Exhibit 10.1
This Credit Agreement has been filed to provide investors with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about the Tennessee Valley Authority. The representations and warranties of the parties in this Credit Agreement were made to, and solely for the benefit of, the other parties to this Credit Agreement. The assertions embodied in the representations and warranties may be qualified by information included in schedules, exhibits or other materials exchanged by the parties that may modify or create exceptions to the representations and warranties. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts at the time they were made or otherwise.
FALL MATURITY CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of May 17, 2006
Among
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY,
as the Borrower
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as a Lender
and
THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | | | |
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS | | | 1 | |
1.01 Defined Terms | | | 1 | |
1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions | | | 13 | |
1.03 Accounting Terms | | | 14 | |
1.04 Times of Day | | | 14 | |
ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND LOANS | | | 14 | |
2.01 Loans | | | 14 | |
2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans | | | 14 | |
2.03 Prepayments | | | 15 | |
2.04 Termination or Reduction of Aggregate Commitments; Availability | | | 16 | |
2.05 Repayment of Loans | | | 17 | |
2.06 Interest | | | 17 | |
2.07 Commitment Fee | | | 17 | |
2.08 Computation of Interest and Fees | | | 18 | |
2.09 Evidence of Debt | | | 18 | |
2.10 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback | | | 18 | |
2.11 Sharing of Payments by Lenders | | | 19 | |
ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY | | | 20 | |
3.01 Taxes | | | 20 | |
3.02 Illegality | | | 22 | |
3.03 Inability to Determine Rates | | | 22 | |
3.04 Increased Costs | | | 23 | |
3.05 Compensation for Losses | | | 24 | |
3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | | | 24 | |
3.07 Survival | | | 25 | |
ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOANS | | | 25 | |
4.01 Conditions to Closing | | | 25 | |
4.02 Conditions to all Loans | | | 26 | |
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | | | 26 | |
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power | | | 26 | |
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention | | | 26 | |
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents | | | 27 | |
5.04 Binding Effect | | | 27 | |
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect | | | 27 | |
5.06 Litigation | | | 27 | |
5.07 No Default | | | 28 | |
5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens | | | 28 | |
5.09 Environmental Compliance | | | 28 | |
5.10 Payment of Governmental Charges | | | 28 | |
5 11 ERISA Compliance | | | 28 | |
5.12 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act; Public Utility Holding Company Act | | | 29 | |
5 13 Disclosure | | | 29 | |
5 14 Compliance with Laws | | | 30 | |
ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | | | 30 | |
6.01 Financial Statements | | | 30 | |
6.02 Certificates; Other Information | | | 30 | |
6.03 Notices | | | 31 | |
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| | | | |
6.04 Payment of Obligations | | | 32 | |
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. | | | 32 | |
6.06 Maintenance of Properties | | | 32 | |
6.07 Maintenance of Insurance | | | 32 | |
6.08 Compliance with Laws | | | 32 | |
6.09 Books and Records | | | 33 | |
6.10 Inspection Rights | | | 33 | |
6.11 Use of Proceeds | | | 33 | |
ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS | | | 33 | |
7.01 Liens | | | 33 | |
7.02 Indebtedness | | | 33 | |
7.03 Fundamental Changes; Subsidiaries | | | 34 | |
7.04 Change in Nature of Business | | | 34 | |
7.05 Use of Proceeds | | | 34 | |
ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | | | 34 | |
8.01 Events of Default | | | 34 | |
8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default | | | 36 | |
8.03 Application of Funds | | | 37 | |
ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | | | 37 | |
9.01 Appointment and Authority | | | 37 | |
9.02 Rights and Obligations as a Lender | | | 38 | |
9.03 Exculpatory Provisions | | | 38 | |
9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent | | | 39 | |
9.05 Delegation of Duties | | | 39 | |
9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent | | | 39 | |
9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders | | | 40 | |
9.08 No Other Duties; Etc | | | 40 | |
9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim | | | 40 | |
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS | | | 41 | |
10.01 Amendments, Etc. | | | 41 | |
10.02 Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies | | | 42 | |
10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies | | | 43 | |
10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; and Damage Waiver | | | 43 | |
10.05 Payments Set Aside | | | 45 | |
10.06 Successors and Assigns | | | 45 | |
10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality | | | 47 | |
10.08 Set-off | | | 48 | |
10.09 Interest Rate Limitation | | | 48 | |
10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | | | 48 | |
10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties | | | 49 | |
10.12 Severability | | | 49 | |
10.13 Replacement of Lenders | | | 49 | |
10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc | | | 50 | |
10.15 Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury | | | 50 | |
10.16 USA PATRIOT Act Notice | | | 51 | |
10.17 Statement of Borrower regarding the Bankruptcy Code of the United States | | | 51 | |
10.18 TVA Related Provisions | | | 51 | |
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| | | | |
SCHEDULES | | | | |
| | | | |
2.01 Commitments and Applicable Percentages | | | | |
7.01 Other Permitted Liens | | | | |
10.02 Certain Addresses for Notices | | | | |
| | | | |
EXHIBITS | | | | |
| | | | |
2.02 Form of Loan Notice | | | | |
2.09 Form of Note | | | | |
10.07 Form of Assignment and Assumption | | | | |
10.18 Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements | | | | |
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FALL MATURITY CREDIT AGREEMENT
This FALL MATURITY CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of May 17, 2006 among TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY, a wholly owned corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States of America (the “Borrower”), the Lenders (defined herein) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender and as Administrative Agent.
The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide $1.25 billion in credit facilities for the purposes set forth herein, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
1.01Defined Terms.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth onSchedule 10.02 or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Aggregate Commitments” means the aggregate of the Commitments of all the Lenders. The initial amount of the Aggregate Commitments in effect on the Closing Date is ONE BILLION TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($1,250,000,000).
“Agreement” means this Fall Maturity Credit Agreement.
“Annual Financial Statements” means the balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, and the related statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal year.
“Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time; provided that if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans has been terminated pursuant toSection 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is
set forth opposite the name of such Lender onSchedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, the following percentages per annum based upon the S&P Debt Rating and the Moody’s Debt Rating then in effect:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pricing | | | | | | Moody’s Debt | | LIBOR Rate | | | | |
Tier | | S&P Debt Rating | | Rating | | Loans | | Base Rate Loans | | Commitment Fee |
1 | | AAA | | Aaa | | | 0.10 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.06 | % |
2 | | AAA but on CreditWatch | | Aaa but on Watchlist | | | 0.18 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.08 | % |
3 | | AA+ | | Aa1 | | | 0.33 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.18 | % |
4 | | AA | | Aa2 | | | 0.33 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.18 | % |
5 | | AA- | | Aa3 | | | 0.43 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.28 | % |
The Applicable Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent based on the lower of the S&P Debt Rating and Moody’s Debt Rating then in effect. Each change in the Applicable Rate shall be effective on and as of the date of such change and shall be applicable to all existing Loans and to any new Loans made on and after the date thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time that either the Moody’s Debt Rating is lower than Aa3or the S&P Debt Rating is lower than AA-, the Applicable Rate shall be increased to (a) with respect to the LIBOR Rate Loans, two and one-half percent (2.50%), (b) with respect to Base Rate Loans, one-half of one percent (0.50%), and (c) with respect to the Commitment Fee, one-half of one percent (0.50%).
“Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required bySection, 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form ofExhibit 10.07 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.
“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant toSection 2.04,and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans pursuant toSection 8.02.
“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.
“Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half of one percent (0.5%) and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate.” The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in the “prime rate” announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
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“Borrower” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period, made by each of the Lenders pursuant toSection 2.01.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any LIBOR Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the LIBOR market.
“Businesses” means, at any time, a collective reference to the businesses operated by the Borrower at such time.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any guideline or directive by any Governmental Authority.
“Closing Date” means the date hereof.
“Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make Loans to the Borrower pursuant toSection 2.01 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name onSchedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
“Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Person shall be deemed to be Controlled by another Person if such other Person possesses, directly or indirectly, power to vote five percent (5%) or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors, managing general partners or the equivalent.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means (a) with respect to any Loan, the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate and any applicable Liquidity Premium) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus two percent (2%) per annum and (b) with respect to any other Obligation, an interest rate equal to the sum of (i) the Base Rate
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plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loansplus (c) two percent (2%) per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one (1) Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Eligible Assignee” means (a) a Lender; (b) an Affiliate of a Lender; (c) an Approved Fund; and (d) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by (i) the Administrative Agent and (ii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (each such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed);provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include (i) the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or (ii) without the consent of the Borrower, any Person that is primarily in the business of producing or transmitting electricity.
“Environmental Laws” means to the extent relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public sewer systems: any and all applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules or judgments; any and all applicable administrative orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses or agreements made with or issued by any governmental authority; and any and all applicable governmental restrictions.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Internal Revenue Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an
4
event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified inSection 8.01.
“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower underSection 10.13), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law occurring after such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto) to comply withSection 3.01(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant toSection 3.01(a).
“Facilities” means, at any time, a collective reference to the facilities and real properties owned, leased or operated by the Borrower.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day;provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
“Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including, without limitation, Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 71,Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,consistently applied and as in effect from time to time.
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“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 supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
“Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
“Indemnitees” has the meaning specified inSection 10.04(b).
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) as to any LIBOR Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date;provided,however, that if any Interest Period for a LIBOR Rate Loan exceeds one month, the respective dates that fall every month after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar month and the Maturity Date.
“Interest Period” means, as to each LIBOR Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBOR Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a LIBOR Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Loan Notice;providedthat:
(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(ii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
“Interim Financial Statements” means the balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005, and the related statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal year.
“Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes and binding 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 binding administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
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“Lender” means each of Bank of America and the other Persons identified as a “Lender” on the signature pages hereto and its successors and assigns and, as the context requires.
“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
“LIBOR Base Rate” means, for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBOR Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent (and agreed to by the Borrower) to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the LIBOR Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the LIBOR market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.
“LIBOR Rate” means, for any Interest Period with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the LIBOR Base Rate for such LIBOR Rate Loan for such Interest Period by (b) one (1) minus the LIBOR Reserve Percentage for such LIBOR Rate Loan for such Interest Period.
“LIBOR Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the LIBOR Rate.
“LIBOR Reserve Percentage” means, for any day during any Interest Period, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, carried out to five (5) decimal places) in effect on such day, whether or not applicable to any Lender, under regulations issued from time to time by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “eurocurrency liabilities”). The LIBOR Rate for each outstanding LIBOR Rate Loan shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of any change in the LIBOR Reserve Percentage.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Liquidity Premium” means, for any day, the following percentages per annum based upon the Notice Period and the principal amount of any Borrowing, any conversion of Loans from one Type to the other and any continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Size of Borrowing, Conversion or Continuation |
| | | | | | ³ $500 Million but less | | ³ $1 Billion but less than |
Notice Period | | < $500 Million | | than $l Billion | | $1.25 Billion |
Same Day | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.10 | % |
One Day | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.05 | % | | | 0.05 | % |
Two or More Days | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % | | | 0.00 | % |
The Liquidity Premium shall apply to each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans. As used herein, “Notice Period” means the period equal to the number of Business Days notice that the Borrower provides to the Administrative Agent pursuant toSection 2.02 prior to the date of the applicable Borrowing, conversion or continuation (any such notice provided after 1:00 pm on any Business Day shall for purposes hereof be deemed to have been provided on the immediately succeeding Business Day). If the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation of an outstanding Loan and such Loan is converted to, or continued as, a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one month pursuant toSection 2.02, then, for purposes of the Liquidity Premium, the Borrower shall be deemed to have given same day notice for such conversion or continuation.
“Loan” has the meaning specified inSection 2.01.
“Loan Documents” means this Agreement and each Note.
“Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing of Loans, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans, in each case pursuant toSection 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form ofExhibit 2.02.
“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower of any Loan Document. The parties agree that a downgrade of the S&P Debt Rating or the Moody’s Debt Rating shall not itself constitute a Material Adverse Effect.
“Maturity Date” means November 12, 2006 (being the date 180 days following the Closing Date).
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Moody’s Debt Rating” means, at any time, the rating (if any) assigned to the Borrower’s senior unsecured long term non-credit enhanced debt by Moody’s.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
“Note” has the meaning specified inSection 2.09.
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“Nuclear Decommissioning Trust” means the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust established by the Borrower to fund the future decommissioning of nuclear power facilities operated by the Borrower.
“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, the Borrower arising under any Loan Document, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against the Borrower of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming the Borrower as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
“Participant” has the meaning specified inSection 10.06(d).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor thereto.
“Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.
“Permitted Liens” means any of the following:
(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b) the pledge by the Borrower of Net Power Proceeds (as defined under the Power Resolution) to secure bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under the Power Resolution;
(c) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed onSchedule 7.01;
(d) Liens for taxes (other than Liens imposed under ERISA), assessments or governmental charges or levies not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;
(e) Liens imposed under Law, including statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and suppliers, and Liens imposed pursuant to customary reservations or retentions of title arising in the ordinary course of business,provided that such Liens secure only amounts not yet due and payable or, if due and payable, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce the same or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves determined in accordance with GAAP have been established;
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(f) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, Pension Plan, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust and other social security legislation, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;
(g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety bonds (other than bonds related to judgments or litigation), performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(h) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, licenses, permits and other similar encumbrances affecting real property which, in the aggregate, do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the Borrower’s power program;
(i) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money (or appeal or other surety bonds relating to such judgments) not in excess of the Threshold Amount (except to the extent covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has acknowledged in writing its obligation to cover), unless any such judgment remains undischarged for a period of more than thirty consecutive days during which execution is not effectively stayed;
(j) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to provide funds for the construction, acquisition, enlargement, improvement, replacement, operation and maintenance of the Borrower’s power system;provided that (i) such Liens do not at any time encumber any Property other than (A) the Property financed by such indebtedness, (B) supporting and other related facilities, including without limitation, facilities that are shared or used in common by multiple units or facilities and that are necessary for or otherwise used in the operation of the Property being financed and (C) other Property to the extent such Liens would otherwise be Permitted Liens, (ii) the indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost or fair market value, whichever is lower, of the Property being acquired on the date of acquisition and (iii) such Liens attach to such Property concurrently with or within one year after (A) the later of the completion of such construction or commencement of full operation of such Property or (B) ninety (90) days from the acquisition thereof, as applicable;
(k) leases, subleases, licenses or easements involving real or personal property, whether or not the economic equivalent of a sale, where the Borrower obtains a sublease, service contract or other arrangements giving the Borrower a right to the output or use of related Property which is the subject of such lease, sublease, license or easement (“Lease Transactions”), and Liens granted in such leaseholds, subleaseholds, licenses or easements in connection with such Lease Transactions;
(1) leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower;
(m) any interest of title of a lessor under, and Liens arising from UCC financing statements (or equivalent filings, registrations or agreements in foreign jurisdictions) relating to, leases permitted by this Agreement;
(n) Liens deemed to exist in connection with investments in repurchase agreements;
(o) normal and customary rights of setoff upon deposits of cash in favor of banks or other depository institutions;
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(p) Liens of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection;
(q) Liens of sellers of goods to the Borrower arising under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code or similar provisions of applicable law in the ordinary course of business, covering only the goods sold and securing only the unpaid purchase price for such goods and related expenses;
(r) Liens existing on Property at the time of the acquisition thereof by the Borrower,provided that such Liens are not created in contemplation of such acquisition; and
(s) any renewals or extensions of any Liens permitted under (b), (c), (j), or (1) above,provided that (i) any renewal or extension is limited to the Property subject to such Lien, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased, (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect to the Lien is not changed and (iv) any renewal or extension of any indebtedness secured or benefited thereby is permitted bySection 7.02.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
“Power Resolution” means the Basic Tennessee Valley Authority Power Bond Resolution, as amended from time to time.
“Property” means any interest of any kind in any property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible.
“Register” has the meaning specified inSection 10.06(c).
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the thirty-day notice period has been waived.
“Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of (a) the unfunded Commitments and the outstanding Loans and participations therein or (b) if the Commitments have been terminated, the outstanding Loans and participations therein. The unfunded Commitments of, and the outstanding Loans held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
“Responsible Officer” means the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, the Senior Manager, Finance, or the Senior Manager, Cash Management, of the Borrower. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Borrower and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of the Borrower.
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“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“S&P Debt Rating” means, at any time, the rating (if any) assigned to the Borrower’s senior unsecured long term non-credit enhanced debt by S&P.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of Voting Stock is at the time beneficially owned, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.
“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s) and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority (other than Other Taxes), including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Threshold Amount” means $1 billion.
“Treasury Management Agreement” means any agreement governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit accounts, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconciliation and reporting and trade finance services.
“TVA Act” means the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended.
“Type” means, with respect to any Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Rate Loan.
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“Unfunded Pension Liability” means the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding that Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code for the applicable plan year.
“United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, capital stock or other ownership and equity interests issued by such Person the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, even though the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such a contingency.
1.02Other Interpretive Provisions.
With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
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1.03Accounting Terms.
(a) Generally. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, all accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Annual Financial Statements.
(b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders);providedthat, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
1.04Times of Day.
Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as then applicable).
ARTICLE II
THE COMMITMENTS AND LOANS
2.01Loans.
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Loan”) to the Borrower in Dollars from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment;provided,however, that after giving effect to any Borrowing of Loans, the outstanding principal amount of Loans shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under thisSection 2.01, prepay underSection 2.03. and reborrow under thisSection 2.01. Loans may be Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
2.02Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.
(a) Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone by an individual identifying himself or herself as a Responsible Officer. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the requested Borrowing, conversion or continuation. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to thisSection 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall
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specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of a Loan in a Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loan shall be made as, converted to, or continued as, a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one month. Any such automatic conversion to a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one month shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans in any Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.
(b) Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to a LIBOR Rate Loan with an Interest Period of one month as described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 3:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth inSection 4.02, the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a LIBOR Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of the Interest Period for such LIBOR Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as LIBOR Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders, and the Required Lenders may demand that any or all of the then outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans be converted immediately to Base Rate Loans.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for LIBOR Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
(e) After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than eight (8) Interest Periods in effect with respect to Loans (for purposes hereof, LIBOR Rate Loans with separate or different Interest Periods will be considered as separate Loans even if their Interest Periods expire on the same date).
2.03Prepayments.
(a) Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower may, upon notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty;provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (A) one (1) Business Day prior to the date of prepayment; and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess
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thereof (or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding). Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant toSection 3.05. Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
(b) Mandatory Prepayments of Loans. If for any reason the outstanding principal amount of the Loans at any time exceeds the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately prepay Loans in an aggregate amount equal to such excess. Prepayments shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans and then to LIBOR Rate Loans in direct order of Interest Period maturities. All prepayments under thisSection 2.03(b) andSection 2.04(a)(ii) shall be subject toSection 3.05, but otherwise without premium or penalty, and shall be accompanied by interest on the principal amount prepaid through the date of prepayment.
2.04Termination or Reduction of Aggregate Commitments; Availability.
(a) Termination or Reduction of Aggregate Commitments.
(i)Optional. The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments to an amount not less than the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans;provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon five (5) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, and (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued with respect thereto until the effective date of any termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination or reduction.
(ii)Mandatory. If at any time the Moody’s Debt Rating is reduced to lower than Aa3and the S&P Debt Rating is reduced to lower than AA-, the Required Lenders may, in their sole discretion, upon written notice to the Borrower (the“Commitment Termination Notice”), terminate the Aggregate Commitments and require the prepayment of the Loans and other Obligations in full on the date ninety (90) days after the effective date of such reduction in the Moody’s Debt Rating and S&P Debt Rating.
(b) Availability. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, if at any time either the Moody’s Debt Rating is reduced to lower than Aa3or the S&P Debt Rating is reduced to lower than AA-, then the Borrower shall not be permitted to request, and the Lenders shall not be obligated to make, any new Loans (although the Borrower shall be permitted to continue and convert existing Loans);provided that so long as the Required Lenders have not delivered the Termination Notice to the Borrower, the Borrower shall be permitted to request, and the Lenders shall be obligated to make, new Loans upon the occurrence of one of the following: (i) the Moody’s Debt Rating is raised to Aa3 or higherand the S&P Debt Rating is raised to AA- or higheror (ii) the Required Lenders consent to the Borrower making new Loan borrowings.
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2.05Repayment of Loans.
The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of all Loans outstanding on such date.
2.06Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each LIBOR Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the LIBOR Rate for such Interest Periodplus (B) the Applicable Rateplus (C) the applicable Liquidity Premium; and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the sum of (A) the Base Rateplus (B) the Applicable Rateplus (C) the applicable Liquidity Premium.
(b) (i) If any amount payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(ii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iii) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.07Commitment Fee.
The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) equal to the product of the Applicable Ratetimes (ii) the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans. The Commitment Fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions inArticle IV is not met, and shall be due and payable in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar month, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date. The Commitment Fee shall be calculated monthly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any calendar month, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such calendar month that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
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2.08Computation of Interest and Fees.
All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America’s “prime rate” shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid,provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject toSection 2.10(a), bear interest for one day.
2.09Evidence of Debt.
The Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a promissory note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each such promissory note shall be in the form ofExhibit 2.09 (a “Note”). Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
2.10Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.
(a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. Subject to the definition of “Interest Period”, if any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b) (i)Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance withSection 2.02 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower
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to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
(ii)Payments by Borrower: Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender in immediately available funds with interest thereon for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
(c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of thisArticle II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Loan set forth inArticle IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(d) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to make payments pursuant toSection 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment underSection 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment underSection 10.04(c).
(e) Funding Source. Subject toSection 3.06(a), nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
2.11Sharing of Payments by Lenders.
If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than itsprorata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase
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(for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them,provided that:
(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
ARTICLE III
TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
3.01Taxes.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes,provided that if the Borrower shall be required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or any Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or any Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(c) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. If the Administrative Agent or any Lender desires indemnification under thisSection 3.01 (c), the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, shall notify the Borrower of the payment of the
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applicable Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as promptly as is practicable, and in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the later of the date of such payment (or, if later, the date the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, is notified of its obligation to make such payment by the applicable Governmental Authority). If the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, fails to prove such notice to the Borrower within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of such payment (or, if later, the date the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, is notified of its obligation to make such payment by the applicable Governmental Authority), the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to indemnification under thisSection 3.01(c) for such payment. Payment by the Borrower pursuant to thisSection 3.01 (c) shall be made within thirty (30) days after the date the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, makes written demand therefore (submitted through the Administrative Agent in the case of a demand by a Lender) which demand shall be accompanied by a certificate describing in reasonable detail the amount of the payment and the basis thereof.
(d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(e) Status of Lenders. Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:
(i) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
(ii) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,
(iii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881 (c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or
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(iv) any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If the Administrative Agent or any Lender has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund),provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.
3.02Illegality.
If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund LIBOR Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the LIBOR Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions after the Closing Date on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue LIBOR Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), have the option to either prepay or, if applicable, convert all LIBOR Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
3.03Inability to Determine Rates.
If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a LIBOR Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the LIBOR market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such LIBOR Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the LIBOR Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan, or (c) the LIBOR Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and all Lenders. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may (a) revoke any pending request for a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of LIBOR Rate Loans or (b) prepay any affected Loans, including accrued interest. If the Borrower fails to
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do (a) or (b) above, the Borrower’s request will be deemed to have converted into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
3.04Increased Costs.
(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR Rate);
(ii) subject any Lender to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement or any LIBOR Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered bySection 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender); or
(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or LIBOR Rate Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any LIBOR Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) Certificates for Reimbursement. Each Lender that desires compensation under thisSection 3.04 shall notify the Borrower of the occurrence of the event entitling such Lender to compensation pursuant to thisSection 3.04 as promptly as is practicable, and in no event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the occurrence of such event. Each Lender shall be entitled to compensation with respect to such event under thisSection 3.04 only for compensation accruing as a result of such event during the period one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date such Lender provides notice to the Borrower pursuant to the foregoing sentence. Payment by the Borrower pursuant to thisSection 3.04 shall be made within thirty (30) days from the date such Lender makes written demand therefore (submitted through the Administrative Agent) which demand shall be accompanied by a certificate describing in reasonable detail the basis and calculation thereof and certifying further that the method used to calculate such amount is fair and reasonable.
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3.05Compensation for Losses.
Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or
(c) any assignment of a LIBOR Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant toSection 10.13 (other than as a result of a request by the Borrower to replace a Defaulting Lender);
including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained (but excluding lost profits). The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under thisSection 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each LIBOR Rate Loan made by it at the LIBOR Base Rate used in determining the LIBOR Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the LIBOR market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such LIBOR Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
3.06Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation underSection 3.04, or the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant toSection 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant toSection 3.02, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant toSection 3.01 or3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant toSection 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation underSection 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant toSection 3.01, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance withSection 10.13.
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3.07Survival.
All of the Borrower’s obligations under thisArticle III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LOANS
4.01Conditions to Closing.
This Agreement shall be effective as of the Closing Date upon satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:
(a)Loan Documents. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Notes, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer and, in the case of this Agreement, by each Lender.
(b)Opinions of Counsel. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of favorable opinions of legal counsel to the Borrower, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, dated as of the Closing Date, and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(c)No Material Adverse Change. There shall not have occurred a material adverse change since September 30, 2005 in the business, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent), operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower.
(d)Resolutions, Etc. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of the Borrower as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(e)Closing Certificate. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer certifying that the conditions specified inSection 4.01(c) and(f) andSections 4.02(a),(b) and(c) have been satisfied.
(f)Senior Unsecured Debt Rating. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of evidence that the Borrower’s senior unsecured long term non-credit enhanced debt is rated AAA (with a stable outlook) by S&P and Aaa (with a stable outlook) from Moody’s.
(g)Fees. Receipt by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date.
(h)Attorney Costs. The Borrower shall have paid all reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).
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4.02Conditions to all Loans.
The obligation of each Lender to honor any Loan Notice is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained inArticle V (other thanSection 5.05(d)) or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Loan, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date.
(b) No Event of Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Loan or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
(c) There shall not have been commenced against the Borrower an involuntary case under any applicable Debtor Relief Law, now or hereafter in effect, or any case, proceeding or other action for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee or sequestrator (or similar official) of such Person or for any substantial part of its Property or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and such involuntary case or other case, proceeding or other action shall remain undismissed.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof.
Each Loan Notice submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified inSections 4.02(a),(b) and(c) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Loan Notice.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:
5.01Existence, Qualification and Power.
The Borrower (a) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or use its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (b) to the extent applicable to an agency of the United States, is duly qualified and is licensed and in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease, use or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (a)(i) or (b), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.02Authorization; No Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each Loan Document have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (a) conflict with or result in any breach or
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contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which the Borrower is a party or affecting the Borrower or any of its Properties or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which the Borrower or its property is subject; or (b) violate any Law (including, without limitation, the TVA Act and Regulation U or Regulation X issued by the FRB).
5.03Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.
No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, the Borrower of any Loan Document other than those that have already been obtained and are in full force and effect.
5.04Binding Effect.
Each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower. Each Loan Document constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.
5.05Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) The Annual Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, commitments and indebtedness.
(b) The Interim Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and indebtedness.
(c) The financial statements delivered pursuant toSection 6.01 (a) and (b) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except as otherwise expressly noted therein or as may be permitted underSection 6.01 (a) and(b)) and present fairly (on the basis disclosed in the footnotes to such financial statements) the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower as of the dates thereof and for the periods covered thereby.
(d) Since the date of the Annual Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.06Litigation.
There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower after due and diligent investigation, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or against any of its or the United
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States’ properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or (b) are reasonably likely to be determined adversely and, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.07No Default.
No Default has occurred and is continuing.
5.08Ownership of Property; Liens.
The Borrower or the United States has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, valid leasehold interests in, or other right to use, all real property used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Property of the Borrower is subject to no Liens, other than Permitted Liens.
5.09Environmental Compliance.
Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each of the Facilities and all operations at the Facilities are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, and there is no violation of any Environmental Law with respect to the Facilities or the Businesses, and there are no conditions relating to the Facilities or the Businesses that could give rise to liability under any applicable Environmental Laws.
(b) The Borrower has not received any written or verbal notice from any Governmental Authority of, or inquiry from any Governmental Authority regarding, any violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental matters or compliance with Environmental Laws with regard to any of the Facilities or the Businesses, nor does any Responsible Officer have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice will be received or is being threatened.
5.10Payment of Governmental Charges.
The Borrower has paid all federal, state and local material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges of which it is aware that have been levied or imposed upon it or its properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.
5.11ERISA Compliance.
If the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is subject to ERISA, then:
(a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other federal or state Laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. The Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an
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extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code has been made with respect to any Plan.
(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could be reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower, any ERISA Affiliate nor any fiduciary of any Plan has engaged in a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has an Unfunded Pension Liability that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (iii) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, a liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA) that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (iv) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, a liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (v) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.
5.12Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act; Public Utility Holding Company Act.
(a) The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower subject to the provisions ofSection 7.01 orSection 7.03 or subject to any restriction contained in any agreement or instrument between the Borrower and any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender relating to indebtedness and within the scope ofSection 8.01 (e) will be margin stock.
(b) Neither the Borrower nor any Person Controlling the Borrower (i) is a “holding company,” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, or (ii) is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
5.13Disclosure.
No written report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, taken as a whole in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;provided that (a) with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time, (b) nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require the Borrower to provide the Administrative Agent or any Lender projected financial information, except to the extent such projected financial information
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might otherwise be included in Borrower’s annual and interim financial reports and (c) if such misstatement of fact or omission of a fact relates to a fact that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, then the Borrower can cure such misstatement or omission by providing modified or supplemented information.
5.14Compliance with Laws.
The Borrower is in compliance with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its Property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
ARTICLE VI
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall:
6.01Financial Statements.
Deliver to the Administrative Agent:
(a) as soon as available, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of such fiscal year, and the related statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP except as expressly noted therein, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of PricewaterhouseCoopers or another independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit; and
(b) as soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a balance sheet of the Borrower as of the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related statements of income and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Borrower’s fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP except as expressly noted therein, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
6.02Certificates: Other Information.
Deliver to the Administrative Agent:
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(a) promptly after delivery thereof to Congress, a copy of each quarterly operational report to Congress;
(b) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of the Borrower pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant toSection 6.01 or any other clause of thisSection 6.02;
(c) promptly, and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of the Borrower;
(d) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days), (i) notice of any announcement by Moody’s of any change in the Moody’s Debt Rating or of any suspension or withdrawal of its rating of the Borrower’s senior unsecured long-term non-credit enhanced debt and (ii) notice of any announcement by S&P of any change in the S&P Debt Rating or of any suspension or withdrawal of its rating of the Borrower’s senior unsecured long-term non-credit enhanced debt; and
(e) promptly, such additional information regarding the business or financial affairs of the Borrower, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant toSection 6.01 (a) or (b) orSection 6.02(b) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed onSchedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent);provided that: (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent upon request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.
6.03Notices.
(a) Promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after obtaining knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent of the occurrence of any Default.
(b) Promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after obtaining knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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(c) Promptly (and in any event, within ten (10) Business Days) notify the Administrative Agent of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower.
Each notice pursuant to thisSection 6.03(a) through(c) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant toSection 6.03(a)shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.
6.04Payment of Obligations.
Pay and discharge, as the same shall become due and payable, all its applicable federal, state and local material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon it or its properties, income or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower.
6.05Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence.
(b) Take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.06Maintenance of Properties.
Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the judgment of the Borrower in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
6.07Maintenance of Insurance.
(a) At any time the Moody’s Debt Rating is Baal or lower and the S&P Debt Rating is BBB+ or lower, maintain in full force and effect insurance (including worker’s compensation insurance, liability insurance, casualty insurance and business interruption insurance) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Borrower operates.
(b) At any time the Moody’s Debt Rating is higher than Baal or the S&P Debt Rating is higher than BBB+, the Borrower shall maintain in full force and effect nuclear liability and property insurance in accordance with applicable Law.
6.08Compliance with Laws.
Comply with the requirements of all Laws (including, without limitation, the TVA Act) and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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6.09Books and Records.
(a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied, except as otherwise expressly noted therein or in any the Annual Financial Statements, the Interim Financial Statements and the annual and quarterly financial statements delivered pursuant toSection 6.01, shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower.
(b) Maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Borrower.
6.10Inspection Rights.
To the extent consistent with the Borrower’s safety and security procedures (which procedures will be applied to the Administrative Agent and each Lender in a manner consistent with the application to other Persons not employed by the Borrower), permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at the expense of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, to visit and inspect any of the Borrower’s properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, at such reasonable times during normal business hours not more than once per year, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower;provided,however, that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower.
6.11Use of Proceeds.
Use the proceeds of the Loans for general corporate purposes,provided that (i) $200 million of the Aggregate Commitments shall be reserved solely to provide funds to the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust and (ii) in no event shall the proceeds of the Loans be used in contravention of any Law.
ARTICLE VII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder or any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall not:
7.01Liens.
Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the Permitted Liens.
7.02Indebtedness.
Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any indebtedness or similar financial obligation, except for (a) indebtedness permitted under the TVA Act and (b) indebtedness specifically permitted to be incurred by the Borrower under any other applicable federal Law.
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7.03Fundamental Changes; Subsidiaries.
(a) Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person.
(b) Form or acquire any Subsidiary.
7.04Change in Nature of Business.
Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower on the Closing Date or any business substantially related or incidental thereto.
7.05Use of Proceeds.
Use the proceeds of any Loan, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.
ARTICLE VIII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
8.01Events of Default.
Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a)Non-Payment. The Borrower fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, including any required prepayment thereof, or (ii) within three days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or
(b)Specific Covenants.
(i) The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any ofSection 6.10 and such failure continues for five (5) Business Days after notice thereof is provided to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent; or
(ii) The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any ofSection 6.02(d),6.03(a),6.03(b),6.05(a),6.11 orArticleVII; or
(c)Other Defaults. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days; or
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(d)Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading when made or deemed made; or
(e)Cross-Acceleration to Power Resolution.
(i) The occurrence of an “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the Power Resolution with respect to the payment of principal or interest on bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under the Power Resolution that constitute more than five percent (5%) of the aggregate principal amount of all bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under the Power Resolution; or
(ii) The occurrence of any other “Event of Default” under, and as defined in, the Power Resolution, the result of which is the acceleration of bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under the Power Resolution that constitute the greater of (A) $1 billion or (B) more than five percent (5%) of the aggregate principal amount of all bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness issued under the Power Resolution; or
(f)Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. The Borrower institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(g)Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within thirty days after its issue or levy; or
(h)Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of ten (10) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or
(i)ERISA. If the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is subject to ERISA: (i) an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the
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expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
(j)Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or the Borrower contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document; or the Borrower denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any Loan Document; or
(k)Change of Control. The United States of America shall fail to own at least (i) ninety percent (90%) of the equity interests of the Borrower and (ii) ninety percent (90%) of the equity interests of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully diluted basis (it being understood that as of the Closing Date the Borrower is a wholly owned corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States of America); or
(l)Debt Ratings.
(i) The Moody’s Debt Rating is lower than A3 and the S&P Debt Rating is lower than A-; or
(ii) Moody’s and S&P suspends or withdraws their rating of the Borrower’s senior unsecured long-term non-credit enhanced debt.
8.02Remedies Upon Event of Default.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:
(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; and
(c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents;
provided,however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate and the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
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8.03Application of Funds.
After the exercise of remedies provided for inSection 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable underArticle III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clauseSecond payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Contract between the Borrower and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Contract is permitted bySection 7.02, ratably among the Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Contracts, Affiliates of Lenders) in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clauseThird held by them;
Fourth, to (a) payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, (b) payment of breakage, termination or other payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Contract between the Borrower and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Contract is permitted by thisSection 8.03. and (c) payments of amounts due under any Treasury Management Agreement between the Borrower and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, ratably among the Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Contracts, Affiliates of Lenders) in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clauseFourth held by them; and
Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
9.01Appointment and Authority.
Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and the Borrower shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
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9.02Rights and Obligations as a Lender.
(a) The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any of its Affiliates as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
(b) If the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder is also a Lender, such Person’s status as Administrative Agent shall not affect such Person’s obligations as a Lender (including such Person’s obligation to fund Loans in its capacity as a Lender).
9.03Exculpatory Provisions.
The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:
(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents),provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and
(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided inSections 10.01 and8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan
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Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth inArticle IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
9.04Reliance by Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
9.05Delegation of Duties.
The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent.
9.06Resignation of Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above;provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and
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such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article andSection 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
9.07Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.
Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
9.08No Other Duties; Etc.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the bookrunners, arrangers, syndication agents, documentation agents or co-agents shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder.
9.9Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations (other than obligations under Swap Contracts or Treasury Management Agreements to which the Administrative Agent is not a party) that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent underSections 2.07 and10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable
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compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent underSections 2.07 and10.04.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.01Amendments, Etc.
No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given;provided, further, that
(a) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(i) extend or increase the Commitment of a Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant toSection 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender whose Commitment is being extended or increased (it being understood and agreed that a waiver of any condition precedent set forth inSection 4.02 or of any Default or a mandatory reduction in Commitments is not considered an extension or increase in the Commitment of any Lender);
(ii) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal (excluding mandatory prepayments), interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) or any scheduled or mandatory reduction of the Commitments hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to receive such payment or whose Commitment is to be reduced;
(iii) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or (subject to clause (i) of the final proviso to thisSection 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to receive such payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts;provided,however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to (A) amend the definition of “Default Rate”, (B) to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate, (C) to waive the increase in the Applicable Rate set forth in the last paragraph of the definition of “Applicable Rate” and (D) to waive the Liquidity Premium for any Borrowing, conversion or continuation;
(iv) changeSection 2.11 orSection 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;
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(v) change any provision of thisSection 10.01(a) or the definition of “Required Lenders” without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; or
(vi) release the Borrower from its obligations under the Loan Documents without the written consent of each Lender; and
(b) unless also signed by the Administrative Agent, no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document;
provided,however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender, (ii) each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each Lender acknowledges that the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States supersedes the unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (iii) the Required Lenders shall determine whether or not to allow the Borrower to use cash collateral in the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding and such determination shall be binding on all of the Lenders.
10.02Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.
(a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person onSchedule 10.02; and
(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.
Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).
(b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent,provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant toArticle II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it,provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
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Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement),provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.
(c) Change of Address, Etc. The Borrower and the Administrative Agent may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
(d) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
10.03No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
10.04Expenses; Indemnity; and Damage Waiver.
(a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent) in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), and (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans, including all such reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Loans.
(b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any outside counsel for any Indemnitee) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower arising out of, in connection with, or as a
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result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto;provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.
(c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by them to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount,provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions ofSection 2.10(d).
(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.
(i) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and the Borrower hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(ii) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Indemnitee shall assert, and each Indemnitee hereby waives, any claim against the Borrower, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
(iii) Neither the Borrower nor any Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than thirty (30) days after the Borrower’s receipt of an invoice demanding such payment.
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(f) Survival. The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
10.05Payments Set Aside.
To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
10.06Successors and Assigns.
(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and thereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Eligible Assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it);provided that (i) except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); (ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an
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assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s Loans and Commitments, and rights and obligations with respect thereto, assigned; (iii) any assignment of a Commitment must be approved by the Administrative Agent unless the Person that is the proposed assignee is itself a Lender (whether or not the proposed assignee would otherwise qualify as an Eligible Assignee); and (iv) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 and the Eligible Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire. Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits ofSections 3.01,3.04,3.05 and10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section. The Borrower reserves the right to propose potential Eligible Assignees and the Lenders agree to consider, in their sole discretion, the Borrower’s proposed Eligible Assignees.
(c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. In addition, at any time that a request for a consent for a material or substantive change to the Loan Documents is pending, any Lender wishing to consult with other Lenders in connection therewith may request and receive from the Administrative Agent a copy of the Register.
(d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, and without cost or expense to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than (i) a natural person, (ii) the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or (iii) any Person that is primarily in the business of producing or transmitting electricity) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans;provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement;provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in clauses (i) through (vi) of theSection 10.01(a) that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that
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each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits ofSections 3.01,3.04 and3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits ofSection 10.08 as though it were a Lender,provided such Participant agrees to be subject toSection 2.11 as though it were a Lender.
(e) Limitation on Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment underSection 3.01 or3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits ofSection 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply withSection 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender.
(f) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank;provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(g) Electronic Execution of Assignments. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
10.07Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives and to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty (or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisor) under any Swap Contract relating to Loans outstanding under this Agreement (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto (such other party acknowledges that it is subject to the confidentiality obligations hereunder with respect to such Information), (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.
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For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or any of its businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower,provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential.
10.08Set-off.
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower are owed to a branch or office of such Lender different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application,provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
10.09Interest Rate Limitation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
10.10Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided inSection 4.0.1, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by a Responsible Officer and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
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10.11Survival of Representations and Warranties.
All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Loan, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
10.12Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
10.13Replacement of Lenders.
If any Lender requests compensation underSection 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant toSection 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by,Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment),provided that:
(a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified inSection 10.06(b);
(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts underSection 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);
(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation underSection 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant toSection 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and
(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.
A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
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10.14Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
(a) GOVERNING LAW. EXCEPT FOR THOSE SECTIONS THAT SPECIFICALLY REFERENCE A FEDERAL STATUTE OR REGULATION, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. THE FOREGOING NOTWITHSTANDING, TO THE EXTENT THE FOLLOWING DEFENSES WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER UNDER FEDERAL LAW, THEN SUCH DEFENSES SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO THE BORROWER IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS: (i) NON-LIABILITY FOR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, (ii) EXEMPTION FROM ANTI-TRUST LAWS, (iii) THE BORROWER CANNOT BE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND BY REPRESENTATION OF AN EMPLOYEE MADE WITHOUT ACTUAL AUTHORITY, (iv) PRESUMPTION THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE ACTED IN GOOD FAITH AND (v) LIMITATION ON THE APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF EQUITABLE ESTOPPEL TO THE GOVERNMENT.
(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDCTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE OR ANY APPELLATE COURT TAKING APPEALS THEREFROM FOR ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.
(c) WAIVER OF VENUE. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN THE COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES INSECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
10.15Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury.
EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (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,
50
SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
10.16USA PATRIOT Act Notice.
Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act.
10.17Statement of Borrower regarding the Bankruptcy Code of the United States.
The Borrower takes the position that as a government agency the Borrower cannot be a “debtor” under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States. The agreement of the Borrower to include the Bankruptcy Code of the United States in the definition of “Debtor Relief Laws” is not to be interpreted as a recognition, acknowledgment or agreement by the Borrower of a contrary position.
10.18TVA Related Provisions.
In connection with this Agreement each Lender agrees to comply with (i) the Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam-Era clause, 41 C.F.R. § 60-250.4, (ii) the Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers clause, 41 C.F.R. § 60-741.4, (iii) the Equal Opportunity clause, 41 C.F.R. § 60-1.4, and all amendments to these clauses and all applicable regulations, rules, and orders issued thereunder. Each Lender that executes this Agreement, and each Lender that becomes a party to this Agreement by execution of an Assignment and Assumption, agrees that upon its execution of this Agreement or such Assignment and Assumption, as applicable, it shall be deemed to have executed the Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements attached heretoExhibit 10.18.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Credit Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
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BORROWER: | | TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ Michael E. Rescoe | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Name: | | Michael E. Rescoe | | |
| | Title: | | Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Financial Services | | |
| | | | | | |
ADMINISTRATIVE | | | | | | |
AGENT: | | BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ John M. Hall | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Name: | | John M. Hall | | |
| | Title: | | Senior Vice President | | |
| | | | | | |
LENDER: | | BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | /s/ John M. Hall | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Name: | | John M. Hall | | |
| | Title: | | Senior Vice President | | |
Schedule 2.01
COMMITMENTS AND APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES
| | | | | | | | |
Lender | | Applicable Percentage | | Commitment |
Bank of America, N.A. | | | 100.00000000% | | | | $1,250,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 100.00000000% | | | | $1,250,000,000 | |
Schedule 7.01
OTHER PERMITTED LIENS
None.
Schedule 10.02
CERTAIN ADDRESS FOR NOTICES
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
Attention: Treasurer
Telephone: 865-632-3366
Facsimile: 865-632-6673
2. | | To the Administrative Agent: |
Loan Notices and Payments
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
9000 South Side Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Telephone: 888-841-8159
Facsimile: 888-841-8160
with a copy to:
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
550 West Main Street, Suite 800
Knoxville, TN 37902
Attention: John Hall
Telephone: 865-541-6102
Facsimile: 865-546-2865
All Other Notices
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
550 West Main Street, Suite 800
Knoxville, TN 37902
Attention: John Hall
Telephone: 865-541-6102
Facsimile: 865-546-2865
Exhibit 2.02
FORM OF LOAN NOTICE
Date: ,
| | |
To: | | Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
| | |
Re: | | Fall Maturity Credit Agreement (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) dated as of May 17, 2006 among Tennessee Valley Authority, a wholly owned corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States of America (the “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as a Lender and as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement. |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby requests (select one):
o A Borrowing of Loans
o A conversion or continuation of Loans
| 1. | | On (a Business Day). |
|
| 2. | | In the amount of $ . |
|
| 3. | | Comprised of . [Type of Loan requested] |
4. | | For LIBOR Rate Loans: with an Interest Period of months. |
With respect to any Borrowing or conversion or continuation requested herein, the undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (i) in the case of a Borrowing of Loans, such request complies with the requirements of the proviso to the first sentence ofSection 2.01 of the Credit Agreement and (ii) each of the conditions set forth inSection 5.02 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied on and as of the date of such Borrowing or such conversion or continuation.
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| | TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | | | |
| | Name: | | | | |
| | Title: | | | | |
Exhibit 2.09
FORM OF NOTE
May 17, 2006
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY, a wholly owned corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States of America (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under the Fall Maturity Credit Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2006 (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as a Lender and as Administrative Agent.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Credit Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Credit Agreement.
This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Credit Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Note as of the date set forth above.
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| | TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | | | |
| | Name: | | | | |
| | Title: | | | | |
Exhibit 10.07
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor”) and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as, the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.
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1. | | Assignor: | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
2. | | Assignee: | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | [and is an Affiliate/ Approved Fund of [identify Lender]1] |
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3. | | Borrower: | | Tennessee Valley Authority |
| | | | | | |
4. | | Agent: | | Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent |
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5. | | Credit Agreement: | | Fall Maturity Credit Agreement dated as of May 17, 2006 among Borrower, the Lenders parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
| | | | | | |
6. | | Assigned Interest: | | | | |
| | | | |
Aggregate Amount of | | Amount of Commitment/ | | Percentage Assigned of |
Commitment/Loans for all Lenders | | Loans Assigned | | Commitment/Loans |
| | | | |
1 Select as applicable.
[7. Trade Date: ]
Effective Date: , 20 [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
| | | | | | |
| | ASSIGNOR | | |
| | [NAME OF ASSIGNOR] | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | | | |
| | Name: | | | | |
| | Title: | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | ASSIGNEE | | |
| | [NAME OF ASSIGNEE] | | |
| | | | | | |
| | By: | | | | |
| | Name: | | | | |
| | Title: | | | | |
| | | | |
[Consented to and]2 Accepted: | | |
| | | | |
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Administrative Agent | | |
| | | | |
By: | | | | |
Name: | | | | |
Title: | | | | |
| | | | |
[Consented to:]3 | | |
| | | | |
[BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as L/C Issuer] | | |
| | | | |
By: | | | | |
Name: | | | | |
Title: | | | | |
| | | | |
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY | | |
| | | | |
By: | | | | |
Name: | | | | |
Title: | | | | |
| | |
2 | | To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
|
|
3 | | To be added only if the consent of the Borrower and/or other parties (e.g. L/C Issuer) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement. |
ANNEX 1
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. Representations and Warranties.
1.1.Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
1.2.Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all requirements of an Eligible Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to receipt of such consents as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and (v) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of Tennessee.
Exhibit 10.18
Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid by or on behalf of the undersigned to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract, the making of any federal grant, the making of any federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(2) If any funds other than federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.