EXHIBIT 10.33
(MULTICURRENCY--CROSS BORDER)
ISDA(R)
International Swap Dealers Association, Inc.
MASTER AGREEMENT
dated as of JANUARY 23, 1998
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK) and GROUP 1
AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
have entered and/or anticipate entering into one or more transactions (each a
"Transaction") that are or will be governed by this Master Agreement, which
includes the schedule (the "Schedule"), and the documents and other confirming
evidence (each a "Confirmation") exchanged between the parties confirming those
Transactions.
Accordingly, the parties agree as follows:--
1. INTERPRETATION
(a) DEFINITIONS. The terms defined in Section 14 and in the Schedule will have
the meanings therein specified for the purpose of this Master Agreement.
(b) INCONSISTENCY. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of
the Schedule and the other provisions of this Master Agreement, the Schedule
will prevail. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of any
Confirmation and this Master Agreement (including the Schedule), such
Confirmation will prevail for the purpose of the relevant Transaction.
(c) SINGLE AGREEMENT. All Transactions are entered into in reliance on the fact
that this Master Agreement and all Confirmations form a single agreement between
the parties (collectively referred to as this "Agreement"), and the parties
would not otherwise enter into any Transactions.
2. OBLIGATIONS
(a) GENERAL CONDITIONS.
(i) Each party will make each payment or delivery specified in each
Confirmation to be made by it, subject to the other provisions of this
Agreement.
(ii) Payments under this Agreement will be made on the due date for
value on that date in the place of the account specified in the
relevant Confirmation or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement, in
freely transferable funds and in the manner customary for payments in
the required currency. Where settlement is by delivery (that is, other
than by payment), such delivery will be made for receipt on the due
date in the manner customary for the relevant obligation unless
otherwise specified in the relevant Confirmation or elsewhere in this
Agreement.
(iii) Each obligation of each party under Section 2(a)(i) is subject to
(1) the condition precedent that no Event of Default or Potential Event
of Default with respect to the other party has occurred and is
continuing, (2) the condition precedent that no Early Termination Date
in respect of the relevant Transaction has occurred or been effectively
designated and (3) each other applicable condition precedent specified
in this Agreement.
Copyright (C) 1992 by International Swap Dealers Association, Inc.
(b) CHANGE OF ACCOUNT. Either party may change its account for receiving a
payment or delivery by giving notice to the other party at least five Local
Business Days prior to the scheduled date for the payment or delivery to which
such change applies unless such other party gives timely notice of a reasonable
objection to such change.
(c) NETTING. If on any date amounts would otherwise be payable:--
(i) in the same currency; and
(ii) in respect of the same Transaction,
by each party to the other, then, on such date, each party's obligation to make
payment of any such amount will be automatically satisfied and discharged and,
if the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by one party
exceeds the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been payable by the other
party, replaced by an obligation upon the party by whom the larger aggregate
amount would have been payable to pay to the other party the excess of the
larger aggregate amount over the smaller aggregate amount.
The parties may elect in respect of two or more Transactions that a net amount
will be determined in respect of all amounts payable on the same date in the
same currency in respect of such Transactions, regardless of whether such
amounts are payable in respect of the same Transaction. The election may be made
in the Schedule or a Confirmation by specifying that subparagraph (ii) above
will not apply to the Transactions identified as being subject to the election,
together with the starting date (in which case subparagraph (ii) above will not,
or will cease to, apply to such Transactions from such date). This election may
be made separately for different groups of Transactions and will apply
separately to each pairing of Offices through which the parties make and receive
payments or deliveries.
(d) DEDUCTION OR WITHHOLDING FOR TAX.
(i) GROSS-UP. All payments under this Agreement will be made without
any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax unless such
deduction or withholding is required by any applicable law, as modified
by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, then in
effect. If a party is so required to deduct or withhold, then that
party ("X") will:--
(1) promptly notify the other party ("Y") of such requirement;
(2) pay to the relevant authorities the full amount required to be
deducted or withheld (including the full amount required to be
deducted or withheld from any additional amount paid by X to Y
under this Section 2(d)) promptly upon the earlier of determining
that such deduction or withholding is required or receiving notice
that such amount has been assessed against Y;
(3) promptly forward to Y an official receipt (or a certified
copy), or other documentation reasonably acceptable to Y,
evidencing such payment to such authorities; and
(4) if such Tax is an Indemnifiable Tax, pay to Y, in addition to
the payment to which Y is otherwise entitled under this Agreement,
such additional amount as is necessary to ensure that the net
amount actually received by Y (free and clear of Indemnifiable
Taxes, whether assessed against X or Y) will equal the full amount
Y would have received had no such deduction or withholding been
required. However, X will not be required to pay any additional
amount to Y to the extent that it would not be required to be paid
but for:--
(A) the failure by Y to comply with or perform any agreement
contained in Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d); or
(B) the failure of a representation made by Y pursuant to
Section 3(f) to be accurate and true unless such failure
would not have occurred but for (I) any action taken by a
taxing authority, or brought in a court of competent
jurisdiction, on or after the date on which a Transaction is
entered into (regardless of whether such action is taken or
brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (II) a
Change in Tax Law.
ISDA(R)1992
2
(ii) LIABILITY. If:--
(1) X is required by any applicable law, as modified by the
practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, to make
any deduction or withholding in respect of which X would not be
required to pay an additional amount to Y under Section
2(d)(i)(4);
(2) X does not so deduct or withhold; and
(3) a liability resulting from such Tax is assessed directly
against X,
then, except to the extent Y has satisfied or then satisfies the
liability resulting from such Tax, Y will promptly pay to X the amount
of such liability (including any related liability for interest, but
including any related liability for penalties only if Y has failed to
comply with or perform any agreement contained in Section 4(a)(i),
4(a)(iii) or 4(d)).
(e) DEFAULT INTEREST; OTHER AMOUNTS. Prior to the occurrence or effective
designation of an Early Termination Date in respect of the relevant Transaction,
a party that defaults in the performance of any payment obligation will, to the
extent permitted by law and subject to Section 6(c), be required to pay interest
(before as well as after judgment) on the overdue amount to the other party on
demand in the same currency as such overdue amount, for the period from (and
including) the original due date for payment to (but excluding) the date of
actual payment, at the Default Rate. Such interest will be calculated on the
basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days elapsed. If, prior to
the occurrence or effective designation of an Early Termination Date in respect
of the relevant Transaction, a party defaults in the performance of any
obligation required to be settled by delivery, it will compensate the other
party on demand if and to the extent provided for in the relevant Confirmation
or elsewhere in this Agreement.
3. REPRESENTATIONS
Each party represents to the other party (which representations will be deemed
to be repeated by each party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into
and, in the case of the representations in Section 3(f), at all times until the
termination of this Agreement) that:--
(a) BASIC REPRESENTATIONS.
(i) STATUS. It is duly organised and validly existing under the laws of
the jurisdiction of its organisation or incorporation and, if relevant
under such laws, in good standing;
(ii) POWERS. It has the power to execute this Agreement and any other
documentation relating to this Agreement to which it is a party, to
deliver this Agreement and any other documentation relating to this
Agreement that it is required by this Agreement to deliver and to
perform its obligations under this Agreement and any obligations it has
under any Credit Support Document to which it is a party and has taken
all necessary action to authorise such execution, delivery and
performance;
(iii) NO VIOLATION OR CONFLICT. Such execution, delivery and
performance do not violate or conflict with any law applicable to it,
any provision of its constitutional documents, any order or judgment of
any court or other agency of government applicable to it or any of its
assets or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting it or any
of its assets;
(iv) CONSENTS. All governmental and other consents that are required to
have been obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party have been obtained and are in
full force and effect and all conditions of any such consents have been
complied with; and
(v) OBLIGATIONS BINDING. Its obligations under this Agreement and any
Credit Support Document to which it is a party constitute its legal,
valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganisation,
insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally and subject, as to enforceability, to equitable principles of
general application (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a
proceeding in equity or at law)).
ISDA(R)1992
3
(b) ABSENCE OF CERTAIN EVENTS. No Event of Default or Potential Event of Default
or, to its knowledge, Termination Event with respect to it has occurred and is
continuing and no such event or circumstance would occur as a result of its
entering into or performing its obligations under this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party.
(c) ABSENCE OF LITIGATION. There is not pending or, to its knowledge, threatened
against it or any of its Affiliates any action, suit or proceeding at law or in
equity or before any court, tribunal, governmental body, agency or official or
any arbitrator that is likely to affect the legality, validity or enforceability
against it of this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a
party or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or such
Credit Support Document.
(d) ACCURACY OF SPECIFIED INFORMATION. All applicable information that is
furnished in writing by or on behalf of it to the other party and is identified
for the purpose of this Section 3(d) in the Schedule is, as of the date of the
information, true, accurate and complete in every material respect.
(e) PAYER TAX REPRESENTATION. Each representation specified in the Schedule as
being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(e) is accurate and true.
(f) PAYEE TAX REPRESENTATIONS. Each representation specified in the Schedule as
being made by it for the purpose of this Section 3(f) is accurate and true.
4. AGREEMENTS
Each party agrees with the other that, so long as either party has or may have
any obligation under this Agreement or under any Credit Support Document to
which it is a party:--
(a) FURNISH SPECIFIED INFORMATION. It will deliver to the other party or, in
certain cases under subparagraph (iii) below, to such government or taxing
authority as the other party reasonably directs:--
(i) any forms, documents or certificates relating to taxation specified
in the Schedule or any Confirmation;
(ii) any other documents specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation;
and
(iii) upon reasonable demand by such other party, any form or document
that may be required or reasonably requested in writing in order to
allow such other party or its Credit Support Provider to make a payment
under this Agreement or any applicable Credit Support Document without
any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax or with such
deduction or withholding at a reduced rate (so long as the completion,
execution or submission of such form or document would not materially
prejudice the legal or commercial position of the party in receipt of
such demand), with any such form or document to be accurate and
completed in a manner reasonably satisfactory to such other party and
to be executed and to be delivered with any reasonably required
certification,
in each case by the date specified in the Schedule or such Confirmation or, if
none is specified, as soon as reasonably practicable.
(b) MAINTAIN AUTHORISATIONS. It will use all reasonable efforts to maintain in
full force and effect all consents of any governmental or other authority that
are required to be obtained by it with respect to this Agreement or any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party and will use all reasonable efforts to
obtain any that may become necessary in the future.
(c) COMPLY WITH LAWS. It will comply in all material respects with all
applicable laws and orders to which it may be subject if failure so to comply
would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it is a party.
(d) TAX AGREEMENT. It will give notice of any failure of a representation made
by it under Section 3(f) to be accurate and true promptly upon learning of such
failure.
(e) PAYMENT OF STAMP TAX. Subject to Section 11, it will pay any Stamp Tax
levied or imposed upon it or in respect of its execution or performance of this
Agreement by a jurisdiction in which it is incorporated,
ISDA(R)1992
4
organised, managed and controlled, or considered to have its seat, or in which a
branch or office through which it is acting for the purpose of this Agreement is
located ("Stamp Tax Jurisdiction") and will indemnify the other party against
any Stamp Tax levied or imposed upon the other party or in respect of the other
party's execution or performance of this Agreement by any such Stamp Tax
Jurisdiction which is not also a Stamp Tax Jurisdiction with respect to the
other party.
5. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND TERMINATION EVENTS
(a) EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or, if
applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity of
such party of any of the following events constitutes an event of default (an
"Event of Default") with respect to such party:--
(i) FAILURE TO PAY OR DELIVER. Failure by the party to make, when due,
any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or
2(e) required to be made by it if such failure is not remedied on or
before the third Local Business Day after notice of such failure is
given to the party;
(ii) BREACH OF AGREEMENT. Failure by the party to comply with or
perform any agreement or obligation (other than an obligation to make
any payment under this Agreement or delivery under Section 2(a)(i) or
2(e) or to give notice of a Termination Event or any agreement or
obligation under Section 4(a)(i), 4(a)(iii) or 4(d)) to be complied
with or performed by the party in accordance with this Agreement if
such failure is not remedied on or before the thirtieth day after
notice of such failure is given to the party;
(iii) CREDIT SUPPORT DEFAULT.
(1) Failure by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such
party to comply with or perform any agreement or obligation to be
complied with or performed by it in accordance with any Credit
Support Document if such failure is continuing after any
applicable grace period has elapsed;
(2) the expiration or termination of such Credit Support Document
or the failing or ceasing of such Credit Support Document to be in
full force and effect for the purpose of this Agreement (in either
case other than in accordance with its terms) prior to the
satisfaction of all obligations of such party under each
Transaction to which such Credit Support Document relates without
the written consent of the other party; or
(3) the party or such Credit Support Provider disaffirms,
disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole or in part, or
challenges the validity of, such Credit Support Document;
(iv) MISREPRESENTATION. A representation (other than a representation
under Section 3(e) or (f)) made or repeated or deemed to have been made
or repeated by the party or any Credit Support Provider of such party
in this Agreement or any Credit Support Document proves to have been
incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or repeated
or deemed to have been made or repeated;
(v) DEFAULT UNDER SPECIFIED TRANSACTION. The party, any Credit Support
Provider of such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party
(1) defaults under a Specified Transaction and, after giving effect to
any applicable notice requirement or grace period, there occurs a
liquidation of, an acceleration of obligations under, or an early
termination of, that Specified Transaction, (2) defaults, after giving
effect to any applicable notice requirement or grace period, in making
any payment or delivery due on the last payment, delivery or exchange
date of, or any payment on early termination of, a Specified
Transaction (or such default continues for at least three Local
Business Days if there is no applicable notice requirement or grace
period) or (3) disaffirms, disclaims, repudiates or rejects, in whole
or in part, a Specified Transaction (or such action is taken by any
person or entity appointed or empowered to operate it or act on its
behalf);
(vi) CROSS DEFAULT. If "Cross Default" is specified in the Schedule as
applying to the party, the occurrence or existence of (1) a default,
event of default or other similar condition or event (however
ISDA(R)1992
5
described) in respect of such party, any Credit Support Provider of
such party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party under one
or more agreements or instruments relating to Specified Indebtedness of
any of them (individually or collectively) in an aggregate amount of
not less than the applicable Threshold Amount (as specified in the
Schedule) which has resulted in such Specified Indebtedness becoming,
or becoming capable at such time of being declared, due and payable
under such agreements or instruments, before it would otherwise have
been due and payable or (2) a default by such party, such Credit
Support Provider or such Specified Entity (individually or
collectively) in making one or more payments on the due date thereof in
an aggregate amount of not less than the applicable Threshold Amount
under such agreements or instruments (after giving effect to any
applicable notice requirement or grace period);
(vii) BANKRUPTCY. The party, any Credit Support Provider of such party
or any applicable Specified Entity of such party:--
(1) is dissolved (other than pursuant to a consolidation,
amalgamation or merger); (2) becomes insolvent or is unable to pay
its debts or fails or admits in writing its inability generally to
pay its debts as they become due; (3) makes a general assignment,
arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its
creditors; (4) institutes or has instituted against it a
proceeding seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or any
other relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency law or other
similar law affecting creditors' rights, or a petition is
presented for its winding-up or liquidation, and, in the case of
any such proceeding or petition instituted or presented against
it, such proceeding or petition (A) results in a judgment of
insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of an order for relief or
the making of an order for its winding-up or liquidation or (B) is
not dismissed, discharged, stayed or restrained in each case
within 30 days of the institution or presentation thereof; (5) has
a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management or
liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation
or merger); (6) seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an
administrator, provisional liquidator, conservator, receiver,
trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all or
substantially all its assets; (7) has a secured party take
possession of all or substantially all its assets or has a
distress, execution, attachment, sequestration or other legal
process levied, enforced or sued on or against all or
substantially all its assets and such secured party maintains
possession, or any such process is not dismissed, discharged,
stayed or restrained, in each case within 30 days thereafter; (8)
causes or is subject to any event with respect to it which, under
the applicable laws of any jurisdiction, has an analogous effect
to any of the events specified in clauses (1) to (7) inclusive);
or (9) takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating its
consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing
acts; or
(viii) MERGER WITHOUT ASSUMPTION. The party or any Credit Support
Provider of such party consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with
or into, or transfers all or substantially all its assets to, another
entity and, at the time of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or
transfer:--
(1) the resulting, surviving or transferee entity fails to assume
all the obligations of such party or such Credit Support Provider
under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document to which it or
its predecessor was a party by operation of law or pursuant to an
agreement reasonably satisfactory to the other party to this
Agreement; or
(2) the benefits of any Credit Support Document fail to extend
(without the consent of the other party) to the performance by
such resulting, surviving or transferee entity of its obligations
under this Agreement.
(b) TERMINATION EVENTS. The occurrence at any time with respect to a party or,
if applicable, any Credit Support Provider of such party or any Specified Entity
of such party of any event specified below constitutes an Illegality if the
event is specified in (i) below, a Tax Event if the event is specified in (ii)
below or a Tax Event Upon Merger if the event is specified in (iii) below, and,
if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event
ISDA(R)1992
6
Upon Merger if the event is specified pursuant to (iv) below or an Additional
Termination Event if the event is specified pursuant to (v) below:--
(i) ILLEGALITY. Due to the adoption of, or any change in, any
applicable law after the date on which a Transaction is entered into,
or due to the promulgation of, or any change in, the interpretation by
any court, tribunal or regulatory authority with competent jurisdiction
of any applicable law after such date, it becomes unlawful (other than
as a result of a breach by the party of Section 4(b)) for such party
(which will be the Affected Party):--
(1) to perform any absolute or contingent obligation to make a
payment or delivery or to receive a payment or delivery in respect
of such Transaction or to comply with any other material provision
of this Agreement relating to such Transaction; or
(2) to perform, or for any Credit Support Provider of such party
to perform, any contingent or other obligation which the party (or
such Credit Support Provider) has under any Credit Support
Document relating to such Transaction;
(ii) TAX EVENT. Due to (x) any action taken by a taxing authority, or
brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, on or after the date on
which a Transaction is entered into (regardless of whether such action
is taken or brought with respect to a party to this Agreement) or (y) a
Change in Tax Law, the party (which will be the Affected Party) will,
or there is a Substantial likelihood that it will, on the next
succeeding Scheduled Payment Date (1) be required to pay to the other
party an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under
Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e),
6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount is
required to be deducted or withheld for or on account of a Tax (except
in respect of interest under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) and no
additional amount is required to be paid in respect of such Tax under
Section 2(d)(i)(4) (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or
(B));
(iii) TAX EVENT UPON MERGER. The party (the "Burdened Party") on the
next succeeding Scheduled Payment Date will either (1) be required to
pay an additional amount in respect of an Indemnifiable Tax under
Section 2(d)(i)(4) (except in respect of interest under Section 2(e),
6(d)(ii) or 6(e)) or (2) receive a payment from which an amount has
been deducted or withheld for or on account of any Indemnifiable Tax in
respect of which the other party is not required to pay an additional
amount (other than by reason of Section 2(d)(i)(4)(A) or (B)), in
either case as a result of a party consolidating or amalgamating with,
or merging with or into, or transferring all or substantially all its
assets to, another entity (which will be the Affected Party) where such
action does not constitute an event described in Section 5(a)(viii);
(iv) CREDIT EVENT UPON MERGER. If "Credit Event Upon Merger" is
specified in the Schedule as applying to the party, such party ("X"),
any Credit Support Provider of X or any applicable Specified Entity of
X consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or
Transfers all or substantially all its assets to, another entity and
such action does not constitute an event described in Section
5(a)(viii) but the creditworthiness of the resulting, surviving or
transferee entity is materially weaker than that of X, such Credit
Support Provider or such Specified Entity, as the case may be,
immediately prior to such action (and, in such event, X or its
successor or transferee, as appropriate, will be the Affected Party);
or
(v) ADDITIONAL TERMINATION EVENT. If any "Additional Termination Event"
is specified in the Schedule or any Confirmation as applying, the
occurrence of such event (and, in such event, the Affected Party or
Affected Parties shall be as specified for such Additional Termination
Event in the Schedule or such Confirmation).
(c) EVENT OF DEFAULT AND ILLEGALITY. If an event or circumstance which would
otherwise constitute or give rise to an Event of Default also constitutes an
Illegality, it will be treated as an Illegality and will not constitute an Event
of Default.
ISDA(R)1992
7
6. EARLY TERMINATION
(a) RIGHT TO TERMINATE FOLLOWING EVENT OF DEFAULT. If at any time an Event of
Default with respect to a party (the "Defaulting Party") has occurred and is
then continuing, the other party (the "Non-defaulting Party") may, by not more
than 20 days' notice to the Defaulting Party specifying the relevant Event of
Default, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is effective as an
Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions. If, however,
"Automatic Early Termination" is specified in the Schedule as applying to a
party, then an Early Termination Date in respect of all outstanding Transactions
will occur immediately upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an
Event of Default specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(1), (3), (5), (6) or, to the
extent analogous thereto, (8), and as of the time immediately preceding the
institution of the relevant proceeding or the presentation of the relevant
petition upon the occurrence with respect to such party of an Event of Default
specified in Section 5(a)(vii)(4) or, to the extent analogous thereto, (8).
(b) RIGHT TO TERMINATE FOLLOWING TERMINATION EVENT.
(i) NOTICE. If a Termination Event occurs, an Affected Party will,
promptly upon becoming aware of it, notify the other party, specifying
the nature of that Termination Event and each Affected Transaction and
will also give such other information about that Termination Event as
the other party may reasonably require.
(ii) TRANSFER TO AVOID TERMINATION EVENT. If either an Illegality under
Section 5(b)(i)(1) or a Tax Event occurs and there is only one Affected
Party, or if a Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is
the Affected Party, the Affected Party will, as a condition to its
right to designate an Early Termination Date under Section 6(b)(iv),
use all reasonable efforts (which will not require such party to incur
a loss, excluding immaterial, incidental expenses) to transfer within
20 days after it gives notice under Section 6(b)(i) all its rights and
obligations under this Agreement in respect of the Affected
Transactions to another of its Offices or Affiliates so that such
Termination Event ceases to exist.
If the Affected Party is not able to make such a transfer it will give
notice to the other party to that effect within such 20 day period,
whereupon the other party may effect such a transfer within 30 days
after the notice is given under Section 6(b)(i).
Any such transfer by a party under this Section 6(b)(ii) will be
subject to and conditional upon the prior written consent of the other
party, which consent will not be withheld if such other party's
policies in effect at such time would permit it to enter into
Transactions with the transferee on the terms proposed.
(iii) TWO AFFECTED PARTIES. If an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(1)
or a Tax Event occurs and there are two Affected Parties, each party
will use all reasonable efforts to reach agreement within 30 days after
notice thereof is given under Section 6(b)(i) on action to avoid that
Termination Event.
(iv) RIGHT TO TERMINATE. If:--
(1) a transfer under Section 6(b)(ii) or an agreement under
Section 6(b)(iii), as the case may be, has not been effected with
respect to all Affected Transactions within 30 days after an
Affected Party gives notice under Section 6(b)(i); or
(2) an Illegality under Section 5(b)(i)(2), a Credit Event
Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event occurs, or a
Tax Event Upon Merger occurs and the Burdened Party is not the
Affected Party,
either party in the case of an Illegality, the Burdened Party in the
case of a Tax Event Upon Merger, any Affected Party in the case of a
Tax Event or an Additional Termination Event if there is more than one
Affected Party, or the party which is not the Affected Party in the
case of a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional Termination Event
if there is only one Affected Party may, by not more than 20 days
notice to the other party and provided that the relevant Termination
Event is then
ISDA(R)1992
8
continuing, designate a day not earlier than the day such notice is
effective as an Early Termination Date in respect of all Affected
Transactions.
(c) EFFECT OF DESIGNATION.
(i) If notice designating an Early Termination Date is given under
Section 6(a) or (b), the Early Termination Date will occur on the date
so designated, whether or not the relevant Event of Default or
Termination Event is then continuing.
(ii) Upon the occurrence or effective designation of an Early
Termination Date, no further payments or deliveries under Section
2(a)(i) or 2(e) in respect of the Terminated Transactions will be
required to be made, but without prejudice to the other provisions of
this Agreement. The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early
Termination Date shall be determined pursuant to Section 6(e).
(d) CALCULATIONS.
(i) STATEMENT. On or as soon as reasonably practicable following the
occurrence of an Early Termination Date, each party will make the
calculations on its part, if any, contemplated by Section 6(e) and will
provide to the other party a statement (1) showing, in reasonable
detail, such calculations (including all relevant quotations and
specifying any amount payable under Section 6(e)) and (2) giving
details of the relevant account to which any amount payable to it is to
be paid. In the absence of written confirmation from the source of a
quotation obtained in determining a Market Quotation, the records of
the party obtaining such quotation will be conclusive evidence of the
existence and accuracy of such quotation.
(ii) PAYMENT DATE. An amount calculated as being due in respect of any
Early Termination Date under Section 6(e) will be payable on the day
that notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of an Early
Termination Date which is designated or occurs as a result of an Event
of Default) and on the day which is two Local Business Days after the
day on which notice of the amount payable is effective (in the case of
an Early Termination Date which is designated as a result of a
Termination Event). Such amount will be paid together with (to the
extent permitted under applicable law) interest thereon (before as well
as after judgment) in the Termination Currency, from (and including)
the relevant Early Termination Date to (but excluding) the date such
amount is paid, at the Applicable Rate. Such interest will be
calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the actual number of
days elapsed.
(e) PAYMENTS ON EARLY TERMINATION. If an Early Termination Date occurs, the
following provisions shall apply based on the parties' election in the Schedule
of a payment measure, either "Market Quotation" or "Loss", and a payment method,
either the "First Method" or the "Second Method". If the parties fail to
designate a payment measure or payment method in the Schedule, it will be deemed
that "Market Quotation" or the "Second Method", as the case may be, shall apply.
The amount, if any, payable in respect of an Early Termination Date and
determined pursuant to this Section will be subject to any Set-off.
(i) EVENTS OF DEFAULT. If the Early Termination Date results from an
Event of Default:--
(1) First Method and Market Quotation. If the First Method and
Market Quotation apply, the Defaulting Party will pay to the
Non-defaulting Party the excess, if a positive number, of (A) the
sum of the Settlement Amount (determined by the Non-defaulting
Party) in respect of the Terminated Transactions and the
Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the
Non-defaulting Party over (B) the Termination Currency Equivalent
of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the Defaulting Party.
(2) First Method and Loss. If the First Method and Loss apply, the
Defaulting Party will pay to the Non-defaulting Party, if a
positive number, the Non-defaulting Party's Loss in respect of
this Agreement.
(3) Second Method and Market Quotation. If the Second Method and
Market Quotation apply, an amount will be payable equal to (A) the
sum of the Settlement Amount (determined by the
ISDA(R)1992
9
Non-defaulting Party) in respect of the Terminated Transactions
and the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts
owing to the Non-defaulting Party less (B) the Termination
Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to the Defaulting
Party. If that amount is a positive number, the Defaulting Party
will pay it to the Non-defaulting Party; if it is a negative
number, the Non-defaulting Party will pay the absolute value of
that amount to the Defaulting Party.
(4) Second Method and Loss. If the Second Method and Loss apply,
an amount will be payable equal to the Non-defaulting Party's Loss
in respect of this Agreement. If that amount is a positive number,
the Defaulting Party will pay it to the Non-defaulting Party; if
it is a negative number, the Non-defaulting Party will pay the
absolute value of that amount to the Defaulting Party.
(ii) TERMINATION EVENTS. If the Early Termination Date results from a
Termination Event:--
(1) One Affected Party. If there is one Affected Party, the amount
payable will be determined in accordance with Section 6(e)(i)(3),
if Market Quotation applies, or Section 6(e)(i)(4), if Loss
applies, except that, in either case, references to the Defaulting
Party and to the Non-defaulting Party will be deemed to be
references to the Affected Party and the party which is not the
Affected Party, respectively, and, if Loss applies and fewer than
all the Transactions are being terminated, Loss shall be
calculated in respect of all Terminated Transactions.
(2) Two Affected Parties. If there are two Affected Parties:--
(A) if Market Quotation applies, each party will determine a
Settlement Amount in respect of the Terminated Transactions,
and an amount will be payable equal to (I) the sum of (a)
one-half of the difference between the Settlement Amount of
the party with the higher Settlement Amount ("X") and the
Settlement Amount of the party with the lower Settlement
Amount ("Y") and (b) the Termination Currency Equivalent of
the Unpaid Amounts owing to X less (II) the Termination
Currency Equivalent of the Unpaid Amounts owing to Y; and
(B) if Loss applies, each party will determine its Loss in
respect of this Agreement (or, if fewer than all the
Transactions are being terminated, in respect of all
Terminated Transactions) and an amount will be payable equal
to one-half of the difference between the Loss of the party
with the higher Loss ("X") and the Loss of the party with the
lower Loss ("Y").
If the amount payable is a positive number, Y will pay it to X; if
it is a negative number, X will pay the absolute value of that
amount to Y.
(iii) ADJUSTMENT FOR BANKRUPTCY. In circumstances where an Early
Termination Date occurs because "Automatic Early Termination" applies
in respect of a party, the amount determined under this Section 6(e)
will be subject to such adjustments as are appropriate and permitted by
law to reflect any payments or deliveries made by one party to the
other under this Agreement (and retained by such other party) during
the period from the relevant Early Termination Date to the date for
payment determined under Section 6(d)(ii).
(iv) PRE-ESTIMATE. The parties agree that if Market Quotation applies
an amount recoverable under this Section 6(e) is a reasonable
pre-estimate of loss and not a penalty. Such amount is payable for the
loss of bargain and the loss of protection against future risks and
except as otherwise provided in this Agreement neither party will be
entitled to recover any additional damages as a consequence of such
losses.
ISDA(R)1992
10
7. TRANSFER
Subject to Section 6(b)(ii), neither this Agreement nor any interest or
obligation in or under this Agreement may be transferred (whether by way of
security or otherwise) by either party without the prior written consent of the
other party, except that:--
(a) a party may make such a transfer of this Agreement pursuant to a
consolidation or amalgamation with, or merger with or into, or transfer of all
or substantially all its assets to, another entity (but without prejudice to any
other right or remedy under this Agreement); and
(b) a party may make such a transfer of all or any part of its interest in any
amount payable to it from a Defaulting Party under Section 6(e).
Any purported transfer that is not in compliance with this Section will be void.
8. CONTRACTUAL CURRENCY
(a) PAYMENT IN THE CONTRACTUAL CURRENCY. Each payment under this Agreement will
be made in the relevant currency specified in this Agreement for that payment
(the "Contractual Currency"). To the extent permitted by applicable law, any
obligation to make payments under this Agreement in the Contractual Currency
will not be discharged or satisfied by any tender in any currency other than the
Contractual Currency, except to the extent such tender results in the actual
receipt by the party to which payment is owed, acting in a reasonable manner and
in good faith in converting the currency so tendered into the Contractual
Currency, of the full amount in the Contractual Currency of all amounts payable
in respect of this Agreement. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual
Currency so received falls short of the amount in the Contractual Currency
payable in respect of this Agreement, the party required to make the payment
will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, immediately pay such additional
amount in the Contractual Currency as may be necessary to compensate for the
shortfall. If for any reason the amount in the Contractual Currency so received
exceeds the amount in the Contractual Currency payable in respect of this
Agreement, the party receiving the payment will refund promptly the amount of
such excess.
(b) JUDGMENTS. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if any judgment or
order expressed in a currency other than the Contractual Currency is rendered
(i) for the payment of any amount owing in respect of this Agreement, (ii) for
the payment of any amount relating to any early termination in respect of this
Agreement or (iii) in respect of a judgment or order of another court for the
payment of any amount described in (i) or (ii) above, the party seeking
recovery, after recovery in full of the aggregate amount to which such party is
entitled pursuant to the judgment or order, will be entitled to receive
immediately from the other party the amount of any shortfall of the Contractual
Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in such other
currency and will refund promptly to the other party any excess of the
Contractual Currency received by such party as a consequence of sums paid in
such other currency if such shortfall or such excess arises or results from any
variation between the rate of exchange at which the Contractual Currency is
converted into the currency of the judgment or order for the purposes of such
judgment or order and the rate of exchange at which such party is able, acting
in a reasonable manner and in good faith in converting the currency received
into the Contractual Currency, to purchase the Contractual Currency with the
amount of the currency of the judgment or order actually received by such party.
The term "rate of exchange" includes, without limitation, any premiums and costs
of exchange payable in connection with the purchase of or conversion into the
Contractual Currency.
(c) SEPARATE INDEMNITIES. To the extent permitted by applicable law, these
indemnities constitute separate and independent obligations from the other
obligations in this Agreement, will be enforceable as separate and independent
causes of action, will apply notwithstanding any indulgence granted by the party
to which any payment is owed and will not be affected by judgment being obtained
or claim or proof being made for any other sums payable in respect of this
Agreement.
(d) EVIDENCE OF LOSS. For the purpose of this Section 8, it will be sufficient
for a party to demonstrate that it would have suffered a loss had an actual
exchange or purchase been made.
ISDA(R)1992
11
9. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and
understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes
all oral communication and prior writings with respect thereto.
(b) AMENDMENTS. No amendment, modification or waiver in respect of this
Agreement will be effective unless in writing (including a writing evidenced by
a facsimile transmission) and executed by each of the parties or confirmed by an
exchange of telexes or electronic messages on an electronic messaging system.
(c) SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS. Without prejudice to Sections 2(a)(iii) and
6(c)(ii), the obligations of the parties under this Agreement will survive the
termination of any Transaction.
(d) REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. Except as provided in this Agreement, the rights,
powers, remedies and privileges provided in this Agreement are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights, powers, remedies and privileges provided by law.
(e) COUNTERPARTS AND CONFIRMATIONS.
(i) This Agreement (and each amendment, modification and waiver in
respect of it) may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including
by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original.
(ii) The parties intend that they are legally bound by the terms of
each Transaction from the moment they agree to those terms (whether
orally or otherwise). A Confirmation shall be entered into as soon as
practicable and may be executed and delivered in counterparts
(including by facsimile transmission) or be created by an exchange of
telexes or by an exchange of electronic messages on an electronic
messaging system, which in each case will be sufficient for all
purposes to evidence a binding supplement to this Agreement. The
parties will specify therein or through another effective means that
any such counterpart, telex or electronic message constitutes a
Confirmation.
(f) NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS. A failure or delay in exercising any right, power or
privilege in respect of this Agreement will not be presumed to operate as a
waiver, and a single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege will
not be presumed to preclude any subsequent or further exercise, of that right,
power or privilege or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
(g) HEADINGS. The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into
consideration in interpreting this Agreement.
10. OFFICES; MULTIBRANCH PARTIES
(a) If Section 10(a) is specified in the Schedule as applying, each party that
enters into a Transaction through an Office other than its head or home office
represents to the other party that, notwithstanding the place of booking office
or jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation of such party, the obligations
of such party are the same as if it had entered into the Transaction through its
head or home office. This representation will be deemed to be repeated by such
party on each date on which a Transaction is entered into.
(b) Neither party may change the Office through which it makes and receives
payments or deliveries for the purpose of a Transaction without the prior
written consent of the other party.
(c) If a party is specified as a Multibranch Party in the Schedule, such
Multibranch Party may make and receive payments or deliveries under any
Transaction through any Office listed in the Schedule, and the Office through
which it makes and receives payments or deliveries with respect to a Transaction
will be specified in the relevant Confirmation.
11. EXPENSES
A Defaulting Party will, on demand, indemnify and hold harmless the other party
for and against all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees and
Stamp Tax, incurred by such other party by reason of the enforcement and
protection of its rights under this Agreement or any Credit Support Document
ISDA(R)1992
12
to which the Defaulting Party is a party or by reason of the early termination
of any Transaction, including, but not limited to, costs of collection.
12. NOTICES
(a) EFFECTIVENESS. Any notice or other communication in respect of this
Agreement may be given in any manner set forth below (except that a notice or
other communication under Section 5 or 6 may not be given by facsimile
transmission or electronic messaging system) to the address or number or in
accordance with the electronic messaging system details provided (see the
Schedule) and will be deemed effective as indicated:--
(i) if in writing and delivered in person or by courier, on the date it
is delivered;
(ii) if sent by telex, on the date the recipient's answerback is
received;
(iii) if sent by facsimile transmission, on the date that transmission
is received by a responsible employee of the recipient in legible form
(it being agreed that the burden of proving receipt will be on the
sender and will not be met by a transmission report generated by the
sender's facsimile machine);
(iv) if sent by certified or registered mail (airmail, if overseas) or
the equivalent (return receipt requested), on the date that mail is
delivered or its delivery is attempted; or
(v) if sent by electronic messaging system, on the date that electronic
message is received,
unless the date of that delivery (or attempted delivery) or that receipt, as
applicable, is not a Local Business Day or that communication is delivered (or
attempted) or received, as applicable, after the close of business on a Local
Business Day, in which case that communication shall be deemed given and
effective on the first following day that is a Local Business Day.
(b) CHANGE OF ADDRESSES. Either party may by notice to the other change the
address, telex or facsimile number or electronic messaging system details at
which notices or other communications are to be given to it.
13. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
(a) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law specified in the Schedule.
(b) JURISDICTION. With respect to any suit, action or proceedings relating to
this Agreement ("Proceedings"), each party irrevocably:--
(i) submits to the jurisdiction of the English courts, if this
Agreement is expressed to be governed by English law, or to the
non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and
the United States District Court located in the Borough of Manhattan in
New York City, if this Agreement is expressed to be governed by the
laws of the State of New York; and
(ii) waives any objection which it may have at any time to the laying
of venue of any Proceedings brought in any such court, waives any claim
that such Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum and
further waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceedings,
that such court does not have any jurisdiction over such party.
Nothing in this Agreement precludes either party from bringing Proceedings in
any other jurisdiction (outside, if this Agreement is expressed to be governed
by English law, the Contracting States, as defined in Section 1(3) of the Civil
Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 or any modification, extension or
re-enactment thereof for the time being in force) nor will the bringing of
Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the bringing of
Proceedings in any other jurisdiction.
(c) SERVICE OF PROCESS. Each party irrevocably appoints the Process Agent (if
any) specified opposite its name in the Schedule to receive, for it and on its
behalf, service of process in any Proceedings. If for any
ISDA(R)1992
13
reason any party's Process Agent is unable to act as such, such party will
promptly notify the other party and within 30 days appoint a substitute process
agent acceptable to the other party. The parties irrevocably consent to service
of process given in the manner provided for notices in Section 12. Nothing in
this Agreement will affect the right of either party to serve process in any
other manner permitted by law.
(d) WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, with respect to itself and its revenues and assets
(irrespective of their use or intended use), all immunity on the grounds of
sovereignty or other similar grounds from (i) suit, (ii) jurisdiction of any
court, (iii) relief by way of injunction, order for specific performance or for
recovery of property, (iv) attachment of its assets (whether before or after
judgment) and (v) execution or enforcement of any judgment to which it or its
revenues or assets might otherwise be entitled in any Proceedings in the courts
of any jurisdiction and irrevocably agrees, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, that it will not claim any such immunity in any Proceedings.
14. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement:--
"ADDITIONAL TERMINATION EVENT" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"AFFECTED PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"AFFECTED TRANSACTIONS" means (a) with respect to any Termination Event
consisting of an Illegality, Tax Event or Tax Event Upon Merger, all
Transactions affected by the occurrence of such Termination Event and (b) with
respect to any other Termination Event, all Transactions.
"AFFILIATE" means, subject to the Schedule, in relation to any person, any
entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the person, any entity that
controls, directly or indirectly, the person or any entity directly or
indirectly under common control with the person. For this purpose, "control" of
any entity or person means ownership of a majority of the voting power of the
entity or person.
"APPLICABLE RATE" means:--
(a) in respect of obligations payable or deliverable (or which would have been
but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Defaulting Party, the Default Rate;
(b) in respect of an obligation to pay an amount under Section 6(e) of either
party from and after the date (determined in accordance with Section 6(d)(ii))
on which that amount is payable, the Default Rate;
(c) in respect of all other obligations payable or deliverable (or which would
have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) by a Non-defaulting Party, the Non-default
Rate; and
(d) in all other cases, the Termination Rate.
"BURDENED PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"CHANGE IN TAX LAW" means the enactment, promulgation, execution or ratification
of, or any change in or amendment to, any law (or in the application or official
interpretation of any law) that occurs on or after the date on which the
relevant Transaction is entered into.
"CONSENT" includes a consent, approval, action, authorisation, exemption,
notice, filing, registration or exchange control consent.
"CREDIT EVENT UPON MERGER" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"CREDIT SUPPORT DOCUMENT" means any agreement or instrument that is specified as
such in this Agreement.
"CREDIT SUPPORT PROVIDER" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.
"DEFAULT RATE" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the relevant payee (as certified by it) if it
were to fund or of funding the relevant amount plus 1% per annum.
ISDA(R)1992
14
"DEFAULTING PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).
"EARLY TERMINATION DATE" means the date determined in accordance with Section
6(a) or 6(b)(iv).
"EVENT OF DEFAULT" has the meaning specified in Section 5(a) and, if applicable,
in the Schedule.
"ILLEGALITY" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"INDEMNIFIABLE TAX" means any Tax other than a Tax that would not be imposed in
respect of a payment under this Agreement but for a present or former connection
between the jurisdiction of the government or taxation authority imposing such
Tax and the recipient of such payment or a person related to such recipient
(including, without limitation, a connection arising from such recipient or
related person being or having been a citizen or resident of such jurisdiction,
or being or having been organised, present or engaged in a trade or business in
such jurisdiction, or having or having had a permanent establishment or fixed
place of business in such jurisdiction, but excluding a connection arising
solely from such recipient or related person having executed, delivered,
performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, this
Agreement or a Credit Support Document).
"LAW" includes any treaty, law, rule or regulation (as modified, in the case of
tax matters, by the practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority) and
"LAWFUL" and "UNLAWFUL" will be construed accordingly.
"LOCAL BUSINESS DAY" means, subject to the Schedule, a day on which commercial
banks are open for business (including dealings in foreign exchange and foreign
currency deposits) (a) in relation to any obligation under Section 2(a)(i), in
the place(s) specified in the relevant Confirmation or, if not so specified, as
otherwise agreed by the parties in writing or determined pursuant to provisions
contained, or incorporated by reference, in this Agreement, (b) in relation to
any other payment, in the place where the relevant account is located and, if
different, in the principal financial centre, if any, of the currency of such
payment, (c) in relation to any notice or other communication, including notice
contemplated under Section 5(a)(i), in the city specified in the address for
notice provided by the recipient and, in the case of a notice contemplated by
Section 2(b), in the place where the relevant new account is to be located and
(d) in relation to Section 5(a)(v)(2), in the relevant locations for performance
with respect to such Specified Transaction.
"LOSS" means, with respect to this Agreement or one or more Terminated
Transactions, as the case may be, and a party, the Termination Currency
Equivalent of an amount that party reasonably determines in good faith to be its
total losses and costs (or gain, in which case expressed as a negative number)
in connection with this Agreement or that Terminated Transaction or group of
Terminated Transactions, as the case may be, including any loss of bargain, cost
of funding or, at the election of such party but without duplication, loss or
cost incurred as a result of its terminating, liquidating, obtaining or
reestablishing any hedge or related trading position (or any gain resulting from
any of them). Loss includes losses and costs (or gains) in respect of any
payment or delivery required to have been made (assuming satisfaction of each
applicable condition precedent) on or before the relevant Early Termination Date
and not made, except, so as to avoid duplication, if Section 6(e)(i)(1) or (3)
or 6(c)(ii)(2)(A) applies. Loss does not include a party's legal fees and
out-of-pocket expenses referred to under Section 11. A party will determine its
Loss as of the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if that is not reasonably
practicable, as of the earliest date thereafter as is reasonably practicable. A
party may (but need not) determine its Loss by reference to quotations of
relevant rates or prices from one or more leading dealers in the relevant
markets.
"MARKET QUOTATION" means, with respect to one or more Terminated Transactions
and a party making the determination, an amount determined on the basis of
quotations from Reference Market-makers. Each quotation will be for an amount,
if any, that would be paid to such party (expressed as a negative number) or by
such party (expressed as a positive number) in consideration of an agreement
between such party (taking into account any existing Credit Support Document
with respect to the obligations of such party) and the quoting Reference
Market-maker to enter into a transaction (the "Replacement Transaction") that
would have the effect of preserving for such party the economic equivalent of
any payment or delivery (whether the underlying obligation was absolute or
contingent and assuming the satisfaction of each applicable condition precedent)
by the parties under Section 2(a)(i) in respect of such Terminated Transaction
or group of Terminated Transactions that would, but for the occurrence of the
relevant Early Termination Date, have
ISDA(R)1992
15
been required after that date. For this purpose, Unpaid Amounts in respect of
the Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions are to be
excluded but, without limitation, any payment or delivery that would, but for
the relevant Early Termination Date, have been required (assuming satisfaction
of each applicable condition precedent) after that Early Termination Date is to
be included. The Replacement Transaction would be subject to such documentation
as such party and the Reference Market-maker may, in good faith, agree. The
party making the determination (or its agent) will request each Reference
Market-maker to provide its quotation to the extent reasonably practicable as of
the same day and time (without regard to different time zones) on or as soon as
reasonably practicable after the relevant Early Termination Date. The day and
time as of which those quotations are to be obtained will be selected in good
faith by the party obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), and, if
each party is so obliged, after consultation with the other. If more than three
quotations are provided, the Market Quotation will be the arithmetic mean of the
quotations, without regard to the quotations having the highest and lowest
values. If exactly three such quotations are provided, the Market Quotation will
be the quotation remaining after disregarding the highest and lowest quotations.
For this purpose, if more than one quotation has the same highest value or
lowest value, then one of such quotations shall be disregarded. If fewer than
three quotations are provided, it will be deemed that the Market Quotation in
respect of such Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated Transactions
cannot be determined.
"NON-DEFAULT RATE" means a rate per annum equal to the cost (without proof or
evidence of any actual cost) to the Non-defaulting Party (as certified by it) if
it were to fund the relevant amount.
"NON-DEFAULTING PARTY" has the meaning specified in Section 6(a).
"OFFICE" means a branch or office of a party, which may be such party's head or
home office.
"POTENTIAL EVENT OF DEFAULT" means any event which, with the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.
"REFERENCE MARKET-MAKERS" means four leading dealers in the relevant market
selected by the party determining a Market Quotation in good faith (a) from
among dealers of the highest credit standing which satisfy all the criteria that
such party applies generally at the time in deciding whether to offer or to make
an extension of credit and (b) to the extent practicable, from among such
dealers having an office in the same city.
"RELEVANT JURISDICTION" means, with respect to a party, the jurisdictions (a) in
which the party is incorporated, organised, managed and controlled or considered
to have its seat, (b) where an Office through which the party is acting for
purposes of this Agreement is located, (c) in which the party executes this
Agreement and (d) in relation to any payment, from or through which such payment
is made.
"SCHEDULED PAYMENT DATE" means a date on which a payment or delivery is to be
made under Section 2(a)(i) with respect to a Transaction.
"SET-OFF" means set-off, offset, combination of accounts, right of retention or
withholding or similar right or requirement to which the payer of an amount
under Section 6 is entitled or subject (whether arising under this Agreement,
another contract, applicable law or otherwise) that is exercised by, or imposed
on, such payer.
"SETTLEMENT AMOUNT" means, with respect to a party and any Early Termination
Date, the sum of:--
(a) the Termination Currency Equivalent of the Market Quotations (whether
positive or negative) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation is determined; and
(b) such party's Loss (whether positive or negative and without reference to any
Unpaid Amounts) for each Terminated Transaction or group of Terminated
Transactions for which a Market Quotation cannot be determined or would not (in
the reasonable belief of the party making the determination) produce a
commercially reasonable result.
"SPECIFIED ENTITY" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.
ISDA(R)1992
16
"SPECIFIED INDEBTEDNESS" means, subject to the Schedule, any obligation (whether
present or future, contingent or otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise)
in respect of borrowed money.
"SPECIFIED TRANSACTION" means, subject to the Schedule, (a) any transaction
(including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered
into between one party to this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such
party or any applicable Specified Entity of such party) and the other party to
this Agreement (or any Credit Support Provider of such other party or any
applicable Specified Entity of such other party) which is a rate swap
transaction, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity
option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option,
interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor
transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate
swap transaction, currency option or any other similar transaction (including
any option with respect to any of these transactions), (b) any combination of
these transactions and (c) any other transaction identified as a Specified
Transaction in this Agreement or the relevant confirmation.
"STAMP TAX" means any stamp, registration, documentation or similar tax.
"TAX" means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge, assessment or
fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions thereto) that is
imposed by any government or other taxing authority in respect of any payment
under this Agreement other than a stamp, registration, documentation or similar
tax.
"TAX EVENT" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"TAX EVENT UPON MERGER" has the meaning specified in Section 5(b).
"TERMINATED TRANSACTIONS" means with respect to any Early Termination Date (a)
if resulting from a Termination Event, all Affected Transactions and (b) if
resulting from an Event of Default, all Transactions (in either case) in effect
immediately before the effectiveness of the notice designating that Early
Termination Date (or, if "Automatic Early Termination" applies, immediately
before that Early Termination Date).
"TERMINATION CURRENCY" has the meaning specified in the Schedule.
"TERMINATION CURRENCY EQUIVALENT" means, in respect of any amount denominated in
the Termination Currency, such Termination Currency amount and, in respect of
any amount denominated in a currency other than the Termination Currency (the
"Other Currency"), the amount in the Termination Currency determined by the
party making the relevant determination as being required to purchase such
amount of such Other Currency as at the relevant Early Termination Date, or, if
the relevant Market Quotation or Loss (as the case may be), is determined as of
a later date, that later date, with the Termination Currency at the rate equal
to the spot exchange rate of the foreign exchange agent (selected as provided
below) for the purchase of such Other Currency with the Termination Currency at
or about 11:00 a.m. (in the city in which such foreign exchange agent is
located) on such date as would be customary for the determination of such a rate
for the purchase of such Other Currency for value on the relevant Early
Termination Date or that later date. The foreign exchange agent will, if only
one party is obliged to make a determination under Section 6(e), be selected in
good faith by that party and otherwise will be agreed by the parties.
"TERMINATION EVENT" means an Illegality, a Tax Event or a Tax Event Upon Merger
or, if specified to be applicable, a Credit Event Upon Merger or an Additional
Termination Event.
"TERMINATION RATE" means a rate per annum equal to the arithmetic mean of the
cost (without proof or evidence of any actual cost) to each party (as certified
by such party) if it were to fund or of funding such amounts.
"UNPAID AMOUNTS" owing to any party means, with respect to an Early Termination
Date, the aggregate of (a) in respect of all Terminated Transactions, the
amounts that became payable (or that would have become payable but for Section
2(a)(iii)) to such party under Section 2(a)(i) on or prior to such Early
Termination Date and which remain unpaid as at such Early Termination Date and
(b) in respect of each Terminated Transaction, for each obligation under Section
2(a)(i) which was (or would have been but for Section 2(a)(iii)) required to be
settled by delivery to such party on or prior to such Early Termination Date and
which has not been so settled as at such Early Termination Date, an amount equal
to the fair market
ISDA(R)1992
17
value of that which was (or would have been) required to be delivered as of the
originally scheduled date for delivery, in each case together with (to the
extent permitted under applicable law) interest, in the currency, of such
amounts, from (and including) the date such amounts or obligations were or would
have been required to have been paid or performed to (but excluding) such Early
Termination Date, at the Applicable Rate. Such amounts of interest will be
calculated on the basis of daily compounding and the actual number of days
elapsed. The fair market value of any obligation referred to in clause (b) above
shall be reasonably determined by the party obliged to make the determination
under Section 6(e) or, if each party is so obliged, it shall be the average of
the Termination Currency Equivalents of the fair market values reasonably
determined by both parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this document on the respective
dates specified below with effect from the date specified on the first page of
this document.
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
(Name of Party) (Name of Party)
By: By:
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
ISDA(R)1992
18
(MULTICURRENCY-CROSS BORDER)
SCHEDULE TO THE MASTER AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF JANUARY 23, 1998 BETWEEN
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE CHASE MANHATTAN
BANK) ("PARTY A")
AND
GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC. ("PARTY B")
PART 1: TERMINATION PROVISIONS AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
(a) "SPECIFIED ENTITY" means, in relation to Party A, for the purpose
of:
SECTION 5(a)(v), any Affiliate of Party A;
SECTION 5(a)(vi), none;
SECTION 5(a)(vii), none; and
SECTION 5(b)(iv), none;
and, in relation to Party B, for the purpose of:
SECTION 5(a)(v), none;
SECTION 5(a)(vi), none;
SECTION 5(a)(vii), none; and
SECTION 5(b)(iv), none.
(b) "SPECIFIED TRANSACTION" will have the meaning specified in Section
14.
(c) The "CROSS-DEFAULT" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) will apply to
Party A and to Party B. In connection therewith, "SPECIFIED INDEBTEDNESS" will
have the meaning specified in Section 14, except that such term shall not
include obligations in respect of deposits received in the ordinary course of a
party's banking business, and "THRESHOLD AMOUNT" means (i) with respect to
1
Party A, an amount equal to three percent of such party's shareholders' equity,
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America, consistently applied, as at the end of such party's
most recently completed fiscal year and (ii) with respect to Party B,
USD$2,000,000.
(d) The "CREDIT EVENT UPON MERGER" provisions of Section 5(b)(iv) will
not apply to Party A or Party B.
(e) The "AUTOMATIC EARLY TERMINATION" provision of Section 6(a) will
not apply to Party A or Party B.
(f) PAYMENTS ON EARLY TERMINATION. For the purpose of Section 6(e):
(i) Market Quotation will apply.
(ii) The Second Method will apply.
(g) "TERMINATION CURRENCY" means United States Dollars.
PART 2: TAX REPRESENTATIONS
(a) PAYER TAX REPRESENTATIONS. For the purpose of Section 3(e) of this
Agreement, Party A and Party B will make the following representation:
It is not required by any applicable law, as modified by the
practice of any relevant governmental revenue authority, of any
Relevant Jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding for
or on account of any Tax from any payment (other than interest
under Section 2(e), 6(d)(ii) or 6(e) of this Agreement) to be
made by it to the other party under this Agreement. In making
this representation, it may rely on (x) the accuracy of any
representations made by the other party pursuant to Section 3(f)
of this Agreement, (y) the satisfaction of the agreement
contained in Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and
the accuracy and effectiveness of any document provided by the
other party pursuant to Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this
Agreement and (z) the satisfaction of the agreement of the other
party contained in Section 4(d) of this Agreement, provided that
it shall not be a breach of this representation where reliance
is placed on clause (y) and the other party does not deliver a
form or document under Section 4(a)(iii) by reason of material
prejudice to its legal or commercial position.
(b) PAYEE TAX REPRESENTATIONS. For the purposes of Section 3(f) of this
Agreement, Party A and Party B make the representations specified below, if any:
2
(i) The following representation will apply to Party A:
It is a banking corporation organized under the laws of the State of
New York and its Federal Taxpayer ID is 13-4994650.
(ii) The following representations will apply to Party B:
(a) It is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of
Delaware and its Federal Taxpayer ID is ____________________;
and
(b) It is not a bank (as such term is used in Section
881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended), and it is not licensed or regulated as a bank by the
banking authorities of any jurisdiction.
PART 3: AGREEMENT TO DELIVER DOCUMENTS
For the purpose of Sections 4(a)(i) and (iii) of this Agreement, each party
agrees to deliver the following documents, as applicable:
(a) Tax forms, documents or certificates to be delivered are: none.
(b) Other documents to be delivered are:
3
<Table>
<Caption>
PARTY REQUIRED FORM/ DATE BY COVERED BY
TO DELIVER DOCUMENT/ WHICH TO BE SECTION 3(d)
DOCUMENT CERTIFICATE DELIVERED REPRESENTATION
-------------- ----------- --------- --------------
Party B Opinion of counsel Upon execution and delivery No
satisfactory to Party A of this Agreement
substantially in the form
of Exhibit I hereto
Party B Certified copies of all Upon execution and delivery Yes
corporate authorizations of this Agreement
and any other documents
with respect to the
execution, delivery and
performance of this
Agreement
Party B Certificate of authority Upon execution and delivery Yes
and specimen signatures of of this Agreement and
individuals executing this thereafter upon request of
Agreement and Confirmations Party A
</Table>
PART 4: MISCELLANEOUS
(a) ADDRESS FOR NOTICES. For the purpose of Section 12(a) of this
Agreement:
Address for notice or communications to Party A:
Any notice shall be delivered to the address or facsimile or telex number
specified below:
JPMorgan Chase Bank
Attention: Derivatives Desk
707 Travis
Houston, Texas 77002
Facsimile No.: (713) 216-6977
4
Address for notice or communications to Party B:
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
Attention: Scott Thompson, Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
950 Echo Lane, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77024
Facsimile No.: (713) 467-4098
(b) PROCESS AGENT. For the purpose of Section 13(c):
Party A appoints as its Process Agent: Not applicable.
Party B appoints as its Process Agent: Not applicable.
(c) OFFICES. The provisions of Section 10(a) will apply to this
Agreement.
(d) MULTIBRANCH PARTY. For the purpose of Section 10 of this Agreement:
Party A is a Multibranch Party and may act through any Office specified
in a Confirmation; provided that no such Office may be located outside
of the United States of America.
Party B is not a Multibranch Party.
(e) CALCULATION AGENT. The Calculation Agent is Party A, unless
otherwise specified in a Confirmation in relation to the relevant Transaction.
(f) CREDIT SUPPORT DOCUMENT. Details of any Credit Support Document:
with respect to Party B, each of the Security Documents delivered pursuant to
the Credit Agreement shall constitute a Credit Support Document hereunder.
(g) CREDIT SUPPORT PROVIDER. Credit Support Provider means, in relation
to Party B, each subsidiary of Party B that at the applicable time is a party to
a Credit Support Document.
(h) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS (WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CHOICE OF
LAW DOCTRINE).
(i) NETTING OF PAYMENTS. Subparagraph (ii) of Section 2(c) will not
apply to any Transaction unless specified in the relevant Confirmation.
(j) "AFFILIATE" will have the meaning specified in Section 14 of this
Agreement.
5
PART 5: OTHER PROVISIONS
(a) SET-OFF. Any amount (the "Early Termination Amount") payable to one
party (the "Payee") by the other party (the "Payer") under Section 6(e), in
circumstances where there is a Defaulting Party will, at the option of the party
("X") other than the Defaulting Party (and without prior notice to the
Defaulting Party), be reduced by its set-off against any amount(s) (the "Other
Agreement Amount") payable (whether at such time or in the future or upon the
occurrence of a contingency) by the Payee to the Payer (irrespective of the
currency, place of payment or booking office of the obligation) under any other
agreement(s) between the Payee and the Payer or instrument(s) or undertaking(s)
issued or executed by one party to, or in favor of, the other party (and the
Other Agreement Amount will be discharged promptly and in all respects to the
extent it is so set-off). X will give notice to the other party of any set-off
effected under this section.
For this purpose, either the Early Termination Amount or the Other Agreement
Amount (or the relevant portion of such amounts) may be converted by X into the
currency in which the other is denominated at the rate of exchange at which such
party would be able, acting in a reasonable manner and in good faith, to
purchase the relevant amount of such currency.
If the amount of an obligation is unascertained, X may in good faith estimate
the amount of such obligation and set-off in respect of the estimate, subject to
X accounting to the Defaulting Party when the obligation is ascertained.
Nothing in this section shall be effective to create a charge or other security
interest. This section shall be without prejudice and in addition to any right
of set-off, combination of accounts, lien or other right to which any party is
at any time otherwise entitled (whether by operation of law, contract or
otherwise).
(b) EXCHANGE OF CONFIRMATIONS. For each Transaction entered into
hereunder, Party A shall promptly send to Party B a Confirmation via facsimile
transmission. Party B agrees to respond to such Confirmation within 10 Business
Days, either confirming agreement thereto or requesting a correction of any
error(s) contained therein. Failure by Party B to respond within such period
shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such Transaction and shall be
deemed to be an affirmation of the terms contained in such Confirmation, absent
manifest error. The parties agree that any such exchange of facsimile
transmissions shall constitute a Confirmation for all purposes hereunder.
(c) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTIES. The following representation shall be
added as a new Section 3(g) of this Agreement:
"(g) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTIES. Each party will be deemed to
represent to the other party on the date on which it enters into a Transaction
that (absent a written agreement between the parties that expressly imposes
affirmative obligations to the contrary for that Transaction):
6
(i) NON-RELIANCE. It is acting for its own account, and it has
made its own independent decisions to enter into that Transaction and
as to whether that Transaction is appropriate or proper for it based
upon its own judgment and upon advice from such advisers as it has
deemed necessary. It is not relying on any communication (written or
oral) of the other party as investment advice or as a recommendation to
enter into that Transaction; it being understood that information and
explanations related to the terms and conditions of a Transaction shall
not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to enter into
that Transaction. No communication (written or oral) received from the
other party shall be deemed to be an assurance or guarantee as to the
expected results of that Transaction.
(ii) ASSESSMENT AND UNDERSTANDING. It is capable of assessing
the merits of and understanding (on its own behalf or through
independent professional advice), and understands and accepts, the
terms, conditions and risks of that Transaction imposed upon it in this
Agreement and such Transaction. It is also capable of assuming, and
assumes, the risks of that Transaction imposed upon it in this
Agreement and such Transaction.
(iii) STATUS OF PARTIES. The other party is not acting as a
fiduciary for or an adviser to it in respect of that Transaction."
(d) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. Each party recognizes that, in
matters related to this Agreement or any Transaction, either party may be
entitled to a trial in which matters of fact are determined by a jury (as
opposed to a trial in which such matters are determined by a judge). By
execution of this Agreement, each party will give up its respective rights to
trial by jury, and each party has carefully considered the consequences of
signing this Agreement and has consulted with its respective attorneys. Each
party acknowledges that this waiver is entered into to avoid delays, minimize
trial expense, and streamline the legal proceedings in order to accomplish a
quick resolution of claims arising under or in conjunction with this Agreement
or any Transaction. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, EACH PARTY
KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL
BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION ARISING UNDER, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION HEREUNDER.
(e) FURTHER REPRESENTATIONS. Each party represents to the other party
(which representation will be deemed to be repeated on each date on which a
Transaction is entered into) that it is an "eligible contract participant" as
such term is defined in paragraph 1a(12) of the Commodity Exchange Act, as
amended. Party A represents that it has entered into this Agreement (including
each Transaction now or hereafter entered into in connection herewith) in
conjunction with its line of business, including financial intermediation, or
the financing of its business and not for speculative purposes. Party B
represents and warrants that it has entered into this Agreement (including each
Transaction now or hereafter entered into in connection herewith) to hedge its
actual or expected exposure to changes in interest rates or for other normal
business purposes independent of this Agreement, and not for speculative
purposes.
7
(f) JURISDICTION. Section 13(b) of this Agreement is hereby restated as
follows:
(b) JURISDICTION. WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF
THIS AGREEMENT, (A) EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT LOCATED IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; AND (B) EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY HAVE AT ANY TIME TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY
SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT
IN ANY SUCH COURT, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM,
AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO OBJECT, WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CLAIM, SUIT,
ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT, THAT SUCH COURT DOES NOT HAVE
JURISDICTION OVER SUCH PARTY.
(g) TELEPHONIC RECORDING. Each party (i) consents to the recording of
the telephone conversations of trading and marketing personnel of the parties
and their Affiliates in connection with this Agreement or any potential
Transaction and (ii) agrees to obtain any necessary consent of, and give notice
of such recording to, such personnel of it and its Affiliates.
(h) USURY NOT INTENDED; SAVINGS PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, it is expressly provided
that in no case or event shall the aggregate of any amounts accrued or paid
pursuant to this Agreement which under applicable laws are or may be deemed to
constitute interest ever exceed the maximum nonusurious interest rate permitted
by applicable Texas or federal laws, whichever permit the higher rate. In this
connection, Party A and Party B stipulate and agree that it is their common and
overriding intent to contract in strict compliance with applicable usury laws.
In furtherance thereof, none of the terms of this Agreement shall ever be
construed to create a contract to pay, as consideration for the use, forbearance
or detention of money, interest at a rate in excess of the maximum rate
permitted by applicable laws. Neither party shall ever be liable for interest in
excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable laws. If, for any reason
whatsoever, such interest paid or received during the full term of the
applicable indebtedness produces a rate which exceeds the maximum rate permitted
by applicable laws, the receiving party shall credit against the principal of
such indebtedness (or, if such indebtedness shall have been paid in full, shall
refund to the payor of such interest) such portion of said interest as shall be
necessary to cause the interest paid to produce a rate equal to the maximum rate
permitted by applicable laws. All sums paid or agreed to be paid for the use,
forbearance or detention of money shall, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread in equal parts throughout the
full term of the applicable indebtedness, so that the interest rate is uniform
throughout the full term of such indebtedness.
8
(i) ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
THIS WRITTEN MASTER AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.
THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
(j) "CREDIT AGREEMENT" means the Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving
Credit Agreement, dated as October 15, 1999 and effective as of November 1,
1999, among Party B, the Subsidiary Borrowers listed therein, the Lenders listed
therein, the Floor Plan Agent, Documentation Agent and Co-Agents named therein
and Party A, as Administrative Agent, as further amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time; provided that if the obligations under the
Credit Agreement are paid in full, the Credit Agreement is otherwise terminated
or cancelled, or Party A shall for any reason cease to remain a party thereto,
Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement as it existed immediately prior to
such event. Capitalized terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement.
(k) FURTHER AGREEMENTS OF PARTY B. Party B agrees with Party A that
Party B will comply with each of the covenants set forth in Article IX and
Article X of the Credit Agreement.
(l) ADDITIONAL EVENT OF DEFAULT. With respect to Party B, it shall
constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement if there shall occur any
Event of Default under the Credit Agreement.
(m) FURTHER REPRESENTATION OF PARTY B. Party B represents and warrants
to Party A (which representation will be deemed to be repeated by Party B on
each date on which a Transaction is entered into) that no Event of Default under
the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing.
(n) BANKRUPTCY. Section 5(a)(vii) of this Agreement is hereby modified
by deleting the number "30" as it appears in the tenth and eighteenth lines, and
inserting in lieu thereof the number "60".
9
(o) TAX EVENT. Section 5(b)(ii) of this Agreement is amended by
deleting the words ", or there is a substantial likelihood that it will" from
the fourth line thereof.
(p) SCOPE OF AGREEMENT. Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Agreement to the contrary, any transaction which may otherwise constitute a
"Specified Transaction" for purposes of this agreement which has been or will be
entered into between the parties shall constitute a "Transaction" which is
subject to, governed by, and construed in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, unless any Confirmation with respect to a Transaction entered into
after the execution of this Agreement expressly provides otherwise.
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
By: By:
----------------------------------- --------------------------------
Name: Name:
Title: Title:
10
EXHIBIT I
FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL TO PARTY B
Date:
JPMorgan Chase Bank
707 Travis
Houston, Texas 77002
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are counsel to Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Counterparty"), and we are delivering this opinion in connection with the
Master Agreement, dated as of January 23, 1998 (as supplemented by the
Confirmations relating to the Transactions entered into pursuant thereto, the
"Agreement"), between the Counterparty and JPMorgan Chase Bank (the "Bank").
Terms defined in the Agreement are used herein as therein defined.
In that connection, we have examined the originals, or copies certified
to our satisfaction, of the Agreement and such corporate records of the
Counterparty, certificates of public officials and of officers of the
Counterparty, and agreements, instruments, and documents, as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. As to questions of
fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not
independently established by us, relied upon certificates of the Counterparty,
or its officers or of public officials. We have assumed the due execution and
delivery of the Agreement by the Bank.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the following opinion:
1. The Counterparty is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.
2. The Counterparty has the power to execute and deliver the Agreement
and to perform its obligations under the Agreement and has taken all necessary
action to authorize such execution and delivery and performance of such
obligations.
3. The execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Counterparty and
the Counterparty's performance of its obligations under the Agreement do not
violate or conflict with any law, rule or regulation applicable to it, or any
provision of its charter or by-laws (or comparable constitutional documents),
any order or judgment of any court or other agency of government applicable to
it or any of its assets or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting
the Counterparty or any of its assets.
4. All authorizations of and exemptions, actions or approvals by, and
all notices to or filings with, any governmental or other authority that are
required to have been obtained or made by the
1
Counterparty with respect to the Agreement have been obtained or made and are in
full force and effect and all conditions of any such authorizations, exemptions,
actions or approvals have been complied with.
5. The Agreement constitutes the Counterparty's legal, valid and
binding obligation enforceable against the Counterparty in accordance with its
terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium
or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject, as to
enforceability, to equitable principles of general application (regardless of
whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law)).
6. To the best of our knowledge, after due inquiry, there is not
pending or threatened against the Counterparty or any of its Affiliates any
action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity or before any court, tribunal,
government body, agency or official or any arbitrator that is likely to affect
the legality, validity or enforceability against the Counterparty of the
Agreement or its ability to perform its obligations thereunder.
We are qualified to practice law in the State of Texas and do not
purport to be expert on, or to express any opinion herein concerning, any law
other than the laws of the State of Texas, the Delaware General Corporation Law
and the federal laws of the United States of America.
Very truly yours,
2