Form 8-K
false 0001604778 0001604778 2021-12-14 2021-12-14

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

December 14, 2021

(Date of earliest event reported)

 

 

 

LOGO

Qorvo, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36801   46-5288992
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27409-9421

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(336) 664-1233

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value   QRVO   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Indenture

On December 14, 2021, Qorvo, Inc. (the “Company”) completed an offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold in the United States to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of December 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), by and among the Company, the Company’s domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s obligations under its credit facility, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”), and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Company has used a portion of the net proceeds of the offering of the Notes to repay in full the senior term loan (which had a balance of $195 million as of October 2, 2021) under its credit agreement, dated September 29, 2020, with Bank of America, N.A., acting as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, and will use the remainder of the net proceeds of the offering of the Notes for general corporate purposes.

Interest on the Notes will accrue at a rate of 1.750% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2022. The Notes will mature on December 15, 2024.

At any time prior to December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem all or part of the Notes, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (2) the “make whole” redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, at any time on or after December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including, among other things, payment default, exchange default, failure to provide certain notices thereunder and certain provisions related to bankruptcy events. The Indenture also contains customary negative covenants.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

The description of the Indenture and the Notes in this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “Report”) is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Indenture, which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Report and incorporated herein by reference.


Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2021 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), with the Guarantors, on the one hand, and BofA Securities, Inc., as representative of the initial purchasers of the Notes (the “Initial Purchasers”), on the other hand.

Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement (the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement”) relating to a registered exchange offer (the “Exchange Offer”) to exchange the Notes for a new series of the Company’s exchange notes having terms substantially identical in all material respects to, and in the same aggregate principal amount, as the Notes, (ii) cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC, and (iii) cause the Exchange Offer to be consummated no later than the 720th day after December 14, 2021 (or if such 720th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day). The Company and the Guarantors have also agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously and keep the exchange offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to consummate the Exchange Offer.

Under certain circumstances, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file a shelf registration statement relating to the resale of the Notes as promptly as practicable, and (ii) cause the shelf registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC as promptly as practicable. The Company and the Guarantors have also agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts to keep the shelf registration statement continuously effective until one year after its effective date (or such shorter period that will terminate when all the Notes covered thereby have been sold pursuant thereto).

If the Company fails to meet any of these targets, the annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by 0.250% during the 90-day period following the default, and will increase by an additional 0.250% for each subsequent 90-day period during which the default continues, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 1.00% per year. If the Company cures the default, the interest rate on the Notes will revert to the original level.

The description of the Registration Rights Agreement in this Report is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Registration Rights Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 4.2 to this Report and incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has various relationships with the Initial Purchasers. Certain of the Initial Purchasers and their affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in investment banking, commercial banking and other financial advisory and commercial dealings with the Company and its affiliates. In addition, certain of the Initial Purchasers, or their respective affiliates, have a lending relationship with the Company. These Initial Purchasers, or their respective affiliates, have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and expenses for those services.


Item 2.03.

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information required to be disclosed pursuant to this Item 2.03 in connection with the matters described under Item 1.01 of this Report is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01.

Other Events.

On December 14, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing that it had closed its previously announced offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of Notes in a private offering to certain institutions that then resold the Notes (i) to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and (ii) to certain non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits    

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

4.1    Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2021, among Qorvo, Inc., the Guarantors and Computershare, Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
4.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2021, by and among Qorvo, Inc., the Guarantors and BofA Securities, Inc., as representative of the several Initial Purchasers named therein
99.1    Press release dated December 14, 2021
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Qorvo, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Mark J. Murphy
  Chief Financial Officer

Date:    December 14, 2021

EX-4.1

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

Qorvo, Inc.

and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors named herein

1.750% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2024

 

 

Indenture

Dated as of December 14, 2021

 

 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.,

as Trustee

 

 

 

 

 


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture   

Indenture

Act Section

  

Section

310   (a)(1)

   7.10

(a)(2)

   7.10

(a)(3)

   N.A.

(a)(4)

   N.A.

(a)(5)

   7.10

(b)

   7.10

311   (a)

   7.11  

(b)

   7.11

312   (a)

   2.06  

(b)

   13.03

(c)

   13.03

313   (a)

   7.06  

(b)(1)

   N.A.

(b)(2)

   7.06

(c)

   7.06, 13.02

(d)

   7.06

314   (a)(4)

   4.03,  4.04, 13.05

(b)

   N.A.

(c)(1)

   13.04

(c)(2)

   13.04

(c)(3)

   N.A.

(d)

   N.A.

(e)

   13.05

(f)

   N.A.

315   (a)

   7.01(b)

(b)

   7.05

(c)

   7.01(a)

(d)

   7.01(c)

(e)

   6.11

316   (a) (last sentence)

   2.10  

(a)(1)(A)

   6.05

(a)(1)(B)

   6.04

(a)(2)

   N.A.

(b)

   6.07

(c)

   13.14(d)

317   (a)(1)

   6.08  

(a)(2)

   6.09

(b)

   2.05

318   (a)

   N.A. 

(b)

   N.A.

(c)

   13.01

 

*

N.A. means not applicable.

This Cross-Reference Table is not part of this Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

     1  

Section 1.01.

  Definitions      1  

Section 1.02.

  Other Definitions      11  

Section 1.03.

  Incorporation by Reference of TIA      11  

Section 1.04.

  Rules of Construction      12  

ARTICLE TWO THE NOTES

     12  

Section 2.01.

  Form and Dating      12  

Section 2.02.

  Execution and Authentication      13  

Section 2.03.

  Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes      14  

Section 2.04.

  Registrar, Paying Agent and Depositary      14  

Section 2.05.

  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      15  

Section 2.06.

  Holder Lists      15  

Section 2.07.

  Transfer and Exchange      15  

Section 2.08.

  Replacement Notes      25  

Section 2.09.

  Outstanding Notes      25  

Section 2.10.

  Treasury Notes      25  

Section 2.11.

  Temporary Notes      26  

Section 2.12.

  Cancellation      26  

Section 2.13.

  Defaulted Interest      26  

Section 2.14.

  CUSIP Numbers      26  

ARTICLE THREE REDEMPTION AND OFFERS TO PURCHASE

     27  

Section 3.01.

  Notices to Trustee      27  

Section 3.02.

  Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed      27  

Section 3.03.

  Notice of Redemption      27  

Section 3.04.

  Effect of Notice of Redemption      28  

Section 3.05.

  Deposit of Redemption Price      28  

Section 3.06.

  Notes Redeemed in Part      29  

Section 3.07.

  Optional Redemption      29  

Section 3.08.

  Mandatory Redemption      29  

ARTICLE FOUR COVENANTS

     29  

Section 4.01.

  Payment of Notes      29  

Section 4.02.

  Maintenance of Office or Agency      30  

Section 4.03.

  SEC Reports      30  

Section 4.04.

  Compliance Certificate      30  

Section 4.05.

  Taxes      30  

Section 4.06.

  Stay, Extension and Usury Laws      31  

Section 4.07.

  [Reserved]      31  

Section 4.08.

  [Reserved]      31  

Section 4.09.

  [Reserved]      31  

Section 4.10.

  [Reserved]      31  

Section 4.11.

  [Reserved]      31  

Section 4.12.

  Limitation on Liens      31  

Section 4.13.

  [Reserved]      32  

 

i


         Page  

Section 4.14.

  Change of Control Triggering Event      32  

Section 4.15.

  Corporate Existence      34  

Section 4.16.

  [Reserved]      34  

Section 4.17.

  [Reserved]      34  

Section 4.18.

  Future Subsidiary Guarantors      34  

Section 4.19.

  [Reserved]      35  

Section 4.20.

  Additional Interest Notice      35  

Section 4.21.

  Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions      35  

ARTICLE FIVE SUCCESSORS

     35  

Section 5.01.

  Merger and Consolidation      35  

Section 5.02.

  Successor Corporation Substituted      36  

ARTICLE SIX DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

     37  

Section 6.01.

  Events of Default      37  

Section 6.02.

  Acceleration      38  

Section 6.03.

  Other Remedies      38  

Section 6.04.

  Waiver of Past Defaults      39  

Section 6.05.

  Control by Majority      39  

Section 6.06.

  Limitation on Suits      39  

Section 6.07.

  Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment      39  

Section 6.08.

  Collection Suit by Trustee      40  

Section 6.09.

  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      40  

Section 6.10.

  Priorities      41  

Section 6.11.

  Undertaking for Costs      41  

Section 6.12.

  Power and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver      41  

ARTICLE SEVEN TRUSTEE

     42  

Section 7.01.

  Duties of Trustee      42  

Section 7.02.

  Certain Rights of Trustee      43  

Section 7.03.

  Individual Rights of Trustee      44  

Section 7.04.

  Trustee’s Disclaimer      44  

Section 7.05.

  Notice of Defaults      45  

Section 7.06.

  Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes      45  

Section 7.07.

  Compensation and Indemnity      45  

Section 7.08.

  Replacement of Trustee      46  

Section 7.09.

  Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.      46  

Section 7.10.

  Eligibility; Disqualification      47  

Section 7.11.

  Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company      47  

ARTICLE EIGHT LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

     47  

Section 8.01.

  Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance      47  

Section 8.02.

  Conditions to Defeasance      48  

Section 8.03.

  Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions      48  

Section 8.04.

  Repayment to the Company      49  

Section 8.05.

  Reinstatement      49  

ARTICLE NINE AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

     49  

Section 9.01.

  Without Consent of Holders of Notes      49  

 

ii


         Page  

Section 9.02.

  With Consent of Holders of Notes      50  

Section 9.03.

  Compliance with TIA      51  

Section 9.04.

  Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers      51  

Section 9.05.

  Notation on or Exchange of Notes      52  

Section 9.06.

  Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.      52  

Section 9.07.

  Payments for Consents      52  

ARTICLE TEN SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

     52  

Section 10.01.

  Subsidiary Guarantees      52  

Section 10.02.

  Limitation on Liability      54  

Section 10.03.

  Subsidiary Guarantee Under Indenture      54  

Section 10.04.

  Contribution      54  

Section 10.05.

  Release of Subsidiary Guarantor      54  

Section 10.06.

  Successors and Assigns      55  

Section 10.07.

  No Waiver      55  

Section 10.08.

  Modification      55  

ARTICLE ELEVEN SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

     55  

Section 11.01.

  Satisfaction and Discharge      55  

Section 11.02.

  Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions      56  

ARTICLE TWELVE [RESERVED]

     56  

ARTICLE THIRTEEN MISCELLANEOUS

     56  

Section 13.01.

  TIA Controls      56  

Section 13.02.

  Notices      56  

Section 13.03.

  Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes      58  

Section 13.04.

  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent      58  

Section 13.05.

  Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion      58  

Section 13.06.

  Rules by Trustee and Agents      59  

Section 13.07.

  No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders      59  

Section 13.08.

  Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial      59  

Section 13.09.

  [Reserved]      59  

Section 13.10.

  No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements      59  

Section 13.11.

  Successors      60  

Section 13.12.

  Severability      60  

Section 13.13.

  Counterpart Originals      60  

Section 13.14.

  Acts of Holders      60  

Section 13.15.

  Benefit of Indenture      61  

Section 13.16.

  Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.      61  

Section 13.17.

  U.S.A. PATRIOT Act      62  

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    FORM OF 2024 NOTE
Exhibit B    FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Exhibit C    FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Exhibit D    FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS

 

iii


INDENTURE dated as of December 14, 2021 among Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below) listed on the signature pages hereto and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (as defined below).

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024. The initial Subsidiary Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for a guarantee of the Notes (as defined below) and of certain of the Company’s obligations hereunder. All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company and the initial Subsidiary Guarantors, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined below) of the Notes:

ARTICLE ONE

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION

BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01. Definitions.

144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee, that shall be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding original principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

Additional Interest” means (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, all additional interest owing on the Initial Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into with respect to such Initial Notes, and (ii) with respect to Additional Notes, all additional interest owing on such Additional Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement entered into with respect to such Additional Notes.

Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than Initial Notes and Exchange Notes in respect thereto) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Section 2.02.

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.

Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent, or the Custodian.

Agent Member” means any member of, or direct or indirect participants in, the Depositary,

Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any payment, tender, redemption, transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream that apply to such payment, tender, redemption, transfer or exchange.

Attributable Debt” with respect to a Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any Principal Property means, at the time of determination, the lesser of:

(1) the fair market value of the Principal Property subject to the transaction; and

(2) the present value (discounted at a rate borne by the Notes, compounded on a semiannual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments (other than amounts required to be paid on account of property taxes as well as maintenance, repairs, insurance, water rates and other items which do not constitute payments for property rights) during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.


Bankruptcy Law” 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.

Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.

Board Resolution” means a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

Business Day” means each day that is not a Legal Holiday.

Capital Stock” 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.

Change of Control” means:

(1) any event or series of events by which any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its Subsidiaries, and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 50% 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,

(2) the Company sells, conveys, transfers or leases (either in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of its assets to, or merges or consolidates with, a Person other than a Subsidiary of the Company, other than a merger or consolidation where (A) the equity securities of the Company entitled to vote for members of the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction are converted into or exchanged for equity securities of the surviving or transferee Person constituting a majority of the outstanding equity securities of such surviving or transferee Person entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of such surviving or transferee Person (immediately after giving effect to such issuance) and (B) immediately after such transaction, no “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, 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) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the equity securities of the surviving or transferee Person entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the surviving or transferee Person on a fully diluted basis, or

(3) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Change of Control Triggering Event” means the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Event.

Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking S.A. and any successor thereto.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

-2-


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” means Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successors thereto.

Consolidated Total Assets” means at any time, the total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis at such time in accordance with GAAP.

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.

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” means the designated corporate trust office of the Trustee at which at any particular time this Indenture and its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is located at 600 South 4th Street, 7th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415, Attn: CTSO Mail Operations, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the designated corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).

Credit Agreement” means the credit agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, among the Company, the guarantors from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, and the other parties from time to time party thereto, together with all amendments, modifications, amendments and restatements and supplements thereto.

Credit Facilities” means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement), commercial paper facilities or indentures, in each case with banks or other lenders or a trustee, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables), letters of credit or issuances of notes, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

Custodian” means the Trustee as custodian with respect to the Global Notes or any successor entity thereto.

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.

Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.07, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.04 as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

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

Electronic Means” means the following communications methods: S.W.I.F.T., e-mail, facsimile transmission, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.

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

Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in an Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.07(f).

 

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Exchange Offer” (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed on the Issue Date and (ii) with respect to Additional Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed in respect of such Additional Notes.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed on the Issue Date and (ii) with respect to Additional Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed in respect of such Additional Notes.

Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. and its successors.

Foreign Subsidiary” means (i) any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, a State thereof or the District of Columbia and any direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Subsidiary, and (ii) any Person substantially all of whose assets consist of equity interests and/or indebtedness of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries and any other assets incidental thereto.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in:

(1) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,

(2) statements and pronouncements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board,

(3) such other statements by such other entities as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, and

(4) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC;

provided, with respect to any reports or financial information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.03 hereof, such reports or financial information shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date thereof.

All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.

Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(g)(ii), which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, issued in accordance with Section 2.01 or Section 2.07.

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).

Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

 

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(1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or

(2) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);

provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” when used as a verb has a corresponding meaning. The term “Guarantor” shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.

The amount of any Guarantee or other contingent liability, to the extent constituting Indebtedness or Investments, 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 or entity in good faith. For the avoidance of doubt, the stated or determinable amount of any undrawn revolving facility shall be zero.

Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Incur” means to issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term “Incurrence” when used as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a non-interest bearing or other discount security or accrual of payment-in-kind interest shall not be deemed the Incurrence of Indebtedness.

Indebtedness” means indebtedness for borrowed money. For the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness with respect to any Person only includes indebtedness for the repayment of money borrowed provided to such Person, and does not include any other kind of indebtedness or obligation notwithstanding that such other indebtedness or obligation may be evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or other similar instrument, may be in the nature of a financing transaction, or may be an obligation that under GAAP is classified as “debt” or another type of liability, whether required to be reflected on the balance sheet of the obligor or otherwise.

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:

(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness that does not require the current payment of interest;

(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness; and

(3) in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the specified Person, the lesser of: (a) the fair value (as determined in good faith by an Officer of the Company) of such assets at the date of determination; and (b) the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Lien.

In addition, accrual of interest and accretion or amortization of original issue discount will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for any purpose under this Indenture.

Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.

 

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Initial Notes” means the $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 issued on the Issue Date.

Initial Purchasers” means, collectively, BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., MUFG Securities Americas Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, PNC Capital Markets LLC and Truist Securities, Inc.

interest” means, with respect to the Notes, the cash interest (including any Additional Interest) payable on the Notes.

Interest Payment Date” means June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2022.

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch, Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P (or, if any such entity ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the control of the Company, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any other “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Company as a replacement Rating Agency).

Issue Date” means December 14, 2021.

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.

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are not required by law or regulation to be open in the State of New York.

Legended Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note in the form of Exhibit A bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the Regulation S Global Note Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal contemplated by the applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be prepared by the Company and sent to all Holders of Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the applicable Exchange Offer.

Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance (including any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property), 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, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

Material Credit Facility” means any Credit Facility under which there is outstanding (without duplication) Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount equal to or greater than $100,000,000 other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any factoring/securitization or vendor finance transactions.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Nonrecourse Obligation” means Indebtedness substantially related to (i) the acquisition of assets not previously owned by the Company or any Subsidiary or (ii) the financing of a project involving the development or expansion of properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, as to which the obligee with respect to such Indebtedness has no recourse to the Company or any Subsidiary or any assets of the Company or any Subsidiary other than the assets which were acquired with the proceeds of such transaction or the project financed with the proceeds of such transaction (and the proceeds thereof).

 

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Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.

Notes” means the Initial Notes, the Exchange Notes and any Additional Notes.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company or of a Subsidiary Guarantor, as appropriate.

Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers. One of the Officers signing the Officers’ Certificate issued pursuant to Section 4.04 must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Company.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel, which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and with respect to DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Principal Property” means any land, building, machinery or equipment, or leasehold interests and improvements in respect of the foregoing, owned, on the date of this Indenture or thereafter, by the Company or a Subsidiary, which has a gross book value (without deduction for any depreciation reserves) at the date as of which the determination is being made in excess of 1.0% of Consolidated Total Assets, other than any such land, building, machinery or equipment, or leasehold interests and improvements in respect of the foregoing which, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by a Board Resolution), is not of material importance to the business conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Principal Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which owns a Principal Property.

Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(g)(i) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

Rating Agency” means each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch and, if any of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the control of the Company, any other “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by the Company as a replacement for Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, or any of them, as the case may be.

Rating Event” means, with respect to the Notes, the Notes cease to be rated Investment Grade by at least two Rating Agencies on any day during the period that (i) begins on the earlier of (a) the date of the first public announcement of the occurrence of a Change of Control or of the intention by the Company or a stockholder of the Company, as applicable, to effect a Change of Control or (b) the occurrence thereof and (ii) ends 60 days following consummation of such Change of Control; provided that such period shall be extended for so long as the rating of the Notes, as so noted by the applicable Rating Agency, is under publicly announced consideration for downgrade by the applicable Rating Agency; provided that a Rating Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Triggering Event hereunder) if the Rating

 

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Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the Company in writing at its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Rating Event). The Company shall request the Rating Agencies to make such confirmation in connection with any Change of Control and shall promptly certify to the Trustee as to whether or not such confirmation has been received or denied.

Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, the Registration Rights Agreement, dated the Issue Date, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and BofA Securities, Inc., as the representative of the several Initial Purchasers of the Notes and (ii) with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the other parties thereto, as any such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, relating to the registration rights provided by the Company to the initial purchasers of Additional Notes.

Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

Regulation S Global Note” means a Legended Regulation S Global Note or an Unlegended Regulation S Global Note, as appropriate.

Regulation S Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(h), which is required to be placed on all Regulation S Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee), including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the persons, who at the time shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter relating to this Indenture, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended.

Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended.

Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended.

Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act, as amended.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC or any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any sale or transfer made by the Company or one or more Subsidiaries (except a sale or transfer made to the Company or one or more Subsidiaries) of any Principal Property that (in the case of a Principal Property which is a building or equipment) has been in operation, use or commercial production (exclusive of test and start-up periods) by the Company or any Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, or that (in the case of a Principal Property that is a parcel of real property not containing a building) has been owned by the Company or any Subsidiary for more than 180 days prior to such sale or transfer, if such sale or transfer is made with the intention of leasing, or as a part of an arrangement involving the lease of such Principal Property to the Company or a Subsidiary (except a lease for a period not exceeding 36 months made with the intention that the use of the lease Principal Property by the Company or such Subsidiary will be discontinued on or before the expiration of such period).

 

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SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shelf Registration Statement” (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed on the Issue Date and (ii) with respect to any Additional Notes, has the meaning set forth for such term in the Registration Rights Agreement executed in respect of such Additional Notes.

Significant Subsidiary” means, any Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Significant Subsidiary Guarantor” means a Significant Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such Indebtedness is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such Indebtedness at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).

Subsidiary” of any Person means any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned, directly or indirectly, by:

(1) such Person,

(2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or

(3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

Subsidiary Guarantee” means each Guarantee of the obligations with respect to the Notes issued by a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means any Subsidiary that provides a Subsidiary Guarantee and its successors and assigns until released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa-77bbbb) as amended.

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield determined by the Company in accordance with the following:

(1) The Treasury Rate shall be determined by the Company after 4:15 p.m., New York City time (or after such time as yields on U.S. government securities are posted daily by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), on the third business day preceding the redemption date based upon the yield or yields for the most recent day that appear after such time on such day in the most recent statistical release published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System designated as “Selected Interest Rates (Daily)—H.15” (or any successor designation or publication) (“H.15”) under the caption “U.S.

 

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government securities–Treasury constant maturities–Nominal” (or any successor caption or heading). In determining the Treasury Rate, the Company shall select, as applicable: (1) the yield for the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call Date (the “Remaining Life”); or (2) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 exactly equal to the Remaining Life, the two yields – one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately shorter than and one yield corresponding to the Treasury constant maturity on H.15 immediately longer than the Remaining Life – and shall interpolate to the Par Call Date on a straight-line basis (using the actual number of days) using such yields and rounding the result to three decimal places; or (3) if there is no such Treasury constant maturity on H.15 shorter than or longer than the Remaining Life, the yield for the single Treasury constant maturity on H.15 closest to the Remaining Life. For purposes of this paragraph, the applicable Treasury constant maturity or maturities on H.15 shall be deemed to have a maturity date equal to the relevant number of months or years, as applicable, of such Treasury constant maturity from the redemption date.

(2) If on the third business day preceding the redemption date H.15 is no longer published, the Company shall calculate the Treasury Rate based on the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day preceding such redemption date of the United States Treasury security maturing on, or with a maturity that is closest to, the Par Call Date, as applicable. If there is no United States Treasury security maturing on the Par Call Date but there are two or more United States Treasury securities with a maturity date equally distant from the Par Call Date, one with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date and one with a maturity date following the Par Call Date, the Company shall select the United States Treasury security with a maturity date preceding the Par Call Date. If there are two or more United States Treasury securities maturing on the Par Call Date or two or more United States Treasury securities meeting the criteria of the preceding sentence, the Company shall select from among these two or more United States Treasury securities the United States Treasury security that is trading closest to par based upon the average of the bid and asked prices for such United States Treasury securities at 11:00 a.m., New York City time. In determining the Treasury Rate in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, the semi-annual yield to maturity of the applicable United States Treasury security shall be based upon the average of the bid and asked prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) at 11:00 a.m., New York City time, of such United States Treasury security, and rounded to three decimal places.

Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

Unlegended Regulation S Global Note” means a permanent Regulation S Global Note (other than a Legended Regulation S Global Note) in the form of Exhibit A bearing the Global Note Legend, deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and issued upon expiration of the Restricted Period.

Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A that bears the Global Note Legend, that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing all or a portion of the Notes, and that does not bear the Private Placement Legend.

U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer’s option.

U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under the Securities Act.

 

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Section 1.02. Other Definitions.

 

     Defined in  

Term

   Section  

“Act”

     13.14  

“Additional Obligor”

     4.18  

“Authentication Order”

     2.02  

“Change of Control Offer”

     4.14  

“Change of Control Purchase Date”

     4.14  

“covenant defeasance option”

     8.01  

“DTC”

     2.01  

“EDGAR”

     4.03  

“Event of Default”

     6.01  

“Guaranteed Obligations”

     10.01  

“legal defeasance option”

     8.01  

“offshore transaction”

     2.07  

“Par Call Date”

     3.07  

“Paying Agent”

     2.04  

“Registrar”

     2.04  

“Successor Company”

     5.01  

“Successor Guarantor”

     5.01  

Section 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of TIA.

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

The following TIA term used in this Indenture has the following meaning:

obligor” on the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees means the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, respectively.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by an SEC rule promulgated under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

 

 

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Section 1.04. Rules of Construction.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

(d) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

(e) “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Section, Article or other subdivision;

(f) all references to Sections or Articles or Exhibits refer to Sections or Articles or Exhibits of or to this Indenture unless otherwise indicated; and

(g) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act shall be deemed to include amended, substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time.

ARTICLE TWO

THE NOTES

Section 2.01. Form and Dating.

(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issued in registered global form without interest coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture, and the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

In any case where an Interest Payment Date or any other Stated Maturity of any payment required to be made on the Notes shall not be a Business Day, then each such payment need not be made on such date, but shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity of such payment and no additional interest shall be payable as a result of such delay in payment.

(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (and shall include the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note on the Schedule of Exchanges and Interests to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or, if the Custodian and the Trustee are not the same Person, by the Custodian at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.07 hereof.

 

 

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(c) Regulation S Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of a Legended Regulation S Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Legended Regulation S Global Note may be exchanged for beneficial interests in Unlegended Regulation S Global Notes pursuant to Section 2.07 and the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of Unlegended Regulation S Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel the Legended Regulation S Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.

(d) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

Section 2.02. Execution and Authentication.

One Officer of the Company shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.

A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. Such signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

The aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The Company may, subject to Article Four of this Indenture and applicable law, issue Additional Notes under this Indenture. The Initial Notes, and any Additional Notes subsequently issued shall be treated as a single class of Notes for all purposes under this Indenture; provided that Additional Notes that are not fungible with the Initial Notes for U.S. Federal income tax purposes may trade under a separate CUSIP and may be treated as a separate class for purposes of transfers and exchanges.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by an Officer of the Company (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order. The Authentication Order shall specify the amount of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Company.

The Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Indenture, authenticate and deliver the Global Notes that (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary and (ii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instructions or held by the Trustee as Custodian.

 

 

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Participants shall have no rights either under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Custodian or under such Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any Agent or other agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices of such Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of an owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

Section 2.03. Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes.

All payments on Notes shall be made at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar unless the Company elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders.

The Company shall pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on Global Notes in immediately available funds to the Paying Agent for further distribution to the Depositary, as the registered Holder of such Global Notes.

Section 2.04. Registrar, Paying Agent and Depositary.

(a) The Company shall maintain a registrar with an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and a paying agent with an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement, which shall incorporate the provisions of the TIA, with any Agent that is not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such Agent. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

(b) The Company initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

(c) The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

(d) The Company shall be responsible for making calculations called for under the Notes, including but not limited to determination of redemption price, premium, if any, and any additional amounts or other amounts payable on the Notes. The Company will make the calculations in good faith. The Company will provide a schedule of its calculations to the Trustee, and the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Company’s calculations without independent verification. None of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agents shall have any responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of an interest in a Global Note, any Agent Member or other member of, or a participant in, DTC or other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or any nominee or participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any Agent Member or other participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice or the payment of any amount or delivery of any Notes (or other security or property) under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders in respect of the Notes shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through DTC, subject to its applicable rules and procedures. The Trustee, Registrar and Paying Agents may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its Agent Members and other members, participants and any beneficial owners.

 

 

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Section 2.05. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or one of its Subsidiaries) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company or one of its Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.06. Holder Lists.

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a).

Section 2.07. Transfer and Exchange.

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if (i) the Depositary (A) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary for the Global Notes or (B) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act; and in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor Depositary within 90 days after becoming aware of such condition; or (ii) the Company, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes in exchange for Global Notes (in whole but not in part); provided that in no event shall the Legended Regulation S Global Note be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903. Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in clauses (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.08 and 2.11 hereof. Except as otherwise provided above in this Section 2.07(a), every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.07 or Section 2.08 or 2.11 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.07(a); however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.07(b), (c) or (d) hereof.

(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

 

 

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(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in a Legended Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.07(b)(i).

(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.07(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.07(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.07(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount at maturity of the relevant Global Notes pursuant to Section 2.07(i).

(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.07(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; or

(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Legended Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any Holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.07(b)(ii) above and:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement and such broker-dealer complies with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

 

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(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(y) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

(z) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (iv)(B) or (iv)(D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (iv)(B) or (iv)(D) above.

Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If Definitive Notes are permitted at such time to be issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a) and any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an “offshore transaction” in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; or

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof;

 

 

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the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.07(i) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Restricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.07 shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Restricted Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Restricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

(ii) Beneficial Interests in Legended Regulation S Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.07(c)(i)(A) and (D) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Legended Regulation S Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto or other evidence satisfactory to the Company pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) of the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

(iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If Definitive Notes are permitted at such time to be issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a), a holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement and such broker-dealer complies with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(y) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or

(z) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

 

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(iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.07(b)(ii) above, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.07(i) below, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(iv) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If the conditions for the exchange of Global Notes set forth in Section 2.07(a) are no longer in effect (including as a result of the appointment of a new Depositary or the waiver of any outstanding Event of Default and the consent of a majority of Holders of Notes), and any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an “offshore transaction” in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof; or

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof;

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. If the conditions for the exchange of Global Notes set forth in Section 2.07(a) are no longer in effect (including as a result of the appointment of a new Depositary or the waiver of any outstanding Event of Default and the consent of a majority of Holders of Notes), then a Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Notes or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

 

 

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(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement and such broker-dealer complies with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(y) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

(z) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to transfer such Note to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.07(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. If the conditions for the exchange of Global Notes set forth in Section 2.07(a) are no longer in effect (including as a result of the appointment of a new Depositary or the waiver of any outstanding Event of Default and the consent of a majority of Holders of Notes), and a Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is effected pursuant to Section 2.07(d)(ii)(B), (d)(ii)(D) or (d)(iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.07(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.07(e).

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

 

 

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(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; or

(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications required by item (3) thereof.

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement and such broker-dealer complies with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

(y) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

(z) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to transfer such Note to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the applicable certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in subparagraph (D) above, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

 

 

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(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance in such Exchange Offer by Persons that make the representations in the applicable Letter of Transmittal required by Section 6(a)(ii) of the Registration Rights Agreement (with respect to the Initial Notes) or the applicable section of the Registration Rights Agreement (with respect to Additional Notes), and accepted for exchange in such Exchange Offer and (ii) subject to Section 2.07(a), Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in such Exchange Offer by Persons that make the representations in the applicable Letters of Transmittal required by Section 6(a)(ii) of the Registration Rights Agreement (with respect to the Initial Notes) or the applicable section of the Registration Rights Agreement (with respect to Additional Notes), and accepted for exchange in such Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Restricted Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amounts.

(g) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

(i) Private Placement Legend. Except as permitted below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (i) TO A PERSON WHO IS NOT, AND FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER HAS NOT BEEN, ONE OF THE ISSUER’S “AFFILIATES” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) NOR ACTING ON THE ISSUER’S BEHALF AND (a) IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (b) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (c) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (d) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 OR (e) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (ii) TO THE ISSUER, OR (iii) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER FROM IT OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY.

 

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of this Section 2.07 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY. THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY, UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (570 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY 07310) (“DTC”) TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

(h) Legended Regulation S Global Note Legend. The Legended Regulation S Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

(i) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.12 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

 

 

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(j) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrar’s request.

(ii) No service charge shall be made to a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Holder will be required to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.11, 3.06, 3.07, 4.14 and 9.05).

(iii) The Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(v) The Company or the Registrar shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part, (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date or (D) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note tendered and not withdrawn in connection with a Change of Control Offer.

(vi) Subject to the rights of Holders as of the relevant record date to receive interest on the corresponding Interest Payment Date and Section 2.13, prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02.

(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.07 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile or electronically.

(ix) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Notes (including any transfers between or among the Depositary’s participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation as expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

 

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Section 2.08. Replacement Notes.

(a) If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company or the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s and the Company’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond must be supplied by or on behalf of the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

(b) Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

Section 2.09. Outstanding Notes.

(a) The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.10, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note; provided, however, that Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed to be not outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(b) or as otherwise provided in this Indenture.

(b) If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

(c) If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

(d) If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest,

provided, further, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding Notes are present at a meeting of Holders of Notes for quorum purposes or have consented to or voted in favor of any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver, amendment or modification hereunder, Notes held for the account of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any of its Affiliates shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such a determination or relying upon any such quorum, consent or vote, only Notes which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded.

Section 2.10. Treasury Notes.

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company, or by any Affiliate of the Company, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Notes that are to be acquired by the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company pursuant to an exchange offer, tender offer or other similar agreement shall not be deemed to be owned by the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company until legal title to such Notes passes to the Company, such Subsidiary or such Affiliate, as the case may be.

 

 

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Section 2.11. Temporary Notes.

Pending the preparation of definitive Notes, the Company may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery temporary Notes, which may be printed, typewritten or otherwise reproduced, in each case in form reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Temporary Notes may be issued in any authorized denomination and substantially in the form of the definitive Notes but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Notes, all as may be determined by the Company with the reasonable concurrence of the Trustee. Temporary Notes may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate. Every temporary Note shall be executed by the Company and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as definitive Notes. Without unreasonable delay the Company shall execute and shall furnish definitive Notes and thereupon temporary Notes may be surrendered in exchange therefor without charge at each office or agency to be maintained by the Company for that purpose pursuant to Section 4.02, and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery in exchange for such temporary Notes a like aggregate principal amount of definitive Notes of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged, the temporary Notes shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Notes.

Section 2.12. Cancellation.

The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its procedures for the disposition of canceled securities in effect as of the date of such disposition (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act). On the prompt written request of the Company at the time of such surrender, the Trustee shall deliver to the Company canceled Notes held by the Trustee. In the absence of such request the Trustee may dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its standard procedures and, upon written request of the Company, deliver a certificate of disposition to the Company. If the Company shall otherwise acquire any of the Notes, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented by such Notes unless and until the same are delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date, provided that no such special record date shall be less than 5 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 10 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company given at least five Business Days before such notice is to be sent, unless a shorter period shall be satisfactory to the Trustee, the Trustee acting in the name and at the expense of the Company) shall mail or cause to be mailed, or in the case of Global Notes, send in accordance with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

Section 2.14. CUSIP Numbers.

The Company in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers if then generally in use and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. The Trustee shall have no liability for any defect in the “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers as they appear on any Note, notice or elsewhere. Any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes. No such redemption shall be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company promptly shall notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers.

 

 

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ARTICLE THREE

REDEMPTION AND OFFERS TO PURCHASE

Section 3.01. Notices to Trustee.

If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price (or manner of calculation if not then known). If the redemption price is not known at the time such notice is to be given, the actual redemption price, calculated as described in the terms of the Notes, will be set forth in a certificate of an Officer of the Company delivered to the Trustee no later than two Business Days prior to the redemption date.

Section 3.02. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.

(a) If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, and the Notes are Global Notes, selection of the notes for redemption will be made pro rata, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion deems appropriate and fair. If the Notes are not Global Notes, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed among the Holders of the Notes (1) in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or (2) if the Notes are not so listed, in accordance with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary. In the event of partial redemption, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption. For so long as the Notes are held by DTC (or another Depositary), the redemption of the Notes shall be done in accordance with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary.

(b) The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. No Notes in amounts of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption.

(a) At least 10 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall mail or electronically deliver (or otherwise transmit in accordance with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary) a notice of redemption to each Holder (with a copy to the Trustee) whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be sent or mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

(i) the redemption date;

(ii) the redemption price (or manner of calculation if not then known);

(iii) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note shall be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note (or if the Note is a Global Note, an adjustment shall be made to the schedule attached thereto);

 

 

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(iv) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

(v) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price and become due on the date fixed for redemption;

(vi) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest, if any, on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(vii) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

(viii) any conditions precedent to which such redemption is subject; and

(ix) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

(b) At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 5 days prior to the date on which notice is to be given, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph. The notice, if sent in the manner provided herein, shall be presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.

(c) Any notice of redemption in connection with any securities offering or any other financing, or in connection with a transaction (or series of related transactions) that constitutes a Change of Control, may, at the Company’s discretion, be given prior to the completion thereof and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including completion of the related securities offering, financing or Change of Control.

Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption.

Once notice of redemption is sent or mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price; provided, however, that any redemption notice may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to conditions as set forth in Section 3.03(c). Interest, if any, on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date, unless the Company defaults in making the applicable redemption payment.

Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price.

(a) Not later than 12:00 noon Eastern Time on the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all Notes to be redeemed.

(b) If the Company complies with the provisions of Section 3.05(a), on and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after a record date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Company to comply with Section 3.05(a), interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal from the redemption date until such principal is paid and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01.

 

 

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Section 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part.

Upon surrender and cancellation of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder, at the expense of the Company, a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered, subject to the provisions applicable to Global Notes.

Section 3.07. Optional Redemption.

(a)

(i) Except as set forth in Sections 3.07(a)(ii) and (a)(iii), the Notes may not be redeemed at the option of the Company.

(ii) Prior to December 15, 2022 (the “Par Call Date”), the Company may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

(A) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

(B) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed,

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

(iii) On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

(iv) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3.01 through Section 3.06.

Section 3.08. Mandatory Redemption.

There are no sinking fund payment or mandatory redemption obligations with respect to the Notes.

ARTICLE FOUR

COVENANTS

Section 4.01. Payment of Notes.

(a) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, holds as of 12:00 noon Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

(b) The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

 

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Section 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall maintain the following: an office or agency where the Notes may be presented for payment or conversion; where the Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and for exchange; and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes or of this Indenture may be served. The Company shall give to the Trustee written notice of the location of any such office or agency and of any change of location thereof. In case the Company shall fail to so designate or maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to give such notice of the location or of any change in the location thereof, presentations and demands may be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or as otherwise designated in writing by the Trustee.

Section 4.03. SEC Reports.

(a) Whether or not required by the SEC’s rules and regulations, the Company will file with the SEC within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations, and provide the Trustee and Holders and prospective Holders (upon request) within 15 days after it files them with the SEC, copies of its annual report and the information, documents and other reports that are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act; provided that for purposes of this Section 4.03, such information, documents and other reports shall be deemed to have been furnished to the Trustee, Holders and prospective Holders if they are electronically available via the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (the “EDGAR” system), provided, however, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information, documents or reports have been filed pursuant to the EDGAR system (or its successor). Even if the Company is entitled under the Exchange Act not to furnish such information to the SEC, it will nonetheless continue to furnish information that would be required to be furnished by the Company by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding exhibits) to the Trustee and the Holders of Notes as if it were subject to such periodic reporting requirements. The Company also will comply with the other provisions of Section 314(a) of the TIA.

(b) To the extent any information is not provided within the time periods specified in this Section 4.03 and such information is subsequently provided within the grace period set forth in Section 6.01, the Company will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured unless the Notes thereof have been accelerated. The Trustee shall have no obligation to determine if and when the Company’s financial statements or reports are publicly available and accessible electronically. Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under this Indenture is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of the covenants set forth herein (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

Section 4.04. Compliance Certificate.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate indicating whether the Officers signing such Officers’ Certificate on behalf of the Company know of any Default with respect to the Notes that occurred during the previous year. The Company shall also deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any Event of Default with respect to the Notes, the status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take in respect thereof.

Section 4.05. Taxes.

The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate negotiations or proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

 

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Section 4.06. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

The Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

Section 4.07. [Reserved].

Section 4.08. [Reserved].

Section 4.09. [Reserved].

Section 4.10. [Reserved].

Section 4.11. [Reserved].

Section 4.12. Limitation on Liens.

The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, issue, incur, create, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien upon any Principal Property or upon any shares of stock of any Principal Subsidiary (whether such Principal Property or shares are now existing or owned or hereafter created or acquired), without making effective provision whereby any and all Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees then or thereafter outstanding will be secured by a Lien equally and ratably with or prior to any and all Indebtedness thereby secured for so long as any such Indebtedness shall be so secured. The foregoing restriction, however, will not apply to each of the following:

(a) Liens on property, shares of stock or other assets of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or existing at the time of acquisition thereof by us or a Subsidiary, provided that such Liens are not incurred in anticipation of such Person’s becoming a Subsidiary or such acquisition and do not extend to (i) any Principal Property or (ii) any shares of stock of any Principal Subsidiary that, in each case, were not previously encumbered by such Liens;

(b) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with us or a Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the properties of such Person (or a division thereof) as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to us or a Subsidiary, provided that such Liens are not incurred in anticipation of such merger or consolidation or sale, lease or other disposition and do not extend to (i) any Principal Property or (ii) any shares of stock of any Principal Subsidiary that, in each case, were not previously encumbered by such Liens;

(c) Liens to secure all or part of the cost of acquisition, construction, development or improvement of any property or to secure debt incurred to provide funds for any such purpose (including purchase money security interests or purchase money mortgages), provided that the commitment of the creditor to extend the credit secured by any such Lien is obtained not later than 24 months after the later of (i) the completion of acquisition, construction, development or improvement of such property and (ii) the placing in operation of such property or of such property as so constructed, developed or improved;

(d) Liens in favor of, or which secure Indebtedness owing to, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(e) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

 

 

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(f) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business (including Liens incident in the ordinary course of the construction or maintenance of Principal Property), and Liens in connection with legal proceedings;

(g) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;

(h) Liens to secure the performance of bids, trade or commercial contracts, government contracts, purchase, construction, sales and servicing contracts (including utility contracts), leases, statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business, deposits as security for contested taxes, import or customs duties, liabilities to insurance carriers or for the payment of rent, and Liens to secure letters of credit, guarantees, bonds or other sureties given in connection with the foregoing obligations or in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other types of social security or similar laws and regulations;

(i) Liens created in connection with the acquisition of assets or a project financed with, and created to secure a Nonrecourse Obligation;

(j) Liens on assets or property of the Company or any Subsidiary securing hedging obligations;

(k) Liens in favor of the United States of America or any state, territory or possession thereof (or the District of Columbia), or any department, agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the United States of America or any state, territory or possession thereof (or the District of Columbia), to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to such Liens;

(l) Liens incurred or assumed in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds the interest on which is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to Section 103(b) of the Code; and

(m) extensions, renewals or replacements of any Liens referred to in the foregoing clauses, provided that (i) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement and (ii) such extension, renewal or replacement Liens will be limited to all or part of the same property and improvement thereon which secured the Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement.

Notwithstanding the restrictions in this Section 4.12, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company may Incur Indebtedness secured by a Lien which would otherwise be prohibited by such restrictions, without equally and ratably securing the Notes, provided that, after giving effect thereto, the then aggregate outstanding amount of all such Indebtedness so secured by such Liens (not including Liens permitted under clauses (a) through (m) above) plus the aggregate amount of Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions of Principal Properties entered into after the Issue Date and permitted solely pursuant to clause (c) of Section 4.21 and still in existence does not exceed the greater of $750.0 million and 10% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such incurrence.

Section 4.13. [Reserved].

Section 4.14. Change of Control Triggering Event.

 

 

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(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, each Holder will have the right to require the Company to purchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of Notes of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that notwithstanding the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, the Company shall not be obligated to purchase the Notes pursuant to this section in the event that it has exercised its right to redeem all the Notes under Section 3.07.

(b) Within 45 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event, the Company shall mail, or cause to be mailed, or, in the case of Global Notes, send in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary, a notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee (the “Change of Control Offer”) stating:

(1) that a Change of Control Triggering Event has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Change of Control Purchase Date (as defined below) (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date);

(2) the purchase date (the “Change of Control Purchase Date”), which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent; and

(3) the instructions determined by the Company, consistent with this covenant, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.

(c) Holders electing to have a Note purchased shall be required to surrender the Note, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Company at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days prior to the Change of Control Purchase Date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company receives not later than one Business Day prior to the Change of Control Purchase Date a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note which was delivered for purchase by the Holder and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased. Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered.

(d) On the Change of Control Purchase Date, all Notes purchased by the Company under this Section 4.14 shall be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall pay the purchase price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Holders entitled thereto.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.14, the Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control Triggering Event if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.14 applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control Triggering Event, with the obligation to pay and the timing of payment conditioned upon the consummation of the Change of Control Triggering Event, if a definitive agreement to effect a Change of Control is in place at the time of the Change of Control Offer.

(f) At the time the Company delivers Notes to the Trustee which are to be accepted for purchase, the Company shall also deliver an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes are to be accepted by the Company pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.14. A Note shall be deemed to have been accepted for purchase at the time the Trustee, directly or through an agent, mails or delivers payment therefor to the surrendering Holder.

(g) Prior to any Change of Control Offer, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent contained herein to the right of the Company to make such offer have been complied with.

 

 

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(h) If Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Company, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Company as described above, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Company or such third party will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of such redemption.

(i) The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.14. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.14, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.14 by virtue thereof.

Section 4.15. Corporate Existence.

Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:

(a) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time) of the Company or any such Subsidiary, except, with respect to any Subsidiary, to the extent that the failure to do so is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes; and

(b) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Subsidiaries, to the extent that failure to do so is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

Section 4.16. [Reserved].

Section 4.17. [Reserved].

Section 4.18. Future Subsidiary Guarantors. If, on or after the Issue Date:

(a) the Company or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary that Incurs any Indebtedness under a Material Credit Facility or Guarantees any such Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries; or

(b) any Domestic Subsidiary of the Company Incurs Indebtedness under a Material Credit Facility or Guarantees any such Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries and that Domestic Subsidiary was not a Subsidiary Guarantor immediately prior to such Incurrence or Guarantee (an “Additional Obligor”),

then that newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary or Additional Obligor, as the case may be, will become a Subsidiary Guarantor and provide a Subsidiary Guarantee in respect of the Notes and execute a supplemental indenture in the form set forth in Exhibit D pursuant to which such Domestic Subsidiary will Guarantee payment of the Notes and deliver an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee within 30 days after the date on which it incurred any Indebtedness under a Material Credit Facility or guarantees any such Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Domestic Subsidiary, as the case may be. Each Subsidiary Guarantee will be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be Guaranteed by that Subsidiary Guarantor, without rendering the Subsidiary Guarantee, as it relates to such Subsidiary Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

 

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Section 4.19. [Reserved].

Section 4.20. Additional Interest Notice.

In the event that the Company is required to pay Additional Interest to Holders of Notes pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will provide written notice (an “Additional Interest Notice”) to the Trustee of its obligation to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to the proposed payment date for any Additional Interest, and the Additional Interest Notice shall set forth the amount of Additional Interest to be paid by the Company on such payment date. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Notes to determine any amount of Additional Interest, or with respect to the nature, extent, or calculation of the amount of Additional Interest owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of any amount of Additional Interest.

Section 4.21. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

The Company will not, and may not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any Sale and Leaseback Transaction with respect to any Principal Property unless:

(a) the Company or such Subsidiary would be entitled to Incur Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the Principal Property pursuant to Section 4.12 equal in amount to the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction, without equally and ratably securing the Notes, pursuant to clauses (a)-(m) of Section 4.12;

(b) the Company or a Subsidiary shall apply, within 180 days after the effective date of such sale or transfer, an amount equal to such net proceeds to (i) the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of properties, facilities or equipment which are, or upon such acquisition, construction, development or improvement will be, a Principal Property or a part thereof or (ii) the redemption of Notes issued under this Indenture or to the repayment or redemption of long-term Indebtedness of the Company or of any Subsidiary, or in part to such acquisition, construction, development or improvement and in part to such redemption and/or repayment. In lieu of applying an amount equal to such net proceeds to such redemption the Company may, within 180 days after such sale or transfer, deliver to the appropriate indenture trustee Notes issued under this Indenture or long-term Indebtedness for cancellation and thereby reduce the amount to be applied to the redemption of such Notes or long-term Indebtedness by an amount equivalent to the aggregate principal amount of Notes or long-term Indebtedness; or

(c) the aggregate amount of Attributable Debt in respect of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction plus the Attributable Debt in respect of all other Sale and Leaseback Transactions of Principal Properties entered into after the Issue Date permitted solely pursuant to this clause (c) and still in existence, plus the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted solely pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 4.12 and still outstanding does not exceed the greater of $750.0 million and 10% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.

ARTICLE FIVE

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01. Merger and Consolidation.

(a) The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets and its Subsidiaries’ assets (taken as a whole) to, any Person (or another Subsidiary), unless:

(1) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) will be a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and the Successor Company (if not the Company) will expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement; provided that in the case where the Successor Company is not a corporation, a co-obligor on the Notes is a corporation;

 

 

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(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

(3) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) complies with this Indenture and, in the case of the Opinion of Counsel, that such supplemental indenture (if any) is the valid, binding obligation of the Successor Company, enforceable against the Successor Company in accordance with its terms.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement, and the predecessor Company (except in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets) will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.

(b) In addition, the Company will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets to any Person unless:

(1) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and, in the case of Section 5.01(b)(2) below, treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Guarantor (as defined below) or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Guarantor or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(2) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Guarantor”) will be a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and, other than in the case of a transaction as part of which the Subsidiary Guarantee is being released as otherwise permitted by this Indenture, such Person (if not such Subsidiary Guarantor) will expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee; and

(3) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

In the case of Section 5.01(b)(2) above, the Successor Guarantor will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, such Subsidiary Guarantor under the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement, and the predecessor Subsidiary Guarantor (except in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets) will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing any Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor.

Section 5.02. Successor Corporation Substituted.

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance, and following such an assumption by the Successor Company, such Successor Company shall succeed to and be substituted for the Company, with the same effect as if it had been named herein. Such Successor Company may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company prior to such succession, any or all of the Notes issuable hereunder that shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of such Successor Company instead of the Company and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall make available for delivery any Notes that shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Company to the Trustee for authentication, and any Notes which such Successor Company thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose. All of the Notes so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Notes theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Notes had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

 

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In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or conveyance such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Notes thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

In the event of any such sale or conveyance (except in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company) the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Notes and may be liquidated and dissolved.

ARTICLE SIX

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01. Events of Default.

(a) Each of the following is an “Event of Default

(1) a default in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable continued for 30 days;

(2) a default in the payment of principal of any Note when due and payable at its Stated Maturity, upon required redemption or repurchase, upon acceleration or otherwise;

(3) the failure by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;

(4) the failure by the Company or any Subsidiary to comply for 60 days after receipt of the written notice referred to in Section 6.01(b) with its other agreements contained in the Notes or this Indenture;

(5) the failure by the Company or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary to pay any Indebtedness within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because of a default if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $100,000,000 (or its foreign currency equivalent) and such failure continues for 10 days after receipt of the written notice referred to in Section 6.01(b);

(6) (A) the Company or any Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law: (i) commences a voluntary case; (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case; (iii) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (v) takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency; or (B) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that: (i) is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case; (ii) appoints a custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property; (iii) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary; or (iv) any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws with respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;

 

 

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(7) the rendering of any judgment or decree for the payment of money in excess of $100,000,000 or its foreign currency equivalent (in excess of the amount for which liability for payment is covered by insurance or bonded) against the Company or a Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary if:

(A) an enforcement proceeding thereon is commenced by any creditor and such enforcement is not stayed promptly after commencement, or

(B) such judgment or decree remains outstanding for a period of 60 calendar days following such judgment and is not paid, discharged, waived or stayed; or

(8) any Subsidiary Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary Guarantor as of and for the twelve months ended on the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial statements are publicly available ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof) or any such Significant Subsidiary Guarantor or Person acting by or on behalf of any such Significant Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms such Significant Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture or any Subsidiary Guarantee and such Default continues for 10 days after receipt of the notice specified in Section 6.01(b).

(b) A Default under Section 6.01(a)(4) or (5) above will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding notify the Company and the Trustee of the Default and the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, does not cure such Default within the time specified in Section 6.01(a)(4) or (5) above after receipt of such notice. The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a “Notice of Default.”

The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes unless a written notice of such Default or Event of Default shall have been given to a Responsible Officer by the Company or any Holder of Notes.

Section 6.02. Acceleration.

If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to Section 6.01(a)(6) as it relates to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee (if given by the Holders) may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default occurs under Section 6.01(a)(6) as it relates to the Company, the principal of and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes by notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of acceleration. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

Section 6.03. Other Remedies.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium and interest, if any, on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

 

 

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Section 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes, may waive any past Default hereunder or its consequences, except a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the Notes.

Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist and be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured and not to have occurred for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.05. Control by Majority.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes affected and then outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred by this Indenture on the Trustee. The Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if (i) such direction shall conflict with law or the provisions of this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, (ii) the Trustee shall determine that the action or proceedings so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability or (iii) the Trustee in good faith shall so determine that the actions or forbearances specified in or pursuant to such direction would be unduly prejudicial to the interests of Holders of the Notes so affected not joining in the giving of said direction, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders. In the event the Trustee receives inconsistent or conflicting requests and indemnity from two or more groups of Holders of the Notes, each representing less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may determine what action, if any shall be taken and the Trustee may, in its sole discretion, take other actions.

Section 6.06. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Notes shall have any right, by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture or the Notes, to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise with respect to this Indenture or the Notes, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy hereunder, unless: (i) such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof; (ii) the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as Trustee hereunder; (iii) such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it as it may require, against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby; (iv) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of security or indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceeding; and (v) no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding;

it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by every taker and Holder of a Note with every other taker and Holder of a Note and the Trustee, that no one or more of such Holders of Notes shall have any right in any manner whatever, by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture, to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder of Notes, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of the Notes (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).

Section 6.07. Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

Notwithstanding any provision in this Indenture and any provision of any Notes, the right of any Holder of any Notes to receive payment of the principal of and interest on such Note at the respective rates, in the respective amount on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

 

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Section 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee.

If the Company shall fail to pay any installment of interest on any of the Notes when such interest shall have become due and payable, and such default shall have continued for a period of 30 days or shall fail to pay the principal of any of the Notes when the same shall have become due and payable, whether upon maturity of the Notes or upon any redemption or by declaration or otherwise, then upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders the whole amount that then shall have become due and payable on all Notes for principal of or interest, as the case may be (with interest to the date of such payment upon the overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, on overdue installments of interest at the same rate as the rate of interest specified in the Notes) and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including compensation to and reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel.

Until such demand is made by the Trustee, the Company may pay the principal of and interest on the Notes to the persons entitled thereto, whether or not the principal of and interest on the Notes are overdue.

If the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall fail to pay such amounts upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the amounts so due and unpaid. In any such case, the Trustee may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company, any of the Subsidiary Guarantors or any other obligor upon the Notes, wherever situated, the amounts adjudged or decreed to be payable.

All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture or under any of the Notes may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof at any trial or other proceedings relative thereto. Any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust. Any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes in respect of which such action was taken.

In any proceedings brought by the Trustee for the Notes, the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Notes in respect of which such action was taken, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of the Notes parties to any such proceedings.

Section 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

If (i) there shall be pending proceedings relative to the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Notes under any Bankruptcy Law, (ii) a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Company or its property, any Subsidiary Guarantor or its property or such other obligor or (iii) any other comparable judicial proceedings relative to the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or other obligor under the Notes, or to the creditors or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or such other obligor, shall be pending, and irrespective of whether the principal of the Notes shall then be due and payable or whether the Trustee shall have made any demand, the Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise:

(a) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to, and expenses incurred by, the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or other obligor upon all Notes, or to the creditors or property of the Company, any Subsidiary Guarantor or such other obligor; and

 

 

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(b) to collect and receive any funds or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Holders and of the Trustee on their behalf; and any trustee, receiver, or liquidator, custodian or other similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Holders to make payments to the Trustee for the Notes, and, in the event that such Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to the Holders, to pay to such Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to and fees and expenses incurred by such Trustee, each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel and all other amounts due to such Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 7.07.

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.10. Priorities.

Any amounts collected by the Trustee for the Notes pursuant to this Article Six shall be applied in the following order at the date or dates fixed by such Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such amounts on account of principal or interest, upon presentation of the Notes in respect of which amounts have been collected and stamping or otherwise noting thereon the payment, or issuing Notes in reduced principal amounts in exchange for the presented Notes if only partially paid, or upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of costs and expenses applicable to the Notes in respect of which amounts have been collected, including compensation to and reasonable fees and expenses incurred by the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys and all other amounts due to the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee pursuant to Section 7.07;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and interest on the Notes in respect of which amounts have been collected, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference, according to the amounts then due and payable on such Notes and any such debt for principal and interest; and

THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.

Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.

Any court in its discretion may require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit. Any such court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant. The provisions of this Section 6.11 shall not apply, however, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder or group of Holders of Notes holding more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or interest on any Notes on or after the due date expressed in such Note.

Section 6.12. Power and Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

Except as provided in Section 6.06, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy, to the extent permitted by law, shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

 

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No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Event of Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid shall impair any such right or power or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Subject to Section 6.06, every power and remedy given by this Indenture or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or the Holders.

ARTICLE SEVEN

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee.

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notification thereof, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i) this paragraph (c) does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Notes of such series.

(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) of this Section 7.01.

(e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to extend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

 

 

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(f) Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any amounts received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

Section 7.02. Certain Rights of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on, and shall be fully protected in relying upon in acting or refraining from acting upon, any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document. The Trustee shall receive and retain financial reports and statements of the Company as provided herein but shall have no duty to analyze such reports or statements to determine compliance with covenants or other obligations of the Company.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee shall be protected and shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

(c) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01(c), the Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes, suffers or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

(d) The Trustee may consult with counsel, investment bankers, accountants or other professionals of its selection and the advice of such counsel, investment bankers, accountants or other professionals or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel.

(e) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

(f) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder.

(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, Officers’ Certificate or other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, appraisal, bond, debenture, note, coupon, security or other paper or other evidence of indebtedness or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company.

(h) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.

(i) The Trustee shall not be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any covenants, conditions, agreements, duties or obligations imposed herein upon the Company, and the Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for the failure of the Company or such other persons to perform any act required of them by this Indenture.

 

 

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(j) The permissive rights of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as duties.

(k) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.

(l) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(m) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, pandemics, epidemics, recognized public emergencies, quarantine restrictions, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

(n) Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company request or Company order and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.

(o) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate.

(p) Holders will make their own decisions regarding actions relevant to the trust and will not rely on the Trustee with respect to such decisions.

(q) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or its affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, registrar or co-registrar may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11. The Trustee, any authenticating agent, any Paying Agent, any Custodian, any Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, authenticating agent, Paying Agent, Custodian, Registrar or such other agent.

Section 7.04. Trustees Disclaimer.

 

 

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The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes. The Trustee shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes and shall not be responsible for any statement in any registration statement for the Notes filed with the SEC under the Securities Act (other than any Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1) or in this Indenture (other than its eligibility under Section 7.10) or the Notes (other than its certificate of authentication). The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except the Trustee’s certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee or any authenticating agent assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee or any authenticating agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Notes or the proceeds thereof. The Trustee or any authenticating agent shall have no responsibility or liability with respect to any information, statement or recital in the offering memorandum or other disclosure material prepared or distributed with respect to any of the Notes.

Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults.

If a Default occurs and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notification thereof, the Trustee shall send to each Holder first-class by mail, postage prepaid, as their names and addresses appear in the Registrar, notice of such Default within the earlier of 90 days after such Default occurs and 30 days after written notice of such Default is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, including payments pursuant to the redemption provisions of the Notes, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interests of Holders of the Notes.

Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

(a) Within 60 days after each June 1 beginning with the June 1 following the date of this Indenture, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder of Notes and each other Person specified in Section 313(c) of the TIA a brief report dated as of such June 1 that complies with Section 313(a) of the TIA to the extent required thereby. The Trustee also shall comply with Section 313(b) of the TIA.

(b) The Trustee will file a copy of each report, at the time of its mailing to Holders of any Notes, with the SEC and each securities exchange on which the Notes are listed. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee whenever the Notes become listed on any securities exchange and of any delisting thereof.

Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity.

The Company:

(a) will pay to the Trustee from time to time, such compensation as shall be agreed to in writing from time to time between the Company and the Trustee for all services rendered by it hereunder, which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust;

(b) will reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture, including the compensation, disbursements and reasonable expenses of its agents and counsel, except to the extent any such compensation, disbursement or expense shall be determined to have been caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct; and

(c) will fully indemnify each of the Trustee, the predecessor Trustee and their agents for, and hold them harmless against, any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee), arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of enforcing the provisions of this Indenture against the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantors and defending itself against or investigating any claim (whether asserted by the Company, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, or in connection with enforcing the provisions of this Section, except to the extent that any such loss, liability or expense shall be determined to have been caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct.

 

 

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As security for the performance of the Company’s obligations under this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all funds or property held or collected by the Trustee, except for those funds that are held in trust to pay the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes.

The Company’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section 7.07 shall survive the discharge of this Indenture and resignation or removal of the Trustee. When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a default specified in Section 6.01(a)(6), such expenses, including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel, are intended to constitute expenses of administration under Bankruptcy Law.

Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee.

The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company. No such resignation, however, shall be effective until a successor Trustee has accepted its appointment pursuant to this Section 7.08. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company. The Company shall remove the Trustee if:

(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

(b) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

(c) a receiver or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(d) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, with respect to the Notes, the Company shall promptly appoint, by a Board Resolution, a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of the Notes. The retiring Trustee shall upon payment of its charges hereunder promptly transfer all funds and property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07.

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, at the expense of the Company, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

Any organization or entity into which the Trustee may be converted or merged, or with which it may be consolidated, or to which it may sell or transfer all or substantially all of its corporate trust business and assets as a whole or substantially as a whole, or any organization or entity resulting from any such conversion, sale, merger, consolidation or transfer to which the Trustee is a party, will be and become the successor to the Trustee under this Indenture and will have and succeed to the rights, powers, duties, immunities and privileges as its predecessor, without the execution or filing of any instrument or paper or the performance of any further act.

 

 

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Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.

The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a)(1) of the TIA. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. Neither the Company nor any person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by or under common Control with the Company shall serve as Trustee hereunder. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Company are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.

Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees), the Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated therein.

Section 7.12. Trustee’s Application for Instructions from the Company

Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in such application on or after the date specified in such application (which date shall not be less than three Business Days after the date any Officer of the Company actually receives such application, unless any such Officer shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Trustee shall have received written instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.

ARTICLE EIGHT

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

(a) Subject to Sections 8.01(b) and 8.02, the Company at any time may terminate (i) all of its obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (“legal defeasance option”) or (ii) its obligations under Sections 4.03, 4.12, 4.14, 4.18 and 4.21 (“covenant defeasance option”) with respect to the Notes. The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. In the event that the Company terminates all of its obligations under the Notes and this Indenture by exercising its legal defeasance option, the obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantees shall each be terminated simultaneously with the termination of such obligations.

If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(a)(4) and 6.01(a)(5) (with respect only to the applicable Subsidiaries), 6.01(a)(6) and 6.01(a)(7) (with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries) or 6.01(a)(8).

Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a), the Company’s obligations in Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 4.02 and 7.07 and in this Article Eight shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Company’s obligations in Sections 7.07 and 8.03 and the Trustee’s obligations under Section 8.04 shall survive.

 

 

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Section 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance.

The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option only if:

(a) the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money in an amount sufficient or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and interest on which will be sufficient, or a combination thereof sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants, to pay the principal of, and premium (if any) and interest on the Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be, including interest thereon to maturity or such redemption date;

(b) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (2) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(c) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(d) the deposit does not constitute a default under any other material agreement binding on the Company (other than that resulting with respect to any Indebtedness being defeased from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to such Indebtedness, and the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(e) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; and

(f) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes as contemplated by this Article Eight have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (b) above with respect to a defeasance need not to be delivered if all Notes not therefore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable, or (y) will become due and payable at Stated Maturity within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.

Section 8.03. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) Subject to Section 8.04, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.02 in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

 

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(b) The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.02 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

(c) Anything in this Article Eight to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.02 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee at the expense of the Company (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.02(a)), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option.

Section 8.04. Repayment to the Company.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, and interest has become due and payable shall, subject to compliance with applicable abandoned property law, be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as Trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company, send to the Holders notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be repaid to the Company.

Section 8.05. Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.02, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE NINE

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 9.02, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without the consent of any Holder of a Note to:

(1) convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property or assets to the Trustee as security for the Notes;

(2) evidence the succession of another Person to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or successive successions, and the assumption by the successor Person of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture pursuant to the provisions described under Article Five;

 

 

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(3) add to the covenants of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of the Notes;

(4) cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision contained in this Indenture that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained in this Indenture, or make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture as the Board of Directors may deem necessary or desirable and that shall not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Notes;

(5) evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture by a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes and add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under this Indenture by more than one Trustee pursuant to the requirements of this Indenture;

(6) provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code;

(7) add additional Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Notes and release any Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with this Indenture;

(8) provide for the issuance of Additional Notes;

(9) conform the text of this Indenture or the Notes to any provision of the Description of Notes in the offering memorandum related to the Initial Notes; or

(10) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA.

(b) Upon the request of the Company and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described under Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any supplemental indenture executed pursuant to Section 9.01(a)(7) may be executed by the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantor providing such Subsidiary Guarantee and the Trustee.

Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders of Notes.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 9.02, this Indenture or the Notes may be amended with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and any past Default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes).

(b) This Indenture provides that, without the consent of each Holder adversely affected thereby, no amendment may:

(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment;

(2) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(3) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Note;

 

 

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(4) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed as described under Section 3.07;

(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note;

(6) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, and interest on, such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(7) make any change in the amendment provisions or in the waiver provisions which require each Holder’s consent; or

(8) release any Subsidiary Guarantee (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture).

(c) The consent of the Holders will not be necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or supplemental indenture. It will be sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment or supplemental indenture.

(d) After an amendment or supplemental indenture becomes effective, the Company shall mail, or in the case of Global Notes send in accordance with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary, to Holders (with a copy to the Trustee) a notice briefly describing such amendment or supplemental indenture. However, the failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment or supplemental indenture.

Section 9.03. Compliance with TIA.

Every amendment or supplemental indenture to this Indenture or the Notes shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.

Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers.

(a) A consent to an amendment or supplemental indenture or a waiver by a Holder of a Note shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Note or portion of the Note if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate from the Company certifying that the requisite number of consents have been received. After an amendment or supplemental indenture or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder. An amendment or supplemental indenture or waiver becomes effective upon the (i) receipt by the Company or the Trustee of the requisite number of consents, (ii) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (iii) execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture or waiver by the Company and the Trustee.

(b) The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding Section 9.04(a), those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date; provided, that unless such consent shall have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be cancelled and of no further effect.

 

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Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

If an amendment or supplemental indenture changes the terms of a Note, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment or supplemental indenture.

Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

The Trustee shall sign any amendment or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article Nine if the amendment or supplemental indenture does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If, in the judgment of the Trustee, it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing such amendment the Trustee shall receive indemnity satisfactory to it and receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon in addition to the documents required by Section 13.04, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment or supplemental indenture is the valid and binding obligation of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof.

Section 9.07. Payments for Consents.

Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

ARTICLE TEN

SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

Section 10.01. Subsidiary Guarantees.

(a) Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns (i) the full and punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of all obligations of the Company under this Indenture (including obligations to the Trustee) and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of, or premium or interest on the Notes and all other monetary obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes and (ii) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods of all other obligations of the Company whether for fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise under this Indenture and the Notes (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from each such Subsidiary Guarantor, and that each such Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain bound under this Article Ten notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.

(b) Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Company of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Subsidiary Guarantor waives notice of any Default under the Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Company or any other Person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (ii) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (iii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (iv) the release of any security held by any Holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any of them; (v) the failure of any Holder or Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (vi) any change in the ownership of such Subsidiary Guarantor, except as provided in Section 10.05.

 

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(c) Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its obligations hereunder divided among the Subsidiary Guarantors, such that such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations would be less than the full amount claimed. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Company first be used and depleted as payment of the Company’s or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to require that the Company be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Subsidiary Guarantor.

(d) Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment, performance and compliance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.

(e) Except as expressly set forth in Section 8.01(a), Section 9.02, this Article Ten and Article Eleven, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any Holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Subsidiary Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Subsidiary Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

(f) Except as otherwise provided herein, each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or otherwise.

(g) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Subsidiary Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Company to pay the principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby promises to and shall forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid principal amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Company to the Holders and the Trustee.

(h) Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six for the purposes of any Subsidiary Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article Six of this Indenture, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by such Subsidiary Guarantor for the purposes of this Section 10.01.

 

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(i) Each Subsidiary Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 10.01.

(j) Each Subsidiary Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.

Section 10.02. Limitation on Liability.

(a) Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Subsidiary Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed without rendering this Indenture, as it relates to such Subsidiary Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

(b) As provided in Section 10.05(b), at the reasonable request of the Company, the Trustee shall execute and deliver an instrument, in the form provided by the Company, evidencing the release of any Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to Section 10.05(a).

Section 10.03. Subsidiary Guarantee Under Indenture.

(a) If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Subsidiary Guarantee provided for herein shall be valid nevertheless.

(b) The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Subsidiary Guarantee provided for herein on behalf of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

(c) If required by Section 4.18, the Company shall cause its Subsidiaries to execute supplemental indentures to this Indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D to this Indenture providing for additional Subsidiary Guarantees in accordance with Section 4.18 and this Article Ten, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04. Contribution.

Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that any such Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made on the obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee, then upon payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations under this Indenture such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against the Company or any other Subsidiary Guarantor who has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. The provisions of this Section 10.04 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of each Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee and the Holders and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.

Section 10.05. Release of Subsidiary Guarantor.

(a) The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released without any action required by the Trustee or Holders:

(i) in the event the Capital Stock of a Subsidiary Guarantor is sold or all of the assets of a Subsidiary Guarantor are sold (including by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise) by the Company or a Subsidiary if as a result of such sale, such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary;

(ii) upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the Notes in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture described under Article Eight and Article Eleven, respectively;

(iii) if such Subsidiary Guarantor shall have been released from its guarantee of Indebtedness under all Material Credit Facilities; or

 

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(iv) if such Subsidiary Guarantee shall have been released pursuant to Section 9.02.

(b) At the request of the Company, and upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that a release complies with this Indenture, the Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments reasonably requested by the Company evidencing the release of such Subsidiary Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee (it being understood that the failure to obtain any such instrument shall not impair any automatic release pursuant to Section 10.05(a)). Any Subsidiary Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee as provided in Section 10.05(a) shall remain liable for the full amount of principal and interest, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article Ten.

Section 10.06. Successors and Assigns.

Subject to Article Five, this Article Ten shall be binding upon each Subsidiary Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.

Section 10.07. No Waiver.

Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article Ten shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article Ten at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.

Section 10.08. Modification.

No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article Ten, nor the consent to any departure by any Subsidiary Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Subsidiary Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Subsidiary Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01. Satisfaction and Discharge.

(a) This Indenture (including the Subsidiary Guarantees) will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all Notes issued hereunder when:

(1) all outstanding Notes (other than Notes replaced or paid) have been canceled or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2) all outstanding Notes have become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of the sending of a notice of redemption, or will become due and payable within one year, and the Company irrevocably deposits with the Trustee cash or Cash Equivalents in an amount sufficient or U.S. Government Obligations, the principal of and interest on which will be sufficient, or a combination thereof sufficient, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which opinion shall only be required to be delivered if U.S. Government Obligations have been so deposited), to pay the principal of and interest on the outstanding Notes when due at maturity or upon redemption, including interest thereon to maturity or such redemption date (other than Notes replaced or paid); and, in either case

 

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(3) the Company pays all other sums payable by it under this Indenture.

(b) The Trustee shall acknowledge satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture on demand of the Company accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied, at the cost and expense of the Company.

Section 11.02. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to Section 8.04 hereof, all funds and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

ARTICLE TWELVE

[RESERVED]

ARTICLE THIRTEEN

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.01. TIA Controls.

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA Section 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

Section 13.02. Notices.

(a) Any notice or communication by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, on the one hand, or the Trustee, on the other hand, to the other, is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

If to the Company and/or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

Qorvo, Inc.

7628 Thorndike Road

Greensboro, NC 27409

Facsimile: (910) 475-8535

Attention: Mark J. Murphy

 

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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

One Wells Fargo Center

301 S. College Street

Suite 3500

Charlotte, NC 28202

Facsimile: (704) 338-7822

Attention: Sudhir N. Shenoy, Esq.

If to the Trustee:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

600 South 4th Street, 7th Floor

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Attention: CTSO Mail Operations

Telephone: 667-786-1690

Email: Raymond.dellicolli@computershare.com

(or such other address or facsimile number as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Company).

(b) The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors or the Trustee, by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

(c) All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; three Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

(d) Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA Section 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

(e) Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance on such waiver.

(f) In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

(g) If a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

(h) If the Company receives a notice or communication from Holders, or sends a notice or communication to Holders, it shall send a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Note, where this Indenture or any Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption or purchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from such Depositary.

 

 

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The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to this Indenture and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that (a) the party providing such Instructions, subsequent to such transmission of written Instructions, shall provide the originally executed Instructions or directions to the Trustee in a timely manner, and (b) such originally executed Instructions shall be signed by officers with the authority to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and the party providing such Instructions shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing the Authorized Officers and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the party providing such Instructions whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the party providing such Instructions elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its reasonable judgment elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The party providing such Instructions understands and agrees that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The party providing such Instructions shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the party providing such Instructions and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the party providing such Instructions. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The party providing such Instructions agrees: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by the Trustee; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Trustee immediately upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures.

Section 13.03. Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and any other Person shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

Section 13.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(i) an Officers’ Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers (who may rely upon an Opinion of Counsel with respect to matters of law), all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

(ii) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel (who may rely upon an Officers’ Certificate or certificates of public officials as to matters of fact), all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

Section 13.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

(a) Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to Section 4.04 hereof or TIA Section 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(e) and shall include:

 

 

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(i) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section 13.06. Rules by Trustee and Agents.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 13.07. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder, member, manager or partner, past, present or future, of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Section 13.08. Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial.

THIS INDENTURE AND ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY OR DISPUTE RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK).

EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS INDENTURE BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

Section 13.09. [Reserved].

Section 13.10. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

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Section 13.11. Successors.

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of each Subsidiary Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind such Subsidiary Guarantor’s successors, except as otherwise provided in Sections 5.01(b) and 5.02.

Section 13.12. Severability.

In case any provision in this Indenture or the Notes, or any portion thereof, shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions, or any portions thereof, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 13.13. Counterpart Originals.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages (including signature pages executed by electronic signature) by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture and original signature pages for all purposes. This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code/UCC (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each electronic signature or faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with this Indenture (including, without limitation, the Notes, the Guarantee and any Officers’ Certificate) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, including without limitation, digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to Trustee by the authorized representative), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature. The Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to Trustee, including without limitation the risk of Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

Section 13.14. Acts of Holders.

(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by the Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company if made in the manner provided in this Section 13.14.

 

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(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to such witness, notary or officer the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer’s individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such signer’s authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 13.14, the principal amount and serial numbers of Notes held by any Holder, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the register of the Notes maintained by the Registrar as provided in Section 2.04.

(d) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of the Notes any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith or the date of the most recent list of Holders forwarded to the Trustee prior to such solicitation pursuant to Section 2.06 and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of the then outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the then outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.

(e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration or transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

(f) Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so itself with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

Section 13.15. Benefit of Indenture.

Except as otherwise described herein, nothing in this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Paying Agent, any Registrar and its successors hereunder, and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

Section 13.16. Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

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Section 13.17. U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Indenture as of the date first above written.

 

QORVO, INC.
By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

AMALFI SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   President

QORVO CALIFORNIA, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

QORVO OREGON, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

QORVO US, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Vice President

QORVO TEXAS, LLC

as a Guarantor

By: Qorvo US, Inc., its member

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Vice President

 

S-1


RFMD, LLC

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

Name:   Mark J. Murphy
Title:   Manager

 

S-2


COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Jessica Wuornos

Name:   Jessica Wuornos
Title:   Vice President

 

S-3


EXHIBIT A

[Face of Note]

[Include Applicable Legends]

 

A-1


CUSIP No.

ISIN No.

No.

QORVO, INC.

1.750% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2024

Issue Date:

Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” which term includes any successor under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of _________________________ ($___________), or such other principal sum as shall be set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests attached hereto, on December 15, 2024.

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 2022.

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

A-2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

QORVO, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:  

 

 

A-3


This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:  

                                                                               

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:  

 

 

A-4


[Reverse Side of Note]

Qorvo, Inc.

1.750% Senior Notes due 2024

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1. Interest. QORVO, INC., a Delaware corporation (such corporation, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 1.750% per annum from December 14, 2021. The Company shall pay interest semiannually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2022 or, if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from December 14, 2021; provided that if there is no existing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding semiannual interest payment date (but after June 15, 2022), interest shall accrue from such next succeeding semiannual interest payment date, except in the case of the original issuance of the Notes, in which case interest shall accrue from the date of authentication. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes plus 1% per annum, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The interest rate on this Note will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law as the same may be modified by United States law of general application.

2. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on June 1 or December 1 immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date even if Notes are canceled after the record date and on or before the Interest Payment Date. Holders must surrender Notes to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company shall pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Depositary or any successor depositary. The Company will make all payments in respect of a Definitive Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest), at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof. Any payments of principal of and interest on this Note prior to the Stated Maturity shall be binding upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not noted hereon. The amount due and payable at the maturity of this Note shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at an office of the Trustee or the Trustee’s agent appointed for such purposes.

3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A. (the “Trustee”) will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice. The Company or any of its domestically incorporated Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

4. Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 14, 2021, among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as amended (the “TIA”). Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms and provisions.

 

A-5


5. Optional Redemption.

(a) Except as set forth in this Section 5, the Notes may not be redeemed at the option of the Company.

(b) Prior to December 15, 2022 (the “Par Call Date”), the Company may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount and rounded to three decimal places) equal to the greater of:

(i) (a) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon discounted to the redemption date (assuming the Notes matured on the Par Call Date) on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 15 basis points, less (b) interest accrued to the date of redemption, and

(ii) 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed,

plus, in either case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

(c) On or after the Par Call Date, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

6. Mandatory Redemption. The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

7. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at his or her registered address. Notes may be redeemed in part in integral multiples of $2,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. If notice of redemption has been given, the Notes or portions of Notes specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the date and at the place stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Notes at the redemption price, together with interest accrued to said date) interest on the Notes or portions of Notes so called for redemption shall cease to accrue.

Any notice of redemption in connection with any securities offering of any financing, or in connection with a transaction (or series of related transactions) that constitutes a Change of Control, may, at the Company’s discretion, be given prior to the completion thereof and be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including completion of the related securities offering, financing or Change of Control.

8. Repurchase at Option of Holder. Upon a Change of Control Triggering Event, each Holder will have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to cause the Company to repurchase all or any part of the Notes of such Holder at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the date of purchase) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture; provided, however, the Company shall not be obligated to purchase the Notes upon a Change of Control Triggering Event in the event that it has optionally redeemed all the Notes.

If Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Company, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Company as described above, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Company or such third party will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to such Change of Control Offer, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of such redemption.

 

A-6


9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in fully registered form, without coupons, in minimum denominations of $2,000 and any whole multiple of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. Upon any transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements or transfer documents and to pay any taxes required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company will not be required to transfer or exchange any outstanding Notes selected for redemption or purchase or to transfer or exchange any outstanding Notes for a period of 15 days prior to the selection of Notes to be redeemed or purchased or within 15 days of an Interest Payment Date.

10. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of this Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

11. Unclaimed Money. Subject to the applicable abandoned property laws, if money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.

12. Discharge and Defeasance. Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may terminate some of or all its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.

13. Amendment, Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and any past Default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes). Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture to (i) convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property or assets to the Trustee as security for the Notes; (ii) evidence the succession of another Person to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or successive successions, and the assumption by the successor Person of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture pursuant to the provisions described under Article Five of the Indenture; (iii) add to the covenants of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of Notes; (iv) cure any ambiguity or correct or supplement any provision contained in the Indenture that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained in the Indenture, or make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under the Indenture as the Board of Directors may deem necessary or desirable and that shall not materially and adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Notes; (v) evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the Indenture by a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes and add to or change any of the provisions of the Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than the one Trustee pursuant to the requirements of the Indenture; (vi) provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code; (vii) add additional Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Notes and release any Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with the Indenture; (viii) provide for the issuance of Additional Notes; or (ix) conform the text of the Indenture or the Notes to any provision of the Description of Notes in the offering memorandum related to the Initial Notes; or (x) comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA.

14. Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Company (and the Trustee if given by the Holders) may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to certain bankruptcy provisions occurs, the principal of and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders. Under certain circumstances, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.

 

A-7


No Holder of any Notes shall have any right, by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture or the Notes, to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise with respect to this Indenture or the Notes, or for the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof and the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it as it may require, against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby and the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of security or indemnity shall have failed to institute any such action or proceeding and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Notes with every other Holder of a Note and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders of Notes shall have any right in any manner whatever, by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture, to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holder of Notes, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders of the Notes.

15. Trustee Dealings with Company. Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.

16. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder, member, manager or partner of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

17. Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note.

18. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).

19. Governing Law. THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

20. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Company has caused “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers to be printed on the Notes and has directed the Trustee to use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

A-8


ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:

 

(INSERT ASSIGNEE’S LEGAL NAME)

 

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
 

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:                                                                                                      

  
  

Your Signature:                                                                                                                

  

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:

  

 

 

*

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A-9


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.14 (Change of Control Triggering Event) of the Indenture, check the box below:

☐ Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased ($1,000 or an integral multiple thereof):

$________________

 

Date:                                                                
   Your Signature:                                                                                                                           
   (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
   Tax Identification No.:                                                                                                            
Signature Guarantee*:                                                                                                                                                             

 

*

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A-10


[To be inserted for Rule 144A Global Note]

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

 

Amount of Decrease in

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

 

Amount of Increase in

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

 

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

Following such decrease

(or increase)

 

Signature of Authorized

Signatory of Trustee or

Custodian

[To be inserted for Regulation S Global Note]

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Regulation S Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or of other Restricted Global Notes for an interest in this Regulation S Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

 

Amount of Decrease in

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

 

Amount of Increase in

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

 

Principal Amount at Maturity

of this Global Note

Following such decrease

(or increase)

 

Signature of Authorized

Signatory of Trustee or

Custodian

 

A-11


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Qorvo, Inc.

7628 Thorndike Road

Greensboro, NC 27409

Facsimile: (910) 475-8535

Attention: Mark J. Murphy

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Attn: DAPS – Reorg

600 South 4th Street – 7th Floor

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Facsimile: (866) 969-1290

Phone: (800) 344-5128

Email: DAPSReorg@wellsfargo.com

Re: 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as December 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiary Guarantors, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

________________________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) of the Company or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to _______________________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

☐ 1. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ 2. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Legended Regulation S Global Note, or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling

 

B-1


efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Legended Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ 3. Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

☐ (a) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

☐ (b) such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof; or

☐ (c) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

☐ 4. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or an Unrestricted Definitive Note.

☐ (a) Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

☐ (b) Check if Transfer is pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

☐ (c) Check if Transfer is pursuant to other exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

B-2


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

Dated:                         

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:  

         

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

B-3


ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

1.

The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

 

 

(a)      a beneficial interest in the:

 

  (i)

144A Global Note (CUSIP __________); or

Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP __________); or

 

 

(b)      a Restricted Definitive Note.

 

2.

After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

[CHECK ONE]

 

 

(a)      a beneficial interest in the:

 

  (i)

144A Global Note (CUSIP _______); or

 

  (ii)

Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ________); or

 

  (iii)

Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP ________); or

 

 

(b)       a Restricted Definitive Note; or

 

 

(c)       an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-4


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Qorvo, Inc.

7628 Thorndike Road

Greensboro, NC 27409

Facsimile: (910) 475-8535

Attention: Mark J. Murphy

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Attn: DAPS – Reorg

600 South 4th Street – 7th Floor

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Facsimile: (866) 969-1290

Phone: (800) 344-5128

Email: DAPSReorg@wellsfargo.com

Re: 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiary Guarantors, and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

______________________ (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”) of the Company or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $_________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

☐ (a) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

☐ (b) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

C-1


☐ (c) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

☐ (d) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

☐ (a) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ (b) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE]:

☐ 144A Global Note

☐ Regulation S Global Note

with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

 

C-2


Dated:      
   

[Insert Name of Transferor]

    By:  

 

    Name:  

 

    Title:  

 

 
 

 

 

C-3


EXHIBIT D

[ ] SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

[ ] SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “[ ] Supplemental Indenture”) dated as of [ ], among [GUARANTOR] (the “New Guarantor”), a subsidiary of Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company listed in Schedule I attached hereto (the “Existing Guarantors”) have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of the Company’s 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Notes”);

WHEREAS Section 4.18 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Company is required to cause the New Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all the Company’s obligations under the Notes pursuant to a Subsidiary Guarantee on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS pursuant to Section 9.01(a)(7) of the Indenture, the Trustee and the Company are authorized to execute and deliver this [ ] Supplemental Indenture without the consent of Holders of the Notes;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the New Guarantor, the Company and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Notes as follows:

1. AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all the Existing Guarantors, to unconditionally guarantee the Company’s obligations under the Notes on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article Ten of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Notes.

2. RATIFICATION OF INDENTURE; SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES PART OF INDENTURE. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This [ ] Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.

3. GOVERNING LAW. THIS [ ] SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAWS PROVISIONS (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK)..

4. TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this [ ] Supplemental Indenture or the Subsidiary Guarantee for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the New Guarantor and the Company. All of the provisions contained in the Indenture in respect of the rights, privileges, protections, immunities, powers and duties of the Trustee shall be applicable in respect of this [ ] Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like force and effect as though fully set forth in full herein.

5. COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this [ ] Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this [ ] Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this [ ] Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original [ ] Supplemental Indenture and original signature pages for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

 

D-1


6. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this [ ] Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

[NEW GUARANTOR]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

QORVO, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

D-2


COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

D-3


Schedule I

 

D-4

EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

by and among

Qorvo, Inc.

Amalfi Semiconductor, Inc.

Qorvo California, Inc.

Qorvo Oregon, Inc.

Qorvo US, Inc.

Qorvo Texas, LLC

RFMD, LLC

the other Guarantors from time to time party hereto

and

BofA Securities, Inc.,

as Representative of the several Initial Purchasers

Dated as of December 14, 2021


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of December 14, 2021, by and among Qorvo, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), Amalfi Semiconductor, Inc., Qorvo California, Inc., Qorvo Oregon, Inc., Qorvo US, Inc., Qorvo Texas, LLC, RFMD, LLC (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and BofA Securities, Inc., as representative (the “Representative”) of the initial purchasers named in Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), each of whom has agreed to purchase the Company’s 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Initial Notes”), which Initial Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “Guarantees”) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Initial Notes and the Guarantees attached thereto are herein collectively referred to as the “Initial Securities.”

This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated December 9, 2021 (the “Purchase Agreement”), among the Company, the Guarantors and the Representative on behalf of the Initial Purchasers (i) for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and (ii) for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Initial Securities, including the Initial Purchasers. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Initial Securities, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Guarantors is a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in Section 5(g) of the Purchase Agreement.

The parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Advice: As defined in Section 6(c).

Agreement: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Broker-Dealer: Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.

Business Day: Any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions generally or the Trustee (as defined below) are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

Closing Date: December 14, 2021.

Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company: As defined in the preamble hereto.


Consummate: A registered Exchange Offer shall be deemed “Consummated” for purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (i) the filing and effectiveness under the Securities Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (ii) the maintenance of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the minimum period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, and (iii) the delivery by the Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of Exchange Securities in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities that were tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

controlling person: As defined in Section 8(a).

EDGAR: The Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (or any successor thereto).

Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Notes: The 1.750% Senior Notes due 2024, of the same series under the Indenture as the Initial Notes, to be issued pursuant to the Indenture (i) in the Exchange Offer or (ii) as contemplated by Section 4 hereof.

Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company and the Guarantors under the Securities Act of the offer and issuance of Exchange Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, pursuant to which the Company and the Guarantors offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities who are eligible to participate in such exchange offer in accordance with applicable law and Commission policy the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holders for Exchange Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders and with terms that are identical in all respects to the Transfer Restricted Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not contain terms with respect to the interest rate step up provision and transfer restrictions).

Exchange Offer Registration Statement: The Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.

Exchange Securities: The Exchange Notes and the Guarantees attached thereto.

FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Guarantees: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Guarantors: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Holder: As defined in Section 2(b) hereof.

Indemnified Holder: As defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

Indenture: The Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2021, by and among the Company, the Guarantors and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), pursuant to which the Initial Securities are to be issued, as such Indenture is amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

2


Initial Notes: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Initial Placement: The issuance and sale by the Company of the Initial Securities to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

Initial Purchasers: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Initial Securities: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Interest Payment Date: As defined in the Indenture and the Initial Securities.

Person: An individual, partnership, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prospectus: The prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference into such prospectus.

Purchase Agreement: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Registrar: As defined in the Indenture.

Registration Default: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company relating to (a) an offering of Exchange Securities pursuant to an Exchange Offer or (b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, which is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein.

Representative: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Shelf Blackout Period: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 4(a)(x) hereof.

Transfer Restricted Securities: Each Initial Security, until the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which such Initial Security is exchanged in the Exchange Offer for an Exchange Security entitled to be resold to the public by the Holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, (b) the date on which such Initial Security has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement, (c) the date on which such Initial Security is distributed to the public by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (including delivery of the Prospectus contained therein, except when afforded an exception to delivery requirements by Rule 172 under the Securities Act), and (d) the date such Initial Security shall cease to be outstanding.

 

3


Trust Indenture Act: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering: A registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

SECTION 2. Securities Subject to this Agreement.

(a) Transfer Restricted Securities. The securities entitled to the benefits of this Agreement are the Transfer Restricted Securities.

(b) Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities. A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (each, a “Holder”) whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

SECTION 3. Registered Exchange Offer.

(a) Unless the Company determines in good faith after consultation with counsel that the Exchange Offer shall not be permissible under applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file with the Commission a Registration Statement under the Securities Act relating to the Exchange Securities and the Exchange Offer, (ii) cause such Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act and (iii) cause the Exchange Offer to be Consummated no later than the 720th day after the Closing Date (or if such 720th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day). In connection with the foregoing, the Company and the Guarantors will (A) file all pre-effective amendments to such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause such Registration Statement to become effective, (B) if applicable, file a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act and (C) cause all necessary filings in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Securities to be made under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that neither the Company nor the Guarantors shall be required to (x) qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction where it would not be otherwise required to qualify but for this Section 3(a) or (y) take any action that would subject it to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject. The Exchange Offer Registration Statement shall be on the appropriate form permitting registration of the Exchange Securities to be offered in exchange for the Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit resales of Initial Securities held by Broker-Dealers as contemplated by Section 3(c) hereof.

 

4


(b) If an Exchange Offer Registration Statement is required to be filed and declared effective pursuant to Section 3(a) above, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously and shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 Business Days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed or sent to the Holders. The Company shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply in all material respects with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No securities other than the Exchange Securities shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(c) The Company shall indicate in a “Plan of Distribution” section contained in the Prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement that any Broker-Dealer who holds Initial Securities that are Transfer Restricted Securities and that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company), may exchange such Initial Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the Exchange Securities received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery by such Broker-Dealer of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall also contain all other information with respect to such resales by Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to permit such resales pursuant thereto, but such “Plan of Distribution” shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Initial Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer except to the extent required by the Commission as a result of a change in policy after the date of this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof to the extent necessary to provide reasonable assurance that it is available for resales of Initial Securities acquired by Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and to provide reasonable assurance that it conforms in all material respects with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 20 Business Days from the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective; and (ii) the date on which a Broker-Dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market-making or other trading activities.

The Company shall provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to Broker-Dealers promptly upon reasonable request at any time during such 20 Business-Day (or shorter as provided in the foregoing sentence) period in order to facilitate such resale, which copies may be in electronic or .pdf format.

 

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SECTION 4. Shelf Registration.

(a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Company is not required to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to consummate the Exchange Offer because the Company determines in good faith after consultation with counsel that the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), (ii) for any reason the Exchange Offer is not Consummated by the 720th day after the Closing Date (or if such 720th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), or (iii) with respect to any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities that notifies the Company in writing that (A) such Holder is prohibited by applicable law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, or (B) in the case of any Holder that participates in the Exchange Offer, such Holder may not resell the Exchange Securities acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus (other than because the Holder is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144 of the Securities Act) of the Company) and that the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder, or (C) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer and holds Initial Securities acquired directly from the Company or one of its affiliates (as defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act), then, upon such Holder’s written notification and request (which notification and request must be received by the Company prior to the date that the Exchange Offer is Consummated), the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(x) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be filed a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (in either event, the “Shelf Registration Statement”) as promptly as practicable, which Shelf Registration Statement shall provide for resales of all Transfer Restricted Securities the Holders of which shall have provided the information required pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof; and

(y) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly as practicable.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to provide reasonable assurance that it is available for resales of Initial Securities by the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to provide reasonable assurance that it conforms in all material respects with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, from the date on which the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission until the earlier of (a) one year following the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement or (b) the date when all of the Initial Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time, the Company may delay the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement or delay or suspend the effectiveness thereof and shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness thereof or amend or supplement such Shelf Registration Statement, for a period of time (a “Shelf Blackout Period”) not to exceed an aggregate of 90 days in any twelve-month period, if (1) the Board of Directors of the Company determines, in good faith, that the disclosure in such Shelf Registration Statement of an event, occurrence or other item at such time is in the best interests of the Company or could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operations or prospects or (2) the disclosure in such Shelf Registration Statement otherwise relates to a material business transaction which has not been publicly disclosed and the Board of Directors of the Company determines, in good faith, that any such disclosure would jeopardize the success of such transaction or that disclosure of such transaction is prohibited pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

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(b) Provisions by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement or benefit from the provisions regarding Additional Interest for a Registration Default with respect to a Shelf Registration Statement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Company in writing, within 20 Business Days after receipt of a request therefor, such information as the Company may reasonably request for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein. Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially misleading.

SECTION 5. Additional Interest. If (i) the Exchange Offer has not been Consummated by the 720th day after the Closing Date with respect to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (or if such 720th day is not a Business Day, the succeeding Business Day) unless the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, (ii) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required hereby, has not been filed or declared effective by the Commission by the 720th day after the Closing Date (or if such 720th day is not a Business Day, the succeeding Business Day) or (iii) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is filed and declared effective but, subject to any Shelf Blackout Period, shall thereafter cease to be effective without being succeeded promptly thereafter by a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement that cures such failure and that is itself immediately declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iii), a “Registration Default”), the Company hereby agrees that the interest rate borne by the Transfer Restricted Securities shall be increased (such increased interest, the “Additional Interest”) by 0.25% per annum during the 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of any Registration Default and shall increase by 0.25% per annum at the end of each subsequent 90-day period, but in no event shall the aggregate increase in such annual interest rate exceed 1.00%. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to any particular Transfer Restricted Securities, Additional Interest shall cease to accrue from the date of such cure and the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Securities will be reduced to the original interest rate borne by such Transfer Restricted Securities prior to the Registration Default; provided, however, that, if after any such reduction in interest rate, a different Registration Default occurs, the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Securities shall again be increased pursuant to the foregoing provisions.

All obligations of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in the preceding paragraph that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the amount of Additional Interest payable shall not increase because more than one Registration Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities who is not entitled to the benefits of the Shelf Registration Statement shall not be entitled to Additional Interest with respect to a Registration Default that pertains to the Shelf Registration Statement.

The Additional Interest described in this Section 5 is the sole and exclusive remedy available to the Holders of the Transfer Restricted Securities due to a Registration Default.

SECTION 6. Registration Procedures.

(a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the Exchange Offer, if required pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof, the Company and the Guarantors shall comply in all material respects with all of the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, and shall comply with all of the following provisions:

(i) To the extent the Commission raises an objection or, if in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company there is a question in either case as to whether the Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable law, each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees to either, at the Company’s sole option, (A) seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission allowing the Company and the Guarantors to Consummate an Exchange Offer for such Initial Securities or (B) file, in accordance with Section 4(a) hereof, a Shelf Registration Statement to permit the registration and/or resale of such Initial Securities that would otherwise be covered by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. If the Company elects to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission, each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level but shall not be required to take commercially unreasonable action to effect a change of Commission policy. In the case of clause (A) above, each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees, however, to (x) participate in telephonic conferences with the Commission and (y) diligently pursue a favorable resolution by the Commission staff of such submission.

(ii) As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall furnish, upon the request of the Company, prior to the Consummation thereof, a written representation to the Company (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to the effect that (A) it is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) of the Company or any Guarantor, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Securities in its ordinary course of business and (D) it shall have made such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable Commission rules, regulations or interpretations to render the use of Form S-4 or other appropriate form under the Securities Act available or for the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective. In addition, all such Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall otherwise cooperate in the Company’s preparations for the Exchange Offer. Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that any Broker-Dealer and any such Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a

 

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distribution of the Exchange Securities to be acquired in the Exchange Offer (1) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the Commission’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters (which may include any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above), and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K if the resales are of Exchange Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Initial Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Company.

(b) Shelf Registration Statement. In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall comply in all material respects with all the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration to permit the resale of the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto each of the Company and the Guarantors will as promptly as reasonably practicable prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof.

(c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement and any Prospectus required by this Agreement to permit the sale or resale of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Registration Statement and the related Prospectus required to permit resales of Initial Securities by Broker-Dealers), each of the Company and the Guarantors shall, but in all cases, subject to any Shelf Blackout Period:

(i) use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements (including, if required by the Securities Act or any regulation thereunder, financial statements of the Guarantors) for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable; upon the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this Agreement, the Company shall file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement or a prospectus supplement, in the case of clause (A), correcting any such misstatement or omission, and, in the case of either clause (A) or (B), use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective or to file such prospectus supplement and such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus to become usable for their intended purpose(s) as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter;

 

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(ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the applicable Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, and to comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of Rules 424 and 430A under the Securities Act in a timely manner; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

(iii) advise the underwriter(s), if any, and selling Holders named in the Registration Statement, if any, promptly upon becoming aware thereof and, if requested by such Persons, to confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act or following the receipt of the Company of any notifications of the suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes and (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, as of their respective dates or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, as of their respective dates, not misleading in the light of the circumstances in which they are made. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or blue sky laws, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order as promptly as reasonably practicable;

(iv) furnish without charge to each of the Initial Purchasers, each selling Holder named in any Registration Statement, and each of the underwriter(s), if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (including all documents incorporated by reference after the initial filing of such Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer), which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such Holders and underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of no more than two Business Days, and the Company will not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any

 

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amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (excluding all documents incorporated by reference) to which an Initial Purchaser of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement or the underwriter(s), if any, shall reasonably object in writing within two Business Days after the receipt thereof (such objection to be deemed timely made upon confirmation of telecopy transmission within such period); provided, however, that, for the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph shall not apply to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K or any other documents filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The objection of an Initial Purchaser or underwriter, if any, shall be deemed to be reasonable if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or omission;

(v) promptly prior to the filing of any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement or Prospectus relating to the Exchange Offer, provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers, each selling Holder named in any Registration Statement, and to the underwriter(s), if any, make the Company’s and the Guarantors’ representatives available for discussion of such document and other customary due diligence matters, and include such information in such document prior to the filing thereof as such selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, reasonably may request; provided, however, that, for the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph shall not apply to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K or any other documents filed pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(vi) in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement, make available during normal business hours for inspection for due diligence purposes, by the managing underwriter(s), if any, participating in any disposition pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement and any attorney or accountant retained by any of the managing underwriter(s), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of each of the Company and the Guarantors and cause the Company’s and the Guarantors’ officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such managing underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness and to participate in meetings with investors to the extent reasonably requested by the managing underwriter(s), if any; provided, that such Persons shall first agree in writing with the Company that any non-public information shall be used solely for the purposes of satisfying “due diligence” obligations under the Securities Act and exercising rights under this Agreement and shall be kept confidential for a period of two years by such Persons, unless (i) disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or is necessary to respond to inquiries of regulatory authorities, (ii) disclosure of such information is required by law (including any disclosure requirements pursuant to federal securities laws in connection with the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement or the use of any prospectus referred to in this Agreement), (iii) such information becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard by any such Person, or (iv) such information becomes available to any such Person from a source other than the Company and such source is not known to such Person to be bound by a confidentiality agreement;

 

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(vii) in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement, if requested by any selling Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, promptly incorporate in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such selling Holders and underwriter(s), if any, may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the “Plan of Distribution” of the Transfer Restricted Securities, information with respect to the principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold to such underwriter(s), the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(viii) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be rated with the appropriate rating agencies, if so requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities covered thereby or the managing underwriter(s), if any;

(ix) furnish to each Initial Purchaser, each selling Holder identified in the Registration Statement, if any, and each of the managing underwriter(s), if any, upon request, without charge, at least one copy of the Registration Statement, as first filed with the Commission, and of each amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated by reference therein and all exhibits (unless such documents are publicly available on the Commission’s EDGAR system);

(x) deliver to each selling Holder identified in the Registration Statement, if any, and each of the managing underwriter(s), if any, upon request, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may request, which copies may be electronic copies or in .pdf form; each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby consents to the use of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders named therein and each of the managing underwriter(s), if any, in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;

(xi) in connection with an underwritten offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, enter into a customary underwriting agreement, and make such customary representations and warranties, and take all such other customary actions in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement with respect to such underwritten offering, all to such extent as may be reasonably requested by any Initial Purchaser or by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities or underwriter in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this

 

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Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(A) furnish to each selling Holder identified in the Registration Statement, if any, and each underwriter, if any, in such substance and scope as they may reasonably request and as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings, upon the date of the Consummation of the Exchange Offer or, if applicable, the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement:

(1) a certificate signed by (y) the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President or any Vice President and (z) a principal financial or accounting officer of each of the Company and the Guarantors, confirming, as of the date thereof, the matters set forth in paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of Section 5(f) of the Purchase Agreement and such other matters as such parties may reasonably request;

(2) opinions of counsel for the Company and Guarantors relating to matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings; and

(3) a customary comfort letter from the Company’s independent accountants, in the customary form and covering matters of the type customarily requested to be covered in comfort letters by underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings;

(B) set forth in full or incorporate by reference in the underwriting agreement customary indemnification provisions and procedures; and

(C) deliver such other documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by such parties to evidence compliance with Section 6(c)(xi)(A) hereof and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company or any of the Guarantors pursuant to this Section 6(c)(xi), if any.

(xii) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders identified in the Registration Statement, if any, the underwriter(s), if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, may reasonably request and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that neither the Company nor the Guarantors shall be required to register or qualify as a foreign corporation where it is not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

 

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(xiii) to the extent permitted by law and the Indenture, use commercially reasonable efforts to issue, upon the reasonable request of any Holder of Initial Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement, Exchange Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Initial Securities surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Exchange Securities to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Exchange Securities, as the case may be; in return, the Initial Securities held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation;

(xiv) to the extent the Transfer Restricted Securities are held in certificated form, cooperate with the selling Holders and the managing underwriter(s), if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Transfer Restricted Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, may request, subject to the terms of the Indenture, at least three Business Days prior to any sale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement of Transfer Restricted Securities made by such Holders or underwriter(s);

(xv) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be reasonably necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter(s), if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in Section 6(c)(xii) hereof;

(xvi) if any fact or event contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain (after giving effect to such supplement or amendment) at the time of such delivery an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances in which they are made;

(xvii) provide a CUSIP number for all securities not later than the effective date of the Registration Statement covering the Exchange Securities and provide the Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for the Exchange Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and take all other action reasonably necessary to ensure that all such Securities are eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company;

(xviii) reasonably cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any “qualified independent underwriter”) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA;

 

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(xix) use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply in all material respects with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, a consolidated earnings statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 under the Securities Act (which need not be audited) for the twelve-month period (A) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Transfer Restricted Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering or (B) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, beginning with the first month of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement;

(xx) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required by this Agreement, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of Securities to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and to execute and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents that may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner; and

(xxi) if not available on the Commission’s EDGAR system, provide promptly to each Holder upon request each document filed with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and Section 15 of the Exchange Act.

Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. If so directed by the Company, each Holder will deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event the Company shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) hereof or shall have received the Advice; provided, however, that no such extension shall be taken into account in determining whether Additional Interest is due pursuant to Section 5 hereof or the amount of such Additional Interest, it being agreed that the Company’s option to suspend use of a Registration Statement pursuant to this paragraph shall be treated as a Registration Default for purposes of Section 5 hereof. Each Holder shall hold in confidence the fact that it has received notice pursuant to this Section and any communication related thereto.

 

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SECTION 7. Registration Expenses.

(a) All expenses incident to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses (including filings made by any Initial Purchaser or Holder with FINRA (and, if applicable, the reasonable fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and its counsel that may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA)); (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state securities or blue sky laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, the Guarantors and, subject to Section 7(b) hereof, the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (v) all application and filing fees in connection with listing the Exchange Securities on a securities exchange or automated quotation system pursuant to the requirements thereof; and (vi) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance).

Each of the Company and the Guarantors will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Company or the Guarantors.

(b) In connection with any Registration Statement required by this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the Shelf Registration Statement), the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being tendered in the Exchange Offer and/or resold pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or registered pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, which shall be Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP or such other counsel as may be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared.

SECTION 8. Indemnification.

(a) The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Holder and (ii) each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) any Holder (any of the Persons referred to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a “controlling person”) and (iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of any Holder or any controlling person (any Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred to as an “Indemnified Holder”), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions and expenses (including, without limitation, and as incurred, reimbursement of all reasonable and documented costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing, settling, compromising, paying or defending any claim or

 

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action, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, including the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of counsel to any Indemnified Holder) based upon or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission that is made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any of the Holders furnished in writing to the Company by any of the Holders expressly for use therein. This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability which the Company or any of the Guarantors may otherwise have.

In case any action or proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation or proceeding) shall be brought or asserted against any of the Indemnified Holders with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company or the Guarantors, such Indemnified Holder (or the Indemnified Holder controlled by such controlling person) shall promptly notify the Company and the Guarantors in writing; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve any of the Company or the Guarantors of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement, except to the extent that the Company or any Guarantor, as applicable, was materially prejudiced as a result of such failure or delay. The Company and the Guarantors shall be entitled to participate in any such action and, to the extent that it shall wish, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Holder, and, after notice from the Company or any Guarantor to such Indemnified Holder of its election so to assume the defense, thereof, the Company or the Guarantors shall not be liable to such Indemnified Holder for any legal or other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Holder, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable and documented costs of investigation. Notwithstanding the Company’s or any Guarantor’s election to appoint counsel to represent the Indemnified Holders in any action, such Indemnified Holders shall have the right to employ, subject to the limitations set forth below, separate counsel (including local counsel) and the Company shall bear the reasonable and documented fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if such Indemnified Holder shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and such Indemnified Holder in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other Indemnified Holders which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, such Indemnified Holder shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Holder. The Company and the Guarantors shall not, in connection with any one such action or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions or proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for such Indemnified Holders, which firm shall be designated by the Indemnified Holders. The Company and the Guarantors shall be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding effected with the Company’s and the Guarantors’ prior written consent, which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably, and each of the Company and the Guarantors agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Holder from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense

 

17


by reason of any settlement of any action effected with the written consent of the Company and the Guarantors. The Company and the Guarantors shall not, without the prior written consent of each Indemnified Holder, which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or threatened action, claim, litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Holder is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Holder from all liability arising out of such action, claim, litigation or proceeding.

(b) Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors and their respective directors, officers, partners and members who sign a Registration Statement, and any Person controlling (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company or any of the Guarantors, and the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of each such Person, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company and the Guarantors to each of the Indemnified Holders, but only with respect to losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions and expenses directly or indirectly caused by, related to, based on, arising out of or in connection with information relating to such Holder furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against the Company, the Guarantors or their respective directors or officers or any such controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, such Holder shall have the rights and duties given the Company and the Guarantors, and the Company, the Guarantors, their respective directors, officers, partners and members and such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to each Holder by the preceding paragraph.

(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 8(a) or (b) hereof (other than by reason of exceptions provided in those Sections) in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions or expenses referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement (which in the case of the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed to be equal to the total net proceeds to the Company and the Guarantors from the Initial Placement), the amount of Additional Interest which did not become payable as a result of the filing of the Registration Statement resulting in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments actions or expenses, and such Registration Statement, or if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Indemnified Holder on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or any of the Guarantors, on the one hand, or the Indemnified Holders, on the other

 

18


hand, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the second paragraph of Section 8(a) hereof, any documented legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.

The Company, the Guarantors and each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(c) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any documented legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, none of the Holders (and its related Indemnified Holders) shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discount received by such Holder with respect to the Initial Securities exceeds the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(c) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Initial Securities held by each of the Holders hereunder and not joint.

SECTION 9. Rule 144A. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, to make available to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

SECTION 10. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, lock-up letters and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

SECTION 11. Selection of Underwriters. The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Transfer Restricted Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) that will administer such offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities included in such offering; provided, however, that such investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company.

 

19


SECTION 12. Miscellaneous.

(a) Remedies. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees that, except with respect to a Registration Default, monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

(b) No Inconsistent Agreements. Each of the Company and the Guarantors will not on or after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. Neither the Company nor any of the Guarantors has previously entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its securities to any Person. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Company’s or any of the Guarantors’ securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof.

(c) Adjustments Affecting the Initial Securities. The Company will not take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to the Initial Securities that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the ability of the Holders to Consummate any Exchange Offer, unless such action or change is required by law.

(d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has (i) in the case of Section 5 hereof and this Section 12(d)(i), obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, obtained the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding any Transfer Restricted Securities held by the Company or its affiliates). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being tendered or registered; provided, however, that, with respect to any matter that directly or adversely affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Company shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser with respect to which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver, consent or departure is to be effective.

(e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

 

20


  (i)

if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar under the Indenture; and

 

  (ii)

if to the Company:

Qorvo, Inc.

7628 Thorndike Road

Greensboro, North Carolina 27409

Facsimile: 910-475-8535

Attention: Mark J. Murphy

Email: Mark.Murphy@qorvo.com

With a copy to:

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

One Wells Fargo Center

301 South College Street, Suite 3500

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-6037

Facsimile: 704-338-7822

Attention: Sudhir N. Shenoy, Esq.

Email: Sid.Shenoy@wbd-us.com

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address specified in the Indenture.

(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including, without limitation, and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder and, provided further, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of any successor or assign to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities after the Consummation of the Exchange Offer.

(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

(h) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

21


(i) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW RULES THEREOF.

(j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

(k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

22


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

QORVO, INC.
By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

AMALFI SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: President

QORVO CALIFORNIA, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

QORVO OREGON, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

QORVO TEXAS, LLC

as a Guarantor

By: Qorvo US, Inc., its member
By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Vice President

 

23


QORVO US, INC.

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Vice President

RFMD, LLC

as a Guarantor

By:  

/s/ Mark J. Murphy

  Name: Mark J. Murphy
  Title: Manager

 

24


The foregoing Registration Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:

 

BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
For itself and on behalf of the several Initial
Purchasers listed in Schedule A of the
Purchase Agreement
BOFA SECURITIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Laurie Campbell

  Name: Laurie Campbell
  Title: Managing Director

 

25

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

News Release

Qorvo® Announces Closing of $500 Million Senior Notes Offering

GREENSBORO, NC — December 14, 2021 — Qorvo® (Nasdaq: QRVO), a leading provider of innovative RF solutions that connect the world, today announced the completion of its offering of $500 million principal amount of its senior notes maturing in 2024 (the “Notes”). The Notes will pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 1.750%. The Notes will mature on December 15, 2024, unless earlier redeemed in accordance with their terms.

The Notes were issued to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and to certain non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. Qorvo has used a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to repay all of its term loan and will use the remainder of the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Qorvo and are initially guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of Qorvo’s existing and future direct and indirect wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee Qorvo’s obligations under its credit facility.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Qorvo

Qorvo (Nasdaq: QRVO) makes a better world possible by providing innovative Radio Frequency (RF) solutions at the center of connectivity. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers’ most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves diverse high-growth segments of large global markets, including advanced wireless devices, wired and wireless networks and defense radar and communications. We also leverage unique competitive strengths to advance 5G networks, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and other emerging applications that expand the global framework interconnecting people, places and things. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how Qorvo connects the world.

Qorvo is a registered trademark of Qorvo, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions, and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements included herein represent management’s current judgment and expectations, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. We do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements or publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, other than as is required under U.S. federal securities laws. Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those relating to fluctuations in our operating results; our substantial dependence on developing new products and achieving design wins; our dependence on several large customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; the COVID-19 pandemic materially and adversely affecting our financial condition and results of operations; a loss of revenue if defense and aerospace contracts are canceled or delayed; our dependence on third parties; risks related to sales through distributors; risks associated with the operation of our manufacturing facilities; business disruptions; poor manufacturing yields; increased inventory risks and costs due to timing of customer forecasts; our inability to effectively manage or maintain evolving relationships with platform providers; our ability to continue to innovate in a very competitive industry; underutilization of manufacturing facilities as a result of industry overcapacity; unfavorable changes in interest rates, pricing of certain precious metals, utility rates and foreign currency exchange rates; our acquisitions and other strategic investments failing to achieve financial or strategic

 

1    www.qorvo.com


objectives; our ability to attract, retain and motivate key employees; warranty claims, product recalls and product liability; changes in our effective tax rate; changes in the favorable tax status of certain of our subsidiaries; enactment of international or domestic tax legislation, or changes in regulatory guidance; risks associated with environmental, health and safety regulations and climate change; risks from international sales and operations; economic regulation in China; changes in government trade policies, including imposition of tariffs and export restrictions; we may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt; restrictions imposed by the agreements governing our debt; our reliance on our intellectual property portfolio; claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights; security breaches and other similar disruptions compromising our information; theft, loss or misuse of personal data by or about our employees, customers or third parties; provisions in our governing documents and Delaware law may discourage takeovers and business combinations that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests; and volatility in the price of our common stock. These and other risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in Qorvo’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any of these forward-looking statements.

# # #

 

At Qorvo®:

Doug DeLieto

VP, Investor Relations

336-678-7968

 

 

2    www.qorvo.com