement.
(a)Amendments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each of Schedule I (Pledged Interests) and Schedule II (Pledgor Information) to the Pledge Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on set forth as Exhibit C to this Agreement.
(b)Grant of Security Interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party which is a party to the Pledge Agreement hereby grants as collateral security for the payment, performance and satisfaction of all of its Secured Obligations, a security interest in all of the Collateral (as defined in Section 2 of the Pledge Agreement) of such Person or in which such Person has or may have or acquire an interest or the power to transfer rights therein, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located.
4.Escrow Security Agreement.
(a)Amendments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Schedule I (Escrowed Shares and Interests) to the Escrow Security Agreement is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as set forth on set forth as Exhibit D to this Agreement.
(b)Grant of Security Interest. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party which is a party to the Escrow and Security Agreement hereby grants as collateral security for the payment, performance and satisfaction of all of its Secured Obligations (as defined in Section 2.1 of the Escrow and Security Agreement), a security interest in all of the Disposition Proceeds Collateral (as defined in Section 2.1 of the Escrow and Security Agreement) of such Person or in which such Person has or may have or acquire an interest or the power to transfer rights therein, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located.
5.Effectiveness; Conditions Precedent. This Agreement and the amendments to the Credit Agreement herein provided shall become effective as of the Effective Date at the time when each of the following conditions has been satisfied:
(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Effective Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Effective Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:
(i) the Administrative Agent shall have received (A) counterparts of this Agreement, duly executed by the Company, Bank of America, as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, each other L/C Issuer, each Guarantor and each Lender, (B) counterparts of that certain Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date (the “Security Agreement Amendment”) duly executed by the Company, certain Subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, as Administrative Agent and Administrative Agent (in the capacity of collateral agent for the Floorplan Secured Parties) and the Lenders and Floorplan Lenders party thereto and (C) counterparts of a letter agreement dated on or prior to the Effective Date, duly executed by the Company and Bank of America;
(ii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;
(iii) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in the respective jurisdictions, which includes each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(iv) a favorable opinion of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(v) a favorable opinion of local counsel to the Loan Parties in Florida, Texas, California, Alabama, and Tennessee, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;
(vii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Section 7(a) and (d) have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since December 31, 2019 that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;
(viii) a certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or chief accounting officer of each Loan Party certifying that each Loan Party is Solvent, after giving effect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the Indebtedness pursuant hereto and thereto;
(ix) to the extent not otherwise delivered prior to the date hereof, a copy of (A) each standard form of Franchise Agreement for each vehicle manufacturer or distributor and (B) each executed Framework Agreement;
(x) to the extent not otherwise delivered prior to the date hereof, duly executed consents and waivers required pursuant to any Franchise Agreement or Framework Agreement;
(xi) to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect, including endorsements naming the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as an additional insured and loss payee, as the case may be, on all such insurance policies maintained with respect to properties of the Company or any Loan Party constituting part of the Collateral;
(xii) the Loan Parties shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an authorization to share insurance information in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (or such other form as required by each of the Loan Party’s insurance companies (the “Authorization to Share Insurance Information”);
(xiii) the Loan Parties shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a Statement of Purpose for an Credit Extension Secured by Margin Stock (Federal Reserve Form U-1);
(xiv) consolidating balance sheets for the Company and each Subsidiary as at the end of June 30, 2020, and the related consolidating statements of income or operations, all in reasonable detail prepared by management of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case with subtotals for (a) each Subsidiary, (b) all New Vehicle Borrowers (excluding the results of any Dual Subsidiaries), (c) all Used Vehicle Borrowers (excluding the results of any Dual Subsidiaries) and (d) all Silo Subsidiaries grouped by each Silo Lender, and in each case prior to intercompany eliminations;
(xv) to the extent not otherwise delivered prior to the date hereof, (x) delivery by the Company and each applicable Loan Party owning any Equity Interests required to be pledged pursuant to the Loan Documents of all stock certificates evidencing such pledged Equity Interests,
accompanied in each case by duly executed stock powers (or other appropriate transfer documents) in blank affixed thereto and (y) delivery by the Company and each other applicable Loan Party owning any Equity Interests required to be delivered in escrow pursuant to the Escrow and Security Agreement of all stock certificates evidencing such Equity Interests;
(xvi) UCC financing statements or amendments to previously filed UCC financing statements for filing in all places required by applicable law to perfect the Liens of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Instruments as a valid and perfected Lien (with the priority described therein) as to items of Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of financing statements, and such other documents and/or evidence of other actions as may be necessary under applicable law to perfect the Liens of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Instruments as a valid and perfected Lien in and to such other Collateral as the Administrative Agent may require;
(xvii) UCC search results with respect to the Loan Parties showing only Liens acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or pursuant to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made to remove any unacceptable Liens promptly after the Effective Date);
(xviii) such duly executed Landlord Waivers for locations of the Loan Parties not already in effect, as may be requested by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;
(xix) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company certifying as to the status of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and
(xx) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the L/C Issuers or the Lenders reasonably may require.
(b) Upon the reasonable request of any Lender made at least ten (10) days prior to the date hereof, the Company shall have provided to such Lender, and such Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act, in each case at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date hereof and (ii) at least ten (10) days prior to the date hereof, any Loan Party that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered, to each Lender that so requests, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Loan Party; and
(c) All fees and expenses payable to the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders (including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced on or prior to the date hereof shall have been paid in full (without prejudice to final settling of accounts for such fees and expenses).
(d) The Floorplan Facility shall have been amended substantially simultaneously with the consummation of this Agreement.
6.Consent of the Loan Parties. Each of the Persons party hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is not intended to be a novation or discharge of, and shall not be a novation or discharge of, any obligation of the Loan Parties under any Loan Document. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the amendments set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects the Subsidiary Guaranty (including without limitation the continuation of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s payment and performance obligations thereunder upon and after the effectiveness of this Agreement and the amendments contemplated hereby) and the enforceability of such Subsidiary
Guaranty against such Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with its terms. Each Loan Party hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the amendments set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects each Security Instrument to which such Loan Party is a party (including without limitation the continuation of the perfection and priority of each Lien thereunder upon and after the effectiveness of this Agreement and the amendments contemplated hereby) and the enforceability of such Security Instrument against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms.
7.Representations and Warranties. In order to induce the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement, each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as follows:
(a)The representations and warranties made by each Loan Party in Article V of the Credit Agreement and in each of the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, both before and after giving effect to this Agreement and the other Amendment Documents, in each case except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Credit Agreement will be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement;
(b)The Persons appearing as Subsidiary Guarantors on the signature pages to this Agreement constitute all Persons who are required to be Subsidiary Guarantors pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including without limitation all Persons who became Subsidiaries or were otherwise required to become Subsidiary Guarantors after the Closing Date, and each of such Persons has become and remains a party to a Subsidiary Guaranty as a guarantor thereunder;
(c)This Agreement and each other Amendment Document has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and each of the other Loan Parties party hereto and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each such party, except as may be limited by general principles of equity or by the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally; and
(d)Both before and after giving effect to this Agreement and the other Amendment Documents, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
8.Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all the other Loan Documents (collectively, the “Relevant Documents”), sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior negotiations and agreements among the parties relating to such subject matter. No promise, condition, representation or warranty, express or implied, not set forth in the Relevant Documents shall bind any party hereto, and no such party has relied on any such promise, condition, representation or warranty. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly stated in the Relevant Documents, no representations, warranties or commitments, express or implied, have been made by any party to the other in relation to the subject matter hereof or thereof. None of the terms or conditions of this Agreement may be changed, modified, waived or canceled orally or otherwise, except in writing and in accordance with Section 10.01 of the Credit Agreement.
9.Full Force and Effect of Agreement. Except as hereby specifically amended, modified or supplemented, the Credit Agreement and all other Loan Documents are hereby confirmed and ratified in all respects and shall be and remain in full force and effect according to their respective terms.
10.Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or electronic delivery (including by .pdf) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
11.Governing Law. This Agreement shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of North Carolina applicable to contracts executed and to be performed entirely within such State, and shall be further subject to the provisions of Section 10.14 of the Credit Agreement.
12.Enforceability. Should any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement be determined to be illegal or unenforceable as to one or more of the parties hereto, all other provisions nevertheless shall remain effective and binding on the parties hereto.
13.References. All references in any of the Loan Documents to the “Credit Agreement” shall mean the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby and as further amended, modified, supplemented, restated, or amended and restated from time to time. All references in any of the Loan Documents to the “Security Agreement” shall mean the Security Agreement, as amended by the Security Agreement Amendment and as further amended, modified, supplemented, restated, or amended and restated from time to time.
14.Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, each of the other Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and their respective successors, legal representatives, and assignees to the extent such assignees are permitted assignees as provided in Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement.
15.Loan Document. This Agreement shall be deemed to be a “Loan Document” under and as defined in the Credit Agreement, for all purposes.
[Signature pages follow.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be made, executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
COMPANY:
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Name: Heath R. Byrd
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS:
AM REALTY GA, LLC
ANTREV, LLC
ARNGAR, INC.
AUTOBAHN, INC.
ECHOPARK AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
ECHOPARK AZ, LLC
ECHOPARK CA, LLC
ECHOPARK FL, LLC, formerly known as SAI AM FLORIDA, LLC
ECHOPARK GA, LLC, formerly known as AM GA, LLC
ECHOPARK NC, LLC
ECHOPARK REALTY CA, LLC
ECHOPARK REALTY TX, LLC
ECHOPARK SC, LLC
ECHOPARK TX, LLC
EP REALTY NC, LLC
EP REALTY SC, LLC
FAA BEVERLY HILLS, INC.
FAA CONCORD H, INC.
FAA CONCORD T, INC.
FAA HOLDING LLC, formerly known as FAA HOLDING CORP.
FAA LAS VEGAS H, INC.
FAA POWAY H, INC.
FAA SAN BRUNO, INC.
FAA SERRAMONTE H, INC.
FAA SERRAMONTE L, INC.
FIRSTAMERICA AUTOMOTIVE, LLC, formerly known as FIRSTAMERICA AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
FORT MILL FORD, INC.
FRANCISCAN MOTORS, INC.
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS, continued:
L DEALERSHIP GROUP, LLC, formerly known as L DEALERSHIP GROUP, INC.
MARCUS DAVID CORPORATION
ONTARIO L, LLC
PHILPOTT MOTORS, LLC, formerly known as PHILPOTT MOTORS, LTD.
SAI AL HC1, INC.
SAI AL HC2, INC.
SAI ATLANTA B, LLC
SAI CHAMBLEE V, LLC
SAI CHATTANOOGA N, LLC
SAI CLEARWATER T, LLC
SAI COLUMBUS T, LLC
SAI DENVER B, INC.
SAI DENVER M, INC.
SAI DS, LLC
SAI DS REALTY TX, LLC
SAI FAIRFAX B, LLC
SAI FL HC2, INC.
SAI FL HC3, INC.
SAI FL HC4, INC.
SAI FL HC7, INC.
SAI FORT MYERS B, LLC
SAI FORT MYERS M, LLC
SAI FORT MYERS VW, LLC
SAI GA HC1, LLC
SAI IRONDALE IMPORTS, LLC
SAI IRONDALE L, LLC
SAI LONG BEACH B, INC.
SAI MCKINNEY M, LLC
SAI MD HC1, INC.
SAI MONROVIA B, INC.
SAI MONTGOMERY B, LLC
SAI MONTGOMERY BCH, LLC
SAI MONTGOMERY CH, LLC
SAI NASHVILLE CSH, LLC
SAI NASHVILLE H, LLC
SAI NASHVILLE M, LLC
SAI NASHVILLE MOTORS, LLC
SAI OK HC1, INC.
SAI ORLANDO CS, LLC
SAI PEACHTREE, LLC
SAI PENSACOLA A, LLC
SAI PHILPOTT T, LLC
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS, continued:
SAI ROARING FORK LR, INC.
SAI ROCKVILLE IMPORTS, LLC
SAI ROCKVILLE L, LLC
SAI S. ATLANTA JLR, LLC
SAI STONE MOUNTAIN T, LLC
SAI TN HC1, LLC
SAI TN HC2, LLC
SAI TN HC3, LLC
SAI VA HC1, INC.
SAI WEST HOUSTON B, LLC
SANTA CLARA IMPORTED CARS, INC.
SONIC - 2185 CHAPMAN RD., CHATTANOOGA, LLC
SONIC – DENVER T, INC.
SONIC – FORT WORTH T, LLC, formerly known as SONIC-FORT WORTH T, L.P.
SONIC – HOUSTON V, LLC, formerly known as SONIC – HOUSTON V, L.P.
SONIC - INTEGRITY DODGE LV, LLC
SONIC – LAS VEGAS C WEST, LLC
SONIC – LS CHEVROLET, LLC, formerly known as SONIC – LS CHEVROLET, L.P.
SONIC – LS, LLC
SONIC – LUTE RILEY, LLC, formerly known as SONIC – LUTE RILEY, L.P.
SONIC – RICHARDSON F, LLC, formerly known as SONIC – RICHARDSON F, L.P.
SONIC – SHOTTENKIRK, INC.
SONIC – STEVENS CREEK B, INC.
SONIC ADVANTAGE PA, LLC, formerly known as SONIC ADVANTAGE PA, L.P.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE – 3401 N. MAIN, TX, LLC, formerly known as SONIC AUTOMOTIBVE – 3401 N. MAIN, TX, L.P.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE – 4701 I-10 EAST, TX, LLC, formerly known as SONIC AUTOMOTIVE – 4701 I-10 EAST, TX, L.P.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE 2752 LAURENS RD., GREENVILLE, INC.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE AVIATION, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE F&I, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE OF CHATTANOOGA, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE OF NASHVILLE, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE OF NEVADA, INC.
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS, continued:
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE OF TEXAS, LLC, formerly known as SONIC AUTOMOTIVE OF TEXAS, L.P.
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE WEST, LLC
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE-9103 E. INDEPENDENCE, NC, LLC
SONIC CALABASAS M, INC.
SONIC DEVELOPMENT, LLC
SONIC DIVISIONAL OPERATIONS, LLC
SONIC HOUSTON JLR, LLC, formerly known as SONIC HOUSTON JLR, LP
SONIC HOUSTON LR, LLC, formerly known as SONIC HOUSTON LR, L.P.
SONIC MOMENTUM B, LLC, formerly known as SONIC MOMENTUM B, L.P.
SONIC MOMENTUM JVP, LLC, formerly known as SONIC MOMENTUM JVP, L.P.
SONIC MOMENTUM VWA, LLC, formerly known as SONIC MOMENTUM VWA, L.P.
SONIC OF TEXAS, INC.
SONIC RESOURCES, INC.
SONIC SANTA MONICA M, INC.
SONIC WALNUT CREEK M, INC.
SONIC-BUENA PARK H, INC.
SONIC-CLEAR LAKE VOLKSWAGEN, LLC, formerly known as SONIC-CLEAR LAKE VOLKSWAGEN, L.P.
SONIC - HARBOR CITY H, INC.
SONIC-JERSEY VILLAGE VOLKSWAGEN, LLC, formerly known as SONIC-JERSEY VILLAGE VOLKSWAGEN, L.P.
SRE ALABAMA-2, LLC
SRE ALABAMA-5, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 1, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA–2, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 3, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 5, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 6, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 7 SCB, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 8 SCH, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA – 9 BHB, LLC
SRE CALIFORNIA 10 LBB, LLC
SRE COLORADO – 1, LLC
SRE COLORADO – 2, LLC
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS, continued:
SRE COLORADO – 3, LLC
SRE COLORADO – 4 RF, LLC
SRE COLORADO – 5 CC, LLC
SRE FLORIDA – 1, LLC
SRE GEORGIA 4, LLC
SRE HOLDING, LLC
SRE MARYLAND - 1, LLC
SRE NEVADA-2, LLC
SRE NORTH CAROLINA – 2, LLC
SRE NORTH CAROLINA – 3, LLC
SRE OHIO 1, LLC
SRE OHIO 2, LLC
SRE OKLAHOMA-2, LLC
SRE SOUTH CAROLINA-2, LLC
SRE SOUTH CAROLINA – 3, LLC
SRE SOUTH CAROLINA – 4, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE – 1, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE – 2, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE – 3, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE-4, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE-5, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE 6, LLC
SRE TENNESSEE 7, LLC
SRE TEXAS – 1, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 1, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 2, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 2, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 3, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 3, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 4, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 4, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 5, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 5, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 6, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 6, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 7, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 7, L.P.
SRE TEXAS – 8, LLC, formerly known as SRE TEXAS – 8, L.P.
SRE TEXAS 9, LLC
SRE TEXAS 10, LLC
SRE TEXAS 11, LLC
SRE TEXAS 12, LLC
SRE TEXAS 13, LLC
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
GUARANTORS / GRANTORS, continued:
SRE TEXAS 14, LLC
SRE TEXAS 15, LLC
SRE VIRGINIA – 1, LLC
SRE VIRGINIA – 2, LLC
TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD, INCORPORATED
TT DENVER, LLC
TTRE CO 1, LLC
WINDWARD, INC.
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:
KRAMER MOTORS INCORPORATED
SAI CLEVELAND N, LLC
SAI COLUMBUS MOTORS, LLC
SAI COLUMBUS VWK, LLC
SAI FORT MYERS H, LLC
SAI TYSONS CORNER H, LLC
SONIC – CADILLAC D, L.P.
SONIC–VOLVO LV, LLC
STEVENS CREEK CADILLAC, INC.
SONIC – NEWSOME CHEVROLET WORLD, INC.
SONIC – CAPITOL IMPORTS, INC.
By: /s/ Heath R. Byrd
Typed Name: Heath R. Byrd
Typed Title: Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
By: /s/ Denise Jones
Typed Name: Denise Jones
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Revolving Administrative Agent
(as collateral agent under the Loan Documents)
By: /s/ Denise Jones
Typed Name: Denise Jones
Typed Title: Vice President
LENDERS:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer and as a Lender
By: /s/ David T. Smith
Typed Name: David T. Smith
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES USA LLC, as a Lender
By: /s/ Michele Nowak
Typed Name: Michele Nowak
Typed Title: Credit Director, National Accounts
BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES NA, LLC,
as a Lender
By: /s/ Alex Calcasola
Typed Name: Alex Calcasola
Typed Title: Credit Manager
By: /s/ Tom Rumfola
Typed Name: Tom Rumfola
Typed Title: General Manager Credit
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORPORATION,
as a Lender
By: /s/ Tracy Kaiser
Typed Name: Tracy Kaiser
Typed Title: National Accounts Manager
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender
By: /s/ Adam Sigman
Typed Name: Adam Sigman
Typed Title: Executive Director
COMERICA BANK, as a Lender
By: /s/ Coby McGee
Typed Name: Coby McGee
Typed Title: Portfolio Manager
VW CREDIT, INC., as a Lender
By: /s/ Robb Nerdin
Typed Name: Robb Nerdin
Typed Title: Senior Manager Commercial Credit
U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Lender
By: /s/ Katherine Taylor
Typed Name: Katherine Taylor
Typed Title: Vice President
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and as an L/C Issuer
By: /s/ Jeffrey E. Bullard, Sr.
Typed Name: Jeffrey E. Bullard, Sr.
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
WORLD OMNI FINANCIAL CORP., as a Lender
By: /s/ Charles Marc Einhorn
Typed Name: Charles Marc Einhorn
Typed Title: Vice President-Credit Administration
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
CAPITAL ONE, N.A., as a Lender
By: /s/ Wade Carwile
Typed Name: Wade Carwile
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
MASSMUTUAL ASSET FINANCE LLC,
as a Lender
By: /s/ Donald Buttler
Typed Name: Donald Buttler
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Lender
By: /s/ Krutesh Trivedi
Typed Name: Krutesh Trivedi
Typed Title: Senior Vice President
TD BANK, N.A., as a Lender
By: /s/ Judy C. Johnson
Typed Name: Judy C. Johnson
Typed Title: VP, Market Credit Manager, Major
Accounts
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Sonic Automotive, Inc.)
Signature Page
EXHIBIT A
CONSOLIDATED FORM CREDIT AGREEMENT
See attached.
EXHIBIT A
Consolidated Form Credit Agreement
EXECUTION VERSION
EXHIBIT A
TO AMENDMENT NO.2 TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
“CONSOLIDATED FORM CREDIT AGREEMENT”
Published CUSIP Number: 83545FAR5
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of November 30, 2016
as amended by the that certain Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 20, 2020, and
as further amended by the that certain Amendment No. 2, dated as of September 17, 2020
among
SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer,
MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES USA LLC,
as Syndication Agent,
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORPORATION
and
BMW GROUP FINANCIAL SERVICES NA, LLC
as Co-Documentation Agents,
THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO
and
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS.........................................1
1.01 Assignments and Allocations; Amendment and Restatement.....................1
1.02 Defined Terms.............................................................................................2
1.03 Other Interpretive Provisions.....................................................................52
1.04 Accounting Terms......................................................................................53
1.05 Rounding....................................................................................................55
1.06 Times of Day..............................................................................................55
1.07 Letter of Credit Amounts...........................................................................55
1.08 Rates...........................................................................................................55
ARTICLE II. THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS..........................55
2.01 Committed Loans.......................................................................................55
2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans..........56
2.03 Letters of Credit.........................................................................................57
2.04 Swing Line Loans......................................................................................67
2.05 Prepayments...............................................................................................71
2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments..............................................71
2.07 Repayment of Loans..................................................................................72
2.08 Interest .......................................................................................................72
2.09 Fees............................................................................................................73
2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate............................................................................................................73
2.11 Evidence of Debt.......................................................................................74
2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback..........................75
2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders...............................................................76
2.14 Increase in Commitments..........................................................................77
2.15 Cash Collateral and Other Credit Support.................................................79
2.16 Defaulting Lenders....................................................................................80
ARTICLE IIA. SECURITY..........................................................................................81
2A.01. Security......................................................................................................81
2A.02. Further Assurances....................................................................................82
2A.03. Information Regarding Collateral..............................................................82
ARTICLE III. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY.............................83
3.01 Taxes..........................................................................................................83
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
3.02 Illegality.....................................................................................................88
3.03 Inability to Determine Rates......................................................................88
3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans................................91
3.05 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders......................................92
3.06 Survival......................................................................................................93
ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.................................................................................93
4.01 Amendment and Restatement....................................................................93
4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions...........................................................97
ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.........................................97
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws....................97
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention..............................................................98
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents..........................................98
5.04 Binding Effect...........................................................................................98
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect; No Internal Control Event.........................................................................................................98
5.06 Litigation...................................................................................................99
5.07 No Default.................................................................................................99
5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens..................................................................100
5.09 Environmental Compliance.....................................................................100
5.10 Insurance..................................................................................................100
5.11 Taxes........................................................................................................100
5.12 ERISA Compliance..................................................................................100
5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests...................................................................101
5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act......................................101
5.15 Disclosure................................................................................................102
5.16 Compliance with Laws............................................................................102
5.17 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.........................................................102
5.18 Books and Records..................................................................................102
5.19 Franchise Agreements and Framework Agreements...............................102
5.20 Collateral..................................................................................................103
5.21 Solvency...................................................................................................103
5.22 Labor Matters...........................................................................................103
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
5.23 Acquisitions.............................................................................................103
5.24 Real Estate Indebtedness..........................................................................104
5.25 Service Loaner Vehicles..........................................................................104
5.26 Permitted Third Party Service Loaner Indebtedness...............................104
5.27 OFAC.......................................................................................................104
5.28 Anti-Corruption Laws..............................................................................104
5.29 Affected Financial Institutions.................................................................104
5.30 Taxpayer Identification Number..............................................................104
5.31 Covered Entities. No Loan Party is a Covered Entity.............................104
ARTICLE VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.............................................................104
6.01 Financial Statements................................................................................105
6.02 Certificates; Other Information................................................................108
6.03 Notices.....................................................................................................111
6.04 Payment of Obligations............................................................................112
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc.; Maintenance of Vehicle Title Documentation.........................................................................................113
6.06 Maintenance of Properties; Repairs.........................................................113
6.07 Maintenance of Insurance........................................................................113
6.08 Compliance with Laws and Contractual Obligations..............................113
6.09 Books and Records..................................................................................114
6.10 Inspection Rights.....................................................................................114
6.11 Use of Proceeds........................................................................................114
6.12 [Intentionally Omitted]............................................................................114
6.13 Location of Collateral..............................................................................114
6.14 Additional Subsidiaries............................................................................114
6.15 Further Assurances...................................................................................115
6.16 Landlord Waivers.....................................................................................115
6.17 Notices Regarding Indebtedness..............................................................116
6.18 Joinder of Additional Silo Lenders..........................................................116
6.19 Deposit Accounts.....................................................................................116
6.20 Anti-Corruption Laws; Sanctions............................................................116
6.21 Post-Closing Covenants...........................................................................116
ARTICLE VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS..............................................................117
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
7.01 Liens.........................................................................................................117
7.02 Investments..............................................................................................118
7.03 Indebtedness.............................................................................................119
7.04 Fundamental Changes..............................................................................121
7.05 Dispositions..............................................................................................121
7.06 Restricted Payments.................................................................................122
7.07 Change in Nature of Business..................................................................123
7.08 Transactions with Affiliates.....................................................................123
7.09 Burdensome Agreements.........................................................................123
7.10 Use of Proceeds........................................................................................124
7.11 Financial Covenants.................................................................................124
7.12 Acquisitions.............................................................................................124
7.13 Revolving Borrowing Base......................................................................125
7.14 Amendments of Certain Indebtedness.....................................................125
7.15 Prepayments, etc. of Certain Indebtedness..............................................125
7.16 Silo Subsidiaries.......................................................................................125
7.17 Dual Subsidiaries.....................................................................................125
7.18 Related Swap Contracts...........................................................................126
7.19 Disposition of Subsidiary or Franchise....................................................126
7.20 Additional Credit Support Documentation..............................................126
7.21 Perfection of Deposit Accounts...............................................................126
7.22 Sanctions..................................................................................................127
7.23 Certain Service Loaner Vehicles.............................................................127
7.24 Anti-Corruption Laws..............................................................................127
7.25 Post-Closing Deliveries...........................................................................127
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES..............................127
8.01 Events of Default.....................................................................................127
8.02 Remedies Upon an Event of Default.......................................................130
8.03 Application of Funds................................................................................131
ARTICLE IX. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT.................................................................132
9.01 Appointment and Authority.....................................................................132
9.02 Rights as a Lender....................................................................................133
9.03 Exculpatory Provisions............................................................................133
9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent...........................................................134
9.05 Delegation of Duties................................................................................134
9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent......................................................135
9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders....................136
9.08 No Other Duties, Etc................................................................................137
9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim; Credit Bidding...........137
9.10 Collateral and Guaranty Matters..............................................................139
9.11 Secured Cash Management Arrangements and Related Swap Contracts.....140
9.12 Collateral..................................................................................................140
9.13 Certain ERISA Matters............................................................................140
ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................142
10.01 Amendments, Etc.....................................................................................142
10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication................................144
10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement...................................146
10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver...................................................147
10.05 Payments Set Aside.................................................................................149
10.06 Successors and Assigns...........................................................................149
10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality.................................155
10.08 Right of Setoff.........................................................................................156
10.09 Interest Rate Limitation...........................................................................156
10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness..................................................157
10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties............................................157
10.12 Severability..............................................................................................157
10.13 Replacement of Lenders..........................................................................157
10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc............................................................159
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial.................................................................................160
10.16 USA PATRIOT Act Notice.....................................................................160
10.17 Designated Senior Indebtedness..............................................................160
10.18 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility................................................160
10.19 Keepwell..................................................................................................161
10.20 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents.....161
10.21 Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions....................................................................................................161
10.22 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs..............................162
SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.01A Silo Subsidiaries
Schedule 1.01B Dual Subsidiaries
Schedule 1.01C Certain ERISA Information
Schedule 2.01 Commitments and Applicable Percentages
Schedule 2.01B Swing Line Commitments
Schedule 2.01C L/C Commitments
Schedule 2.03 Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 2A.03(a) Information Regarding Collateral
Schedule 4.01 Good Standing Jurisdictions and Foreign Qualifications
Schedule 5.01(a) Information regarding Alabama Administrative Appeal
Schedule 5.05 Material Indebtedness and Other Liabilities
Schedule 5.06 Litigation
Schedule 5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests
Schedule 5.19 Franchise Agreements and Framework Agreements
Schedule 6.13 Location of Collateral
Schedule 7.01 Existing Liens
Schedule 7.03 Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 7.25 Post-Closing Deliveries
Schedule 10.02 Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices; Tax Identification Number
EXHIBITS Form of:
Exhibit A Committed Loan Notice
Exhibit B Swing Line Loan Notice
Exhibit C Note
Exhibit D Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit E Fourth Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guaranty
Exhibit F Compliance Certificate
Exhibit G Joinder Agreement
Exhibit H-1 Fourth Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Exhibit H-2 Fourth Amended and Restated Escrow and Security Agreement
Exhibit I Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit J Fourth Amended and Restated Security Agreement
Exhibit K Opinion Matters
Exhibit L Master Intercreditor Agreement
Exhibit M Intentionally Omitted
Exhibit N Tax Compliance Certificates
Exhibit O Form of Notice of Loan Prepayment
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
This FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of November 30, 2016, among SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer.
The Company, certain of the Lenders (the “Existing Lenders”) and the Administrative Agent entered into that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 23, 2014 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to (but excluding) the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which certain of the Existing Lenders agreed to make a revolving credit facility available to the Company in accordance with the terms thereof.
The Company has requested that the Lenders amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in order to continue to provide a revolving credit facility and extend the maturity thereof and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
1.01 Assignments and Allocations; Amendment and Restatement.
(a) Simultaneously with the Closing Date, the parties hereby agree that (i) the initial Aggregate Commitments are $250,000,000, the initial Commitment of each of the Lenders hereunder shall be as set forth in Schedule 2.01, the outstanding amount of the Revolving Loans (as defined in and under the Existing Credit Agreement, without giving effect to any Borrowings of Loans under this Agreement on the Closing Date, but after giving effect to any repayment or reduction thereof with the proceeds of any applicable sources) shall be reallocated in accordance with such Commitments and the requisite assignments shall be deemed to be made in such amounts by and between the Lenders and from each Lender to each other Lender (including from Lenders who increase or reduce their Commitments in connection with this Agreement), with the same force and effect as if such assignments were evidenced by applicable Assignments and Assumptions (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) under the Existing Credit Agreement but without the payment of any related assignment fee, and no other documents or instruments, shall be, or shall be required to be, executed in connection with such assignments (all of which requirements are hereby waived), (ii) the Revolving Swing Line (as defined under the Existing Credit Agreement) shall continue as the swing line subfacility hereunder, with the Swing Line Sublimit set out herein, and the Revolving Swing Line Loans (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement), if any, shall continue as and deemed to be Swing Line Borrowings hereunder and (iii) the letter of credit subfacility provided in the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue as the Letter of Credit facility hereunder with the Letter of Credit Sublimit set forth herein.
(b) On the Closing Date, the applicable Lenders shall make full or net cash settlement with one another and with any lender under the Existing Credit Agreement that may not be a Lender under this Agreement, in each case through the Administrative Agent, as the Administrative Agent may direct or approve, with respect to all assignments, reallocations and other changes in Commitments, such that after giving effect to such settlements, each Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Aggregate Commitments equals (with customary rounding) its Applicable Percentage of (x) the Outstanding Amount of all Loans and (y) the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations.
(c) The Company, each Subsidiary Guarantor, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement that in any manner govern or evidence the Obligations, the rights and interests of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in any of their respective capacities, and any terms, conditions or matters related to any thereof, shall be and hereby are amended and restated in their entirety by the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, and the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be superseded by this Agreement.
(d) Notwithstanding this amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement, including anything in this Section 1.01, and certain of the related “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement (the “Prior Loan Documents”), (i) after giving effect to any repayments, commitment reductions and commitment terminations on the date hereof, all of the indebtedness, liabilities and obligations owing by the Company under the Existing Credit Agreement and other Prior Loan Documents shall continue as Obligations hereunder, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified by the terms of this Agreement, (ii) each of this Agreement and the Notes and the other Loan Documents is given as a substitution or supplement of, as the case may be, and not as a payment of, the indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) under the Existing Credit Agreement or any Prior Loan Document and is not intended to constitute a novation thereof or of any of the other Prior Loan Documents, and (iii) certain of the Prior Loan Documents will remain in full force and effect, as set forth in this Agreement or in such Prior Loan Document. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, all Revolving Loans (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) owing by the Company and outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue as Loans hereunder subject to the terms hereof. Revolving Loans which are Base Rate Loans, each as defined and outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement on the Closing Date, shall continue to accrue interest at the Base Rate hereunder, and Revolving Loans which are Eurodollar Rate Loans, each as defined and outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement on the Closing Date, shall continue to accrue interest at the Eurodollar Rate hereunder; provided, that, on and after the Closing Date, the margin applicable to any Loan or Letter of Credit hereunder shall be as set forth in the definition of Applicable Rate below, without regard to any margin applicable thereto under the Existing Credit Agreement prior to the Closing Date. All accrued but unpaid interest and fees owing under the Existing Credit Agreement as of the date hereof shall be repaid on the date hereof at the applicable rates set forth in the Existing Credit Agreement.
1.02 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Account Debtor” means each Person obligated in any way on or in connection with an Account, chattel paper or general intangibles (including a payment intangible).
“Accounts” means, collectively, all of the following property of the Company or any Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, all accounts, as defined in the UCC, including any rights to payment for the sale, lease or license of goods or rendition of services, whether or not they have been earned by performance.
“Acquisition” means the acquisition of (i) a controlling equity interest or other controlling ownership interest in another Person (including the purchase of an option, warrant or convertible or similar type security to acquire such a controlling interest at the time it becomes exercisable by the holder thereof), whether by purchase of such equity or other ownership interest or upon the exercise of an option or warrant for, or conversion of securities into, such equity or other ownership interest, (ii) assets of another Person which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person or of a line or lines of business conducted by or a vehicle franchise or vehicle brand licensed or owned by such Person, or (iii) assets constituting a vehicle dealership.
“Acquisition Arrangement” has the meaning specified in Section 7.12.
“Additional Unsecured Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company (which may be guaranteed by the Subsidiaries of the Company on an unsecured basis); provided that, (i) such Indebtedness is (A) not secured by any property of the Company or any Subsidiary, (B) does not have a maturity, and does not require any principal payments (whether by scheduled installment, mandatory prepayment or redemption, or the exercise of any put right), earlier than six (6) months following the Maturity Date, and (C) has terms (including terms of maturity and amortization) that are typical for indebtedness of such type issued at such time and such terms (other than applicable rates of interest) are otherwise no more restrictive, or less advantageous to the Lenders, than the Loan Documents or are otherwise on terms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and (ii) after giving effect to the issuance of such Indebtedness, (A) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a result therefrom and (B) all other requirements set forth in Section 7.03(k) shall have been met.
“Additional Unsecured Indebtedness Prepayment” means any prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance, settlement in cash or other satisfaction prior to the scheduled maturity thereof of any Additional Unsecured Indebtedness, provided, however, that “Additional Unsecured Indebtedness Prepayment” shall not include any amount prepaid with the proceeds of the refinancing of such Additional Unsecured Indebtedness with new or additional Additional Unsecured Indebtedness.
“Adjustment” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(c).
“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Company and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
“Agreement” means this Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
“Amendment No. 2” means that certain Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement date as of the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date among the Company, certain Subsidiaries of the Company the Lenders party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer.
“Amendment No. 2 Effective Date” means September 17, 2020.
“Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans or the obligation of each L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments and to any Lender’s status as a Defaulting Lender. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
“Applicable Rate” means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(a)(i):
Applicable Rate
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pricing Level | Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio | Commitment Fee | Eurodollar Rate Loans | Letter of Credit Fee | Base Rate Loans |
1 | Less than 3.50:1.00 | 0.25% | 1.50% | 1.375% | 0.50% |
2 | Less than 4.00:1.00 but greater than or equal to 3.50:1.00 | 0.30% | 1.75% | 1.625% | 0.75% |
3 | Less than 4.50:1.00 but greater than or equal to 4.00:1.00 | 0.35% | 2.00% | 1.875% | 1.00% |
4 | Less than 5.00:1.00 but greater than or equal to 4.50:1.00 | 0.40% | 2.25% | 2.125% | 1.25% |
5 | Less than 5.50:1.00 but greater than or equal to 5.00:1.00 | 0.45% | 2.50% | 2.375% | 1.50% |
6 | Greater than or equal to 5.50:1.00 | 0.50% | 2.75% | 2.625% | 1.75% |
Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day of the calendar month immediately succeeding the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a)(i); provided, however, that (i) if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 6 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered and (ii) the Applicable Rate in effect from the Closing Date through the first Business Day of the calendar month immediately succeeding the date the Compliance Certificate with respect to the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016 is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a)(i) shall be Pricing Level 3.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b).
“Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Arranger” means BofA Securities, Inc., in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
“Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person
prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.
“Autoborrow Advance” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.04(b).
“Autoborrow Agreement” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.04(b).
“Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b).
“Automatic Debit Date” means the fifth day of a calendar month, provided that if such day is not a Business Day, the respective Automatic Debit Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
“Availability Period” means, the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (i) the Maturity Date, (ii) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06, and (iii) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of each L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02.
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, rule, regulation or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.
“Bank of America Letter” means (i) the letter agreement, dated October 20, 2016, among the Company, the Administrative Agent and the Arranger and (ii) the letter agreement, dated the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date between the Company and the Administrative Agent.
“Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate
plus 1.00%; provided that if the Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change. If the Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof, then the Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above.
“Base Rate Committed Loan” means a Committed Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.
“Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Borrowing” means a Committed Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require.
“Borrowing Base Real Estate Permitted Liens” means, collectively:
(a) Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents and securing the Obligations; and
(b) zoning, easements and other restrictions on any real estate which do not materially detract from the value of such real estate or (in the reasonable discretion of the Administrative Agent) the mortgageability of such real estate, and which do not materially impair the use of such real estate.
“Builder Basket Amount” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Restricted Payment or any Subordinated Indebtedness Prepayment, the sum of:
(A) $110,000,000; plus
(B) 50% of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income of the Company accrued on a cumulative basis during the period beginning September 30, 2016 and ending on the last day of the Company's last fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such Restricted Payment or Subordinated Indebtedness Prepayment, or, if such
aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of such loss; plus
(C) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received after September 30, 2016, and on or prior to such date of determination, by the Company either (x) as capital contributions in the form of common equity to the Company or (y) from the issuance or sale (other than to any of its Subsidiaries) of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or any options, warrants or rights to purchase such Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (except, in each case, to the extent such proceeds are used to purchase, redeem or otherwise retire Capital Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness as set forth below) (and excluding the net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received from the issuance of Qualified Capital Stock financed, directly or indirectly, using funds borrowed from the Company or any Subsidiary until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid); plus
(D) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received after September 30, 2016, and on or prior to such date of determination, by the Company (other than from any of its Subsidiaries) upon the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to purchase Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (and excluding the net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received from the exercise of any options, warrants or rights to purchase Qualified Capital Stock financed, directly or indirectly, using funds borrowed from the Company or any Subsidiary until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid); plus
(E) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received after September 30, 2016, and on or prior to such date of determination, by the Company from the conversion or exchange, if any, of debt securities or Redeemable Capital Stock of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries into or for qualified Capital Stock of the Company plus, to the extent such debt securities or Redeemable Capital Stock were issued after September 30, 2016, upon the conversion or exchange of such debt securities or Redeemable Capital Stock, the aggregate of net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received from their original issuance (and excluding the net cash proceeds and the fair market value of assets other than cash received from the conversion or exchange of debt securities or Redeemable Capital Stock financed, directly or indirectly, using funds borrowed from the Company or any Subsidiary until and to the extent such borrowing is repaid); plus
(F) in the case of the disposition or repayment of any Specified Investment made after September 30, 2016, and on or prior to such date of determination, an amount (to the extent not included in Consolidated Net Income) equal to (a) the lesser of (i) the (return of capital with respect to such Investment and (ii) the initial amount of such Investment, in either case, less the cost of the disposition of such Investment and net of taxes.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.
“Buyer Notes” means those promissory notes received by the Company or any Subsidiary as partial or full payment consideration for Dispositions of vehicle dealerships, associated dealership real estate or related businesses, or Dispositions of Subsidiaries, by the Company or such Subsidiary to the obligors of such promissory notes.
“Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's capital stock or other equity interests whether now outstanding or issued after the date of this Agreement, including limited liability company interests, partnership interests (whether general or limited), 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 (other than a distribution in respect of Indebtedness), the issuing Person, including any Preferred Stock and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into Capital Stock), warrants or options exchangeable for or convertible into such Capital Stock.
“Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the respective L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable) and the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations, Obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans, or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of either thereof (as the context may require), cash or deposit account balances or, if the applicable L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender benefitting from such collateral shall agree in its sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) the respective L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender (as applicable). “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.
“Cash Management Arrangement” means any arrangement or agreement to provide cash management products and services, including treasury products, depository products and services, overdrafts, credit or debit cards, merchant card processing exposure, ACH and other electronic funds transfer products, immediate credit facilities on deposited dealer drafts, check guarantee letters and other cash management arrangements.
“Cash Management Bank” means any Person that, (a) at the time it enters into a Cash Management Arrangement, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender, is a party to a Cash Management Arrangement, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Cash Management Arrangement (even if such Person ceases to be a Lender or such Person’s Affiliate ceases to be a Lender).
“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental
Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
“Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which:
(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) (other than (i) Sonic Financial, O. Bruton Smith or B. Scott Smith; (ii) any spouse or immediate family member of O. Bruton Smith and B. Scott Smith (collectively with O. Bruton Smith and B. Scott Smith, a “Smith Family Member”); or (iii) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners and owners of which are Smith Family Members, (the persons and entities in “i”, “ii”, and “iii” being referred to, collectively and individually, as the “Smith Group”) so long as in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) O. Bruton Smith or B. Scott Smith retains a majority of the voting rights associated with such ownership) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire (such right, an “option right”), whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the equity securities of the Company entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Company on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right);
(b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Company cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body;
(c) any Person or two or more Persons (excluding members of the Smith Group so long as O. Bruton Smith or B. Scott Smith retains a majority of the voting rights associated with such equity securities) acting in concert shall have acquired by contract or otherwise, or shall have entered into a contract or arrangement that, upon
consummation thereof, will result in its or their acquisition of the power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of the Company, or control over the equity securities of the Company entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Company on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such Person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right) representing 25% or more of the combined voting power of such securities; or
(d) the Company fails to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary other than as a result of the sale of all Equity Interests in a Subsidiary pursuant to a Permitted Disposition.
“Closing Date” means November 30, 2016.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
“Collateral” means, collectively, the assets and rights and interests in property of any Person in which the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, is granted a Lien under any Security Instrument as security for all or any portion of the Obligations.
“Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Committed Loans to the Company pursuant to Section 2.01, (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
“Committed Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.
“Committed Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
“Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing or (b) a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company.
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
“Company” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
“Consolidated Current Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the current assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such date (but excluding in any event (i) any long-term assets of discontinued operations held for sale, other than such assets which (x) are the subject of an executed non-cancelable purchase and sale agreement between the applicable Loan Party and a Person which is not an Affiliate of any Loan Party and (y) the applicable Loan Party intends, in good faith, to Dispose of within 60 days of such date of determination and (ii) any Investment described in Section 7.02(i)).
“Consolidated Current Liabilities” means, as of any date of determination, the current liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such date.
“Consolidated EBITDAR” means for any period, on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Subsidiaries, the sum of the amounts for such period, without duplication, of (a) Consolidated Net Income, plus (b) to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income for such period: (i) Consolidated Interest Expense with respect to non-floorplan Indebtedness (including interest expense not payable in cash), (ii) charges against income for foreign, Federal, state and local income taxes, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization expense, including, without limitation, amortization of other intangible assets and transaction costs, (v) non-cash charges, (vi) all extraordinary losses, (vii) legal fees, broker fees and other transaction expenses incurred in connection with any Permitted Acquisition (not to exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate for each such Acquisition), (viii) Consolidated Rental Expense, and (ix) non-cash lease termination charges, net of any amortization of such charges, minus (c) to the extent included in computing Consolidated Net Income for such period, (i) extraordinary gains and (ii) all gains on repurchases of long-term Indebtedness.
“Consolidated Fixed Charges” means, for any period, the sum of (a) Consolidated Interest Expense with respect to non-floorplan Indebtedness for such period (excluding any interest expense not payable in cash and not payable as a result of any default), plus (b) Consolidated Principal Payments for such period, plus (c) Consolidated Rental Expenses for such period, plus (d) Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes paid in cash by the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period, plus (e) dividends and distributions paid in cash by the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period, minus (f) cash refunds of Federal, state, local and foreign income taxes received by the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period. The calculation of “Consolidated Fixed Charges” is further described in Section 1.04(d).
“Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) the difference of (i) Consolidated EBITDAR for the four fiscal quarter period ending on such date minus (ii) an amount equal to $100,000 (representing assumed maintenance capital expenditures) multiplied by the average daily number of physical dealership locations at which
the Subsidiaries operated franchised vehicle dealerships during such period to (b) Consolidated Fixed Charges for such period.
“Consolidated Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including Obligations hereunder) and all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) all purchase money Indebtedness, (c) all direct obligations arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, (d) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (e) Attributable Indebtedness in respect of capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations, (f) without duplication, all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (e) above of Persons other than the Company or any Subsidiary, and (g) all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which the Company or a Subsidiary is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to the Company or such Subsidiary.
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) all interest (before factory assistance or subsidy), premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, and (b) the portion of rent expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to such period under capital leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Liquidity Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) the sum of Consolidated Current Assets (excluding Temporary Excess Cash) plus the Revolving Facility Liquidity Amount to (b) the sum of (i) Consolidated Current Liabilities (but excluding, without duplication and only to the extent such amounts would otherwise have been included in this clause (b)(i), (A) such Consolidated Current Liabilities consisting of any holder put right, balloon, bullet or similar final scheduled principal payment that would repay any Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.03 in full, other than any such holder put right, balloon, bullet or final payment which is due within ninety (90) days following such date of determination, and (B) any Temporary Indebtedness) plus (ii) without duplication, Indebtedness (whether or not reflected as a Consolidated Current Liability) under all floorplan financing arrangements.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period.
“Consolidated Principal Payments” means, for any period, for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, all scheduled payments of principal and amortization of the Company and its Subsidiaries in connection with Indebtedness for money borrowed (including Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets
which payments are made or are required to be made during such period, in each case to the extent treated as principal in accordance with GAAP (other than any balloon, bullet or similar final scheduled principal payment that repays such Indebtedness in full). It is acknowledged that payments permitted under Section 7.15 shall not be deemed to be scheduled payments of principal for purposes of determining “Consolidated Principal Payments”.
“Consolidated Rental Expense” means, for any period, on a consolidated basis for the Company and its Subsidiaries, the aggregate amount of fixed and contingent rentals payable in cash by the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to leases of real and personal property (excluding capital lease obligations) determined in accordance with GAAP for such period (subject to Section 1.04(b)).
“Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) (i) Consolidated Total Outstanding Indebtedness (excluding (v) Indebtedness under the New Vehicle Floorplan Facility, (w) Permitted Silo Indebtedness for New Vehicle or Used Vehicle inventory, (x) Indebtedness under the Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility, (y) Temporary Indebtedness and (z) Permitted Third Party Service Loaner Indebtedness) as of such date minus (ii) the aggregate amount as of the date of determination of unrestricted domestic cash held in (x) accounts on the consolidated balance sheet of the applicable Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date to the extent the use thereof for application to payment of Indebtedness is not prohibited by law or any contract to which any such Person is a party and such cash is not subject to any Lien and (y) accounts established with Silo Lenders, if any, as an offset to floor plan notes payable that are reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the applicable Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date to the extent the use thereof is not prohibited or restricted by law or any contract to which any such Person is a party and is not subject to any Lien; provided that the aggregate amount of cash under clauses (x) and (y) for purposes of this calculation shall in no event exceed $50,000,000 at any time, plus (iii) eight (8) times Consolidated Rental Expense for the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended (excluding Consolidated Rental Expense relating to any real property acquired during the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended but including as Consolidated Rental Expense the “rental payments” for any real property Disposed of and leased back to the Company or its Subsidiaries during the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended as if such sale-leaseback transaction had occurred on and such “rental payments” began on the first day of such applicable four fiscal quarter period) to (b) Consolidated EBITDAR for the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended.
“Consolidated Total Outstanding Indebtedness” means, for any period, for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period.
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise
voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Cost of Acquisition” means, with respect to any Acquisition, as at the date of entering into any agreement therefor, the sum of the following (without duplication): (i) the value of the Equity Interests of the Company or any Subsidiary to be transferred in connection with such Acquisition, (ii) the amount of any cash and fair market value of other property (excluding property described in clause (i) and the unpaid principal amount of any debt instrument) given as consideration in connection with such Acquisition, (iii) the amount (determined by using the face amount or the amount payable at maturity, whichever is greater) of any Indebtedness incurred, assumed or acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with such Acquisition, (iv) all additional purchase price amounts in the form of earnouts and other contingent obligations that should be recorded on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP in connection with such Acquisition, (v) all amounts paid in respect of covenants not to compete, consulting agreements that should be recorded on the financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, and other affiliated contracts in connection with such Acquisition, and (vi) the aggregate fair market value of all other consideration given by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with such Acquisition; provided that (x) the Cost of Acquisition shall not include the purchase price of floored vehicles acquired in connection with such Acquisition, (y) to the extent such Acquisition (or any other Acquisition or proposed Acquisition included in the calculation of any threshold set forth in Section 6.14 or 7.12) includes the purchase or leasing of any real property, the consideration attributable to such real property shall be excluded from the calculation of Cost of Acquisition, and (z) amounts under clause (iv) above shall be excluded from the calculation of Cost of Acquisition to the extent that such amounts as of the date of entering into any agreement with respect to such Acquisition are not reasonably expected to exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate (each such determination for each applicable year of earnouts and other contingent obligations with respect to the applicable Acquisition to be based on the reasonably expected operations and financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the first year after the date of the applicable Acquisition). For purposes of determining the Cost of Acquisition for any transaction, the Equity Interests of the Company shall be valued in accordance with GAAP.
“Covered Entity” has the meaning specified in Section 10.21.
“Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate plus 2% per annum.
“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.21(b), any Lender that, as determined by the Administrative Agent, (a) has failed to perform any of its funding obligations hereunder including in respect of its Loans hereunder or participations in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans, or has failed to perform any of its funding obligations under the Floorplan Credit Agreement including in respect of its Used Vehicle Floorplan Loans or New Vehicle Floorplan Loans (each as defined in the Floorplan Credit Agreement) thereunder, in each case within three Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder or thereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Company in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in writing) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Company or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with any such funding obligations or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied) with respect to its funding obligations hereunder, thereunder or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that it will comply with such funding obligations (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Company), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity, a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in such Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.21(b)) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the
Company, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and each other Lender promptly following such determination. “Designated Jurisdiction” means any country or territory to the extent that such country or territory itself is the subject of any Sanction.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
“Disposition Deliveries” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02(c).
“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.
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Dual Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary which (i) operates more than one franchised vehicle dealership and (ii) has entered into separate floorplan financing arrangements with either (A) more than one Silo Lender or (B) the Floorplan Lenders and at least one Silo Lender. The Dual Subsidiaries as of the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date are set forth on Schedule 1.01B. The Company may designate other Subsidiaries as Dual Subsidiaries from time to time in accordance with Section 7.17.
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a Subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
“Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii), and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)).
“Eligible Accounts” means the Accounts, other than contracts-in-transit, of the Company and the Grantors arising from the sale, lease or license of goods or rendition of services in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Grantors, which the Administrative Agent, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, determines to be Eligible Accounts. Without limiting
the discretion of the Administrative Agent to establish other criteria of ineligibility, Eligible Accounts shall not (unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent) include any Account:
(a) with respect to which more than 90 days have elapsed since the date of the original invoice therefor or which is more than 60 days past due;
(b) with respect to which any of the representations, warranties, covenants, and agreements contained in the Loan Documents are incorrect or have been breached;
(c) with respect to which Account (or any other Account due from such Account Debtor), in whole or in part, a check, promissory note, draft, trade acceptance or other instrument for the payment of money has been received, presented for payment and returned uncollected for any reason;
(d) which represents a progress billing (as hereinafter defined) or as to which the Company or any Grantor has extended the time for payment without the consent of the Administrative Agent; for the purposes hereof, “progress billing” means any invoice for goods sold or leased or services rendered under a contract or agreement pursuant to which the Account Debtor’s obligation to pay such invoice is conditioned upon the Company’s or the applicable Subsidiary’s completion of any further performance under the contract or agreement;
(e) with respect to which any one or more of the following events has occurred to the Account Debtor on such Account: death or judicial declaration of incompetency of an Account Debtor who is an individual; the filing by or against the Account Debtor of a request or petition for liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debts, adjudication as a bankrupt, winding-up, or other relief under Debtor Relief Laws; the making of any general assignment by the Account Debtor for the benefit of creditors; the appointment of a receiver or trustee for the Account Debtor or for any of the assets of the Account Debtor, including, without limitation, the appointment of or taking possession by a “custodian,” as defined in the Bankruptcy Code of the United States; the institution by or against the Account Debtor of any other type of insolvency proceeding (under Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise) or of any formal or informal proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of, settlement of claims against, or winding up of affairs of, the Account Debtor; the sale, assignment, or transfer of all or any material part of the assets of the Account Debtor; the nonpayment generally by the Account Debtor of its debts as they become due; or the cessation of the business of the Account Debtor as a going concern;
(f) owed by an Account Debtor if twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the aggregate Dollar amount of outstanding Accounts owed at such time by such Account Debtor is classified as ineligible under clause (a) above;
(g) owed by an Account Debtor which: (1) does not maintain its chief executive office in the United States or Canada; (2) is not organized under the laws of the
United States, Canada or any state or province thereof; (3) is not, if a natural person, a citizen of the United States or Canada residing therein; or (4) is a Governmental Authority of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof;
(h) owed by an Account Debtor which is an Affiliate, officer, director or employee of the Company or any Grantor;
(i) except as provided in clause (k) below, with respect to which either the perfection, enforceability, or validity of the Administrative Agent’s Liens in such Account, or the Administrative Agent’s right or ability to obtain direct payment to the Administrative Agent of the proceeds of such Account, is governed by any federal, state, or local statutory requirements other than those of the UCC;
(j) owed by an Account Debtor to which the Company or any Grantor is indebted in any way, or which is subject to any right of setoff or recoupment by the Account Debtor (including, without limitation, all Accounts that are subject to any agreement encumbering or limiting in any manner the Company’s or any Grantor access to such Accounts), unless the Account Debtor has entered into an agreement acceptable to the Administrative Agent to waive setoff rights; or if the Account Debtor thereon has disputed liability or made any claim with respect to any other Account due from such Account Debtor, but in each such case only to the extent of such indebtedness, setoff, recoupment, dispute, or claim;
(k) owed by any Governmental Authority, unless the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq.), and any other steps necessary to perfect the Administrative Agent’s Liens therein, have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction with respect to such Account;
(l) owed by any Governmental Authority and as to which the Administrative Agent determines that its Lien therein is not or cannot be perfected;
(m) which represents a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale and return, sale on approval, consignment, or other repurchase or return basis;
(n) which is evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument or by chattel paper;
(o) with respect to which the Account Debtor is located in any state requiring the filing of a Notice of Business Activities Report or similar report in order to permit the Company or any Grantor to seek judicial enforcement in such state of payment of such Account, unless the Company or any Grantor has qualified to do business in such state or has filed a Notice of Business Activities Report or equivalent report for the then current year;
(p) which arises out of a sale not made in the ordinary course of the Company’s or the applicable Grantor’s business or out of finance or similar charges;
(q) with respect to which the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped and delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor or the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed by the Company or the applicable Grantor’s and, if applicable, accepted by the Account Debtor, or the Account Debtor revokes its acceptance of such goods or services;
(r) owed by an Account Debtor which is obligated to the Company or the applicable Grantor’s respecting Accounts the aggregate unpaid balance of which exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate unpaid balance of all Accounts owed to the Company or the applicable Grantor at such time by all of the Company’s or the applicable Grantor’s Account Debtors, but only to the extent of such excess;
(t) which is not subject to the Administrative Agent’s Liens, which are perfected as to such Accounts, or which are subject to any other Lien whatsoever, other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01(j) or (m) so long as such Liens are subject to the Master Intercreditor Agreement;
(s) in which the payment thereof has been extended, the Account Debtor has made a partial payment, or such Account arises from a sale on a cash-on-delivery basis; or
(t) which includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges, provided that ineligibility shall be limited to the extent of such billing.
The Company, by including an Account in any computation of the Revolving Borrowing Base, shall be deemed to represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that such Account is not of the type described in any of (a) through (t) above, and if any Account at any time ceases to be an Eligible Account, then such Account shall promptly be excluded by the Company from the calculation of Eligible Accounts. For the sake of clarity, it is understood that the term “Eligible Account” shall not include a loan, receivable, instrument or chattel paper that has a maturity date or permits any payment more than ninety (90) days after the date of the respective loan or advance.
“Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate” means any real property of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor that satisfies each of the following conditions:
(i) the property is owned in fee simple by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor;
(ii) the property has been designated by the Company from time to time as property to be included in the Revolving Borrowing Base, unless the Company has subsequently removed such property from the Revolving Borrowing Base and has not thereafter re-designated it to be included in the Revolving Borrowing Base;
(iii) the property is not subject to any lien or encumbrances (other than Borrowing Base Real Estate Permitted Liens);
(iv) the property (A) is the headquarters of the Company or (B) is utilized by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor for a Permitted Borrowing Base Real Estate Use, or (C) is being developed by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor for a Permitted Borrowing Base Real Estate Use (provided that, with respect to property described in the immediately preceding clauses (A), (B), or (C), such property is not occupied by any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor;
(v) the address(es), tenant(s), value(s) and date(s) included for the property, and whether or not such property is located in a flood hazard area, are detailed quarterly in a Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate (and, if applicable, the Pro Forma Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate first reflecting such property) delivered to the Administrative Agent;
(vi) the Administrative Agent has received (A) a FIRREA-conforming appraisal for such property of the current value of such property as of a date that is within 12 months before the date of the first Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate that reflects such property, which appraisal shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders upon receipt by the Administrative Agent, (B) a Phase I (or, if necessary, a Phase II) environmental report for such property, and (C) a title report for such property, provided that, for any real property included as Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate as of the Closing Date, the initial title report relating to such property shall be due as described in clause (viii) below ;
(vii) the property is located in a state within the United States or in the District of Columbia; and
(viii) if the property has been deemed Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate for 36 consecutive months or longer then (including as so deemed under the Existing Credit Agreement), (a) with respect to each third anniversary of the date such property was first deemed Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate, the Administrative Agent has received (x) a FIRREA-conforming appraisal as of a date within sixty (60) days of such anniversary date, which appraisal shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders upon receipt by the Administrative Agent, (y) if requested by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, an updated Phase I (or if necessary, a Phase II) environmental report and (z) if requested by Administrative Agent, a title report for such property, and (b) the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, deems the property to be acceptable and mortgageable each time a new FIRREA-conforming appraisal is provided, with sufficient closing cost liquidity and market access available to the Company to consummate a mortgage financing and recordation in the open market;
provided that if the Administrative Agent deems such real property not to be acceptable or mortgageable, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Company in writing of such determination (such notice being referred to as a “Real Estate Exclusion Notice”) and such real
property shall cease to be Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate at the time of delivery by the Company of the first Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate after the Administrative Agent has delivered such Real Estate Exclusion Notice. With respect to a limited updated appraisal provided in connection with clause (viii)(x) above, (1) if the limited updated appraisal shows that the value of the property has decreased in value, the value of the Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate will be reduced by a corresponding amount and (2) if the limited updated appraisal shows that the value of the property has increased in value (or at any other time in connection with delivery of a quarterly Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate), the Company may provide the Administrative Agent with a full FIRREA-conforming appraisal to verify the increased value of the property (which appraisal shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders upon receipt by the Administrative Agent) and the increased value (as set forth in such FIRREA-conforming appraisal) will subsequently be added to the value of the Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate. Each such FIRREA-conforming appraisal or limited updated appraisal shall be performed by an appraiser engaged by the Administrative Agent. If the Company desires to remove any real property from the Revolving Borrowing Base, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Pro Forma Revolving Borrowing Certificate (reflecting the exclusion of such property), and the Revolving Borrowing Base and Revolving Advance Limit shall be adjusted immediately in accordance with such certificate.
“Eligible Equipment” means Equipment of the Company or a Grantor which the Administrative Agent, in the exercise of its reasonable commercial discretion, determines to be Eligible Equipment. Without limiting the discretion of the Administrative Agent to establish other criteria of ineligibility, Eligible Equipment shall not (unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent) include any Equipment:
(a) that is not legally owned by the Company or a Grantor;
(b) that is not subject to the Administrative Agent’s Liens, which are perfected as to such Equipment, or that are subject to any other Lien whatsoever, other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01(j) or (m) so long as such Liens are subject to the Master Intercreditor Agreement, and (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) in no event shall “Eligible Equipment” include any Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness Collateral;
(c) that is not in good working condition for its intended use or for sale;
(d) that is located outside the United States or at a location other than a place of business of the Company or a Grantor; or
(e) that is located in a facility leased by the Company or the applicable Grantor, if the lessor has not delivered to the Administrative Agent, if requested by the Administrative Agent, a Landlord Waiver in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
The Company, by including Equipment in any computation of the Revolving Borrowing Base, shall be deemed to represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent that such Equipment is not of the type described in any of (a) through (e) above, and if any Equipment at any time ceases to
be Eligible Equipment, then such Equipment shall promptly be excluded by the Company from the calculation of Eligible Equipment.
“Eligible Inventory” means Inventory consisting of parts and accessories which the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, determines to be Eligible Inventory. Without limiting the discretion of the Administrative Agent to establish other criteria of ineligibility, Eligible Inventory shall not (unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent) include any Inventory:
(a) that is not owned by the Company or a Grantor;
(b) that is not subject to the Administrative Agent’s Liens, which are perfected as to such Inventory, or that are subject to any other Lien whatsoever, other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01(j) or (m) so long as such Liens are subject to the Master Intercreditor Agreement, and (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) in no event shall “Eligible Inventory” include any Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness Collateral;
(c) that does not consist of finished goods;
(d) that consists of raw materials, work-in-process, chemicals, samples, prototypes, supplies, or packing and shipping materials;
(e) that is not in good condition, is unmerchantable, or does not meet all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority, having regulatory authority over such goods, their use or sale;
(f) that is not currently either usable or salable, at prices approximating at least cost, in the normal course of the Company’s or the applicable Grantor business, or that is slow moving or stale;
(g) that is obsolete or returned or repossessed or used goods taken in trade;
(h) that is located outside the United States of America or Canada (or that is in-transit from vendors or suppliers);
(i) that is located in a public warehouse or in possession of a bailee or in a facility leased by the Company or the applicable Grantor, if the warehouseman, or the bailee, or the lessor has not delivered to the Administrative Agent, if requested by the Administrative Agent, a subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(j) that contains or bears any IP Rights licensed to the Company or the applicable Grantor by any Person, if the Administrative Agent is not satisfied that it may sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement and Section 9.10 without infringing the rights of the licensor of such IP Rights or violating any contract with such licensor, and, as to which the Company or the applicable Grantor has not delivered to the Administrative Agent a consent or sublicense agreement from such licensor in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent if requested; or
(k) that is Inventory placed on consignment.
The Company, by including Inventory in any computation of the Revolving Borrowing Base, shall be deemed to represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that such Inventory is not of the type described in any of (a) through (k) above, and if any Inventory at any time ceases to be Eligible Inventory, such Inventory shall promptly be excluded by the Company from the calculation of Eligible Inventory.
“Eligible Used Vehicle Inventory” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Environmental Laws” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Company, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Equipment” means all of the Company’s and the Grantor’s now owned and hereafter acquired machinery, equipment, furniture, furnishings, trade fixtures, and other tangible personal property (except Inventory), including computer equipment, embedded software, construction in progress, parts and accessories, motor vehicles (which are not Inventory) with respect to which a certificate of title has been issued, dies, tools, jigs, molds and office equipment, as well as all of such types of property leased by the Company or any Grantor and all of the Company’s and Grantors’ rights and interests with respect thereto under such leases (including, without limitation, options to purchase); together with all present and future additions and accessions thereto, replacements therefor, component and auxiliary parts and supplies used or to be used in connection therewith, and all substitutes for any of the foregoing, and all manuals, drawings, instructions, warranties and rights with respect thereto; wherever any of the foregoing is located.
“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Company within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) the withdrawal of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Company under Title IV of ERISA in excess of $1,000,000; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Company under Title IV of ERISA in excess of (i) in the case of the Automotive Industries Pension Trust Fund (EIN # 94-1133245), Plan No. 001, $25,000,000 and (ii) in all other cases, $1,000,000; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (f) any event or condition which is reasonably likely to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate; (g) except as set forth on Schedule 1.01C, the determination that any Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Company or any ERISA Affiliate in excess of (i) in the case of the Automotive Industries Pension Trust Fund (EIN # 94-1133245), Plan No. 001, $25,000,000 and (ii) in all other cases, $1,000,000.
“Escrow and Security Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Escrow and Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date made by the Company and certain Loan Parties in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2 attached hereto, as supplemented from time to time by the execution and delivery of Joinder Agreements pursuant to Section 6.14, and as otherwise supplemented, amended, or modified from time to time.
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
“Eurodollar Rate” means,
(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate for U.S. Dollars for a period equal in length to such Interest Period) (“LIBOR”), as published on the applicable Bloomberg screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be
designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; and
(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to LIBOR, at or about 11:00 a.m., London time determined two London Banking Days prior to such date for U.S. Dollar deposits with a term of one month commencing that day;
provided that, if the Eurodollar Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement.
A Loan bearing interest at the Eurodollar Rate may be (a) borrowed on a day other than the first day of the applicable Interest Period and (b) repaid or converted to a different Type of Loan on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period without giving rise to any additional payment for “break funding” losses.
“Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan” means a Committed Loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of “Eurodollar Rate.”
“Eurodollar Rate Loan” means a Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan which bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of “Eurodollar Rate”.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.
“Excluded Investment” means (i) any Investment in the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Person which, as a result of such Investment, (a) becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) Indebtedness of the Company owing to a Restricted Subsidiary, Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to another Restricted Subsidiary, or guarantees by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Indenture Notes; (iii) Investments in any of the Indenture Notes; (iv) Temporary Cash Investments; (v) Investments acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an asset sale permitted by the Indenture to the extent such Investments are non-cash proceeds; (vi) any Investment to the extent the consideration therefor consists of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; (vii) Investments representing Capital Stock or obligations issued to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of the good faith settlement of claims against any other Person by reason of a composition or readjustment of debt or a reorganization of any debtor or any Restricted Subsidiary; (viii) prepaid expenses advanced to employees in the ordinary course of business or other loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $1.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding; (ix) Investments in existence on May 9, 2013; (x) deposits, including interest-bearing deposits, maintained in the ordinary course of business in banks or with floor plan lenders; endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business by such Person of bank drafts and similar negotiable instruments of such other Person received as
payment for ordinary course of business trade receivables; (xi) Investments acquired in exchange for the issuance of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock or Preferred Stock) of the Company or acquired with the net cash proceeds received by the Company after the date of this Agreement from the issuance and sale of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock or Preferred Stock); provided that such net cash proceeds are used to make such Investment within 10 days of the receipt thereof; (xii) Investments in prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and worker’s compensation, performance and other similar deposits provided to third parties in the ordinary course of business; (xiii) consumer loans and leases entered into, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company or its Subsidiaries, as lender, lessor or assignee, as applicable, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; (xiv) items described in clause (c) of the definition of “Investment”; and (xv) in addition to the Investments described in clauses (i) through (xiv) above, Investments in an amount not to exceed the greater of (a) $25.0 million and (b) 1% of the Company’s consolidated tangible assets in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.
“Excluded Real Estate Collateral” shall mean Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate and any related contracts, real property rights, fixtures, or proceeds thereof located at, attached to, or relating to any Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate.
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the guaranty of such Loan Party of, or the grant by such Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act (determined after giving effect to Section 10.19 and any other “keepwell, support or other agreement” for the benefit of such Loan Party and any and all guarantees of such Loan Party’s Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties) at the time the guaranty of such Loan Party, or a grant by such Loan Party of a security interest, becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such guaranty or security interest is or becomes excluded in accordance with the first sentence of this definition.
“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Company under Section 10.13) or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii), (a)(iii) or (c), amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a
party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(e) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.
“Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.
“Existing Letters of Credit” means those Letters of Credit described on Schedule 2.03.
“Facility Termination Date” means the date as of which all of the following shall have occurred: (a) the Company shall have permanently terminated the credit facilities under the Loan Documents by final payment in full of all Outstanding Amounts, together with all accrued and unpaid interest and fees thereon, other than (i) the undrawn portion of Letters of Credit and (ii) all letter of credit fees relating thereto accruing after such date (which fees shall be payable solely for the account of the applicable L/C Issuer and shall be computed (based on interest rates and the Applicable Rate then in effect) on such undrawn amounts to the respective expiry dates of the Letters of Credit), that have, in each case, been fully Cash Collateralized or as to which other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and such L/C Issuer shall have been made; (b) all Commitments shall have terminated or expired; and (c) the Company and each other Loan Party shall have fully, finally and irrevocably paid and satisfied in full all of their respective Obligations and liabilities arising under the Loan Documents (except for future obligations consisting of continuing indemnities and other contingent Obligations of the Company or any Loan Party that may be owing to the Administrative Agent, any of its Related Parties or any Lender pursuant to the Loan Documents and expressly survive termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document).
“FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities entered into in connection with the implementation of the foregoing.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depository institutions (as determined in such manner as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shall set forth on its public website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“Flood Hazard Property” means any real property with respect to which the Administrative Agent requests a flood hazard determination in its sole discretion and which is determined to be in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood or mudslide hazards.
“Flood Requirements” means the following, with respect to any Flood Hazard Property, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Lenders: (a) the applicable Loan Party’s written acknowledgment of receipt of written notification from the Administrative Agent (i) as to the fact that such real property is a Flood Hazard Property and (ii) as to whether the community in which each such Flood Hazard Property is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program and (b) such other flood hazard determination forms, notices and confirmations thereof as requested by the Lenders and naming the Administrative Agent as loss payee on behalf of the Lenders; and (c) property level information sufficient for the Lenders to determine the adequacy of flood insurance.
“Floorplan Administrative Agent” means, as applicable, Bank of America (in its capacity as the administrative agent under the Floorplan Credit Agreement or any successor administrative agent under the Floorplan Credit Agreement).
“Floorplan Borrower” has the meaning specified for the term “Borrower” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Credit Agreement” means the Third Amended and Restated Syndicated New and Used Floorplan Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof among the Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company party thereto from time to time, the Floorplan Administrative Agent and the Floorplan Lenders (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).
“Floorplan Facility” means, collectively or individually, as the context may require, the New Vehicle Floorplan Facility or the Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility.
“Floorplan Default” has the meaning specified for the term “Default” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Event of Default” has the meaning specified for the term “Event of Default” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Lenders” means the lenders party from time to time to the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Loan Documents” has the meaning specified for the term “Loan Documents” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Loans” has the meaning specified for the term “Loan” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Floorplan Secured Parties” has the meaning specified for the term “Secured Parties” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Company is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Company is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Company is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
“Foreign Person” means any Person that is organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the District of Columbia or any of the states of the United States.
“Framework Agreement” means a framework agreement, in each case between a Loan Party and a manufacturer or distributor of New Vehicles.
The term “franchise” when used with respect to any vehicle manufacturer or distributor shall be deemed to include each dealership that is authorized by a Franchise Agreement to sell New Vehicles manufactured or distributed by such manufacturer or distributor, whether or not such dealership is expressly referred to as a franchise in the respective Franchise Agreement or Framework Agreement.
“Franchise Agreement” means a franchise agreement, in each case between a Loan Party and a manufacturer or distributor of New Vehicles.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to an L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer other than L/C Obligations as to which (i) such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv), or (ii) Cash Collateral or other credit support acceptable to such L/C Issuer shall have been provided in accordance with Section 2.04, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which (i) such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv), or (ii) Cash Collateral or other credit support acceptable to the Swing Line Lender shall have been provided in accordance with Section 2.05.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
“Grantor” has the meaning specified in Section 2A.03.
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, any (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
“Hedge Bank” means any Person in its capacity as a party to a Swap Contract that, (a) at the time it enters into a Swap Contract, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender, is a party to a Swap Contract, in each case, in its capacity as a party to such Swap Contract (even if such Person ceases to be a Lender or such Person’s Affiliate ceased to be a Lender); provided, in the case of a Related Swap Contract with a Person who is no longer a Lender (or Affiliate of a Lender), such Person shall be considered a Hedge Bank only through the stated termination date (without extension or renewal) of such Related Swap Contract.
“Impacted Loans” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(a).
“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and, in each case, not past due for more than 60 days after the date on which such trade account payable was created);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(f) capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations;
(g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and
(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any capital lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date.
“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a), Other Taxes.
“Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).
“Indenture” means that certain 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027 Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2017, by and among the Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
“Indenture Notes” means the notes issued pursuant to the Indenture.
“Information” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07.
“Interest Payment Date” means the Automatic Debit Date of each calendar month.
“Interest Period” means a period of approximately one month commencing on the first Business Day of each month and ending on the first Business Day of the following month.
“Internal Control Event” means a material weakness in, or fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, in each case as described in the Securities Laws.
“Inventory” has the meaning given such term in Section 9-102 of the UCC.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“IP Rights” has the meaning specified in Section 5.17.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“ISP” means the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time).
“Issuer Documents” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the respective L/C Issuer and the Company (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of such L/C Issuer and relating to any such Letter of Credit.
“Joinder Agreement” means each Revolving Joinder Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit G, executed and delivered by a Subsidiary or any other Person to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to Section 6.14.
“Landlord Waiver” means, as to any leasehold interest of a Loan Party, a landlord waiver and consent agreement executed by the landlord of such leasehold interest, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.
“L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
“L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Committed Borrowing.
“L/C Commitment” means, with respect to each L/C Issuer, the commitment of such L/C Issuer to issue Letters of Credit hereunder. The initial amount of each L/C Issuer’s L/C Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01C, or if an L/C Issuer has entered into an Assignment and Assumption or has otherwise assumed a L/C Commitment after the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date, the amount set forth for such L/C Issuer as its L/C Commitment in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent. The L/C Commitment of an L/C Issuer may be modified from time to time by agreement between such L/C Issuer and the Company, and notified to the Administrative Agent.
“L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.
“L/C Disbursement” means a payment made by an L/C Issuer pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“L/C Issuer” means Bank of America, as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. All singular references to the L/C Issuer shall mean any L/C Issuer, the L/C Issuer that has issued the applicable Letter of Credit or all L/C Issuers, as the context may require. Any L/C Issuer may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such L/C Issuer, in which case the term “L/C Issuer” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. As of the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date, there are no Letters of Credit issued by Wells Fargo as an “L/C Issuer” hereunder. On and after the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date, and without limitation of its rights hereunder in such prior capacity as L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo shall no longer issue Letters of Credit or constitute an “L/C Issuer” hereunder.
“L/C Obligations” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time, including any automatic or scheduled increases provided for by the terms of such Letters of Credit, determined without regard to whether any conditions to drawing could be met at that time, plus (b) the aggregate amount of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. The L/C Obligations of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total L/C Obligations at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the UCP or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the ISP or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Company and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the L/C Issuers and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.
“Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, as the context requires, includes the Swing Line Lender.
“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Company and the Administrative Agent, which office may include any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or such Affiliate. Unless the context otherwise requires each reference to a Lender shall include its applicable Lending Office.
“Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder providing for the payment of cash upon the honoring of a presentation thereunder and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit.
“Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the applicable L/C Issuer.
“Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is fifteen days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such date is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).
“Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(j).
“Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to $50,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.
“LIBOR” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Eurodollar Rate”.
“LIBOR Screen Rate” means the LIBOR quote on the applicable screen page the Administrative Agent designates to determine LIBOR (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time).
“LIBOR Successor Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(c).
“LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any proposed LIBOR Successor Rate, any conforming changes to the definition of Base Rate, Interest Period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other technical, administrative or operational matters as may be appropriate, in the reasonable discretion of the Administrative Agent, to reflect the adoption and implementation of such LIBOR Successor Rate and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or that no market practice for the administration of such LIBOR Successor Rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent determines is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement).
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or
preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Company under Article II in the form of a Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan.
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, the Security Agreement, the Escrow and Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, each Joinder Agreement, each other Security Instrument, the Subsidiary Guaranty, the Bank of America Letter, any Autoborrow Agreement and any agreement creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral or other credit support pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 of this Agreement.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Company, each Subsidiary Guarantor, and each Person (other than the Administrative Agent, the Floorplan Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Silo Lender or any landlord executing a Landlord Waiver) executing a Security Instrument.
“London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
“Master Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement dated as of July 8, 2011 among the Administrative Agent, the Floorplan Administrative Agent and the Silo Lenders and acknowledged by the Company on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries substantially in the form of Exhibit L, and the exhibits thereto, as such agreement may be supplemented from time to time by execution and delivery of joinder agreements thereto and revised exhibits in accordance with the terms thereof, and as otherwise supplemented, amended or modified from time to time.
“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) the ability of the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the other Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their respective obligations under any Loan Document to which any of them is a party (unless such Company, Subsidiary Guarantor or other Loan Party has repaid in full all of its respective Obligations and is no longer a Loan Party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents) or (b) an adverse effect on the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under the Loan Documents.
“Maturity Date” means November 30, 2022; provided that if any date determined to be a “Maturity Date” is not a Business Day, such Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
“Multiple Employer Plan” shall mean a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (including the Company or any ERISA Affiliate) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA.
“Net Book Value” means, (i) for any Eligible Account, the gross amount of such Eligible Account less sales, excise or similar taxes, and less returns, discounts, claims, credits, allowances, accrued rebates, offsets, deductions, counterclaims, disputes and other defenses of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available or claimed in respect of such Eligible Account, (ii) for any Eligible Inventory, the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market, (iii) for any Eligible Equipment, the then-current book value of such Eligible Equipment (giving effect to any adjustments to such book value on or prior to the date of measurement thereof) less all accumulated depreciation and amortization of such Equipment through the date of measurement, and (iv) for any contract-in-transit, the net book value of such contract-in-transit as reflected on the books of the Company in accordance with GAAP; provided that, in no event shall “Net Book Value” of any asset described herein exceed the value of such asset reflected on the books of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
“Net Cash Proceeds” means, with respect to any Disposition by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, the excess, if any, of:
(i) the sum of cash and cash equivalents received in connection with such transaction (including any cash or cash equivalents received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, but only as and when so received) over
(ii) the sum of
(A) (1) any Indebtedness that is secured by the applicable asset and that is required to be repaid in connection with such transaction (including any new or used vehicle floorplan loans or any Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness required to be repaid in connection therewith) and (2) any net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract that relates to such Indebtedness and is also required by the terms of such Swap Contract to be repaid,
(B) the reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary in connection with such transaction and
(C) income taxes reasonably estimated to be actually payable within two years of the date of the relevant transaction as a result of any gain recognized in connection therewith; provided that, if the amount of any estimated taxes pursuant to subclause (C) exceeds the amount of taxes actually required to be paid in cash in respect of such Disposition, the aggregate amount of such excess shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds.
“New Vehicle” means a Vehicle which has never been owned except by a manufacturer, distributor or dealer and (except in the case of Service Loaner Vehicles) has never been registered, and (notwithstanding clause (c) of the definition of “Vehicle”) includes Rental Vehicles and Demonstrators (each as defined in the Floorplan Credit Agreement) and Service Loaner Vehicles, in each case whether or not held for sale.
“New Vehicle Borrower” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“New Vehicle Floorplan Facility” means the new vehicle floorplan facility described in Section 2.01 through 2.05 of the Floorplan Credit Agreement providing for revolving loans to certain Subsidiaries of the Company by the lenders party thereto.
“New Vehicle Floorplan Lender” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“New Vehicle Floorplan Loan” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that (i) requires the approval of all Lenders or all affected Lenders in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 and (ii) has been approved by the Required Lenders.
“Non-Extension Notice Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b).
“Note” means a promissory note made by the Company, in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender to the Company, as applicable, substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
“Notice of Loan Prepayment” means a notice of prepayment with respect to a Loan, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit O or such other form as may be approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer.
“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, Letter of Credit, Secured Cash Management Arrangement or any Related Swap Contract, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
“Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement,
instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.05).
“Outstanding Amount” means (i) with respect to Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Company of Unreimbursed Amounts.
“Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).
“Participant Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
“Pension Act” shall mean the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
“Pension Funding Rules” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in, with respect to plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Pension Act, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, each as in effect prior to the Pension Act and, thereafter, Section 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.
“Pension Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by the Company and any ERISA Affiliate and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.
“Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition permitted by Section 7.12.
“Permitted Borrowing Base Real Estate Use” means, with respect to any property, that such property is used by the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor as a motor vehicle dealership or as a facility for the sale, repair, service or storage of motor vehicles or the provision of related goods or services.
“Permitted Disposition” means any Disposition permitted by Section 7.05.
“Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary owing to non-Affiliated Persons secured solely by Liens on Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness Collateral so long as the amount of such Indebtedness (as measured for any specified real property parcel and improvements (if any) financed thereby) is no greater than eighty-five percent (85%) of the value of such parcel and improvements set forth in an appraisal thereof prepared by a member of the Appraisal Institute and an independent appraisal firm satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and commissioned in connection with such financing, a copy of which such appraisal has been provided to the Administrative Agent upon its request.
“Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness Collateral” means, with respect to any particular Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness, the applicable real property used (at the time of the incurrence of such Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness) by a Subsidiary of the Company for the operation of a vehicle dealership or a business ancillary thereto, together with related real property rights, improvements, fixtures (other than trade fixtures), insurance payments, leases and rents related thereto and proceeds thereof; provided that Permitted Real Estate Indebtedness Collateral shall not include Excluded Real Estate Collateral.
“Permitted Silo Guaranty” means, with respect to any Permitted Silo Indebtedness provided by any Silo Lender, the guaranty of such Indebtedness by (a) the Company or (b) any Subsidiary that operates one or more dealerships at which New Vehicle floorplan financing is provided by such Silo Lender.
“Permitted Silo Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (including Permitted Silo Guaranties but excluding Indebtedness provided pursuant to the Floorplan Credit Agreement) incurred from time to time by any of the Company’s current or future Subsidiaries consisting of floorplan financing for New Vehicles or Used Vehicles provided by financial institutions or manufacturer-affiliated finance companies (“Silo Lenders”) to such Subsidiaries, provided that (i) with respect to financing of Used Vehicles, the proceeds of such financing are used for purchasing and carrying Used Vehicles, (ii) such indebtedness is secured by, in the case of Silo Lenders providing New Vehicle floorplan financing or New Vehicle and Used Vehicle floorplan financing, a lien on certain assets of such Subsidiaries (including New Vehicles and Used Vehicles financed (including related contracts-in-transit) and the proceeds thereof and certain general intangibles, but excluding real property and fixtures (other than trade fixtures)), and (iii) such Silo Lender is a party to and bound by the Master Intercreditor Agreement; provided that, Permitted Silo Indebtedness provided by a Silo Lender may be cross-collateralized with other Permitted Silo Indebtedness provided by such Silo Lender.
“Permitted Third Party Service Loaner Indebtedness” means Indebtedness incurred from time to time by any of the Company’s current or future Subsidiaries consisting of financing for Service Loaner Vehicles, which financing is provided by manufacturers, manufacturer affiliated finance companies or other Persons to the Company or such Subsidiary (“Service Loaner
Lenders”) so long as (i) such Indebtedness is secured solely by a Lien on said Service Loaner Vehicles so financed by the respective Service Loaner Lenders and the proceeds of such Service Loaner Vehicles, (ii) such Indebtedness is on terms (including pricing terms) that, taken as a whole, are more favorable to the Company and its Subsidiaries than the terms of the Floorplan Credit Agreement, and (iii) the Company has obtained and delivered to the Administrative Agent an intercreditor agreement executed by such applicable Service Loaner Lender, which intercreditor agreement (x) is in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (y) acknowledges that such Indebtedness is secured solely by a Lien on said Service Loaner Vehicles so financed and the proceeds thereof and (z) does not conflict with or violate the terms of the Master Intercreditor Agreement.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (generally including a Pension Plan, but excluding a Multiemployer Plan and Multiple Employer Plan), maintained by the Company or, in the case of a Pension Plan, by an ERISA Affiliate, for employees of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate.
“Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Pledge Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Securities Pledge Agreement dated as of the Closing Date made by the Company and certain Loan Parties in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit H-1 attached hereto, as supplemented from time to time by the execution and delivery of Joinder Agreements pursuant to Section 6.14 and as otherwise supplemented, amended, or modified from time to time.
“Preferred Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distributions of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over the Capital Stock of any other class in such Person.
“Pro Forma Compliance” means that the Company and its Subsidiaries are in pro forma compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 and the Revolving Borrowing Base, as applicable, in each case calculated as if the event with respect to which Pro Forma Compliance is being tested had occurred on the first day of each relevant period with respect to
which current compliance with such financial covenant and Revolving Borrowing Base would be determined (for example, in the case of a financial covenant based on Consolidated EBITDAR, as if such event had occurred on the first day of the four fiscal quarter period ending on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b)). Pro forma calculations made pursuant to this definition that require calculations of Consolidated EBITDAR on a pro forma basis will be made in accordance with Section 1.04(d).
“Pro Forma Compliance Certificate” means, with respect to any event, a duly completed Compliance Certificate demonstrating Pro Forma Compliance for such event.
“Pro Forma Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate” means, with respect to any event, a duly completed Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate demonstrating Pro Forma Compliance for such event.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Qualified Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all Capital Stock of such Person other than Redeemable Capital Stock.
“Qualified ECP Guarantor” shall mean, at any time, each Loan Party with total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or that qualifies at such time as an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time under §1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Real Estate Exclusion Notice” has the meaning specified in the definition of Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate.
“Recipient” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder.
“Redeemable Capital Stock” means any Capital Stock that, either by its terms or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or exchangeable (at the option of the holders thereof), is or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed prior to May 15, 2023 or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to May 15, 2023 (other than upon a change of control of or sale of assets by the Company in circumstances where a holder of any Indenture Notes would have similar rights), or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to any such stated maturity at the option of the holder thereof.
“Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).
“Registered Public Accounting Firm” has the meaning specified in the Securities Laws and shall be independent of the Company as prescribed in the Securities Laws.
“Related Acquisition or Related Proposed Acquisition” means, with respect to any specified Acquisition (a “Specified Acquisition”), any other Acquisition, or any proposed Acquisition subject to an Acquisition Arrangement, that in each case (a) is part of a related series of Acquisitions or proposed Acquisitions that includes the Specified Acquisition, (b) involves any seller or transferor that is a seller or transferor (or an Affiliate of a seller or transferor) involved in the Specified Acquisition and (c) occurs or is reasonably expected to occur within six (6) months before or after the date of the Specified Acquisition.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors, consultants, service providers and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
“Related Swap Contract” means all Swap Contracts that are entered into or maintained with a Hedge Bank that are not prohibited by the express terms of the Loan Documents.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for the purpose of recommending a benchmark rate to replace LIBOR in loan agreements similar to this Agreement.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
“Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, or conversion of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, or conversion of Swing Line Loans, a Swing Line Loan Notice.
“Required Financial Information” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary”.
“Required Floorplan Lenders” has the meaning specified for the term “Required Lenders” in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders whose Applicable Percentages aggregate more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans or the obligation of each L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, as applicable, being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of a Loan Party and solely for purposes of the delivery of incumbency certificate pursuant to Section 4.01, the secretary or assistant secretary of a Loan Party, and, solely for the purposes of notices given pursuant to Article II, any other officer of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers in a notice to the Administrative Agent or any other officer of the applicable Loan Party designated in or pursuant to an agreement between the applicable Loan Party and the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party. To the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, each Responsible Officer will provide an incumbency certificate and to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, appropriate authorization documentation, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Person thereof) of the Company or any Subsidiary.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means each direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that (i) has total assets (including Equity Interests in other Persons) of equal to or greater than $10,000 (calculated as of the most recent fiscal period with respect to which the Administrative Agent shall have received financial statements required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) or (b) (or if prior to delivery of any financial statements pursuant to such Sections, then calculated based on the Audited Financial Statements) (the “Required Financial Information”)), or (ii) has revenues (on a consolidated basis with its Subsidiaries) equal to or greater than $10,000 for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (calculated for the most recent four fiscal quarter period for which the Administrative Agent has received the Required Financial Information); provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Restricted Subsidiaries” (i) shall also include any Subsidiaries designated as “Restricted Subsidiaries” pursuant to the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” and (ii) shall not include any Special Purpose Insurance Captive.
“Revolving Advance Limit” means, as of any date of a Borrowing or other date of determination, calculated as of the most recent date for which a Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate has been delivered pursuant to the terms hereof, an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the Aggregate Commitments and (ii) the Revolving Borrowing Base.
“Revolving Borrowing Base” means as of any date of calculation, the lesser of (1) the Aggregate Commitments and (2) the sum of:
(A) the sum of (i) 80% of the Net Book Value of Eligible Accounts which constitute factory receivables, net of holdback, (ii) 80% of the Net Book Value of Eligible Accounts which
constitute current finance receivables, provided that in no event shall Buyer Notes or the rights or obligations thereunder be considered finance receivables or otherwise be included in the calculation of the Revolving Borrowing Base, (iii) 80% of the Net Book Value of Eligible Accounts which constitute receivables for parts and services (after netting any amounts payable in connection with such parts and services), (iv) 65% of the Net Book Value of Eligible Inventory which constitutes parts and accessories, and (v) 40% of the Net Book Value of Eligible Equipment (the portion of the Revolving Borrowing Base described in this clause (A) being referred to as the “Personal Property Portion”);
plus (B) 75% of the appraised value of the Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate (as reflected in the most recent FIRREA-conforming appraisal that the Administrative Agent has received with respect to such property); provided that if the most recent limited updated appraisal received by the Administrative Agent shows a lower value for any real estate than the value reflected in the most recent FIRREA-conforming appraisal thereof, then such lower value shall be deemed to be the value of such real estate, and provided, further that amounts added to the Revolving Borrowing Base pursuant to this clause (B) shall not at any time exceed 25% of the aggregate amount of the Personal Property Portion of the Revolving Borrowing Base.
“Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate by a Responsible Officer of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit I (or another form acceptable to the Administrative Agent) setting forth the calculation of the Revolving Borrowing Base, including a calculation of each component thereof, all in such detail as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. All calculations of the Revolving Borrowing Base in connection with the preparation of any Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate shall originally be made by the Company and certified to the Administrative Agent; provided, that the Administrative Agent shall have the right to review and adjust, in the exercise of its reasonable credit judgment, any such calculation to the extent that such calculation is not in accordance with this Agreement.
“Revolving Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal amount at such time of its outstanding Committed Loans and such Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans at such time.
“Revolving Facility Liquidity Amount” means, as of any date of determination, the lesser of:
(c) the difference of the Revolving Advance Limit minus Total Outstandings, and
(d) the largest principal amount of Loans that may then be borrowed hereunder without resulting in an Event of Default under Section 7.11(c) (on a pro forma basis as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which a Compliance Certificate was delivered or required to be delivered), after giving pro forma effect to such Loans.
“Sanction(s)” means any sanction administered or enforced by the United States government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury or other relevant sanctions authority.
“Sarbanes-Oxley” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
“Scheduled Unavailability Date” has the meaning specified in Section 3.03(c).
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Secured Cash Management Arrangement” means any Cash Management Arrangement that is entered into by and between any Loan Party and any Cash Management Bank, in each case, in such Cash Management Bank’s sole discretion.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, with respect to each of the Security Instruments, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Cash Management Banks, and each Affiliate of any Lender, which Affiliate is party to a Related Swap Contract.
“Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley and the applicable accounting and auditing principles, rules, standards and practices promulgated, approved or incorporated by the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, as each of the foregoing may be amended and in effect on any applicable date hereunder.
“Security Agreement” means that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Company, each other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and the Floorplan Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit J attached hereto, as supplemented from time to time by the execution and delivery of Joinder Agreements pursuant to Section 6.14, and as otherwise supplemented, amended, or modified from time to time.
“Security Instruments” means, collectively or individually as the context may indicate, the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Escrow and Security Agreement, any Joinder Agreement, the Master Intercreditor Agreement, any Landlord Waiver, and all other agreements (including control agreements), instruments and other documents, whether now existing or hereafter in effect, pursuant to which the Company, any other Loan Party, or any other Person shall grant or convey to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties a Lien in, or any other Person shall acknowledge any such Lien in, property as security for all or any portion of the Obligations, any other obligation under any Loan Document and any obligation or liability arising under any Related Swap Contract.
“Service Loaner Lenders” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Third Party Service Loaner Indebtedness.”
“Service Loaner Vehicles” means vehicles which are provided as service loaner vehicles for customers of a Subsidiary that are having their vehicles serviced by such Subsidiary.
“Silo Lenders” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Permitted Silo Indebtedness.”
“Silo Subsidiaries” means, those Subsidiaries (other than Dual Subsidiaries) from time to time obligated pursuant to Permitted Silo Indebtedness as permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, which such Subsidiaries as of the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date are set forth on
Schedule 1.01A. The Company may designate other Subsidiaries as Silo Subsidiaries from time to time in accordance with Section 7.16.
“SOFR” with respect to any day means the secured overnight financing rate published for such day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as the administrator of the benchmark (or a successor administrator) on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s website (or any successor source) and, in each case, that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“SOFR-Based Rate” means SOFR or Term SOFR.
“Solvent” means, when used with respect to any Person, that at the time of determination:
(a) the fair value of its assets (both at fair valuation and at present fair saleable value on an orderly basis) is in excess of the total amount of its liabilities, including contingent obligations; and
(b) it is then able and expects to be able to pay its debts as they mature; and
(c) it has capital sufficient to carry on its business as conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
“Sonic Financial” means Sonic Financial Corporation, a North Carolina corporation.
“Special Purpose Insurance Captive” means a Person which (a) at all times shall remain a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, (b) shall not engage in any business other than the provision of dealer physical damage insurance for new vehicle inventory, workers compensation insurance or healthcare insurance to the Company and its Subsidiaries, (c) if organized in North Carolina (or, in any other jurisdiction, to the extent otherwise permitted by Law) has its Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement and (d) has not and shall not (i) transfer any funds to any Person other than (x) payment in the ordinary course of business and on customary market terms of liability claims made by third parties against the Company and its Subsidiaries, (y) payment of its own business expenses in the ordinary course of business and on customary market terms, and (z) distributions to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor; (ii) make any Investment (other than Investments permitted under applicable insurance guidelines and made in the Company’s reasonable business judgment) in any Person, (iii) incur any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness from time to time owed to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor) or grant a Lien on any of its assets (other than to secure Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor), (iv) provide any compensation to directors or employees other than on customary market terms for captive insurance companies or (v) have its Equity Interests pledged to any Person other than as described in clause (c) above. The parties hereto acknowledge that as of the date hereof, SRM Assurance, Ltd. is a Special Purpose Insurance Captive. A Special Purpose Insurance Captive shall not be permitted to have, acquire or form any direct or indirect Subsidiary.
“Specified Investment” means any Investment in any Person other than an Excluded Investment.
“Specified Loan Party” means any Loan Party that is not an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 10.19).
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company (which may be guaranteed by the Subsidiaries of the Company on an unsecured, subordinated basis); provided that, (i) such Indebtedness is not secured by any property of the Company or any Subsidiary and at the time of issuance, (A) does not have a maturity, and does not require any principal payments (whether by scheduled installment, mandatory prepayment or redemption, or the exercise of any put right), earlier than six (6) months following the Maturity Date, (B) has terms (including terms of maturity and amortization) that are typical for indebtedness of such type issued at such time and such terms (other than applicable rates of interest) are otherwise no more restrictive, or less advantageous to the Lenders, than the Loan Documents or are otherwise on terms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) is subordinated to the Obligations in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or has subordination terms substantially similar to those in the Indenture and (D) has customary standstill and blockage provisions with regard to payments and enforcement actions and (ii) after giving effect to the issuance of such Indebtedness, (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a result therefrom and (b) all other requirements set forth in Section 7.03(i) shall have been met.
“Subordinated Indebtedness Prepayment” means any prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasance, settlement in cash or other satisfaction prior to the scheduled maturity thereof of any Subordinated Indebtedness, provided, however, that “Subordinated Indebtedness Prepayment” shall not include any amount prepaid with the proceeds of the refinancing of such Subordinated Indebtedness with new or additional Subordinated Indebtedness.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Company and shall include, without limitation, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
“Subsidiary Guarantors” means, collectively, all Restricted Subsidiaries executing a Subsidiary Guaranty on the Closing Date and all other Subsidiaries that enter into a Joinder Agreement.
“Subsidiary Guaranty” means the Fourth Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement made by the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit E as supplemented from time to time by execution and delivery of Joinder Agreements pursuant to Section 6.14 and as otherwise supplemented, amended, or modified from time to time.
“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Swap Obligations” means with respect to any Loan Party any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
“Swing Line Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04.
“Swing Line Commitment” means as to any Lender (a) the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01B hereof or (b) if such Lender has entered into an Assignment and Assumption or has otherwise assumed a Swing Line Commitment after the Amendment No.2 Effective Date, the amount set forth for such Lender as its Swing Line Commitment in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.06(c).
“Swing Line Lender” means Bank of America in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor revolving swing line lender hereunder.
“Swing Line Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a).
“Swing Line Loan Notice” means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit B or such other form as approved by the Administrative Agent (including any form on an electronic platform or
electronic transmission system as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent), appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company.
“Swing Line Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $35,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.
“Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).
“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Temporary Cash Investments” means (a) cash or (b) Investments held in the form of cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities.
“Temporary Excess Cash” means cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of Subordinated Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.03(i), which cash (as set forth in a notice delivered by the Company to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days of the Company’s receipt of such cash proceeds) is intended by the Company to be applied to the prepayment or purchase (whether by open market purchase or pursuant to a tender offer) of other Subordinated Indebtedness, but has not yet been so applied solely because the Company has not completed such prepayment, repurchase or refinancing, so long as such cash is so applied within six (6) months of receipt thereof.
“Temporary Indebtedness” means Subordinated Indebtedness the Company intends to repay (whether by open market purchase or pursuant to a tender offer) using cash proceeds received by the Company from the issuance of other Subordinated Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.03(i); provided that, such applicable Subordinated Indebtedness shall only qualify as “Temporary Indebtedness” for so long as such cash proceeds qualify as “Temporary Excess Cash”.
“Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate for any period that is approximately (as determined by the Administrative Agent) as long as any of the Interest Period options set forth in the definition of “Interest Period” and that is based on SOFR and that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body, in each case as published on an information service as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion.
“Threshold Amount” means $20,000,000.
“Total Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the unused Commitments and Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time.
“Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.
“Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code then in effect in the state of North Carolina or, if the context so indicates, another applicable jurisdiction.
“UCP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time).
“UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person subject to IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.
“UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
“United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
“Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).
“Unrestricted Subsidiaries” means all Subsidiaries of the Company other than the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that in no event shall the Unrestricted Subsidiaries as a whole have more than $100,000 in total assets or more than $100,000 in total revenues for a period of four consecutive fiscal quarters (in each case) calculated as of the most recent four fiscal quarter period for which the Administrative Agent has received the Required Financial Information; and if either such threshold is exceeded, the Company shall immediately designate one or more such Subsidiaries to be “Restricted Subsidiaries” and deliver to the Administrative Agent all documents specified in Section 6.14 for such Subsidiaries, so that after giving effect to such designation, the remaining Unrestricted Subsidiaries shall satisfy such requirements; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the assets and revenues of Special Purpose Insurance Captives shall not be taken into account for the purposes of determining the Company’s compliance with, and its covenants relating to, the thresholds described in this definition.
“Used Vehicle” means a Vehicle other than a New Vehicle.
“Used Vehicle Floorplan Facility” means the used vehicle floorplan facility described in Sections 2.06 through 2.08 of the Floorplan Credit Agreement providing for revolving loans to the Company by the lenders party thereto.
“Used Vehicle Floorplan Lender” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“Used Vehicle Floorplan Loan” has the meaning specified for such term in the Floorplan Credit Agreement.
“U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(B)(III).
“Vehicle” means an automobile or truck with a gross vehicle weight of less than 16,000 pounds which satisfies the following requirements: (a) the vehicle is owned by a Grantor free of any title defects or any liens or interests of others except (i) the security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (ii) the security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Floorplan Secured Parties, (iii) the security interests subject to the Master Intercreditor Agreement and (iv) other Liens to which the Administrative Agent consents in writing in its sole discretion; (b) except as set forth in Section 6.13, the vehicle is located at one of the locations identified in Schedule 6.13; (c) the vehicle is held for sale in the ordinary course of a Grantor’s business and is of good and merchantable quality and (d) the vehicle is not a commercial truck designated as Class 4 or above by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
“Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and its successors.
“Wells Fargo Letter” means any agreement among the Company and Wells Fargo regarding the payment of fronting fees with respect to Letters of Credit issued by Wells Fargo.
“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.
1.03 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will”
shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), provided that, any reference to a defined term in any such agreement, instrument or other document (including the Floorplan Credit Agreement) which has been terminated shall have the meaning set forth in such document immediately prior to such termination, (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “hereto,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(d) Any reference herein to a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, shall be deemed to apply to a division of or by a limited liability company, or an allocation of assets to a series of a limited liability company (or the unwinding of such a division or allocation), as if it were a merger, transfer, consolidation, amalgamation, consolidation, assignment, sale, disposition or transfer, or similar term, as applicable, to, of or with a separate Person. Any division of a limited liability company shall constitute a separate Person hereunder (and each division of any limited liability company that is a Subsidiary, joint venture or any other like term shall also constitute such a Person or entity.
1.04 Accounting Terms.
(a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein; provided that, all calculations of financial covenants
shall reflect the results of both continuing operations and discontinued operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and in the event of any such discontinued operations, the Company shall provide subtotals for each of “continuing operations”, “discontinued operations” and “consolidated operations”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof and the effects of FASB ASC 825 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded. In connection with the Company’s delivery of financial statements hereunder, the Company shall deliver a reconciliation of the calculations of the financial covenants before and after giving effect to the adjustments from FASB ASC 825 described in this Agreement.
(b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Company or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Company shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Company shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Without limiting the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with Section 7.11, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the Audited Financial Statements for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for above.
(c) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. All references herein to consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries or to the determination of any amount for the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any similar reference shall, in each case, be deemed to include each variable interest entity that the Company is required to consolidate pursuant to FASB ASC 810 as if such variable interest entity were a Subsidiary as defined herein.
(d) Calculation of Consolidated EBITDAR, Consolidated Fixed Charges and Consolidated Rental Expense. Consolidated EBITDAR shall be calculated for any period by including the actual amount for such period, including the Consolidated EBITDAR attributable to Acquisitions permitted hereunder and occurring during such period and (to the extent otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income) excluding the Consolidated EBITDAR attributable to Permitted Dispositions of assets occurring during such period on a pro forma basis for the period from the first day of the applicable period through the date of the closing of each such permitted Acquisition or Permitted Disposition, utilizing (i) where available or required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, historical audited and/or reviewed unaudited financial statements obtained from the seller, broken down by fiscal quarter in the Company’s reasonable judgment or (ii) unaudited financial statements (where no audited or reviewed financial statements are required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) reviewed internally by the
Company, broken down in the Company’s reasonable judgment; provided, however, that (x) any such pro forma adjustment of Consolidated EBITDAR shall reflect the Company’s and the Subsidiaries’ pro forma rental payments related to the assets acquired in any applicable Acquisition (and shall not reflect any rental expense payments of the applicable seller), and (y) any such pro forma adjustment of Consolidated EBITDAR shall not result in an increase of more than 10% of Consolidated EBITDAR prior to such adjustment, unless the Company provides to the Administrative Agent (A) the supporting calculations for such adjustment and (B) such other information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to determine the accuracy of such calculations. For purposes of determining “Consolidated Fixed Charges” for any period, the Consolidated Interest Expense, Consolidated Principal Payments and Consolidated Rental Expenses attributable to such Permitted Dispositions described above during such period may, at the option of the Company and subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), be excluded therefrom.
1.05 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Company pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
1.06 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
1.07 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.
1.08 Rates. The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of “Eurodollar Rate” or with respect to any rate that is an alternative or replacement for or successor to any of such rate (including, without limitation, any LIBOR Successor Rate) or the effect of any of the foregoing, or of any LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes.
ARTICLE II.
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
2.01 Committed Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Committed Loan”) to the Company from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall
not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (ii) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Advance Limit, and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Company may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans.
(a) Each Committed Borrowing and each conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, shall be made upon the Company’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Committed Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Committed Loan Notice. Each such Committed Loan Notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) one Business Day prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Committed Loans or of any conversion of Base Rate Committed Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans, and (ii) one Business Day prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice shall specify (i) whether the Company is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing or conversion, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed or converted, and (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be converted. If the Company fails to provide a timely Committed Loan Notice requesting a conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, such Loans shall, subject to Article III, continue as Eurodollar Rate Loans. If the Company fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice, then the applicable Committed Loans shall, subject to Article III, be made as, or converted to, Eurodollar Rate Loans.
(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly (and in any event, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of advance of the applicable Committed Loans) notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans. Each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 2:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is an initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Company in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by crediting the account of the Company on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds; provided, however, that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Company, there are L/C Borrowings
outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second, shall be made available to the Company as provided above.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Company and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Company and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
2.03 Letters of Credit.
(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, in addition to the Loans provided for in Section 2.01, the Company may request any L/C Issuer, in reliance on the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, to issue, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period, Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars for its own account or the account of any of its Subsidiaries in such form as is acceptable to such L/C Issuer in its reasonable determination. Letters of Credit issued hereunder shall constitute utilization of the Commitments.
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension, Reinstatement or Renewal. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment of the terms and conditions, extension of the terms and conditions, extension of the expiration date, or reinstatement of amounts paid, or renewal of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Company shall deliver (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable L/C Issuer) to an L/C Issuer selected by it and to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and such L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, extended, reinstated or renewed, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, extension, reinstatement or renewal (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with clause (d) of this Section 2.03), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, extend, reinstate or renew such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable L/C Issuer, the Company also shall submit a letter of credit application and reimbursement agreement on such L/C Issuer’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application and reimbursement agreement or other agreement submitted by the Company to, or entered into by the Company with, an L/C Issuer relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.
If the Company so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application (or the amendment of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the applicable L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit shall
permit such L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon by the Company and the applicable L/C Issuer at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the applicable L/C Issuer, the Company shall not be required to make a specific request to such L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the applicable L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiration date not later than the date permitted pursuant to Section 2.03(d); provided, that such L/C Issuer shall not (i) permit any such extension if (A) such L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its extended form under the terms hereof (except that the expiration date may be extended to a date that is no more than one year from the then-current expiration date) or (B) it has received notice (which may be in writing or by telephone (if promptly confirmed in writing)) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (ii) be obligated to permit such extension if it has received notice (which may be in writing or by telephone (if promptly confirmed in writing)) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Company that one or more of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing such L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.
(c) Limitations on Amounts, Issuance and Amendment. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, extended, reinstated or renewed only if (and upon issuance, amendment, extension, reinstatement or renewal of each Letter of Credit the Company shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, extension, reinstatement or renewal (i) the aggregate amount of the outstanding Letters of Credit issued by any L/C Issuer shall not exceed its L/C Commitment, (ii) the aggregate L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, (iii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender shall not exceed its Commitment, (iv) the total Revolving Credit Exposures shall not exceed the total Commitments and (v) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Advance Limit.
(i) No L/C Issuer shall be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:
(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss,
cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which such L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;
(B) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;
(C) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and such L/C Issuer, the Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $500,000;
(D) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless such L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Company or such Lender to eliminate such L/C Issuer’s actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which such L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion; or
(E) the Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the stated amount after any drawing thereunder.
(ii) No L/C Issuer shall be under any obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.
(d) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall have a stated expiration date no later than the earlier of (i) the date twelve months after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration date thereof, whether automatic or by amendment, twelve months after the then current expiration date of such Letter of Credit) and (ii) the Letter of Credit Expiration Date.
(e) Participations.
(i) By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount or extending the expiration date thereof), and without any further action on the part of the applicable L/C Issuer or the Lenders, such L/C Issuer hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from such L/C Issuer, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this clause (e) in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, extension, reinstatement or renewal of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments.
(ii) In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for
account of the applicable L/C Issuer, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each L/C Disbursement made by an L/C Issuer not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the notice provided by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.03(f) until such L/C Disbursement is reimbursed by the Company or at any time after any reimbursement payment is required to be refunded to the Company for any reason, including after the Maturity Date. Such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each such payment shall be made in the same manner as provided in Section 2.02 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.02 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the applicable L/C Issuer the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Company pursuant to Section 2.03(f), the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the applicable L/C Issuer or, to the extent that the Lenders have made payments pursuant to this clause (e) to reimburse such L/C Issuer, then to such Lenders and such L/C Issuer as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this clause (e) to reimburse an L/C Issuer for any L/C Disbursement shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Company of its obligation to reimburse such L/C Disbursement.
(iii) Each Lender further acknowledges and agrees that its participation in each Letter of Credit will be automatically adjusted to reflect such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit at each time such Lender’s Commitment is amended pursuant to the operation of Section 2.14, as a result of an assignment in accordance with Section 10.06 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement.
(iv) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(e), then, without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement, the applicable L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the applicable L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by such L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of any L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iv) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(f) Reimbursement. If an L/C Issuer shall make any L/C Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Company shall reimburse such L/C Issuer in respect of such L/C Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such L/C Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon on (i) the Business Day that the Company receives notice of such L/C
Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m. or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Company receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time, provided that, if such L/C Disbursement is not less than $1,000,000, the Company may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.02 or Section 2.04 that such payment be financed with a Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans or Swing Line Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Company’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans or Swing Line Loan. If the Company fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable L/C Disbursement, the payment then due from the Company in respect thereof (the “Unreimbursed Amount”) and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, the Company shall be deemed to have requested a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the date of payment by the applicable L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by any L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(f) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.
(g) Obligations Absolute. The Company’s obligation to reimburse L/C Disbursements as provided in clause (f) of this Section 2.03 shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of:
(iii) any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Letter of Credit, or any term or provision herein or therein;
(iv) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Company or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), any L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;
(v) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement in such draft or other document being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;
(vi) waiver by any L/C Issuer of any requirement that exists for such L/C Issuer’s protection and not the protection of the Company or any waiver by such L/C Issuer which does not in fact materially prejudice the Company;
(vii) honor of a demand for payment presented electronically even if such Letter of Credit required that demand be in the form of a draft;
(viii) any payment made by any L/C Issuer in respect of an otherwise complying item presented after the date specified as the expiration date of, or the date by which documents must be received under such Letter of Credit if presentation after such date is authorized by the UCC, the ISP or the UCP, as applicable;
(ix) payment by the applicable L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply strictly with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by any L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or
(x) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.03, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Company’s obligations hereunder.
The Company shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Company’s instructions or other irregularity, the Company will immediately notify the applicable L/C Issuer. The Company shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against each L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.
None of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, any L/C Issuer, or any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit by the applicable L/C Issuer or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the applicable L/C Issuer; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an L/C Issuer from liability to the Company to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Company to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Company that are caused by such L/C Issuer’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of an L/C Issuer (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), an L/C Issuer shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination, and that:
(i) an L/C Issuer may replace a purportedly lost, stolen, or destroyed original Letter of Credit or missing amendment thereto with a certified true copy marked as such or waive a requirement for its presentation;
(ii) an L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit without responsibility for
further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and may make payment upon presentation of documents that appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit and without regard to any non-documentary condition in such Letter of Credit;
(iii) an L/C Issuer shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to decline to accept such documents and to make such payment if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit; and
(iv) this sentence shall establish the standard of care to be exercised by an L/C Issuer when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof (and the parties hereto hereby waive, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, any standard of care inconsistent with the foregoing).
Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, any L/C Issuer, or any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of (i) any presentation that includes forged or fraudulent documents or that is otherwise affected by the fraudulent, bad faith, or illegal conduct of the beneficiary or other Person, (ii) an L/C Issuer declining to take-up documents and make payment (A) against documents that are fraudulent, forged, or for other reasons by which that it is entitled not to honor or (B) following the Company’s waiver of discrepancies with respect to such documents or request for honor of such documents or (iii) an L/C Issuer retaining proceeds of a Letter of Credit based on an apparently applicable attachment order, blocking regulation, or third-party claim notified to such L/C Issuer.
(h) Applicability of ISP and UCP; Limitation of Liability. Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the applicable L/C Issuer and the Company when a Letter of Credit is issued by it (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Letter of Credit), the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no L/C Issuer shall be responsible to the Company for, and no L/C Issuer’s rights and remedies against the Company shall be impaired by, any action or inaction of any L/C Issuer required or permitted under any law, order, or practice that is required or permitted to be applied to any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, including the Law or any order of a jurisdiction where any L/C Issuer or the beneficiary is located, the practice stated in the ISP or UCP, as applicable, or in the decisions, opinions, practice statements, or official commentary of the ICC Banking Commission, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade - International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), or the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, whether or not any Letter of Credit chooses such law or practice.
(i) Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.
(j) Letter of Credit Fees. The Company shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “Letter of Credit Fee”) for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit; provided, however, any Letter of Credit Fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral or other credit support arrangements satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.03 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to such L/C Issuer for its own account. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.07. Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears, (ii) due and payable on the Automatic Debit Date after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand and (iii) automatically debited from a deposit account maintained by the Company with Bank of America (provided that if there are not sufficient funds in such account to pay such Letter of Credit Fees, then the Company shall pay such fees in cash when due). If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.
(k) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuers. The Company shall pay directly to the applicable L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit, at the rate per annum specified (in the case of Bank of America) in the Bank of America Letter and (in the case of Wells Fargo) in the Wells Fargo Letter, in each case computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit and on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fee (i) shall be due and payable on the Automatic Debit Date after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand, (ii) in the case of fronting fees owing to Bank of America, may be automatically debited from a deposit account maintained by the Company with Bank of America (provided that if there are not sufficient funds in such account to pay such fronting fees, then the Company shall pay such fees in cash when due) and (iii) in the case of fronting fees owing to Wells Fargo, shall be separately invoiced by Wells Fargo. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.07. In addition, the Company shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.
(l) Disbursement Procedures. The L/C Issuer for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable Laws or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit. Such L/C Issuer shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Company in writing of such demand for payment if such L/C Issuer has made or will make an L/C Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Company of its obligation to reimburse such L/C Issuer and the Lenders with respect to any such L/C Disbursement.
(m) Interim Interest. If the L/C Issuer for any Letter of Credit shall make any L/C Disbursement, then, unless the Company shall reimburse such L/C Disbursement in full on the date such L/C Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such L/C Disbursement is made to but excluding the date the Company reimburses such L/C Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to Base Rate Loans; provided that if the Company fails to reimburse such L/C Disbursement when due pursuant to clause (f) of this Section 2.03, then Section 2.08(b) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this clause (m) shall be for account of such L/C Issuer, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to clause (f) of this Section 2.03 to reimburse such L/C Issuer shall be for account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.
(n) Replacement of any L/C Issuer. Any L/C Issuer may be replaced at any time by written agreement between the Company, the Administrative Agent, the replaced L/C Issuer and the successor L/C Issuer. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of an L/C Issuer. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Company shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(j). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor L/C Issuer shall have all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued by it thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “L/C Issuer” shall be deemed to include such successor or any previous L/C Issuer, or such successor and all previous L/C Issuer, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an L/C Issuer hereunder, the replaced L/C Issuer shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.
(o) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Company receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders with L/C Obligations representing at least 66-2/3% of the total L/C Obligations) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this clause (o), the Company shall immediately deposit into an account established and maintained on the books and records of the Administrative Agent (the “Collateral Account”) an amount in cash equal to 105% of the total L/C Obligations as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Company described in clause (f) of Section 8.01. Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the
obligations of the Company under this Agreement. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or clause (d) of this Section 2.03, if any L/C Obligations remain outstanding after the expiration date specified in said clause (d), the Company shall immediately deposit into the Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 105% of such L/C Obligations as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the Collateral Account. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Company’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in the Collateral Account. Moneys in the Collateral Account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse each L/C Issuer for L/C Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs, and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Company for the L/C Obligations at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with L/C Obligations representing 66-2/3% of the total L/C Obligations), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Company under this Agreement. If the Company is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Company within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.
(p) L/C Issuer Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each L/C Issuer shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section 2.03, provide the Administrative Agent a Letter of Credit Report, as set forth below:
(v) reasonably prior to the time that such L/C Issuer issues, amends, renews, increases or extends a Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal, increase or extension and the stated amount of the applicable Letters of Credit after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed);
(vi) on each Business Day on which such L/C Issuer makes a payment pursuant to a Letter of Credit, the date and amount of such payment;
(vii) on any Business Day on which the Company fails to reimburse a payment made pursuant to a Letter of Credit required to be reimbursed to such L/C Issuer on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such payment;
(viii) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer; and
(ix) for so long as any Letter of Credit issued by an L/C Issuer is outstanding, such L/C Issuer shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (A) on the last Business Day of each calendar month, (B) at all other times a Letter of Credit Report is required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, and (C) on each date that (1) an L/C Credit Extension occurs or (2) there is any expiration, cancellation and/or disbursement, in each
case, with respect to any such Letter of Credit, a Letter of Credit Report appropriately completed with the information for every outstanding Letter of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer.
(q) Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, the Company shall be obligated to reimburse, indemnify and compensate the applicable L/C Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit as if such Letter of Credit had been issues solely for the account of the Company. The Company irrevocably waives any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. The Company hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Company, and that the Company’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.
(r) Conflict with Issuer Documents. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.
2.04 Swing Line Loans.
(a) The Swing Line. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in any Autoborrow Agreement, if any, the Swing Line Lender may, in its sole discretion and in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04, make loans (each such loan, a “Swing Line Loan”) to the Company from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (ii) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Revolving Advance Limit and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and provided, further, that the Company shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Company, may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04. Each Swing Line Loan may be a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.
(b) Borrowing Procedures. At any time an Autoborrow Agreement under the revolving credit facility provided herein is not in effect, each Swing Line Borrowing and each conversion of Swing Line Loans from one type to the other shall be made upon the Company’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone or (B) by a Swing Line Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must
be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a Swing Line Loan Notice. Each such Swing Line Loan Notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date or date of conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans or of any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans, and in each case shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day and (iii) the Type of Swing Line Loan to be borrowed or to which existing Swing Line Loans are to be converted. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Company at its office by crediting the account of the Company on the books of the Swing Line Lender in immediately available funds. If the Company fails to provide a timely Swing Line Loan Notice requesting a conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, such Loans shall, subject to Article III, continue as Eurodollar Rate Loans. If the Company fails to specify a Type of Swing Line Loan in a Swing Line Loan Notice, then the applicable Swing Line Loan shall, subject to Article III, be made as a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
In order to facilitate the borrowing of Swing Line Loans, the Swing Line Lender may, in its sole discretion, agree with the Company to, (and the Swing Line Lender and the Company are hereby authorized to) enter into an Autoborrow Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Swing Line Lender (the “Autoborrow Agreement”) providing for the automatic advance by the Swing Line Lender of Swing Line Loans under the conditions set forth in such agreement, which shall be in addition to the conditions set forth herein (each such advance, an “Autoborrow Advance”). At any time such an Autoborrow Agreement is in effect, the requirements for Swing Line Borrowings set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph shall not apply, and all Swing Line Borrowings shall be made in accordance with the Autoborrow Agreement, until the right to such Swing Line Borrowings is suspended or terminated hereunder or in accordance with the terms of the Autoborrow Agreement. For purposes of determining the Outstanding Amount at any time during which an Autoborrow Agreement is in effect, the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall be deemed to be the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit. For purposes of any Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to the Autoborrow Agreement, all references to Bank of America shall be deemed to be a reference to Bank of America, in its capacity as Swing Line Lender hereunder.
(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans.
(i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole discretion may request, on behalf of the Company (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so
request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Company with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available (including for this purpose Cash Collateral and other credit support made available with respect to the applicable Swing Line Loan) to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan to the Company in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.
(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Committed Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.
(iii) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (and such Lender has also paid such interest and fees as aforesaid), such amount (other than any such interest and fees as aforesaid) so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(iv) Each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be
absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Company or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender’s obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Company to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.
(d) Repayment of Participations.
(i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.
(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Company for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Lender funds its Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.
(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender. The Company shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.
2.05 Prepayments.
(a) The Company may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Notice of Loan Prepayment, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of prepayment of such Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each applicable Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Subject to Section 2.16, each such prepayment of Committed Loans of the Lenders shall be applied in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
(b) At any time during which an Autoborrow Agreement is not in effect, the Company may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender pursuant to delivery to the Swing Line Lender of a Notice of Loan Prepayment (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Company, the Company shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.
(c) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Revolving Advance Limit then in effect (including the Revolving Borrowing Base in effect after giving pro forma effect to any Disposition required to be reported pursuant to Sections 6.02(c) and 6.03(g)), the Company shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) unless after the prepayment in full of the Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Revolving Advance Limit then in effect.
(d) If for any reason the aggregate Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans exceeds the Swing Line Sublimit, the Company shall immediately prepay Swing Line Loans in an aggregate amount at least equal to such excess.
2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments. The Company may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. five (5) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Company
shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Revolving Advance Limit and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the applicable Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender in accordance with (x) its respective Applicable Percentage. All fees and interest accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
2.07 Repayment of Loans.
(a) The Company shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans outstanding on such date.
(b) The Company shall repay each Swing Line Loan (i) at any time on demand by the Swing Line Lender and (ii) on the Maturity Date.
2.08 Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b) (i) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(ii) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Company under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists (other than as set forth in clauses (b)(i) and (b)(ii) above), the Company shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iv) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.09 Fees. In addition to certain fees described in subsections (i) and (j) of Section 2.03:
(a) Commitment Fees. The Company shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16. For the avoidance of doubt, the Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans shall not be counted towards or considered usage of the Aggregate Commitments for purposes of determining the commitment fee. The commitment fees shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the Automatic Debit Date after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date. The commitment fees shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the respective Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by such Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. Swing Line Loans shall not be included in calculating the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans used in determining the commitment fees set forth above.
(b) Other Fees. (i) The Company shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Bank of America Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
(ii) The Company shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate.
(a) All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate) shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any
portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
(b) If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Company or for any other reason, the Company or the Lenders determine that (i)(A) the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Company as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (B) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Company shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders or the applicable L/C Issuer, as the case may be, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Company under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period; and (ii)(A) the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Company as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (B) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio would have resulted in lower pricing for such period, the Applicable Rate shall be adjusted as of the date of receipt by the Administrative Agent of a Compliance Certificate reflecting such proper calculation. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under Section 2.03(c)(iii) or 2.03(i) or under Article VIII. The Company’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
2.11 Evidence of Debt.
(a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Company and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Company hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Company shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
(b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in subsection (a) above, each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such
matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.
2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.
(a) General. All payments to be made by the Company shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Company hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage, (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Company shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to 12:00 noon on the date of any Committed Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Committed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 and may (but shall be under no obligation to), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Company a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Company jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Company but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Company, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Company and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Company the amount of such interest paid by the Company for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Committed Borrowing. Any payment by the Company shall be without prejudice to any claim the Company may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
(ii) Payments by Company; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Company prior to the date on
which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or any L/C Issuer hereunder that the Company will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Company has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may (but shall be under no obligation to), in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Company has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the applicable L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Company with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender to the Company as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Company by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(d) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c).
(e) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Committed Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Committed Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other applicable Lenders (for cash at face value) participations in the applicable Committed Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in
accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Committed Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:
(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (y) the application of Cash Collateral in respect of obligations relating to Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans provided for in Section 2.15, or (z) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans, as the case may be to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment, participation or subparticipation to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
The Company consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Company rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Company in the amount of such participation.
2.14 Increase in Commitments.
(a) Request for Increase. Provided there exists no Default nor any Floorplan Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Company may from time to time, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (i) for all such requests, not exceeding $50,000,000 in the aggregate; provided that the Company may make a maximum of five (5) such requests and (x) upon the reasonable request of any Lender made at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Increase Effective Date, the Company shall have provided to such Lender, and such Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with, the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act, in each case at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Increase Effective Date and (y) at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Increase Effective Date, any Loan Party that qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation shall have delivered, to each Lender that so requests, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Loan Party. At the time of sending such notice, the Company (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).
(b) Lender Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its respective Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such
requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.
(c) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Company and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuers (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), the Company may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
(d) Effective Date and Allocations. If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Company shall determine the effective date (the “Increase Effective Date”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Company and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date.
(e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As a condition precedent to such increase, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) in the case of the Company, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.14, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, (B) no Default exists and (C) no Floorplan Default exists. The Company shall prepay any Committed Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Committed Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.
(f) Conflicting Provisions. This Section shall supersede any provisions in Sections 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.
2.15 Cash Collateral and Other Credit Support.
(a) Certain Credit Support Events. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent or an L/C Issuer, (i) if an L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of (A) the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Company shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).
(b) [Intentionally Omitted.]
(c) Grant of Security Interest. All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America. The Company, and to the extent provided by any Lender, such Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders (including the Swing Line Lender), a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.15(d). If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than that required to eliminate the applicable Fronting Exposure, the Company or the relevant Defaulting Lender will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate the applicable Fronting Exposure. The Company shall pay on demand therefor from time to time all customary account opening, activity and other administrative fees and charges in connection with the maintenance and disbursement of Cash Collateral.
(d) Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.15 or Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.05 or 8.02 in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations, Swing Line Loans or obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral or other credit support was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may be provided for herein.
(e) Release. Cash Collateral provided pursuant to any of the Sections referred to in Section 2.15(d) shall be released from the Lien granted under Section 2.15(c) (but without prejudice to any other Liens granted in such property under any other Loan Document) (except (i) as may be agreed to among the parties posting, and the applicable L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender benefitting from, such Cash Collateral and (ii) Cash Collateral provided by or on behalf of a Loan Party shall not be released during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default) promptly following (x) the payment, satisfaction or (as to Letters of Credit) expiration of the obligations giving rise to delivery of such Cash Collateral or (y) as to Cash Collateral provided
pursuant to Sections 2.03 or 2.04, such earlier date as (A) the status of the applicable Lender as a Defaulting Lender shall be terminated or (B) the Administrative Agent shall determine in good faith that there remain outstanding no actual or potential Defaulting Lender funding obligations as to which the benefitted L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender desires to maintain Cash Collateral.
2.16 Defaulting Lenders. (a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of “Required Lenders” and Section 10.01.
(ii) Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.08), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows; first, as to any payment made in respect of principal of Loans, ratably to the principal amount of Committed Loans of other Lenders as if such Defaulting Lender had no Loans outstanding, until such time as the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans of each Lender shall equal its pro rata share thereof based on its Applicable Percentage (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)); second, to any amounts (including interest thereon) owed hereunder by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent; third, to any amounts (including interest thereon) owed hereunder by such Defaulting Lender to an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (to the extent the Administrative Agent has received notice thereof), ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, fourth, to the posting of Cash Collateral (or funding of participations, as applicable) in respect of its Applicable Percentage (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)) of L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, (x) ratably to all L/C Issuers and the Swing Line Lender in accordance with their respective applicable Fronting Exposures and (y) thereafter, to reduce ratably any reallocation of Applicable Percentages of other Lenders previously effected under Section 2.16(a)(iv); and fifth, to the Defaulting Lender or otherwise as required by applicable Law. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
(iii) Certain Fees. Such Defaulting Lender (x) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.09(a) for any period during which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Company shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to such Defaulting Lender) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.03(h).
(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender as to which an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable) has not received Cash Collateral pursuant to Section
2.03 or 2.04, then upon the request of an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable) to the Administrative Agent, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans pursuant to Sections 2.04 and 2.05, the “Applicable Percentage” of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender; provided, that, (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the initial date thereof, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (ii) in all cases, the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, between (1) the Commitment of such non-Defaulting Lender and (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of such Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all other L/C Obligations (prior to giving effect to such reallocation), plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all other Swing Line Loans (prior to giving effect to such reallocation).
(b) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Company, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuers agree in writing in their reasonable discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase such portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Committed Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender (and the Applicable Percentages of each Lender will automatically be adjusted on a prospective basis to reflect the foregoing); provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Company while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.
ARTICLE IIA
SECURITY
2A.01 Security. As security for the full and timely payment and performance of all Obligations, the Company shall, and shall cause all other Loan Parties to, on or before the Closing Date, do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary in the opinion of the Administrative Agent and its counsel to grant to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a duly perfected security interest in all Collateral subject to no prior Lien or other encumbrance except as expressly permitted hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and with the priority identified in the Security Instruments. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause each other applicable Loan Party to deliver, to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent,
(a) the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Escrow and Security Agreement and the Master Intercreditor Agreement and (b) UCC financing statements in form, substance and number as requested by the Administrative Agent, reflecting the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties on the Collateral. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall take and cause each other Loan Party to take such further action, and deliver or cause to be delivered such further documents and instruments, as required by the Security Instruments or otherwise as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to create, perfect and maintain the effectiveness and priority of the Liens contemplated by this Article IIA and each of the Security Instruments.
2A.02 Further Assurances. At the request of the Administrative Agent from time to time, the Company will or will cause all other Loan Parties, as the case may be, to execute, by their respective Responsible Officers, alone or with the Administrative Agent, any certificate, instrument, financing statement, control agreement, statement or document, or to procure any certificate, instrument, statement or document or to take such other action (and pay all related costs) which the Administrative Agent reasonably deems necessary from time to time to create, continue or preserve the Liens in Collateral (and the perfection and priority thereof) of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents and specifically including all Collateral acquired by the Company or any other Loan Party after the Closing Date and all Collateral moved to or from time to time located at locations owned by third parties, including all leased locations, bailees, warehousemen and third party processors. The Administrative Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized to execute and file or cause to be filed, with or if permitted by applicable law without the signature of the Company or any Loan Party appearing thereon, all UCC financing statements reflecting the Company or any other Loan Party as “debtor” and the Administrative Agent as “secured party”, and continuations thereof and amendments thereto, as the Administrative Agent reasonably deems necessary or advisable to give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents.
2A.03 Information Regarding Collateral. The Company represents, warrants and covenants that Schedule 2A.03(a) contains a true and complete list of (i) the exact legal name, jurisdiction of formation and location of the chief executive office of the Company and each other Person providing Collateral pursuant to a Security Instrument on the Closing Date (such Persons, together with any other Persons that provide Collateral at any time pursuant to a Security Instrument, being referred to collectively as the “Grantors”), (ii) each trade name, trademark or other trade style used by such Grantor on the Closing Date, (iii) (as to each Grantor) each location in which goods constituting Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $100,000 are located as of the Closing Date, whether owned, leased or third-party locations, and (iv) with respect to each leased or third party location, the name of each owner of such location and a summary description of the relationship between the applicable Grantor and such Person. The Company further covenants that it shall not change, and shall not permit any other Grantor to change, its name, type of entity, jurisdiction of formation (whether by reincorporation, merger or otherwise), or the location of its chief executive office, or use or permit any other Grantor to use, any additional trade name, trademark or other trade style, except upon giving not less than 15 days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and taking or causing to be taken all such action at the Company’s or such other Grantor’s expense as may be
reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to perfect or maintain the perfection of the Lien of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in Collateral.
ARTICLE III.
TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
3.01 Taxes.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.
(i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Laws. If any applicable Laws (as determined in the good faith discretion of the Administrative Agent) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party, then the Administrative Agent or such Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.
(ii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States Federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.
(iii) If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by any applicable Laws other than the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as required by such Laws, shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by it to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the extent required by such Laws, shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with such Laws, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Company. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Company shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.
(c) Tax Indemnifications. (i) The Company shall, and does hereby, indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Company by a Lender or an L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or an L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Company shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender or an L/C Issuer for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below.
(ii) Each Lender and each L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or such L/C Issuer (but only to the extent that the Company has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Company to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Company, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Company, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or the Company in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender and each L/C Issuer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii).
(d) Evidence of Payments. Upon request by the Company or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by the Company or by the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Company, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other
evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Company or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.
(e) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation.
(i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Company or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Company is a U.S. Person,
(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Company or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Company or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
(I) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E or W-8BEN, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or W-8BEN, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of,
U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;
(II) executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI;
(III) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit N-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Company within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E or W-8BEN, as applicable; or
(IV) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner of the applicable interest in any Credit Extension or Commitment, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-SECT, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or W-8BEN, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit N-2 or Exhibit N-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit N-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Company or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Company or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and
(D) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Company and
the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA from and after the effective date of this Agreement, the Company and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) the Loans hereunder and this Agreement as not qualifying as a "grandfathered obligation" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).
(iii) Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Company and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.
(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or an L/C Issuer, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the L/C Issuer, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be. If any Recipient determines that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Company or with respect to which the Company has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall pay to the Company an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Company under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Company, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Company (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to the Company pursuant to this subsection the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Company or any other Person.
(g) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender or an L/C Issuer, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
3.02 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to perform any of its obligations hereunder or make, maintain or fund or charge interest with respect to any Credit Extension, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Company through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest with respect to any such Credit Extension, or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans, or to convert Base Rate Committed Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Company that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Company shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all such Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate) either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Company shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
3.03 Inability to Determine Rates.
(a) If in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof, (i) the Administrative Agent determines that (A) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, or (B)(x) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan and (y) the circumstances described in Section 3.03(c)(i) do not apply (in each case with respect to clause (a)(i) above, “Impacted Loans”), or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Company and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods) and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with
respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a determination by the Required Lenders described in clause (ii) of Section 3.03(a), until the Administrative Agent upon instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Company may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Administrative Agent has made the determination described in clause (a)(i) of this section, the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Company and the affected Lenders, may establish an alternative interest rate for the Impacted Loans, in which case, such alternative rate of interest shall apply with respect to the Impacted Loans until (1) the Administrative Agent revokes the notice delivered with respect to the Impacted Loans under clause (a) of the first sentence of this section, (2) the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent and the Company that such alternative interest rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding the Impacted Loans, or (3) any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for such Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to such alternative rate of interest or to determine or charge interest rates based upon such rate or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to do any of the foregoing and provides the Administrative Agent and the Company written notice thereof.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Company or Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to the Company) that the Company or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:
(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR for any requested Interest Period, including, without limitation, because the LIBOR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or
(ii) the administrator of the LIBOR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which LIBOR or the LIBOR Screen Rate shall no longer be made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans, provided that, at the time of such statement, there is no successor administrator that is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, that will continue to provide LIBOR after such specific date (such specific date, the “Scheduled Unavailability Date”), or
(iii) syndicated loans currently being executed, or that include language similar to that contained in this Section 3.03, are being executed or amended (as applicable) to incorporate or adopt a new benchmark interest rate to replace LIBOR,
then, reasonably promptly after such determination by the Administrative Agent or receipt by the Administrative Agent of such notice, as applicable, the Administrative Agent and the Company may amend this Agreement solely for the purpose of replacing LIBOR in accordance with this Section 3.03 with (x) one or more SOFR-Based Rates or (y) another alternate benchmark rate giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such alternative benchmarks and, in each case, including any mathematical or other adjustments to such benchmark giving due consideration to any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such benchmarks, which adjustment or method for calculating such adjustment shall be published on an information service as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion and may be periodically updated (the “Adjustment;” and any such proposed rate, a “LIBOR Successor Rate”), and any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Company unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders (A) in the case of an amendment to replace LIBOR with a rate described in clause (x), object to the Adjustment; or (B) in the case of an amendment to replace LIBOR with a rate described in clause (y), object to such amendment; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, in the case of clause (A), the Required Lenders shall not be entitled to object to any SOFR-Based Rate contained in any such amendment. Such LIBOR Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such LIBOR Successor Rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
If no LIBOR Successor Rate has been determined and the circumstances under clause (i) above exist or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred (as applicable), the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Company and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods), and (y) the Eurodollar Rate component shall no longer be utilized in determining the Base Rate. Upon receipt of such notice, the Company may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans (to the extent of the affected Eurodollar Rate Loans or Interest Periods) or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans (subject to the foregoing clause (y)) in the amount specified therein.
Notwithstanding anything else herein, any definition of LIBOR Successor Rate shall provide that in no event shall such LIBOR Successor Rate be less than zero for purposes of this Agreement.
In connection with the implementation of a LIBOR Successor Rate, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any
amendments implementing such LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement; provided that, with respect to any such amendment effected, the Administrative Agent shall post each such amendment implementing such LIBOR Successor Conforming Changes to the Lenders reasonably promptly after such amendment becomes effective.
3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.
(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e)) or any L/C Issuer;
(ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or
(iii) impose on any Lender or any L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or, in the case of clause (ii) above, any Loan), or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to increase the cost to such Lender or such L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or such L/C Issuer, the Company will pay to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender or any L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or such L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or such L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital
adequacy), then from time to time the Company will pay to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender or such L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Company shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Company shall pay such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or such L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Company shall not be required to compensate a Lender or such L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Company of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
(e) Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Company shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “Eurocurrency liabilities”), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Company shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.
3.05 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. Each Lender may make any Credit Extension to the Company through any Lending Office, provided that the exercise of this option shall not affect the obligation of the Company to repay the Credit Extension in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or the Company is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender, any L/C Issuer or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or any L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then at the request of the Company such Lender or such L/C Issuer shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender or such L/C Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable
pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or such L/C Issuer, as the case may be. The Company hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or any L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Company is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, and in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 3.05(a), the Company may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.
3.06 Survival. All of the Company’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.
ARTICLE IV.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
4.01 Amendment and Restatement. The effectiveness of this Agreement and the amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions precedent:
(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:
(i) executed counterparts of (A) this Agreement, (B) the Security Agreement, (C) the Pledge Agreement, (D) the Escrow and Security Agreement, and (E) the Subsidiary Guaranty, in each case, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Company;
(ii) a Note executed by the Company in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;
(iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;
(iv) subject to delivery as referenced on Schedule 7.25, such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each
Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in the respective jurisdictions specified in Schedule 4.01, which includes each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(v) a favorable opinion of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit K (which shall include matters of Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina and Federal Law) and such other matters concerning the Loan Parties and the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders may reasonably request;
(vi) a favorable opinion of local counsel to the Loan Parties in Florida, Texas, California, Alabama, and Tennessee, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(vii) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;
(viii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;
(ix) a certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or chief accounting officer of each Loan Party certifying that each Loan Party is Solvent, after giving effect to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the Indebtedness pursuant hereto and thereto;
(x) a duly completed preliminary Compliance Certificate as of the last day of the fiscal quarter of the Company ended on September 30, 2016, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company;
(xi) a duly completed preliminary Revolving Borrowing Base Certificate dated as of the Closing Date certifying as to the Revolving Borrowing Base as of September 30, 2016, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company;
(xii) with respect to any Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate that the Company desires to be included in the Revolving Borrowing Base on the Closing Date, FIRREA-conforming appraisals, Phase I (or if necessary, Phase II environmental reports) and such other reports or certifications related to such Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; provided that the addition of any such real
property to the Revolving Borrowing Base shall be subject to any other applicable requirements set forth in this Agreement, including any requirements set forth in the definition of “Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate,” and the Administrative Agent (and its internal or external consultants) must have sufficient time to analyze any documents delivered pursuant to this paragraph; provided however (but without limitation to deliver title reports after the Closing Date pursuant to the definition of “Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate”), no title reports shall be required for any Eligible Borrowing Base Real Estate on the Closing Date;
(xiii) to the extent not otherwise delivered prior to the date hereof, a copy of (A) each standard form of Franchise Agreement for each vehicle manufacturer or distributor and (B) each executed Framework Agreement;
(xiv) duly executed consents and waivers required pursuant to any Franchise Agreement or Framework Agreement;
(xv) evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect, including endorsements naming the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as an additional insured and loss payee, as the case may be, on all such insurance policies maintained with respect to properties of the Company or any Loan Party constituting part of the Collateral;
(xvi) consolidating balance sheets (including a separate line item for Eligible Used Vehicle Inventory) for the Company and each Subsidiary as at the end of September 30, 2016, and the related consolidating statements of income or operations, all in reasonable detail prepared by management of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case with subtotals for (a) each Subsidiary, (b) all New Vehicle Borrowers (excluding the results of any Dual Subsidiaries) and (c) all Silo Subsidiaries grouped by each Silo Lender, and in each case prior to intercompany eliminations;
(xvii) forecasts (including assumptions) prepared by the management of the Company of consolidated balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for each of the first five years following the Closing Date;
(xviii) if required by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, satisfactory results of audits of the Collateral, provided that, whether or not any such audit is performed, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely on information provided by any existing lender of the Company or its Subsidiaries as to any Vehicles and existing new vehicle facilities being refinanced or paid down on the Closing Date;
(xix) to the extent not otherwise delivered prior to the date hereof, (x) delivery by the Company and each applicable Loan Party owning any Equity Interests required to be pledged pursuant to this Agreement or the Pledge Agreement of all stock certificates evidencing such pledged Equity Interests, accompanied in each case by duly executed stock powers (or other appropriate transfer documents) in blank affixed thereto and (y) delivery by the Company and each other applicable Loan Party owning any Equity
Interests required to be delivered in escrow pursuant to the Escrow and Security Agreement of all stock certificates evidencing such Equity Interests;
(xx) UCC financing statements or amendments to previously filed UCC financing statements for filing in all places required by applicable law to perfect the Liens of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Instruments as a valid and perfected Lien (with the priority described therein) as to items of Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by the filing of financing statements, and such other documents and/or evidence of other actions as may be necessary under applicable law to perfect the Liens of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Instruments as a valid and perfected Lien in and to such other Collateral as the Administrative Agent may require;
(xxi) UCC search results with respect to the Company and the Loan Parties showing only Liens acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or pursuant to which arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made to remove any unacceptable Liens promptly after the Closing Date);
(xxii) such duly executed Landlord Waivers for locations of the New Vehicle Borrowers not already in effect pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement, as may be requested by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion;
(xxiii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Company certifying as to the status of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and
(xxiv) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.
(b) Any upfront fees or other fees required to be paid to the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, or any Lender on or before the Closing Date pursuant to any Loan Document or the Existing Credit Agreement shall have been paid.
(c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Company shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Company and the Administrative Agent).
(d) The Floorplan Facility shall have been amended and restated substantially simultaneously with the consummation of this Agreement.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required hereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than pursuant to a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type) is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Company and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01.
(b) No Default or Event of Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
(c) No Floorplan Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
(d) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the applicable L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof; provided that, with respect to Swing Line Borrowings, for purposes of this Section 4.02(d) and the last sentence of Section 4.02, while an Autoborrow Agreement is in effect, the Company shall be deemed to have given a Swing Line Loan Notice (and reaffirmed the representations and warranties described herein and satisfied all other conditions to funding hereunder) as of each day on which an Autoborrow Advance is made.
(e) The Total Outstandings after giving effect to such Request for Credit Extension shall not exceed the Revolving Advance Limit on such date.
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type) submitted by the Company shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a), (b) and (c) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
ARTICLE V.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Company represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all franchises and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business
requires such qualification or license, and (d) is in compliance with all Laws; except (x) with respect to clause (a), as set forth on Schedule 5.01(a) and (y) in each case referred to in clause (b)(i), (c) or (d), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance with all Contractual Obligations referred to in clauses (b) and (c), except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than (i) any such filing necessary or advisable to perfect in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the Liens on the Collateral and (ii) any such approval, consent, exemption, authorization, other action, notice or filing that has been obtained, taken, given or made and is in full force and effect), except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms.
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect; No Internal Control Event.
(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(b) The unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries dated September 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows, and consolidating statements of income or
operations, in each case for the fiscal quarter ended on that date, and in each case prior to intercompany eliminations (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their consolidated results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 5.05 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries not included in such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) To the Company’s best knowledge, no Internal Control Event, exists or has occurred since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in a misstatement in any material respect, in any financial information delivered or to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, of (x) covenant compliance calculations provided hereunder or (y) the assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations