benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Agreement and that the waiver set forth in this section is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
such Lender, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 9.06; (b) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Company), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (c) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with this Agreement; (d) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance, observance or satisfaction of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement on the part of any Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of any Borrower or the existence at any time of any Default; (e) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of, or the perfection or priority of any lien or security inertest created or purported to be created under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; and (f) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram or telex) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.
SECTION 8.03.Citibank and Affiliates. With respect to its Commitments, the Advances made by it and the Note issued to it, Citibank shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Citibank in its individual capacity. Citibank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, accept investment banking engagements from and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Company, any of its Subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Company or any such Subsidiary, all as if Citibank were not the Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. The Agent shall have no duty to disclose information obtained or received by it or any of its Affiliates relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries to the extent such information was obtained or received in any capacity other than as Agent.
SECTION 8.04.Lender Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 and such other 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 Agent 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 this Agreement.
SECTION 8.05.Indemnification. (a) Each Lender severally agrees to indemnify the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by a Borrower), from and against such Lender’s Ratable Share of any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent, in its capacity as such, in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Agent, in its capacity as such, under this Agreement,provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities,
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obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its Ratable Share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by a Borrower.
(b) The failure of any Lender to reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its Ratable Share of any amount required to be paid by the Lenders to the Agent as provided herein shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation hereunder to reimburse the Agent for its Ratable Share of such amount, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to reimburse the Agent for such other Lender’s Ratable Share of such amount. Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of any Lender hereunder, the agreement and obligations of each Lender contained in this Section 8.05 shall survive the payment in full of principal, interest and all other amounts payable hereunder and under the Notes. The Agent agrees to return to the Lenders their respective Ratable Shares of any amounts paid under this Section 8.05 that are subsequently reimbursed by the Company or any Borrower. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Costs, this Section 8.04 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by the Agent, any Lender or a third party.
SECTION 8.06.Successor Agent. The Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Company and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders. The Company may at any time, by notice to the Agent, propose a successor Agent (which shall meet the criteria described below) specified in such notice and request that the Lenders be notified thereof by the Agent with a view to their removal of the Agent and their appointment of such successor Agent; the Agent agrees to forward any such notice to the Lenders promptly upon its receipt by the Agent. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and having a combined capital and surplus of at least US$500,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article VIII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement.
SECTION 8.07.Other Agents. Each Lender hereby acknowledges that none of the syndication agent or any documentation agent nor any other Lender designated as any
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“Agent” on the signature pages hereof (other than the Agent) has any liability hereunder other than in its capacity as a Lender.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01.Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the Notes, nor consent to any departure by the Company or any Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given;provided,however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) increase the Commitments of the Lenders, (b) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (c) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (d) release the Company from any of its obligations under Article VII, (e) require the duration of an Interest Period to be nine months if such period is not available to all Lenders or (f) amend this Section 9.01; andprovidedfurther that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Agent under this Agreement.
SECTION 9.02.Notices, Etc. (a) All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier or telegraphic communication) and mailed (return receipt requested), telecopied, telegraphed or delivered, if to the Company or to any Borrower, at the Company’s address at 101 Columbia Road, Morristown, New Jersey 07962-1219, Attention: Assistant Treasurer; if to any Initial Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender; and if to the Agent, at its address at Two Penns Way, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Bank Loan Syndications with a copy to 388 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10013, Attention: Diane Pockaj; or, as to the Company or any Borrower or the Agent, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties and, as to each other party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the Company and the Agent;provided that materials as may be agreed between the Company and the Agent may be delivered to the Agent in accordance with clause (b) below. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied or telegraphed, be effective when deposited in the mails, telecopied or delivered to the telegraph company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Agent pursuant to Article II, III or VIII shall not be effective until received by the Agent. Delivery by telecopier of an executed counterpart of any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the Notes or of any Exhibit hereto to be executed and delivered hereunder shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof.
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| (b) So long as Citibank or any of its Affiliates is the Agent, such materials required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(h)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) as may be agreed between the Company and the Agent may be delivered to the Agent in an electronic |
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| medium in a format acceptable to the Agent and the Lenders by e-mail at oploanswebadmin@citigroup.com. The Company and the Borrowers agree that the Agent may make such materials (the “Communications”) available to the Lenders by posting such notices on Intralinks or a substantially similar electronic system (the “Platform”). The Company and the Borrowers acknowledge that (i) the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution, (ii) the Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” and (iii) neither the Agent nor any of its Affiliates warrants the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the Communications or the Platform and each expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in the Communications or the Platform. No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by the Agent or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Platform. |
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| (c) Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) (a “Notice”) specifying that any Communications have been posted to the Platform shall constitute effective delivery of such information, documents or other materials to such Lender for purposes of this Agreement;provided that if requested by any Lender the Agent shall deliver a copy of the Communications to such Lender by email or telecopier. Each Lender agrees (i) to notify the Agent in writing of such Lender’s e-mail address(es) to which a Notice may be sent by electronic transmission (including by electronic communication) on or before the date such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter to ensure that the Agent has on record an effective e-mail address for such Lender) and (ii) that any Notice may be sent to such e-mail address(es). |
SECTION 9.03.No Waiver; Remedies. No failure on the part of any Lender or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
SECTION 9.04.Costs and Expenses. (a) The Company agrees to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the administration, modification and amendment of this Agreement, the Notes and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, (i) all due diligence, syndication (including printing, distribution and bank meetings), transportation, computer, duplication, appraisal, consultant, and audit expenses and (ii) the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Agent with respect thereto. The Company further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses of the Agent and the Lenders, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses), in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement, the Notes and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Agent and each Lender in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 9.04(a).
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(b) The Company and each Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and each Lender and each of their Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors (each, an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) that may be incurred by or asserted or awarded against any Indemnified Party, in each case arising out of or in connection with or by reason of, or in connection with the preparation for a defense of, any investigation, litigation or proceeding arising out of, related to or in connection with the Notes, this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by the Company, any Borrower, their respective directors, shareholders or creditors or an Indemnified Party or any other Person or any Indemnified Party is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, except to the extent any such claim, damage, loss, liability or expense has resulted from such Indemnified Party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The Company and each Borrower also agrees not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Party on any theory of liability for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising out of or otherwise relating to the Notes, this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances.
(c) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made by any Borrower to or for the account of a Lender other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09(a) or (b) or 2.11, acceleration of the maturity of the Notes pursuant to Section 6.01 or for any other reason, such Borrower shall, upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses that it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss (including loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.
(d) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Company and the Borrowers hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in Sections 2.10, 2.14 and 9.04 shall survive the payment in full of principal, interest and all other amounts payable hereunder and under the Notes and the termination in whole of any Commitment hereunder.
SECTION 9.05.Binding Effect. This Agreement shall become effective (other than Sections 2.01 and 2.03, which shall only become effective upon satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 3.01) when it shall have been executed by the Company and the Agent and when the Agent shall have been notified by each Initial Lender that such Initial Lender has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Borrower, the Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Borrower shall have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.
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SECTION 9.06.Assignments and Participations. (a) Each Lender may at any time, with notice to the Company prior to making any proposal to any potential assignee and with the consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld (and shall at any time, if requested to do so by the Company pursuant to Section 2.10 or 2.14) assign to one or more Persons all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it);provided,however, that (i) the Company’s consent shall not be required (A) in the case of an assignment of Commitment and Advances to an Affiliate of such Lender, provided that notice thereof shall have been given to the Company and the Agent or (B) in the case of an assignment of the type described in subsection (g) below; (ii) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of the rights and obligations under this Agreement specified in the applicable Assignment and Acceptance; (iii) except in the case of an assignment to a Person that, immediately prior to such assignment, was a Lender or an assignment of all of a Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than US$10,000,000 or an integral multiple of US$1,000,000 in excess thereof; (iv) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee unless the Company and the Agent otherwise agree, (v) each such assignment made as a result of a demand by the Company pursuant to this Section 9.06(a) shall be arranged by the Company after consultation with, and subject to the approval of, the Agent, and shall be either an assignment of all of the rights and obligations of the assigning Lender under this Agreement or an assignment of a portion of such rights and obligations made concurrently with another such assignment or other such assignments that together cover all of the rights and obligations of the assigning Lender under this Agreement, (vi) no Lender shall be obligated to make any such assignment as a result of a demand by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 9.06(a) unless and until such Lender shall have received one or more payments from either the Borrower or one or more Eligible Assignees in an aggregate amount at least equal to the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Advances owing to such Lender, together with accrued interest thereon to the date of payment of such principal amount and all other amounts payable to such Lender under this Agreement and all of the obligations of the Borrower to such Lender shall have been satisfied; and (vii) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of US$3,500 and, if the assigning Lender is not retaining a Commitment hereunder, any Note subject to such assignment. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto,provided,however, that such assigning Lender’s rights under Sections 2.10, 2.14 and 9.04, and its obligations under Section 8.05, shall survive such assignment as to matters occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment).
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(b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of, or the perfection or priority of any lien or security inertest created or purported to be created under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Borrower or the performance or observance by such Borrower of any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, such assigning Lender 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 this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers and discretion under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
(c) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Company and to each Borrower.
(d) The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 9.02 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Company, each Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Company, any Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (other than the Company or any of its Affiliates) in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it);provided,however, that
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(i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrowers hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) the Company, each Borrower, the 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, (v) no participant under any such participation shall have any right to approve any amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, or any consent to any departure by any Borrower therefrom, except to the extent that such amendment, waiver or consent would reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Notes or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, in each case to the extent subject to such participation, or postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, in each case to the extent subject to such participation and (vi) within 30 days of the effective date of such participation, such Lender shall provide notice of such participation to the Company.
(f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 9.06, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Company or any Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of such Borrower;provided that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to such Borrower received by it from such Lender.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time assign or create a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it) in favor of any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
SECTION 9.07.Confidentiality. Each of the Lenders and the Agent hereby agrees that it will use reasonable efforts (e.g., procedures substantially comparable to those applied by such Lender or the Agent in respect of non-public information as to the business of such Lender or the Agent) to keep confidential any financial reports and other information from time to time supplied to it by the Company hereunder to the extent that such information is not and does not become publicly available and which the Company indicates at the time is to be treated confidentially,provided,however, that nothing herein shall affect the disclosure of any such information (i) by the Agent to any Lender, (ii) to the extent required by law (including statute, rule, regulation or judicial process), (iii) to counsel for any Lender or the Agent or to their respective independent public accountants, (iv) to bank examiners and auditors and appropriate government examining authorities, (v) to the Agent or any other Lender, (vi) in connection with any litigation to which any Lender or the Agent is a party, (vii) to actual or prospective assignees and participants as contemplated by Section 9.06(f), (viii) to any Affiliate of the Agent or any Lender or to such Affiliate’s officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors,provided that, prior to any such disclosure, such Affiliate or such Affiliate’s officers, directors, employees, agents or advisors, as the case may be, shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Company received by it or (ix) any
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actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any securitization, swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrowers, any Subsidiary of the Company, and the Obligations; a determination by a Lender or the Agent as to the application of the circumstances described in the foregoing clauses (i)-(viii) being conclusive if made in good faith; and each of the Lenders and the Agent agrees that it will follow procedures which are intended to put any transferee of such confidential information on notice that such information is confidential.
SECTION 9.08.Mitigation of Yield Protection. Each Lender hereby agrees that, commencing as promptly as practicable after it becomes aware of the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 2.10(a), 2.11 or 2.14 with respect to such Lender, such Lender will give notice thereof through the Agent to the respective Borrower. A Borrower may at any time, by notice through the Agent to any Lender, request that such Lender change its Applicable Lending Office as to any Advance or Type of Advance or that it specify a new Applicable Lending Office with respect to its Commitment and any Advance held by it or that it rebook any such Advance with a view to avoiding or mitigating the consequences of an occurrence such as described in the preceding sentence, and such Lender will use reasonable efforts to comply with such request unless, in the opinion of such Lender, such change or specification or rebooking is inadvisable or might have an adverse effect, economic or otherwise, upon it, including its reputation. In addition, each Lender agrees that, except for changes or specifications or rebookings required by law or effected pursuant to the preceding sentence, if the result of any change or change of specification of Applicable Lending Office or rebooking would, but for this sentence, be to impose additional costs or requirements upon the respective Borrower pursuant to Section 2.10(a), Section 2.11 or Section 2.14 (which would not be imposed absent such change or change of specification or rebooking) by reason of legal or regulatory requirements in effect at the time thereof and of which such Lender is aware at such time, then such costs or requirements shall not be imposed upon such Borrower but shall be borne by such Lender. All expenses incurred by any Lender in changing an Applicable Lending Office or specifying another Applicable Lending Office of such Lender or rebooking any Advance in response to a request from a Borrower shall be paid by such Borrower. Nothing in this Section 9.08 (including, without limitation, any failure by a Lender to give any notice contemplated in the first sentence hereof) shall limit, reduce or postpone any obligations of the respective Borrower under Section 2.10(a), Section 2.11 or Section 2.14, including any obligations payable in respect of any period prior to the date of any change or specification of a new Applicable Lending Office or any rebooking of any Advance.
SECTION 9.09.Governing Law. This Agreement and the Notes shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 9.10.Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.11.Jurisdiction, Etc. (a) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any
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New York State court or federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York City, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Notes, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such New York State court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each Borrower hereby agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding brought in the any such New York State court or in such federal court may be made upon Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road Suite 400, Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (the “Process Agent”) and each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Process Agent its authorized agent to accept such service of process, and agrees that the failure of the Process Agent to give any notice of any such service shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or of any judgment rendered in any action or proceeding based thereon. Each Borrower hereby further irrevocably consents to the service of process in any action or proceeding in such courts by the mailing thereof by any parties hereto by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to such Borrower at its address specified pursuant to Section 9.02. 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. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the Notes in the courts of any jurisdiction. To the extent that each Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution, execution or otherwise) with respect to itself or its property, each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Notes in any New York State or federal court. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
SECTION 9.12.Final Agreement. This written agreement represents the full and final agreement between the parties with respect to the matters addressed herein and supercedes all prior communications, written or oral, with respect thereto. There are no unwritten agreements between the parties.
SECTION 9.13.Judgment. (a) If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due hereunder or under the Notes in any currency (the “Original Currency”) into another currency (the “Other Currency”), the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Agent could purchase the Original Currency with the Other Currency at 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the first Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given.
(b) The obligation of each Borrower in respect of any sum due in the Original Currency from it to any Lender or the Agent hereunder or under any Note held by such Lender
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shall, notwithstanding any judgment in any Other Currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) of any sum adjudged to be so due in such Other Currency, such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase US Dollars with such Other Currency; if the amount of US Dollars so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) in the Original Currency, such Borrower agrees, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) against such loss, and if the amount of the Original Currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to any Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) in the Original Currency, such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) agrees to remit to such Borrower such excess.
SECTION 9.14.Patriot Act Notice. Each Lender hereby notifies the Company 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 each borrower, guarantor or grantor (the “Loan Parties”), which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the Act.
61
SECTION 9.15.Waiver of Jury Trial. Each Borrower, the Agent and each Lender hereby irrevocably waive all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Notes or the actions of the Agent or any Lender in the negotiation, administration, performance or enforcement thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
| | | |
| HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. |
| | |
| By: | /s/ John J. Tus |
| |
|
| Title: | Vice President & Treasurer |
| | |
| HONEYWELL ASCA INC. |
| | |
| By: | /s/ John J. Tus |
| |
|
| Title: | Vice President & Treasurer |
| | |
| HONEYWELL LIMITED/ HONEYWELL LIMITEE |
| | |
| By: | /s/ John J. Tus |
| |
|
| Title: | Vice President & Treasurer |
| | |
| HONEYWELL AEROSPATIALE INC.
|
| By: | /s/ John J. Tus |
| |
|
| Title: | Vice President & Treasurer |
| | |
| CITIBANK, N.A., CANADIAN BRANCH, as Agent
|
| By: | /s/ Niyousha Zarinpour |
| |
|
| Title: | Authorised Signer |
| | | |
COMMITMENT | | ARRANGER AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT |
| | |
CN$60,000,000.00 | CITIBANK, N.A., CANADIAN BRANCH |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Niyousha Zarinpour |
| |
|
| Title: | Authorised Signer |
62
| | | |
ARRANGER AND SYNDICATION AGENT | | | |
| | |
CN$60,000,000.00 | ROYAL BANK OF CANADA |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Julita Tyszewicz |
| |
|
| Title: | Attorney-in-Fact |
| | |
CN$60,000,000.00 | THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Anuj Dhawan |
| |
|
| Title: | Director |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Sangeeta Shah |
| |
|
| Title: | Associate |
| | |
CN$60,000,000.00 | HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TORONTO BRANCH |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Judi Wood |
| |
|
| Title: | Managing Director |
| | |
CN$240,000,000 TOTAL OF COMMITMENTS |
63
Exhibit 10.24
SCHEDULE I
APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICES
| | |
NAME OF INITIAL LENDER
| DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE
| EURODOLLAR LENDING OFFICE
|
Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch | 123 Front Street West, suite 1000 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M3 Attn: Niyousha Zarinpour Phone: (416) 941-5605 Fax: (416) 947-5650 | 123 Front Street West, suite 1000 Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M3 Attn: Niyousha Zarinpour Phone: (416) 941-5605 Fax: (416) 947-5650 |
The Bank of Nova Scotia | 720 King Street West, 3rd Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 2T3 Attn: Tamara Mohan Phone: (212) 225-5705 Fax: (212) 225-5709 | 720 King Street West, 3rd Floor Toronto, Ontario M5V 2T3 Attn: Tamara Mohan Phone: (212) 225-5705 Fax: (212) 225-5709 |
HSBC Bank USA, National Association Toronto Branch | One HSBC Center Floor 26 Buffalo, NY 14203 Attn: Maria Mendez Tadak Phone: (716) 841-2291 Fax: (716) 841-0269 | One HSBC Center Floor 26 Buffalo, NY 14203 Attn: Maria Mendez Tadak Phone: (716) 841-2291 Fax: (716) 841-0269 |
Royal Bank of Canada | One Liberty Plaza, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10006 Attn: Karim Amr Phone: (212) 428-6369 Fax: (212) 428-2372
with a copy to:
Attn: N. Delph Phone: (212) 428-6249 Fax: (212) 428-2319 | One Liberty Plaza, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10006 Attn: Karim Amr Phone: (212) 428-6369 Fax: (212) 428-2372
with a copy to:
Attn: N. Delph Phone: (212) 428-6249 Fax: (212) 428-2319 |
Exhibit 10.24
SCHEDULE 3.01(b)
DISCLOSED LITIGATION
While not giving an opinion as to whether any item is “reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,” we hereby disclose the litigation matters as stated in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, as follows.
ERISA Class Action Lawsuit – Honeywell and several of its current and former officers and directors are defendants in a purported class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. The complaint principally alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to participants in the Honeywell Savings and Ownership Plan (the “Savings Plan”) by purportedly making false and misleading statements, failing to disclose material information concerning Honeywell’s financial performance, and failing to diversify the Savings Plan’s assets and monitor the prudence of Honeywell stock as a Savings Plan investment. Honeywell has agreed to settle this matter for $14 million plus an agreement to permit Savings Plan participants greater diversification rights. The settlement will be paid in full by Honeywell’s insurers. The settlement was approved by the Court in July 2005.
Environmental Matters–We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign government requirements relating to the protection of the environment. We believe that, as a general matter, our policies, practices and procedures are properly designed to prevent unreasonable risk of environmental damage and personal injury and that our handling, manufacture, use and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances are in accord with environmental and safety laws and regulations. However, mainly because of past operations and operations of predecessor companies, we, like other companies engaged in similar businesses, have incurred remedial response and voluntary cleanup costs for site contamination and are a party to lawsuits and claims associated with environmental and safety matters, including past production of products containing toxic substances. Additional lawsuits, claims and costs involving environmental matters are likely to continue to arise in the future.
With respect to environmental matters involving site contamination, we continually conduct studies, individually or jointly with other potentially responsible parties, to determine the feasibility of various remedial techniques to address environmental matters. It is our policy to record appropriate liabilities for environmental matters when remedial efforts or damage claim payments are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Such liabilities are based on our best estimate of the undiscounted future costs required to complete the remedial work. The recorded liabilities are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Given the uncertainties regarding the status of laws, regulations, enforcement policies, the impact of other potentially responsible parties, technology and information related to individual sites, we do not believe it is possible to develop an estimate of the range of reasonably possible environmental loss in excess of our accruals. We expect to fund expenditures for these matters from operating cash flow. The timing of cash expenditures depends on a number of factors, including the timing of litigation and settlements of remediation liability, personal injury and property damage claims, regulatory approval of cleanup projects, remedial techniques to be utilized and agreements with other parties.
Although we do not currently possess sufficient information to reasonably estimate the amounts of liabilities to be recorded upon future completion of studies, litigation or settlements, and neither the timing nor the amount of the ultimate costs associated with environmental matters can be determined, they could be material to our consolidated results of operations or operating cash flows in the periods recognized or paid. However, considering our past experience and existing reserves, we do not expect that these environmental matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position.
In February 2005, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in the matter entitledInterfaith Community Organization, et al. v. Honeywell International Inc., et al.,that a predecessor Honeywell site located in Jersey City, New Jersey constituted an imminent and substantial endangerment and ordered Honeywell to conduct the excavation and transport for offsite disposal of approximately one million tons of chromium residue present at the site. Provisions have been made in our financial statements for the cost of implementation of the excavation and offsite removal remedy, which is expected to take place over a five-year period. The cost of implementation is expected to be incurred evenly over that period. We do not expect implementation of the remedy to have a material adverse effect on our future consolidated results of operations, operating cash flows or financial position. The site at issue is one of twenty-one sites located in Jersey City, New Jersey which are the subject of an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) entered into with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in 1993. Remedial investigations and activities consistent with the ACO are underway at the other sites (the “Honeywell ACO Sites”).
On May 3, 2005, NJDEP filed a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court against Honeywell and two other companies seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, unspecified damages, and the reimbursement of unspecified total costs relating to sites in New Jersey allegedly contaminated with chrome ore processing residue. The claims against Honeywell relate to the activities of a predecessor company which ceased its New Jersey manufacturing operations in the mid-1950s. While the complaint is not entirely clear, it appears that approximately 100 sites are at issue, including 17 of the Honeywell ACO Sites, approximately 32 sites at which the other two companies have agreed to remediate under separate administrative consent orders, as well as approximately 53 other sites (identified in the complaint as the “Publicly Funded Sites”) for which none of the three companies have signed an administrative consent order. In addition to claims specific to each company, NJDEP claims that all three companies should be collectively liable for all the chrome sites based on a “market share” theory. In addition, NJDEP is seeking treble damages for all costs it has incurred or will incur at the Publicly Funded Sites. Honeywell has previously denied responsibility for the Publicly Funded Sites. Honeywell believes that it has no connection with either the sites covered by the other companies’ administrative consent orders or the Publicly Funded Sites and, therefore, we have no responsibility for those sites. At the Honeywell ACO Sites, we are conducting remedial investigations and activities consistent with the ACO; thus, we do not believe the lawsuit will significantly change our obligations with respect to the Honeywell ACO Sites.
Although it is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of this matter, we believe that the allegations are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. We do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position. While we expect to prevail, an adverse litigation outcome could have a material adverse impact
2
on our consolidated results of operations and operating cash flows in the periods recognized or paid.
In accordance with a 1992 consent decree with the State of New York, Honeywell is studying environmental conditions in and around Onondaga Lake (the Lake) in Syracuse, New York. The purpose of the study is to identify, evaluate and propose remedial measures that can be taken to remedy historic industrial contamination in the Lake. A predecessor company to Honeywell operated a chemical plant which is alleged to have contributed mercury and other contaminants to the Lake. In July 2005, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (the DEC) issued its Record of Decision with respect to remediation of industrial contamination in the Lake.
The Record of Decision calls for a combined dredging/capping remedy generally in line with the approach recommended in the Feasibility Study submitted by Honeywell in May 2004 (the May 2004 Feasibility Study). Although the Record of Decision calls for additional remediation in certain parts of the Lake, it would not require the most extensive dredging alternatives described in the May 2004 Feasibility Study. The DEC’s aggregate cost estimate is based on the high end of the range of potential costs for major elements of the Record of Decision and includes a contingency. The actual cost of the Record of Decision will depend upon, among other things, the resolution of certain technical issues during the design phase of the remediation.
Based on currently available information and analysis performed by our engineering consultants, we have accrued for our estimated cost of implementing the remedy set forth in the Record of Decision. Our estimating process considered a range of possible outcomes and amounts recorded reflect our best estimate at this time. We do not believe that this matter will have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position. Given the scope and complexity of this project, it is possible that actual costs could exceed estimated costs by an amount that could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations and operating cash flows in the periods recognized or paid. At this time, however, we cannot identify any legal, regulatory or technical reason to conclude that a specific alternative outcome is more probable than the outcome for which we have made provisions in our financial statements.
Asbestos Matters– Like many other industrial companies, Honeywell is a defendant in personal injury actions related to asbestos. We did not mine or produce asbestos, nor did we make or sell insulation products or other construction materials that have been identified as the primary cause of asbestos related disease in the vast majority of claimants. Products containing asbestos previously manufactured by Honeywell or by previously owned subsidiaries primarily fall into two general categories; refractory products and friction products.
Refractory Products–Honeywell owned North American Refractories Company (NARCO) from 1979 to 1986. NARCO produced refractory products (high temperature bricks and cement) which were sold largely to the steel industry in the East and Midwest. Less than 2 percent of NARCO’s products contained asbestos.
When we sold the NARCO business in 1986, we agreed to indemnify NARCO with respect to personal injury claims for products that had been discontinued prior to the sale (as defined in the sale agreement). NARCO retained all liability for all other claims. NARCO had resolved approximately 176,000 claims through January 4, 2002, the date NARCO filed for
3
reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, at an average cost per claim of two thousand two hundred dollars. Of those claims, 43 percent were dismissed on the ground that there was insufficient evidence that NARCO was responsible for the claimant’s asbestos exposure. As of the date of NARCO’s bankruptcy filing, there were approximately 116,000 remaining claims pending against NARCO, including approximately 7 percent in which Honeywell was also named as a defendant based on alleged exposure to NARCO products. Since 1983, Honeywell and our insurers have contributed to the defense and settlement costs associated with NARCO claims.
As a result of the NARCO bankruptcy filing, all of the claims pending against NARCO are automatically stayed pending the reorganization of NARCO. Because the claims pending against Honeywell necessarily will impact the liabilities of NARCO, because the insurance policies held by Honeywell are essential to a successful NARCO reorganization, and because Honeywell has offered to commit the value of those policies to the reorganization, the bankruptcy court has temporarily enjoined any claims against Honeywell, current or future, related to NARCO, except one claim which is not material as to which the stay was lifted in August 2003. Although the stay has remained in effect continuously since January 4, 2002, there is no assurance that such stay will remain in effect. In connection with NARCO’s bankruptcy filing, we paid NARCO’s parent company $40 million and agreed to provide NARCO with up to $20 million in financing. We also agreed to pay $20 million to NARCO’s parent company upon the filing of a plan of reorganization for NARCO acceptable to Honeywell, and to pay NARCO’s parent company $40 million, and to forgive any outstanding NARCO indebtedness, upon the confirmation and consummation, respectively, of such a plan.
As a result of negotiations with counsel representing NARCO related asbestos claimants regarding settlement of all pending and potential NARCO related asbestos claims against Honeywell, we have reached definitive agreements with approximately 260,000 claimants, which represents in excess of 90 percent of the anticipated current claimants who are expected to file a claim as part of the NARCO reorganization process. We are also in discussions with the NARCO Committee of Asbestos Creditors and the Court-appointed legal representative for future asbestos claimants on Trust Distribution Procedures for NARCO. We believe that, as part of the NARCO plan of reorganization, a trust will be established pursuant to these Trust Distribution Procedures for the benefit of all asbestos claimants, current and future. If the trust is put in place and approved by the Court as fair and equitable, Honeywell as well as NARCO will be entitled to a permanent channeling injunction barring all present and future individual actions in state or federal courts and requiring all asbestos related claims based on exposure to NARCO products to be made against the federally-supervised trust. NARCO has deferred filing its plan of reorganization pending resolution of the bankruptcy proceedings related to one of its sister companies. We now expect the NARCO plan of reorganization and the NARCO trust to be approved by the Court later in 2005 or in early 2006. As part of its ongoing settlement negotiations, Honeywell has reached agreement in principle with the representative for future NARCO claimants and the Asbestos Claimants Committee to cap its annual contributions to the trust with respect to future claims at a level that would not have a material impact on Honeywell’s operating cash flows. Given the substantial progress of negotiations between Honeywell and NARCO related asbestos claimants and between Honeywell and the Asbestos Claimants Committee during the fourth quarter of 2002, Honeywell developed an estimated liability for settlement of pending and future asbestos claims and recorded a charge of $1.4
4
billion for NARCO related asbestos litigation charges, net of insurance recoveries. This charge consisted of the estimated liability to settle current asbestos related claims, the estimated liability related to future asbestos related claims through 2018 and obligations to NARCO’s parent, net of insurance recoveries of $1.8 billion. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we recognized a charge of approximately $52 million to reflect a settlement of certain pending asbestos claims during the period.
The estimated liability for current claims is based on terms and conditions, including evidentiary requirements, in definitive agreements with in excess of 90 percent of current claimants. Substantially all settlement payments with respect to current claims are expected to be made by the end of 2007.
The liability for future claims estimates the probable value of future asbestos related bodily injury claims expected to be asserted against NARCO through 2018 and obligations to NARCO’s parent as discussed above. The estimate is based upon the disease criteria and payment values contained in the NARCO Trust Distribution Procedures negotiated with the NARCO Asbestos Claimants Committee and the NARCO future claimants’ representative. In light of the uncertainties inherent in making long-term projections we do not believe that we have a reasonable basis for estimating asbestos claims beyond 2018 under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5. Honeywell retained the expert services of Hamilton, Rabinovitz and Alschuler, Inc. (HR&A) to project the probable number and value, including trust claim handling costs, of asbestos related future liabilities based upon historical experience with similar trusts. The methodology used to estimate the liability for future claims has been commonly accepted by numerous courts and is the same methodology that is utilized by an expert who is routinely retained by the asbestos claimants committee in asbestos related bankruptcies. The valuation methodology includes an analysis of the population likely to have been exposed to asbestos containing products, epidemiological studies to estimate the number of people likely to develop asbestos related diseases, NARCO claims filing history, the pending inventory of NARCO asbestos related claims and payment rates expected to be established by the NARCO trust.
Honeywell has approximately $1.2 billion in insurance limits remaining that reimburses it for portions of the costs incurred to settle NARCO related claims and court judgments as well as defense costs. This coverage is provided by a large number of insurance policies written by dozens of insurance companies in both the domestic insurance market and the London excess market. At June 30, 2005, a significant portion of this coverage is with insurance companies with whom we have agreements to pay full policy limits based on corresponding Honeywell claims costs. This includes agreements with a substantial majority of the London-based insurance companies entered into primarily in the first quarter of 2004. We conduct analyses to determine the amount of insurance that we estimate is probable that we will recover in relation to payment of current and projected future claims. While the substantial majority of our insurance carriers are solvent, some of our individual carriers are insolvent, which has been considered in our analysis of probable recoveries. In the second quarter of 2004, based on our ongoing evaluation of our ability to enforce our rights under the various insurance policies, we concluded that we had additional probable insurance recoveries of $47 million, net of solvency reserves, which has been reflected in insurance receivables. We made judgments concerning insurance coverage that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our historical dealings with our insurers, our
5
knowledge of any pertinent solvency issues surrounding insurers and various judicial determinations relevant to our insurance programs.
Projecting future events is subject to many uncertainties that could cause the NARCO related asbestos liabilities to be higher or lower than those projected and recorded. There is no assurance that a plan of reorganization will be proposed or confirmed, that insurance recoveries will be timely or whether there will be any NARCO related asbestos claims beyond 2018. Given the inherent uncertainty in predicting future events, we review our estimates periodically, and update them based on our experience and other relevant factors. Similarly we will reevaluate our projections concerning our probable insurance recoveries in light of any changes to the projected liability or other developments that may impact insurance recoveries.
Friction Products– Honeywell’s Bendix Friction Materials (Bendix) business manufactured automotive brake pads that contained chrysotile asbestos in an encapsulated form. There is a group of existing and potential claimants consisting largely of individuals that allege to have performed brake replacements.
From 1981 through June 30, 2005, we have resolved approximately 74,000 Bendix related asbestos claims including trials covering 120 plaintiffs, which resulted in 115 favorable verdicts. Trials covering five individuals resulted in adverse verdicts; however, two of these verdicts were reversed on appeal and the remaining three claims were settled. The following tables present information regarding Bendix related asbestos claims activity:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Years Ended | |
| | | | | December 31, | |
| | | Six Months Ended | | | |
| |
Claims Activity | | | | June 30, 2005 | | | | 2004 | | | | 2003 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Claims Unresolved at the beginning of period | | | | 76,348 | | | | | 72,976 | | | | | 50,821 | |
Claims Filed | | | | 5,158 | | | | | 10,504 | | | | | 25,765 | |
Claims Resolved | | | | (2,820 | ) | | | | (7,132 | ) | | | | (3,610 | ) |
| | |
|
| | | |
|
| | | |
|
| |
Claims Unresolved at the end of period | | | | 78,686 | | | | | 76,348 | | | | | 72,976 | |
| | |
|
| | | |
|
| | | |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | December 31, | |
| |
|
Disease Distribution of Unresolved Claims | | | | June 30, 2005 | | | | 2004 | | | | 2003 | |
| | | |
| | | | |
| | | |
| |
|
Mesothelioma and Other Cancer Claims | | | | 3,766 | | | | | 3,534 | | | | | 3,277 | |
Other Claims | | | | 74,920 | | | | | 72,814 | | | | | 69,699 | |
| | |
|
| | | | |
| | | |
|
| |
Total Claims | | | | 78,686 | | | | | 76,348 | | | | | 72,976 | |
| | |
|
| | | | |
| | | |
|
| |
Approximately 30 percent of the approximately 79,000 pending claims at June 30, 2005 are on the inactive, deferred, or similar dockets established in some jurisdictions for claimants who allege minimal or no impairment. The approximately 79,000 pending claims also include claims
6
filed in jurisdictions such as Texas, Virginia and Mississippi that historically allowed for consolidated filings. In these jurisdictions, plaintiffs were permitted to file complaints against a pre-determined master list of defendants, regardless of whether they have claims against each individual defendant. Many of these plaintiffs may not actually have claims against Honeywell. Based on state rules and prior experience in these jurisdictions, we anticipate that many of these claims will ultimately be dismissed. Honeywell has experienced average resolution values excluding legal costs as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | |
| |
| |
| | 2004 | | 2003 | | 2002 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | (in whole dollars) | |
Malignant claims | | $ | 90,000 | | $ | 95,000 | | $ | 166,000 | |
Nonmalignant claims | | $ | 1,600 | | $ | 3,500 | | $ | 1,300 | |
It is not possible to predict whether resolution values for Bendix related asbestos claims will increase, decrease or stabilize in the future.
We have accrued for the estimated cost of pending Bendix related asbestos claims. The estimate is based on the number of pending claims at June 30, 2005, disease classifications, expected settlement values and historic dismissal rates. Honeywell retained the expert services of HR&A (see discussion of HR&A under Refractory products above) to assist in developing the estimated expected settlement values and historic dismissal rates. HR&A updates expected settlement values for pending claims during the second quarter each year. Such update resulted in a reduction in the Bendix related net asbestos liability of $70 million during the three months ended June 30, 2005. We cannot reasonably estimate losses which could arise from future Bendix related asbestos claims because we cannot predict how many additional claims may be brought against us, the allegations in such claims or their probable outcomes and resulting settlement values in the tort system.
Honeywell currently has approximately $1.9 billion of insurance coverage remaining with respect to pending and potential future Bendix related asbestos claims. This coverage is provided by a large number of insurance policies written by dozens of insurance companies in both the domestic insurance market and the London excess market. Insurance receivables are recorded in the financial statements simultaneous with the recording of the liability for the estimated value of the underlying asbestos claims. The amount of the insurance receivable recorded is based on our ongoing analysis of the insurance that we estimate is probable of recovery. This determination is based on our analysis of the underlying insurance policies, our historical experience with our insurers, our ongoing review of the solvency of our insurers, our interpretation of judicial determinations relevant to our insurance programs, and our consideration of the impacts of any settlements reached with our insurers. Insurance receivables are also recorded when structured insurance settlements provide for future fixed payment streams that are not contingent upon future claims or other events. Such amounts are recorded at the net present value of the fixed payment stream.
During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we entered into a structured insurance settlement which converted policies into future fixed, non-contingent payment streams, resulting in a gain of approximately $160 million. Additionally, during the six months ended June 30,
7
2005, we recognized charges of approximately $131 million for write-offs of certain amounts due from insurance carriers. At June 30, 2005, we had amounts receivable from our insurers of approximately $375 million representing probable reimbursements associated with our liability for pending claims and previously settled and paid claims, and for amounts due under negotiated fixed payment streams.
On a cumulative historical basis, Honeywell has recorded insurance receivables equal to approximately 50 percent of the value of the underlying asbestos claims recorded. However, because there are gaps in our coverage due to insurance company insolvencies, certain uninsured periods, and insurance settlements, this rate is expected to decline for any future Bendix related asbestos liabilities that may be recorded. Future recoverability rates may also be impacted by numerous other factors, such as future insurance settlements, insolvencies and judicial determinations relevant to our coverage program, which are difficult to predict. Assuming continued defense and indemnity spending at current levels, we estimate that the cumulative recoverability rate could decline over the next five years to approximately 40 percent.
Honeywell believes it has sufficient insurance coverage and reserves to cover all pending Bendix related asbestos claims. Although it is impossible to predict the outcome of pending claims or to reasonably estimate losses which could arise from future Bendix related asbestos claims, we do not believe that such claims would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position in light of our insurance coverage and our prior experience in resolving such claims. If the rate and types of claims filed, the average indemnity cost of such claims and the period of time over which claim settlements are paid (collectively, the “Variable Claims Factors”) do not substantially change, Honeywell would not expect future Bendix related asbestos claims to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or operating cash flows in any fiscal year. No assurances can be given, however, that the Variable Claims Factors will not substantially change.
Refractory and Friction Products – NARCO and Bendix asbestos related balances are included in the following balance sheet accounts:
| | | | | | | |
| | June 30, 2005 | | December 31, 2004 | |
| |
| |
| |
Other current assets | | $ | 203 | | $ | 150 | |
Insurance recoveries for asbestos related liabilities | | | 1,299 | | | 1,412 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | $ | 1,502 | | $ | 1,562 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | |
Accrued liabilities | | $ | 695 | | $ | 744 | |
Asbestos related liabilities | | | 1,823 | | | 2,006 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | $ | 2,518 | | $ | 2,750 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
During the six months ended June 30, 2005, we paid $280 million in indemnity and defense costs related to NARCO and Bendix claims and received $99 million of asbestos related insurance recoveries. We also recognized a charge of $84 million for Bendix related asbestos claims filed and defense costs incurred during the first six months of 2005, net of probable insurance recoveries. The asbestos related charge also included the net effect of a settlement of
8
certain NARCO related pending asbestos claims, a Bendix related structured insurance settlement and write-offs of certain Bendix related insurance receivables. Additionally, we reduced the Bendix related net asbestos liability by $70 million related to an update of expected resolution values with respect to claims pending as of June 30, 2005.
We are monitoring proposals for federal asbestos legislation pending in the United States Congress. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed legislation, it is not possible at this point in time to determine what impact such legislation would have on the NARCO bankruptcy strategy or our asbestos liabilities and related insurance recoveries.
The Company’s SEC filings are available free of charge on our website,www.honeywell.com, under the heading “Investor Relations” (see “SEC Filings”).
9
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT A-1 - FORM OF
PROMISSORY NOTE
Dated: _______________, 200_
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, [NAME OF BORROWER], a _________________________ corporation (the “Borrower”), HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY to the order of _________________________ (the “Lender”) for the account of its Applicable Lending Office on the Termination Date (each as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) the aggregate principal amount of the Advances made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2005 among Honeywell International Inc., the other Borrowers parties thereto, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined) outstanding on such date.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are specified in the Credit Agreement.
Both principal and interest in respect of each Advance (i) in US Dollars are payable in such currency at the Agent’s Account in same day funds and (ii) in Canadian Dollars are payable in such currency at the Agent’s Account in same day funds. Each Advance owing to the Lender by the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and all payments made on account of principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender and, prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed on the grid attached hereto which is part of this Promissory Note.
This Promissory Note is one of the Notes referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement, among other things, (i) provides for the making of Advances by the Lender to the Borrower from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Canadian Dollar amount first above mentioned or the Equivalent thereof in US Dollars, the indebtedness of the Borrower resulting from each such Advance being evidenced by this Promissory Note, (ii) contains provisions for determining the Canadian Dollar Equivalent of Advances denominated in US Dollars and (iii) contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayments on account of principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions therein specified.
The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any rights hereunder on the part of the holder hereof shall operate as a waiver of such rights.
This promissory note shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
| | |
| [NAME OF BORROWER] |
| | |
| By | |
| |
|
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
2
ADVANCES AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
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3
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT A-2 - FORM OF DRAFT
| |
| DUE_________________ No. BA _____ |
| [Toronto, Canada] |
| __________________, 20__ |
ON________________________________________, (WITHOUT GRACE), FOR VALUE RECEIVED PAY TO THE ORDER OF THE UNDERSIGNED DRAWER THE SUM OF CN$__________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________ CANADIAN DOLLARS
TO: [NAME OF BANK]
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT B-1 - FORM OF NOTICE OF
BORROWING
| |
Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent | |
for the Lenders parties | |
to the Credit Agreement | |
referred to below | |
[Address] | [Date] |
Attention:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, [Name of Borrower], refers to the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2005 (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Honeywell International Inc., the undersigned, the other Borrowers parties thereto, certain Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent for said Lenders, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “Proposed Borrowing”) as required by Section 2.02(a) of the Credit Agreement:
| |
| (i) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is _______________. |
| |
| (ii) The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Borrowing is [Base Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances]. |
| |
| (iii) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is [US$_______________] [CN$__________]. |
| |
| [(iv) The initial Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is _____ month[s].] |
The undersigned hereby certifies that the conditions precedent to this Borrowing set forth in Section 3.02 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied and the applicable statements contained therein are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Borrowing.
| | |
| Very truly yours, |
| | |
| [NAME OF BORROWER] |
| | |
| By | |
| |
|
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
2
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT B-2 - FORM OF NOTICE OF DRAWING
| |
Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent | |
for the Lenders parties | |
to the Credit Agreement | |
referred to below | |
[Address] | [Date] |
Attention:
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, [Name of Borrower], refers to the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2005 (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Honeywell International Inc., the undersigned, the other Borrowers parties thereto, certain Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent for said Lenders, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Drawing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Drawing (the “Proposed Drawing”) as required by Section 2.03(a) of the Credit Agreement:
| |
| (i) The Business Day of the Proposed Drawing is ___________, 200_. |
| |
| (ii) The aggregate Face Amount of the Proposed Drawing is CN$__________. |
| |
| (iii) The initial Maturity Date for each Bankers’ Acceptance comprising part of the Proposed Drawing is [thirty][[sixty][ninety][one hundred and eighty] days from the date of the Drawing. |
The undersigned hereby certifies that the conditions precedent to this Borrowing set forth in Section 3.02 of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied and the applicable statements contained therein are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Drawing.
| | |
| Very truly yours, |
| | |
| [NAME OF BORROWER] |
| | |
| By: | |
| |
|
| | Title: |
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT C - FORM OF
ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
Dated: _____________
Reference is made to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2005 (as amended or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Honeywell International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Borrowers parties thereto, the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as agent (the “Agent”) for the Lenders. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning.
____________ (the “Assignor”) and ____________ (the “Assignee”) agree as follows:
1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, an interest in and to the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof equal to the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 hereto of the outstanding rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement set forth on Schedule 1 hereto. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment and the amount of the Advances in each relevant currency owing to the Assignee will be as set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.
2. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of, or the perfection or priority of any lien or security interest created or purported to be created under or in connection with, the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Company or any Borrower or the performance or observance by the Company or any Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; [and (iv) attaches the Note held by the Assignor and requests that the Agent obtain from each Borrower a new Note payable to the order of the Assignee with respect to the aggregate principal amount of the Advances assumed by such Assignee pursuant hereto, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 to the Credit Agreement].
3. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(e) thereof 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 Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the 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 Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers and discretion under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and (vi) attaches any U.S. Internal Revenue Service forms required under Section 2.14 of the Credit Agreement.
4. Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent. The effective date for this Assignment and Acceptance (the “Effective Date”) shall be the date of acceptance hereof by the Agent, unless otherwise specified on Schedule 1 hereto.
5. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement, provided, however, that the Assignor’s rights under Sections 2.10, 2.14 and 9.04 of the Credit Agreement, and its obligations under Section 8.05 of the Credit Agreement, shall survive the assignment pursuant to this Assignment and Acceptance as to matters occurring prior to the Effective Date.
6. Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, from and after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and facility fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and any Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.
7. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
8. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of Schedule 1 to this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Acceptance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor and the Assignee have caused Schedule 1 to this Assignment and Acceptance to be executed by their officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date specified thereon.
2
Schedule 1
to
Assignment and Acceptance
Dated: ______________
| | |
Section 1. | |
| | |
| Percentage interest assigned: | _____% |
| | |
| Assignee’s Commitment: | US$_____ |
| | |
Section 2. | |
| | |
(a) Assigned Advances | |
| |
| Aggregate outstanding principal amount of | |
| Advances in US Dollars assigned: | US$_____ |
| | |
| Aggregate outstanding principal amount of | |
| Advances in Canadian Dollars assigned: | CN$_____ |
| | |
(b) Retained Advances | |
| |
| Aggregate outstanding principal amount of | |
| Advances in US Dollars retained: | US$_____ |
| | |
| Aggregate outstanding principal amount of | |
| Advances in Canadian Dollars retained: | CN$_____ |
| | |
| Effective Date1: _______________ | |
| | |
| [NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor |
| | |
| By | |
|
|
|
| | Title: |
| | |
| Dated: | |
| |
|
| | |
| [NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee |
| |
| By | |
|
|
|
| | Title: |
| |
1 | This date should be no earlier than five Business Days after the delivery of this Assignment and Acceptance to the Agent. |
3
| | |
| Dated: | |
| |
|
| | |
| Domestic Lending Office: |
| [Address] |
| | |
| Eurodollar Lending Office: |
| [Address] |
Consented to this __________ day
of _______________
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
4
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT D - FORM OF OPINION
OF GAIL E. LEHMAN,
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY
|
To each of the Lenders parties |
to the Credit Agreement |
(as defined below), |
and to Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, |
as Agent for said Lenders |
Honeywell International Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.01(e)(iv) of the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2005 among Honeywell International Inc. (the “Company”), the Borrowers parties thereto, the Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent for said Lenders (the “Credit Agreement”). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are, unless otherwise defined herein, used herein as therein defined.
I have acted as counsel for the Company and the Borrowers in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement.
In that connection I have examined:
| |
| (1) The Credit Agreement. |
| |
| (2) The documents furnished by the Company pursuant to Article III of the Credit Agreement, including the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company and all amendments thereto (the “Charter”) and the By-laws of the Company and all amendments thereto (the “By-laws”). |
| |
| (3) A certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, dated August 31, 2005, attesting to the continued corporate existence and good standing of the Company in that State. |
I have also examined the originals, or copies certified to my satisfaction, of such corporate records of the Company (including resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company), certificates of public officials and of officers of the Company, and agreements, instruments and documents, as I have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me, relied upon certificates of the Company or its officers or of public officials. I have assumed the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by the Borrowers, the Initial Lenders and the Agent.
I am qualified to practice law in the State of New Jersey, and I do not purport to be expert in, or to express any opinion herein concerning, any laws other than the laws of the State of New Jersey, State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and the Federal laws of the United States.
Based upon the foregoing and upon such investigation as I have deemed necessary, I am of the following opinion:
| |
| 1. The Company (a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, (b) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation in each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases property or in which the conduct of its business requires it to so qualify or be licensed and (c) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted. |
| |
| 2. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Credit Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, are within the Company’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not (i) contravene the Charter or the By-laws or (ii) violate any law (including, without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Chapter of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970), rule, regulation (including, without limitation, Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or any material order, writ, judgment, decree, determination or award or (iii) conflict with or result in the breach of, or constitute a default under, any material indenture, loan or credit agreement, lease, mortgage, security agreement, bond, note or any similar document. The Credit Agreement and the Notes of the Company have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company. |
| |
| 3. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of the Credit Agreement and the Notes of each Borrower, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby do not violate any law (including, without limitation, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Chapter of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970), rule, regulation (including, without limitation, Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or any material order, writ, judgment, decree, determination or award. |
| |
| 4. No authorization, approval, or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority, administrative agency or regulatory body, or any third party is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Company or any Borrower of the Credit Agreement or the Notes of the Borrowers, or for the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. |
| |
| 5. The Credit Agreement is, and each Note of each Borrower when delivered under the Credit Agreement will be, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and each Borrower enforceable against the Company and each Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or moratorium or other similar laws relating to the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and except that I express no opinion as to (i) the subject matter jurisdiction of the District Courts of the United States of America to adjudicate any controversy relating to the Credit Agreement or the Notes of the |
2
| |
| Borrowers or (ii) the effect of the law of any jurisdiction (other than the State of New York) wherein any Lender or Applicable Lending Office may be located or wherein enforcement of the Credit Agreement or the Notes of the Borrowers may be sought which limits rates of interest which may be charged or collected by such Lender. |
| |
| 6. There is no action, suit, investigation, litigation or proceeding against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator now pending or, to the best of my knowledge, Threatened that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Litigation) or that purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any Note of the Borrowers or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and there has been no adverse change in the status, or financial effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, of the Disclosed Litigation from that described on Schedule 3.01(b) of the Credit Agreement. |
| |
| 7. The Company is not an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
| |
| 8. The Company is not a “holding company” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended. |
In connection with the opinions expressed by me above in paragraph 5, I wish to point out that (i) provisions of the Credit Agreement that permit the Agent or any Lender to take action or make determinations may be subject to a requirement that such action be taken or such determinations be made on a reasonable basis and in good faith, (ii) that a party to whom an advance is owed may, under certain circumstances, be called upon to prove the outstanding amount of the Advances evidenced thereby and (iii) the rights of the Agent and the Lenders provided for in Section 9.04(b) of the Credit Agreement may be limited in certain circumstances.
| |
| Very truly yours, |
| |
| Gail E. Lehman |
| Assistant General Counsel & |
| Assistant Secretary |
3
Exhibit 10.24
EXHIBIT E - FORM OF OPINION
OF GAIL E. LEHMAN,
ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE BORROWERS
September 9, 2005
|
To each of the Lenders parties |
to the Credit Agreement |
(as defined below), |
and to Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, |
as Agent for said Lenders |
Honeywell International Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.01(e)(v) of the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of September 9, 2005 among Honeywell International Inc. (the “Company”), Honeywell ASCA Inc. (“ASCA”), Honeywell Limited/Honeywell Limitee, (“Limited”) And Honeywell Aerospatiale Inc. (“Aerospatiale”, and together with ASCA and Limited, the “Borrowers”),parties thereto, the Lenders parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent for said Lenders (the “Credit Agreement”). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are, unless otherwise defined herein, used herein as therein defined.
I have acted as counsel for the Borrowers in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement.
In that connection I have examined:
| |
| (1) The Credit Agreement. |
| |
| (2) The documents furnished by each Borrower pursuant to Article III of the Credit Agreement, including the Certificate of Incorporation of each Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “Charter”) and the By-laws of each Borrower and all amendments thereto (the “By-laws”). |
| |
| (3) A Certificate of Compliance dated September 7, 2005, attesting to the continued corporate existence and good standing of ASCA in that jurisdiction. |
| |
| (4) A Certificate of Compliance dated September 7, 2005, attesting to the continued corporate existence and good standing of Limited in that jurisdiction. |
| |
| (5) A Certificate of Compliance dated September 7, 2005, attesting to the continued corporate existence and good standing of Aerospatiale in that jurisdiction. |
I have also examined the originals, or copies certified to my satisfaction, of such corporate records of each Borrower (including resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of such Borrower), certificates of public officials and of officers of the Borrowers, and agreements, instruments and documents, as I have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. As to questions of fact material to such opinions, I have, when relevant facts were not independently established by me, relied upon certificates of the Company or its officers or of public officials. I have assumed the due execution and delivery, pursuant to due authorization, of the Credit Agreement by the Company, the Initial Lenders and the Agent.
I am qualified to practice law in the State of New Jersey and have conferred with counsel qualified in Canada. I do not purport to be expert in, or to express any opinion herein concerning, any laws other than the laws of the State of New Jersey, and after due inquiry, and the Federal laws of Canada.
Based upon the foregoing and upon such investigation as I have deemed necessary, I am of the following opinion:
| |
| 1. Each Borrower (a) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, (b) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation in each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases property or in which the conduct of its business requires it to so qualify or be licensed and (c) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own or lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted. |
| |
| 2. The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of the Credit Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, are within such Borrower’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not (i) contravene the Charter or the By-laws of such Borrower or (ii) violate any law, rule, regulation (including, without limitation, Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or any material order, writ, judgment, decree, determination or award or (iii) conflict with or result in the breach of, or constitute a default under, any material indenture, loan or credit agreement, lease, mortgage, security agreement, bond, note or any similar document. The Credit Agreement and the Notes of each Borrower have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Borrower. |
| |
| 4. No authorization, approval, or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority, administrative agency or regulatory body, or any third party is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Company or any Borrower of the Credit Agreement or the Notes of the Borrowers, or for the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. |
| |
| 5. An action to enforce the Credit Agreement and the Notes against each Borrower could be commenced by a Lender in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Province of Ontario (an “Ontario Court”) in which event an Ontario Court would recognize the choice of New York law as a valid choice of law to govern the Credit Agreement and the Notes and would apply New |
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| |
| York law to all issues that an Ontario Court characterized as substantive under the conflict of laws’ rules of Ontario law. |
| |
| 6. Any judgment (a “New York Judgment”) obtained by a Lender against a Borrower in any action taken in the courts of the State of New York (the “New York Court”) to enforce a payment obligation of such Borrower under the Credit Agreement or the Notes would be recognized and enforced by an Ontario Court in a separate Ontario action without re-examination of the merits of the New York Judgment. |
| |
| 7. The express submission by each Borrower to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of a New York Court contained in Section 9.11 of the Credit Agreement would be regarded by an Ontario Court as sufficient under Ontario law to grant personal jurisdiction over such Borrower to a New York Court. |
| |
| Very truly yours, |
| |
| Gail E. Lehman |
| Assistant General Counsel & |
| Assistant Secretary |
3
EXHIBIT F - FORM OF OPINION
OF SHEARMAN & STERLING LLP,
COUNSEL TO THE AGENT
[S&S LETTERHEAD]
__________ __, 2005
To the Initial Lenders party to the Credit
Agreement referred to below and to
Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent
Honeywell International Inc.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch, as Agent (the “Agent”), in connection with the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2005 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Honeywell International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the borrowers parties thereto and each of you. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.
In that connection, we have reviewed originals or copies of the following documents:
| | |
| (a) | The Credit Agreement. |
| | |
| (b) | The Notes executed by the Borrowers and delivered on the date hereof. |
The documents described in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) are collectively referred to herein as the “Opinion Documents.” The Company and the Borrowers are collectively referred to herein as the “Loan Parties”.
We have also reviewed originals or copies of such other agreements and documents as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinion expressed below.
In our review of the Opinion Documents and other documents, we have assumed:
| | | |
| | (A) | The genuineness of all signatures. |
| | | |
| | (B) | The authenticity of the originals of the documents submitted to us. |
| | | |
| | (C) | The conformity to authentic originals of any documents submitted to us as copies. |
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| | | | | |
| | (D) | As to matters of fact, the truthfulness of the representations made in the Credit Agreement. |
| | | | | |
| | (E) | That each of the Opinion Documents is the legal, valid and binding obligation of each party thereto, other than the Loan Parties, enforceable against each such party in accordance with its terms. |
| | | | | |
| | (F) | That: |
| | | | | |
| | (1) Each Loan Party is an entity duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. |
| | | | | |
| | (2) Each Loan Party has full power to execute, deliver and perform, and has duly executed and delivered, the Opinion Documents to which it is a party. |
| | | | | |
| | (3) The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Opinion Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action (corporate or otherwise) and do not: |
| | | | | |
| | | (a) contravene its certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents; |
| | | | | |
| | | (b) except with respect to Generally Applicable Law, violate any law, rule or regulation applicable to it; or |
| | | | | |
| | | (c) result in any conflict with or breach of any agreement or document binding on it. |
| | | | | |
| | (4) Except with respect to Generally Applicable Law, no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body or (to the extent the same is required under any agreement or document binding on it of which an addressee hereof has knowledge, has received notice or has reason to know) any other third party is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by any Loan Party of any Opinion Document to which it is a party or, if any such authorization, approval, action, notice or filing is required, it has been duly obtained, taken, given or made and is in full force and effect. |
We have not independently established the validity of the foregoing assumptions.
“Generally Applicable Law” means the federal law of the United States of America, and the law of the State of New York (including the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder or pursuant thereto), that a New York lawyer exercising customary professional diligence would reasonably be expected to recognize as being applicable to the Loan Parties, the Opinion Documents or the transactions governed by the Opinion Documents. Without limiting
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the generality of the foregoing definition of Generally Applicable Law, the term “Generally Applicable Law” does not include any law, rule or regulation that is applicable to the Loan Parties, the Opinion Documents or such transactions solely because such law, rule or regulation is part of a regulatory regime applicable to any party to any of the Opinion Documents or any of its affiliates due to the specific assets or business of such party or such affiliate.
Based upon the foregoing and upon such other investigation as we have deemed necessary and subject to the qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that each Opinion Document is the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Loan Party that is a party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms.
Our opinion expressed above is subject to the following qualifications:
(a) Our opinion is subject to (i) the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally (including without limitation all laws relating to fraudulent transfers) and (ii) possible judicial action giving effect to governmental actions or foreign laws affecting creditors’ rights.
| | |
| (b) Our opinion is subject to the effect of general principles of equity, including without limitation concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law). |
| | |
| (c) We express no opinion with respect to the enforceability of indemnification provisions, or of release or exculpation provisions, contained in the Opinion Documents to the extent that enforcement thereof is contrary to public policy regarding the indemnification against or release or exculpation of criminal violations, intentional harm or violations of securities laws. |
| | |
| (d) We express no opinion with respect to the enforceability of any indemnity against loss in converting into a specified currency the proceeds or amount of a court judgment in another currency. |
| | |
| (e) Our opinion is limited to Generally Applicable Law. |
A copy of this opinion letter may be delivered by any of you to any person that becomes a Lender in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. Any such person may rely on the opinion expressed above as if this opinion letter were addressed and delivered to such person on the date hereof.
This opinion letter is rendered to you in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Opinion Documents. This opinion letter may not be relied upon by you or any person entitled to rely on this opinion pursuant to the preceding paragraph for any other purpose without our prior written consent.
This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof. We expressly disclaim any responsibility to advise you of any development or circumstance of any kind, including any
6
change of law or fact, that may occur after the date of this opinion letter that might affect the opinion expressed herein.
Very truly yours,
WEH:SLH
7
Exhibit 10.24
EXECUTION COPY
CN$240,000,000
364-DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of September 9, 2005
Among
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.,
asCompany,
HONEYWELL ASCA INC.
HONEYWELL LIMITED/HONEYWELL LIMITEE
and
HONEYWELL AEROSPATIALE INC.
asBorrowers,
THE INITIAL LENDERS NAMED HEREIN,
asInitialLenders,
and
CITIBANK, N.A., CANADIAN BRANCH,
asAdministrative Agent
and
and
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
asJointLead Arrangers and Co-Book Managers
| | | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| | | |
| | Page |
| | |
ARTICLE I | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms | 1 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 1.02.Computation of Time Periods | 16 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 1.03.Accounting Terms | 16 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE II | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.01.The Advances | 16 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.02.Making the Advances | 17 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.03.Drawings of Bankers’ Acceptances | 18 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.04.Fees | 21 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.05. Termination or Reduction of the Commitments | 21 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.06.Repayment of Advances | 22 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.07.Interest on Advances | 23 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.08.Interest Rate Determination | 23 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.09.Prepayments of Advances | 25 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.10.Increased Costs | 26 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.11.Illegality | 27 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.12.Renewal and Conversion of Bankers’ Acceptances | 28 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.13.Payments and Computations | 29 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.14.Taxes | 31 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.15.Sharing of Payments, Etc. | 33 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.16.Use of Proceeds | 33 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 2.17.Evidence of Debt | 33 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE III | | |
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| | | |
| SECTION 3.01.Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of Section 2.01 | 34 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 3.02.Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing, Drawing and Term Loan Conversion Date | 35 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 3.03.Determinations Under Section 3.01 | 36 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE IV | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 4.01.Representations and Warranties of the Company and the Borrowers | 36 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE V | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 5.01.Affirmative Covenants | 39 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 5.02.Negative Covenants | 42 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE VI | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 6.01.Events of Default | 44 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 6.02.Actions in Respect of Bankers’ Acceptances upon Default | 47 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE VII | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.01.Unconditional Guarantee | 48 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.02.Guarantee Absolute | 48 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.03.Waivers | 49 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.04.Remedies | 49 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.05.No Stay | 50 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 7.06.Survival | 50 | |
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ARTICLE VIII | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.01.Authorization and Action | 50 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.02.Agent’s Reliance, Etc. | 50 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.03.Citibank and Affiliates | 51 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.04.Lender Credit Decision | 51 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.05.Indemnification | 51 | |
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| | | |
| SECTION 8.06.Successor Agent | 52 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 8.07.Other Agents | 52 | |
| | | |
ARTICLE IX | | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.01.Amendments, Etc. | 53 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.02.Notices, Etc. | 53 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.03.No Waiver; Remedies | 54 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.04.Costs and Expenses | 54 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.05.Binding Effect | 55 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.06.Assignments and Participations | 56 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.07.Confidentiality | 58 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.08.Mitigation of Yield Protection | 59 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.09.Governing Law. | 59 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.10.Execution in Counterparts | 59 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.11.Jurisdiction, Etc. | 59 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.12.Final Agreement | 60 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.13.Judgment | 60 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.14.Patriot Act Notice | 61 | |
| | | |
| SECTION 9.15.Waiver of Jury Trial | 62 | |
iii
SCHEDULES
Schedule I - List of Applicable Lending Offices
Schedule 3.01(b) - Disclosed Litigation
EXHIBITS
| | |
Exhibit A-1 | - | Form of Note |
| | |
Exhibit A-2 | - | Form of Draft |
| | |
Exhibit B-1 | - | Form of Notice of Borrowing |
| | |
Exhibit B-2 | - | Form of Notice of Drawing |
| | |
Exhibit C | - | Form of Assignment and Acceptance |
| | |
Exhibit D | - | Form of Opinion of Gail E. Lehman, Assistant General Counsel of the Company |
| | |
Exhibit E | - | Form of Opinion of Gail E. Lehman, Assistant General Counsel of the Borrowers |
| | |
Exhibit F | - | Form of Opinion of Shearman & Sterling LLP, Counsel to the Agent |
iv