Exhibit 4.4
AUTONATION, INC.,
as Issuer
THE GUARANTORS named herein,
as Guarantors
and
▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Trustee
------------------------------
INDENTURE
Dated as of August 10, 2001
------------------------------
9% Senior Notes due 2008
=============================================================================
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
Trust Indenture Act Section Indenture Section
310 (a)(1)....................................................... 7.1
(a)(2)....................................................... 7.1
(a)(3)....................................................... N.A.
(a)(4)....................................................... N.A.
(a)(5)....................................................... 7.1
(b)(i), (ii)................................................. 7.1
(c).......................................................... N.A.
311 (a).......................................................... 7.11
(b).......................................................... 7.11
(iii)(c)..................................................... N.A.
312 (a).......................................................... 2.5
(b).......................................................... 11.3
(c).......................................................... 11.3
313 (a).......................................................... 7.6
(b)(2)....................................................... 7.7
(c).......................................................... 7.6; 11.2
(d).......................................................... 7.6
314 (a).......................................................... 4.3; 11.2
(b).......................................................... N.A.
(c)(1)....................................................... 11.4
(c)(2)....................................................... 11.4
(c)(3)....................................................... N.A.
(d).......................................................... N.A.
(e).......................................................... 11.5
(f).......................................................... N.A.
315 (a).......................................................... 7.1
(b).......................................................... 7.5; 11.2
(c).......................................................... 7.1
(d).......................................................... 7.1
(e).......................................................... 6.11
316 (a)(last sentence)........................................... 2.9
(a)(1)(A).................................................... 6.5
(a)(1)(B).................................................... 6.4
(a)(2)....................................................... N.A.
(b).......................................................... 6.7
(c).......................................................... 2.12
317 (a)(1)....................................................... 6.8
(a)(2)....................................................... 6.9
(b).......................................................... 2.4
318 (a).......................................................... 11.1
(b).......................................................... N.A.
(c).......................................................... 11.1
N.A. means not applicable.
*This Cross-Reference Table is not part of this Indenture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.1 Definitions.................................................................................1
Section 1.2 Other Definitions..........................................................................17
Section 1.3 Terms of TIA...............................................................................18
Section 1.4 Rules of Construction......................................................................18
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
Section 2.1 Form and Dating............................................................................19
Section 2.2 Execution and Authentication...............................................................20
Section 2.3 Registrar and Paying Agent.................................................................20
Section 2.4 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust........................................................21
Section 2.5 Holder Lists...............................................................................21
Section 2.6 Transfer and Exchange......................................................................22
Section 2.7 Replacement Notes..........................................................................30
Section 2.8 Outstanding Notes..........................................................................30
Section 2.9 Treasury Notes.............................................................................31
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes............................................................................31
Section 2.11 Cancellation...............................................................................31
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.........................................................................31
Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers..............................................................................31
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.1 Notice of Redemption to Trustee............................................................32
Section 3.2 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed..........................................................32
Section 3.3 Notice of Redemption to Holders............................................................32
Section 3.4 Effect of Notice of Redemption.............................................................33
Section 3.5 Deposit of Redemption Price................................................................33
Section 3.6 Notes Redeemed in Part.....................................................................33
Section 3.7 Optional Redemption........................................................................33
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.1 Payment of Notes...........................................................................34
Section 4.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency............................................................34
Section 4.3 Reports....................................................................................34
Section 4.4 Compliance Certificate.....................................................................35
Section 4.5 Taxes......................................................................................35
Section 4.6 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.............................................................36
Section 4.7 Limitation on Restricted Payments..........................................................36
Section 4.8 Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries....39
Section 4.9 Limitation on Indebtedness.................................................................40
Section 4.10 Limitation on Sale of Assets...............................................................43
Section 4.11 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.................................................46
Section 4.12 Limitation on Liens........................................................................47
Section 4.13 Limitation on Unrestricted Subsidiaries....................................................47
Section 4.14 Corporate Existence........................................................................48
Section 4.15 Purchase of Notes upon Change of Control...................................................49
Section 4.16 Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries........................50
Section 4.17 Suspension Period..........................................................................51
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.1 Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets...................................................52
Section 5.2 Successor Person Substituted...............................................................53
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.1 Events of Default..........................................................................53
Section 6.2 Acceleration...............................................................................55
Section 6.3 Other Remedies.............................................................................56
Section 6.4 Waiver of Past Defaults....................................................................56
Section 6.5 Control by Majority........................................................................56
Section 6.6 Limitation on Suits........................................................................57
Section 6.7 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment..............................................57
Section 6.8 Collection Suit by Trustee.................................................................57
Section 6.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim...........................................................57
Section 6.10 Priorities.................................................................................58
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs......................................................................58
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.1 Duties of Trustee..........................................................................58
Section 7.2 Rights of Trustee..........................................................................59
Section 7.3 Individual Rights of Trustee...............................................................60
Section 7.4 Trustee's Disclaimer.......................................................................60
Section 7.5 Notice of Defaults.........................................................................61
Section 7.6 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.................................................61
Section 7.7 Compensation and Indemnity.................................................................61
Section 7.8 Replacement of Trustee.....................................................................62
Section 7.9 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc...........................................................63
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification..............................................................63
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company......................................63
Section 7.12 Trustee's Application for Instructions from the Company....................................63
ARTICLE VIII
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE; DISCHARGE
Section 8.1 Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.........................................63
Section 8.2 Defeasance and Discharge...................................................................64
Section 8.3 Covenant Defeasance........................................................................64
Section 8.4 Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance............................................64
Section 8.5 Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust;
Other Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................ 66
Section 8.6 Repayment to the Company...................................................................66
Section 8.7 Reinstatement..............................................................................66
Section 8.8 Discharge..................................................................................67
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.1 Without Consent of Holders of Notes........................................................67
Section 9.2 With Consent of Holders of Notes...........................................................68
Section 9.3 Revocation and Effect of Consents..........................................................70
Section 9.4 Notation on or Exchange of Notes...........................................................70
Section 9.5 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc............................................................70
ARTICLE X
GUARANTEES
Section 10.1 Guarantee..................................................................................70
Section 10.2 Limitation on Guarantor Liability..........................................................71
Section 10.3 Execution and Delivery of Guarantee........................................................72
Section 10.4 Releases Following Sale of Assets or Capital Stock.........................................72
Section 10.5 Acknowledgment of Manufacturers' Letter Agreements.........................................73
Section 10.6 Certain California Law Waivers.............................................................73
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.1 Trust Indenture Act Controls...............................................................74
Section 11.2 Notices....................................................................................74
Section 11.3 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes..............................75
Section 11.4 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.........................................75
Section 11.5 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion..............................................75
Section 11.6 Rules by Trustee and Agents................................................................76
Section 11.7 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders...................76
Section 11.8 Governing Law..............................................................................76
Section 11.9 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements..............................................76
Section 11.10 Successors.................................................................................76
Section 11.11 Severability...............................................................................76
Section 11.12 Counterpart Originals; Acceptance by Trustee...............................................76
Section 11.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc...........................................................77
EXHIBITS:
Exhibit A-1 Form of Note
Exhibit A-2 Form of Regulation S Temporary Global Note
Exhibit B Form of Certificate of Transfer
Exhibit C Form of Certificate of Exchange
Exhibit D Form of Certificate from Acquiring Institutional Accredited Investor
Exhibit E Form of Guarantee
Exhibit F Form of Supplemental Indenture
Exhibit G-1 Form of Affidavit of Out-of-State Execution
Exhibit G-2 Form of Affidavit of Out-of-State Receipt and Acceptance
INDENTURE dated as of August 10, 2001 by and between AutoNation,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), as Issuer, each of the
GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN, as Guarantors (the "Guarantors") and ▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO
BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as
trustee (the "Trustee").
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of each other and for
the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.1 Definitions.
-----------
"Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of a Person (1)
existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (2)
assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in
each case, other than Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such
acquisition, as the case may be, except for Indebtedness of a Person or any
of its Subsidiaries that is repaid substantially concurrently or in
connection with the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company or substantially concurrently or in connection with the time of the
acquisition of assets from such Person. Acquired Indebtedness shall be
deemed to be incurred on the date of the related acquisition of assets from
any Person or the date the acquired Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary,
as the case may be.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person: (1) any
other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under
direct or indirect common control with such specified Person; (2) any other
Person that owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class or
series of such specified Person's (or any of such Person's direct or
indirect parent's) Capital Stock or any officer or director of any such
other Person or, with respect to any natural Person, any person having a
relationship with such Person by blood, marriage or adoption not more
remote than first cousin; or (3) any other Person 10% or more of the Voting
Stock of which is beneficially owned or held directly or indirectly by such
specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used
with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether
through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the
terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.
"Agent" means any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar.
"Applicable Procedures" means, with respect to any transfer or
exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and
procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Cedel that apply to such
transfer or exchange.
"Asset Sale" means any sale, issuance, conveyance, transfer (other
than as security), lease (other than operating leases entered into in the
ordinary course of business) or other disposition (including, without
limitation, by way of merger, consolidation or sale and leaseback
transaction) (collectively, a "transfer"), directly or indirectly, in one
or a series of related transactions, of: (1) any Capital Stock of any
Restricted Subsidiary (including by way of merger or consolidation); (2)
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of any division or
line of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (3) any
other properties or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
other than in the ordinary course of business. For the purposes of this
definition, the term "Asset Sale" shall not include any transfer of
properties and/or assets (A) that is governed by the provisions described
under Section 5.1, (B) that is by the Company to any Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary, or by any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or
any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture, (C) that would be within the definition of a "Restricted
Payment" under Section 4.7 and would be permitted to be made as a
Restricted Payment (and shall be deemed a Restricted Payment) under Section
4.7, (D) that, in the reasonable determination of the Company, consist of
obsolete or worn-out property or property no longer used in the Company's
or any Restricted Subsidiary's business in the ordinary course of business,
(E) that is a sale of receivables pursuant to documentation relating to
Vehicle Receivables Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of
business, (F) as a result of governmental requirements or franchise and/or
framework agreements, which properties and/or assets were acquired by the
Company after the Issue Date as part of a larger acquisition of properties
and/or assets that was permitted by this Indenture, or (G) the Fair Market
Value of which in the aggregate does not exceed $10 million in any
transaction or series of related transactions.
"Asset Swap" means the exchange by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of a portion of its property, business or assets, in the
ordinary course of business, for property, businesses or assets which, or
Capital Stock of a Person all or substantially all of whose assets, are a
type used in a Permitted Business, or a combination of any property,
business or assets or Capital Stock of such a Person and cash or Cash
Equivalents.
"Automobile Retailing Activities" means new and used vehicle
retailing, wholesaling, leasing, financing, servicing and related
activities.
"Average Life to Stated Maturity" means, as of the date of
determination with respect to any Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by
dividing (1) the sum of the products of (a) the number of years from the
date of determination to the date or dates of each successive scheduled
principal payment of such Indebtedness multiplied by (b) the amount of each
such principal payment by (2) the sum of all such principal payments.
"Bankruptcy Law" means ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Bankruptcy Code of
1978, or any similar United States federal or state law or foreign law
relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding up,
liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors or any amendment to,
succession to or change in any such law.
"Board Designee" shall mean a designee of the Board of Directors
of the Company (including a committee of such Board of Directors) who shall
be granted authority by such Board of Directors pursuant to a board
resolution to make certain determinations with respect to this Indenture as
specified herein.
"Board of Directors" means, with respect to any Person, the board
of directors of such Person, or any duly authorized committee of such
board.
"Borrowing Base" means as of any date on which Indebtedness is
proposed to be incurred, the sum of (x) 65% of the book value of the
accounts receivable of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as
reflected on their latest available balance sheet and (y) 35% of the book
value of the property, plant and equipment of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries as of such balance sheet date, in each case
calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP, and which
are not, as of such balance sheet date and as of the date of such proposed
incurrence of Indebtedness, subject to any Liens which secure Indebtedness.
"Broker-Dealer" means any broker or dealer registered with the
Commission under the Exchange Act.
"Business Day" means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
"Capital Lease Obligation" of any Person means all monetary
obligations of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a
Consolidated basis under any capital lease of (or other agreement conveying
the right to use) real or personal property which, in accordance with GAAP,
is required to be recorded as a capitalized lease obligation.
"Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests,
participations, rights in or other equivalents (however designated) of such
Person's capital stock, other equity interests whether now outstanding or
issued after the date of this Indenture, partnership interests (whether
general or limited), limited liability company interests, any other
interest or participation that confers on a Person that right to receive a
share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the
issuing Person, including any Preferred Stock, and any rights (other than
debt securities convertible into Capital Stock), warrants or options
exchangeable for or convertible into such Capital Stock.
"Cash Equivalents" means (1) any evidence of Indebtedness issued
or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States or any
agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) deposits, certificates of deposit or
acceptances of any financial institution that is a member of the Federal
Reserve System and whose senior unsecured debt is rated at least "A-1" by
Standard & Poor's or at least "P-1" by Moody's, (3) commercial paper with a
maturity of 365 days or less issued by a corporation (other than an
Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Company) organized and existing under the
laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of
Columbia and rated at least "A-1" by Standard & Poor's and at least "P-1"
by Moody's, (4) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements
relating to marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed
by the full faith and credit of the United States maturing within 365 days
from the date of acquisition, and (5) money market funds which invest
substantially all of their assets in securities described in the preceding
clauses (1) through (4).
"Cedel" means Cedelbank, societe anonyme.
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following
events: (1) any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial owner"
(as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a
Person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of
50% or more of the total outstanding Voting Stock of the Company; (2)
during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of such period constituted the board of directors of the Company
(together with any new directors whose election to such board or whose
nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company was approved by
a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors then still in office who were either
directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination
for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute
a majority of such board of directors then in office; (3) the Company
consolidates with or merges with or into any Person, or any Person
consolidates with or merges into or with the Company, in any such event
pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock of the
Company is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other
property, other than any such transaction where the outstanding Voting
Stock of the Company is converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock of the
surviving Person which is not Redeemable Capital Stock representing a
majority of the voting power of all Voting Stock of such Surviving Person
immediately after giving effect to such issuance; (4) the sale, lease,
transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any "person" or "group" (as such terms are
used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act); or (5) the Company
is liquidated or dissolved or adopts a plan of liquidation or dissolution
other than in a transaction which complies with the provisions described
under Section 5.1.
"Closing" means the original issuance of Notes on the date of this
Indenture.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from
time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or if at any time
after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and
performing the duties now assigned to it under the Securities Act, Exchange
Act and Trust Indenture Act then the body performing such duties at such
time.
"Commodity Price Protection Agreement" means any forward contract,
commodity swap, commodity option or other similar financial agreement or
arrangement relating to, or the value which is dependent upon, fluctuations
in commodity prices.
"Company" means AutoNation, Inc., a corporation incorporated under
the laws of Delaware, until a successor Person shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor Person.
"Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" of any Person means,
for any period, the ratio of (a) the sum of Consolidated Net Income (Loss),
and in each case to the extent deducted in computing Consolidated Net
Income (Loss) for such period, Consolidated Interest Expense, Consolidated
Income Tax Expense and Consolidated Non-cash Charges for such period, of
such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis, all
determined in accordance with GAAP, less all noncash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income for such period and less all cash payments during
such period relating to noncash charges that were added back to
Consolidated Net Income in determining the Consolidated Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio in any prior period to (b) the sum of Consolidated Interest
Expense for such period and cash and noncash dividends paid on any
Redeemable Capital Stock or cash dividends paid on any Preferred Stock that
is not Redeemable Capital Stock of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries during such period, in each case after giving pro forma effect
(as determined in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the
Securities Act or any successor provision) without duplication to (1) the
incurrence of the Indebtedness giving rise to the need to make such
calculation and (if applicable) the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, including to refinance other Indebtedness, as if such
Indebtedness was incurred, and the application of such proceeds occurred,
on the first day of such period; (2) the incurrence, repayment or
retirement of any other Indebtedness by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries since the first day of such period as if such Indebtedness was
incurred, repaid or retired at the beginning of such period (except that,
in making such computation, the amount of Indebtedness under any revolving
credit facility shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of
such Indebtedness during such period); (3) in the case of Acquired
Indebtedness or any acquisition occurring at the time of the incurrence of
such Indebtedness, the related acquisition, assuming such acquisition had
been consummated on the first day of such period; and (4) any acquisition
or disposition by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of any
company or any business or any assets out of the ordinary course of
business, whether by merger, stock purchase or sale or asset purchase or
sale, and any related repayment of Indebtedness, in each case since the
first day of such period, assuming such acquisition or disposition had been
consummated on the first day of such period; provided that (1) in making
such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to
interest on any Indebtedness computed on a pro forma basis and (A) bearing
a floating interest rate shall be computed as if the rate in effect on the
date of computation had been the applicable rate for the entire period and
(B) which was not outstanding during the period for which the computation
is being made but which bears, at the option of such Person, a fixed or
floating rate of interest, shall be computed by applying at the option of
such Person either the fixed or floating rate and (2) in making such
computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person attributable
to interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed
on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance
of such Indebtedness during the applicable period.
"Consolidated Income Tax Expense" of any Person means, for any
period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of
such Person and its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for such period as
determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" of any Person means, without
duplication, for any period, the sum of (a) the interest expense of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (determined in
accordance with GAAP), on a Consolidated basis (including interest under
any Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness), including, without limitation, (1)
amortization of debt discount, (2) the net costs associated with Interest
Rate Agreements and Currency Hedging Agreements (including amortization of
discounts), (3) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation,
and (4) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with
respect to letters of credit and bankers acceptance financing, plus (b)(1)
the interest component of the Capital Lease Obligations (determined in
accordance with GAAP) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries during
such period and (2) all capitalized interest of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries plus (c) for purposes of calculating the
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, the interest expense determined
in accordance with GAAP under any Guaranteed Debt of such Person and any
Restricted Subsidiary to the extent not included under clause (a) above,
whether or not paid by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"Consolidated Net Income (Loss)" of any Person means, for any
period, the Consolidated net income (or loss) of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a Consolidated basis as
determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted, to the extent included in
calculating such net income (or loss), by excluding, without duplication,
(1) all extraordinary gains or losses net of taxes (less all fees and
expenses relating thereto), (2) the portion of net income (or loss) of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis allocable to
minority interests in unconsolidated Persons or Unrestricted Subsidiaries
to the extent that cash dividends or distributions have not actually been
received by such Person or one of its Consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries,
(3) net income (or loss) of any Person combined with such Person or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries on a "pooling of interests" basis attributable
to any period prior to the date of combination, (4) any gain or loss, net
of taxes, realized upon the termination of any employee pension benefit
plan, (5) gains or losses, net of taxes (less all fees and expenses
relating thereto), in respect of dispositions of assets other than in the
ordinary course of business, (6) the net income of any Restricted
Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration of dividends or similar
distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is not at the
time permitted, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its
charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute,
rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or
its stockholders, (7) any restoration to net income of any contingency
reserve, except to the extent provision for such reserve was made out of
income accrued at any time following the Issue Date, or (8) any net gain
arising from the acquisition of any securities or extinguishment, under
GAAP, of any Indebtedness of such Person.
"Consolidated Non-cash Charges" of any Person means, for any
period, the aggregate depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges
of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for
such period, as determined in accordance with GAAP (excluding any non-cash
charge which requires an accrual or reserve for cash charges for any future
period).
"Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" of any Person means, at any
time, for such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated
basis, an amount computed equal to (a) the Consolidated stockholders'
equity of the Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, minus (b) all
Intangible Assets of the Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each
case as of such time. For the purposes hereof, "Intangible Assets" means
intellectual property, goodwill and other intangible assets, in each case
determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidation" means, with respect to any Person, the
consolidation of the accounts of such Person and each of its Restricted
Subsidiaries if and to the extent such accounts would normally be
consolidated with those of such Person, all in accordance with GAAP. The
term "Consolidated" shall have a similar meaning.
"Corporate Trust Office" of the Trustee shall be at the address of
the Trustee specified in Section 11.2 or such other address as to which the
Trustee may give notice to the Company.
"Credit Agreements" means, collectively, the 364-day revolving
credit agreement providing for borrowings of up to $200 million and the
multi-year credit agreement providing for borrowings of up to $300 million,
in each case to be entered into among the Company, as borrower, the
Guarantors, as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent
and lender, The Chase Manhattan Bank and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Capital Corporation,
as syndication agents and lenders, First Union National Bank, as
documentation agent and lender, and the other lenders party thereto from
time to time, dated as of the Issue Date, as such agreements, in whole or
in part, in one or more instances, may be amended, renewed, extended,
substituted, refinanced, restructured, replaced, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time (including, without limitation, any successive
renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings, restructurings,
replacements, supplements or other modifications of the foregoing).
"Credit Facilities" means one or more debt facilities or
commercial paper facilities, in each case with banks or other financial
institutions or institutional lenders, or other Persons which provide,
originate or arrange debt or commercial paper facilities, providing for
revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing or letters of
credit, including the Credit Agreements, in each case in existence from
time to time as such facilities, in whole or in part, in one or more
instances, may be amended, renewed, extended, substituted, refinanced,
restructured, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time (including, without limitation, any successive renewals, extensions,
substitutions, refinancings, restructurings, replacements, supplements or
other modifications of the foregoing).
"Currency Hedging Agreements" means one or more of the following
agreements which shall be entered into by one or more financial
institutions: foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements or other
similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against the
fluctuations in currency values.
"Custodian" means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the
Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.
"Default" means any event which is, or after notice or the passage
of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
"Definitive Note" means a certificated Note registered in the name
of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.2, in the
form of Exhibit A-1 hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global
Note Legend and shall not have the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in
the Global Note" attached thereto.
"Depositary" means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and
successors.
"Designated Noncash Consideration" means the fair market value of
non-cash consideration received by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated
pursuant to an Officer's Certificate, setting forth the basis of the
valuation. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the Designated Noncash
Consideration, taken together with the Fair Market Value at the time of
receipt of all other Designated Noncash Consideration received, may not
exceed the greater of (x) $50 million in the aggregate or (y) 5.0% of the
Company's Consolidated Tangible Net Worth over the term of the Notes, at
the time of the receipt of the Designated Noncash Consideration (with the
Fair Market Value being measured at the time received and without giving
effect to subsequent changes in value).
"Disinterested Director" means, with respect to any transaction or
series of related transactions, a member of the Board of Directors of the
Company who does not have any material direct or indirect financial
interest in or with respect to such transaction or series of related
transactions.
"Eligible Special Purpose Entity" means any Person which is or is
not a Subsidiary of the Company which has been formed by or for the benefit
of the Company or any Subsidiary for the purpose of (i) financing or
refinancing, leasing, selling or securitizing Vehicles or related
receivables and which finances, refinances or securitizes Vehicles or
related receivables of, leases Vehicles to or purchases Vehicles or related
receivables from the Company or any Subsidiary; or (ii) financing or
refinancing consumer receivables, leases, loans or retail installment
contracts.
"Euroclear" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Brussels office, as operator of the Euroclear system.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any
successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Commission thereunder.
"Exchange Notes" means the Notes issued in exchange for the
Initial Notes in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.6(f) or, with
respect to Notes containing a Private Placement Legend issued under this
Indenture subsequent to the date of this Indenture pursuant to Section 2.2,
the exchange offer contemplated by the registration rights agreement
relating thereto substantially similar to the Registration Rights
Agreement.
"Exchange Offer" has the meaning set forth in the Registration
Rights Agreement.
"Exchange Offer Registration Statement" has the meaning set forth
in the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property,
the sale value that would be obtained in an arm's-length free market
transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to
sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy. Fair
Market Value shall be determined by either (a) the Board of Directors of
the Company acting in good faith and shall be evidenced by a board
resolution or (b) the Board Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or
committee resolution, as the case may be), in each case whose determination
shall be conclusive.
"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" or "GAAP" means
generally accepted accounting principles and interpretations thereof in the
United States, consistently applied, which are in effect on the Issue Date.
"Global Note Legend" means the legend set forth in Section
2.6(g)(ii) which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under
this Indenture.
"Global Notes" means, individually and collectively, each of the
Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, in the form of
Exhibit A hereto issued in accordance with Section 2.1, 2.6(b)(iv),
2.6(d)(ii) or 2.6(f).
"Guarantee" means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Company's
Indenture Obligations.
"Guaranteed Debt" of any Person means, without duplication, all
Indebtedness of any other Person referred to in the definition of
Indebtedness below guaranteed directly or indirectly in any manner by such
Person, or in effect guaranteed directly or indirectly by such Person
through an agreement (1) to pay or purchase such Indebtedness or to advance
or supply funds for the payment or purchase of such Indebtedness, (2) to
purchase, sell or lease (as lessee or lessor) property, or to purchase or
sell services, primarily for the purpose of enabling the debtor to make
payment of such Indebtedness or to assure the holder of such Indebtedness
against loss, (3) to supply funds to, or in any other manner invest in, the
debtor (including any agreement to pay for property or services without
requiring that such property be received or such services be rendered), (4)
to maintain working capital or equity capital of the debtor, or otherwise
to maintain the net worth, solvency or other financial condition of the
debtor or to cause such debtor to achieve certain levels of financial
performance or (5) otherwise to assure a creditor against loss; provided
that the term "guarantee" shall not include endorsements for collection or
deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business.
"Guarantor" means (a) each of the Restricted Subsidiaries that
guarantees the Notes on the Issue Date and each Restricted Subsidiary that
Guarantees the Notes after the Issue Date whether as required after the
date of this Indenture pursuant to Section 4.12 or Section 4.16 or
otherwise, in each case until a successor replaces such party pursuant to
the applicable provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, shall mean
such successor.
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, without
duplication, (1) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or for
the deferred purchase price of property or services, excluding any trade
payables and other accrued current liabilities arising in the ordinary
course of business, but including, without limitation, all obligations,
contingent or otherwise, of such Person in connection with any letters of
credit issued under letter of credit facilities, acceptance facilities or
other similar facilities, (2) all obligations of such Person evidenced by
bonds, notes, debentures or other similar instruments, (3) all indebtedness
created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even if the
rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the
event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), but
excluding trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business, (4)
all obligations under Interest Rate Agreements, Currency Hedging Agreements
or Commodity Price Protection Agreements of such Person, (5) all Capital
Lease Obligations of such Person, (6) all Indebtedness referred to in
clauses (1) through (5) above of other Persons and all dividends of other
Persons, the payment of which is secured by (or for which the holder of
such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be
secured by) any Lien, upon or with respect to property (including, without
limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though
such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such
Indebtedness, (7) all Guaranteed Debt of such Person, (8) all Redeemable
Capital Stock issued by such Person valued at the greater of its voluntary
or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued and unpaid
dividends, (9) Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,
and (10) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal,
extension, refunding or refinancing of any liability of the types referred
to in paragraphs (1) through (9) above. For purposes hereof, the "maximum
fixed repurchase price" of any Redeemable Capital Stock which does not have
a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms
of such Redeemable Capital Stock as if such Redeemable Capital Stock were
purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be
determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or
measured by, the Fair Market Value of such Redeemable Capital Stock, such
Fair Market Value to be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors
of the issuer of such Redeemable Capital Stock.
"Indenture" means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from
time to time.
"Indenture Obligations" means the obligations of the Company and
any other obligor under this Indenture or under the Notes, including any
Guarantor, to pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest when due and
payable, and all other amounts due or to become due under or in connection
with this Indenture, the Notes and the performance of all other obligations
to the Trustee and the holders under this Indenture and the Notes,
according to the respective terms thereof.
"Indirect Participant" means a Person who holds a beneficial
interest in a Global Note through a Participant.
"Initial Notes" means the 9% Senior Notes due 2008 of the Company
issued on the date of this Indenture for so long as such securities
constitute "restricted securities" as such term is defined in Rule
144(a)(3) under the Securities Act; provided that the Trustee shall be
entitled to request and conclusively rely on an Opinion of Counsel with
respect to whether any Note constitutes such a restricted security.
"Institutional Accredited Investor" means an institution that is
an "accredited investor" as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7)
under the Securities Act.
"Interest Rate Agreements" means one or more of the following
agreements which shall be entered into by one or more financial
institutions: interest rate protection agreements (including, without
limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, collars and similar
agreements) and/or other types of interest rate hedging agreements from
time to time.
"Investment" means, with respect to any Person, directly or
indirectly, any advance, loan (including guarantees), or other extension of
credit or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or
other property to others or any payment for property or services for the
account or use of others), or any purchase, acquisition or ownership by
such Person of any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other
securities issued or owned by any other Person and all other items that
would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with GAAP.
"Investment Grade" means, with respect to the Notes, a credit
rating of at least Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's, together with a
rating of at least BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard & Poor's.
"Issue Date" means the original issue date of the Initial Notes
under this Indenture.
"Legal Holiday" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which
banking institutions in the City of New York are authorized by law,
regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a
Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on
the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall
accrue on such payment for the intervening period.
"Letter of Transmittal" means the letter of transmittal to be
prepared by the Company and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by
such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.
"Lien" means any mortgage or deed of trust, charge, pledge, lien
(statutory or otherwise), privilege, security interest, assignment,
deposit, arrangement, easement, hypothecation, claim, preference, priority
or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property of any kind
(including any conditional sale, capital lease or other title retention
agreement, any leases in the nature thereof, and any agreement to give any
security interest), real or personal, movable or immovable, now owned or
hereafter acquired. A Person will be deemed to own subject to a Lien any
property which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor
or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease Obligation or
other title retention agreement.
"Liquidated Damages" means all liquidated damages, if any, then
owing pursuant to Section 2(e) of the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Manufacturer" means a vehicle manufacturer which is a party to a
dealership franchise agreement with the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary.
"Manufacturers' Letter Agreements" means each of the following:
(a) Letter Agreement dated July 19, 2001 between Ford Motor Company and the
Company, (b) Letter Agreement dated July 19, 2001 between Toyota Motor
Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and the Company and (c) Letter Agreement dated July 12,
2001 between Nissan North America, Inc. and the Company.
"Maturity" means, when used with respect to the Notes, the date on
which the principal of the Notes becomes due and payable as therein
provided or as provided in this Indenture, whether at Stated Maturity, or
the redemption date and whether by declaration of acceleration, Excess
Proceeds Offer, Change of Control Offer, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Moody's" means ▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.
"Mortgage Facilities" means one or more debt facilities in each
case with banks, manufacturers and/or other entities providing for
borrowings secured primarily by real property in each case as amended,
restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or
in part from time to time; provided, that the value of the security
securing such debt facilities shall not, at the time such debt facilities
are entered into, exceed 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Indebtedness in respect of such debt facilities.
"Net Cash Proceeds" means (a) with respect to any Asset Sale by
any Person, the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any cash
received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration
received in any Asset Sale), net of (1) brokerage commissions and other
reasonable fees and expenses (including fees and expenses of counsel and
investment bankers) related to such Asset Sale, (2) provisions for all
taxes payable as a result of such Asset Sale, (3) payments made to retire
Indebtedness where such Indebtedness is secured by the assets or properties
that are the subject of such Asset Sale, (4) amounts required to be paid to
any Person (other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) owning a
beneficial interest in the assets subject to the Asset Sale and (5)
appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP,
against any liabilities associated with such Asset Sale and retained by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, after such Asset
Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment
benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and
liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with such
Asset Sale, all as reflected in an officers' certificate delivered to the
Trustee and (b) with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock or
options, warrants or rights to purchase Capital Stock, or debt securities
or Capital Stock that has been converted into or exchanged for Capital
Stock as referred to under Section 4.7, the proceeds of such issuance or
sale in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents including payments in respect
of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of, or stock or
other assets when disposed of for, cash or Cash Equivalents (except to the
extent that such obligations are financed or sold with recourse to the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), net of attorney's fees, accountant's
fees and brokerage, consultation, underwriting and other fees and expenses
actually incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes
paid or payable as a result thereof.
"Non-U.S. Person" means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
"Notes" means, collectively, the Initial Notes, the Unrestricted
Notes, any Private Exchange Securities and any Subsequent Series Notes,
treated as a single class of securities, as amended or supplemented from
time to time in accordance with the terms hereof, that are issued pursuant
to the terms of this Indenture.
"Officer" means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the
Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive or Senior
Vice President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer,
the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or
any Vice President of such Person.
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed on behalf of
the Company by two Officers of the Company, one of whom must be the Chief
Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer or the principal accounting
officer of the Company, that meets the requirements of Section 11.5.
"144A Global Note" means a global note in the form of Exhibit A-1
hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and
deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the
Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to
the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule
144A.
"Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion from legal counsel that
meets the requirements of Section 11.5. The counsel may be an employee of
or counsel to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or the Trustee.
"Pari Passu Indebtedness" means (a) any Indebtedness of the
Company that is equal in right of payment to the Notes and (b) with respect
to any Guarantee, Indebtedness of a Guarantor which ranks equal in right of
payment to such Guarantor's Guarantee.
"Participant" means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or
Cedel, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Cedel,
respectively (and, with respect to The Depository Trust Company, shall
include Euroclear and Cedel).
"Permitted Business" means the lines of business conducted by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and businesses
reasonably related, complementary or ancillary thereto, including
reasonably related extensions or expansions thereof.
"Permitted Investment" means (1) Investments in any Guarantor or
any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor or any
Person that, as a result of or in connection with such Investment, (a)
becomes a Guarantor or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is not a
Guarantor or (b) is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or
conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the
Company or any Guarantor or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary that is
not a Guarantor; (2) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
described under paragraphs (4), (5), (6) and (7) of the definition of
"Permitted Indebtedness"; (3) Investments in any of the Notes; (4) Cash
Equivalents; (5) Investments acquired by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale permitted under Section 4.10 to
the extent such Investments are non-cash proceeds as permitted under such
covenant; (6) Investments in existence on the Issue Date; (7) any
Investment to the extent the consideration therefor consists of Qualified
Capital Stock of the Company; (8) Investments representing Capital Stock or
obligations issued to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
course of the good faith settlement of claims against any other Person by
reason of a composition or readjustment of debt or a reorganization of any
debtor; (9) prepaid expenses advanced to employees in the ordinary course
of business or other loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course
of business not to exceed $2.5 million in the aggregate at any one time
outstanding; (10) accounts receivable arising and trade credit granted in
the ordinary course of business and any securities received in satisfaction
or partial satisfaction thereof in connection with accounts of financially
troubled Persons to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or
limit loss; (11) any security or debt instrument retained by the Company or
any Subsidiary in connection with the creation of Vehicle Receivables
Indebtedness or Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness which security or debt
instrument represents a residual interest in assets sold or transferred to
an Eligible Special Purpose Entity; (12) consumer loans and leases entered
into, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Company or its Subsidiaries,
as lender, lessor or assignee, as applicable, related to Automobile
Retailing Activities; (13) Investments constituting the purchase of Capital
Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary by the Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary; (14) deposits, including interest-bearing deposits, maintained
in the ordinary course of business with floorplan lenders; and (15) in
addition to the Investments described in paragraphs (1) through (14) above,
Investments in an amount not to exceed $25 million in the aggregate at any
one time outstanding. In connection with any assets or property contributed
or transferred to any Person as an Investment, such property and assets
shall be equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined by either (a) the
Board of Directors of the Company and evidenced by a board resolution or
(b) the Board Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or committee
resolution, as the case may be), in each case whose determination shall be
conclusive) at the time of Investment.
"Permitted Liens" means: (a) any Lien existing as of the Issue
Date; (b) any Lien securing the Credit Facilities incurred pursuant to
paragraph (1) of the definition of "Permitted Indebtedness"; provided that
such Liens are limited to pledges of Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries of the Company; (c) any Lien arising by reason of (1) any
judgment, decree or order of any court, so long as such Lien is adequately
bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly
initiated for the review of such judgment, decree or order shall not have
been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be
initiated shall not have expired; (2) taxes, governmental assessments or
similar governmental charges or levies not yet delinquent or which are
being contested in good faith; (3) security for payment of workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance and other governmental insurance or
benefits and/or other insurance arrangements; (4) good faith deposits in
connection with bids, tenders, statutory obligations, leases, contracts
(other than contracts for the payment of money); (5) zoning restrictions,
easements, licenses, reservations, title defects, rights of others for
rights of way, utilities, sewers, electric lines, telephone or telegraph
lines, and other similar purposes, provisions, covenants, conditions,
waivers, restrictions on the use of property or minor irregularities of
title (and with respect to leasehold interests, mortgages, obligations,
liens and other encumbrances incurred, created, assumed or permitted to
exist and arising by, through or under a landlord or owner of the leased
property, with or without consent of the lessee), none of which materially
impairs the use of any parcel of property material to the operation of the
business of the Company or any Subsidiary or the value of such property for
the purpose of such business; (6) deposits to secure public or statutory
obligations, or in lieu of surety or appeal bonds; or (7) operation of law
in favor of mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords, materialmen,
laborers, employees or suppliers, incurred in the ordinary course of
business for sums which are not yet delinquent or are being contested in
good faith by negotiations or by appropriate proceedings which suspend the
collection thereof; (d) any Lien securing Acquired Indebtedness created
prior to (and not created in connection with, or in contemplation of) the
incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary; provided that the Lien shall attach only to the assets of the
related acquired entity and its Restricted Subsidiaries and not assets of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries generally; (e) any Lien to
secure the performance bids, trade contracts, leases (including, without
limitation, statutory and common law landlord's liens), statutory
obligations, surety and appeal bonds, letters of credit and other
obligations of a like nature and incurred in the ordinary course of
business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (f) any Lien securing
Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Interest Rate Agreements,
Currency Hedging Agreements or Commodity Price Protection Agreements or
otherwise incurred to hedge interest rate risk or currency or commodity
pricing risk; (g) any Lien securing Capital Lease Obligations or Purchase
Money Obligations in existence as of the Issue Date and/or incurred in
accordance with this Indenture (including paragraph (8) of the definition
of "Permitted Indebtedness") and which are incurred or assumed solely in
connection with the acquisition, development or construction of real or
personal, movable or immovable property within 180 days of such incurrence
or assumption; provided that such Liens only extend to such acquired,
developed or constructed property, such Liens secure Indebtedness in an
amount not in excess of the original purchase price or the original cost of
any such assets or repair, addition or improvement thereto, and the
incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted by Section 4.9; (h) any Lien
securing any Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness and/or Vehicle Receivables
Indebtedness; (i) Liens securing Indebtedness under Mortgage Facilities
permitted to be incurred pursuant to paragraph (13) of the definition of
"Permitted Indebtedness"; (j) other Liens securing Indebtedness in an
aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $100 million and (y) 10%
of the Company's Consolidated Tangible Net Worth; and (k) any extension,
renewal, refinancing or replacement, in whole or in part, of any Lien
described in the foregoing paragraphs (a) through (j) so long as no
additional collateral is granted as security thereby.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
"Preferred Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital
Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to
the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
Person, over the Capital Stock of any other class in such Person.
"Private Exchange Securities" shall have the meaning specified in
the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Private Placement Legend" means the legend set forth in Section
2.6(g)(i) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except
where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of
common stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company with
gross cash proceeds to the Company of at least $50 million pursuant to a
registration statement that has been declared effective by the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act (other than a registration statement on Form
S-4 (or any successor form covering substantially the same transactions),
Form S-8 (or any successor form covering substantially the same
transactions) or otherwise relating to equity securities issuable under any
employee benefit plan of the Company).
"Purchase Money Obligations" means any Indebtedness secured by a
Lien on assets (including real property) related to the business of the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries and any additions and accessions
thereto, which are purchased (including in connection with the acquisition
of a business by means of stock purchase, merger or otherwise) or developed
by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary at any time after the Notes are
issued; provided that (1) the security agreement or conditional sales or
other title retention contract pursuant to which the Lien on such assets is
created (collectively a "Purchase Money Security Agreement") shall be
entered into within 180 days after the purchase or substantial completion
of the construction of such assets and shall at all times be confined
solely to the assets so purchased or acquired, any additions or accessions
thereto or any proceeds therefrom, (2) at no time shall the aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Indebtedness secured thereby be
increased, except in connection with the purchase of additions and
accessions thereto and except in respect of fees and other obligations in
respect of such Indebtedness and (3) the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of Indebtedness secured thereby (determined on a per asset basis in
the case of any additions and accessions) shall not at the time such
Purchase Money Security Agreement is entered into exceed 100% of the
purchase price to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the assets
subject thereto.
"Qualified Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all Capital
Stock of such Person other than Redeemable Capital Stock.
"QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule
144A.
"Redeemable Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock that, either by
its terms or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or
exchangeable or otherwise, is or upon the happening of an event or passage
of time would be, required to be redeemed prior to the final Stated
Maturity of the principal of the Notes or is redeemable at the option of
the Holder thereof at any time prior to such final Stated Maturity (other
than upon a change of control of or sale of assets by the Company in
circumstances where the Holders of the Notes would have similar rights), or
is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior
to such final Stated Maturity at the option of the Holder thereof.
"Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of the date of this Indenture, by and among the
Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages
thereof, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from
time to time, and, with respect to Initial Notes issued under this
Indenture subsequent to the date of this Indenture pursuant to Section 2.2,
the registration rights agreement relating thereto substantially identical
to the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Regulation S" means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities
Act.
"Regulation S Global Note" means a Regulation S Temporary Global
Note or Regulation S Permanent Global Note, as appropriate.
"Regulation S Permanent Global Note" means a permanent Global Note
in the form of Exhibit A-1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the
Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered
in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination
equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary
Global Note upon expiration of the Restricted Period.
"Regulation S Temporary Global Note" means a temporary global Note
in the form of Exhibit A-2 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the
Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered
in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination
equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes initially sold in
reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.
"Responsible Officer," when used with respect to the Trustee,
means any officer within the corporate trust services department of the
Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the
Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any
of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a
particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is
referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular
subject.
"Restricted Definitive Note" means a Definitive Note bearing the
Private Placement Legend.
"Restricted Global Note" means a Global Note bearing the Private
Placement Legend.
"Restricted Period" means the 40-day restricted period as defined
in Regulation S.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that
has not been designated by the Board of Directors of the Company by a board
resolution delivered to the Trustee as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant
to and in compliance with the covenant described under Section 4.13.
"Rule 144" means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Rule 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Rule 903" means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Rule 904" means Rule 904 promulgated the Securities Act.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, or any
successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Commission thereunder.
"Shelf Registration Statement" means the Shelf Registration
Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Significant Restricted Subsidiary" means, at any date of
determination, any Restricted Subsidiary that represents 10% or more of the
Company's total consolidated assets at the end of the most recent fiscal
quarter for which financial information is available or 10% or more of the
Company's consolidated net revenue or consolidated operating income for the
most recent four quarters for which financial information is available.
"Standard & Poor's" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a
division of McGraw Hill, Inc., and its successors.
"Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any
Indebtedness or any installment of interest thereon, the dates specified in
such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such
Indebtedness or such installment of interest, as the case may be, is due
and payable.
"Subordinated Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company or a
Guarantor subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor's
Guarantee, as the case may be.
"Subsidiary" of a Person means (1) any corporation more than 50%
of the outstanding voting power of the Voting Stock of which is owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other
Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person and one or more other
Subsidiaries thereof, or (2) any limited partnership of which such Person
or any Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner, or (3) any other
Person in which such Person, or one or more other Subsidiaries of such
Person, or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries, directly or
indirectly, have more than 50% of the outstanding partnership or similar
interests or have the power, by contract or otherwise, to direct or cause
the direction of the policies, management and affairs thereof.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or
any successor statute.
"Trustee" means the party named as such above until a successor
replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture
and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.
"Unrestricted Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in the
form of Exhibit A-1 attached hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and
that has the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note"
attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered
in the name of the Depositary, representing a series of Notes that do not
and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
"Unrestricted Definitive Notes" means one or more Definitive Notes
that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
"Unrestricted Notes" means one or more Unrestricted Global Notes
and/or Unrestricted Definitive Notes, including, without limitation, the
Exchange Notes.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company
designated as such pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant
described under Section 4.13.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary Indebtedness" of any Unrestricted
Subsidiary means Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary (1) as to
which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary is directly or
indirectly liable (by virtue of the Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary being the primary obligor on, guarantor of, or otherwise liable
in any respect to, such Indebtedness), except Guaranteed Debt of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Affiliate, in which case
(unless the incurrence of such Guaranteed Debt resulted in a Restricted
Payment at the time of incurrence) the Company shall be deemed to have made
a Restricted Payment equal to the principal amount of any such Indebtedness
to the extent guaranteed at the time such Affiliate is designated an
Unrestricted Subsidiary and (2) which, upon the occurrence of a default
with respect thereto, does not result in, or permit any holder of any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare, a
default on such Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or
cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated
Maturity; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing any Unrestricted
Subsidiary may guarantee the Notes.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (a) direct
obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which
its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person
controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of
the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally
guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of
America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the
option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt
issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as
custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific
payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligation
held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository
receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not
authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of
such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in
respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of
principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by
such depository receipt.
"U.S. Person" means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under
the Securities Act.
"Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (including
pursuant to a commercial paper program) incurred by the Company, any
Restricted Subsidiary or any Eligible Special Purpose Entity to purchase,
lease, finance or refinance or guaranty the purchasing, leasing, financing
or refinancing of Vehicles in the ordinary course of business of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or related receivables, which
Indebtedness (x) is secured by the Vehicles or related receivables so
financed, to the extent, at any date of determination thereof, the amount
of such Indebtedness does not exceed the depreciated book value of such
Vehicles or the book value of such related receivables as determined in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis or (y) is unsecured and
provides for a borrowing base which may not exceed 85% of the value of such
Vehicles.
"Vehicle Receivables Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (including
pursuant to a commercial paper program) incurred by any Eligible Special
Purpose Entity to finance, refinance or guaranty the financing or
refinancing of consumer receivables, leases, loans or retail installment
contracts incurred in the sale, transfer or lease of Vehicles; provided (x)
such Indebtedness shall in accordance with GAAP not appear as an asset or
liability on the balance sheet of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; (y) no assets other than the Vehicles, consumer receivables,
leases, loans, retail installment contracts or related proceeds (including,
without limitation, proceeds from insurance, Vehicles and other obligations
under such receivables, leases, loans or retail installment contracts) to
be financed or refinanced secure such Indebtedness; and (z) neither the
Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than such Eligible
Special Purpose Entity) shall incur any liability with respect to such
Indebtedness other than liability arising by reason of (1) a breach of a
representation or warranty or customary indemnities, in each case contained
in any instrument relating to such Indebtedness or (2) customary interests
retained by the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries in such assets
or Indebtedness.
"Vehicles" means all now existing or hereafter acquired new and
used automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks and vans of all types and
descriptions, whether held for sale, lease, rental or operational purposes,
which relate to the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's Automobile
Retailing Activities.
"Voting Stock" of a Person means Capital Stock of such Person of
the class or classes pursuant to which the holders thereof have the general
voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of
the Board of Directors, managers or trustees of such Person (irrespective
of whether or not at the time Capital Stock of any other class or classes
shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any
contingency).
"Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary
all the Capital Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) of which is
owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.
Section 1.2 Other Definitions.
-----------------
Term Defined in Section
"Authentication Order"..................................... 2.2
"Change of Control Offer".................................. 4.15
"Change of Control Payment"................................ 4.15
"Change of Control Purchase Price"......................... 4.15
"Change of Control Purchase Date".......................... 4.15
"Covenant Defeasance"...................................... 8.3
"Defeasance"............................................... 8.2
"DTC"...................................................... 2.3
"Event of Default"......................................... 6.1
"Excess Proceeds Offer".................................... 4.10
"Excess Proceeds Payment".................................. 4.10
"Excess Proceeds Payment Date"............................. 4.10
"incur".................................................... 4.9
"Paying Agent"............................................. 2.3
"Permitted Indebtedness"................................... 4.9
"Permitted Payment"........................................ 4.7
"Registrar"................................................ 2.3
"Restricted Payments"...................................... 4.7
"Subsequent Series Notes".................................. 2.2
"Surviving Entity"......................................... 5.1
Section 1.3 Terms of TIA.
------------
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the
provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this
Indenture.
The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following
meanings:
"indenture securities" means the Notes;
"indenture security holder" means a Holder of a Note;
"indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture;
"indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the
Trustee; and
"obligor" on the Notes and the Guarantees means the
Company and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor
obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the
TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission
rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
Section 1.4 Rules of Construction.
---------------------
Unless the context otherwise requires: (i) a term has the meaning
assigned to it; (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the
meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP; (iii) "or" is not
exclusive; (iv) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural
include the singular; (v) provisions apply to successive events and
transactions; (vi) references to sections of or rules under the Securities
Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor
sections or rules adopted by the Commission from time to time; and (vii)
unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article," a
"Section" or an "Exhibit" refers to an Article, a Section or an Exhibit, as
the case may be, of this Indenture.
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
Section 2.1 Form and Dating.
---------------
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of
authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The
Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock
exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its
authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. Each Note shall have an executed Guarantee from each of
the Guarantors endorsed thereon substantially in the form of Exhibit E.
The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute,
and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture, and the Company,
the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this
Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound
thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with
the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture
shall govern and be controlling.
(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibits A-1 or A-2 attached hereto (including
the Global Note Legend thereon and the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests
in the Global Note" attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form
shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 attached hereto (but
without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the "Schedule of
Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached thereto). Each Global
Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified
therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon
and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented
thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to
reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to
reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal
amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the
Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance
with written instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by
Section 2.6.
(c) Temporary Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on
Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S
Temporary Global Note attached hereto as Exhibit A-2, which shall be
deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with
the Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, as custodian for the
Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of
the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of
Euroclear or Cedel, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the
Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall terminate upon
the receipt by the Trustee of (i) a written certificate from the
Depositary, together with copies of certificates from Euroclear and Cedel
certifying that they have received certification of non-United States
beneficial ownership of 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Regulation S Temporary Global Note (except to the extent of any beneficial
owners thereof who acquired an interest therein during the Restricted
Period pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities
Act and who will take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A
Global Note bearing a Private Placement Legend, all as contemplated by
Section 2.6(a)(ii) hereof), and (ii) an Officers' Certificate from the
Company. Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial
interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for
beneficial interests in Regulation S Permanent Global Notes pursuant to the
Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of Regulation
S Permanent Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel the Regulation S
Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S
Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes may from
time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records
of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in
connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.
(d) Euroclear and Cedel Procedures Applicable. The provisions of
the "Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System" and "Terms and
Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear" and the "General Terms and
Conditions of Cedelbank" and "Customer Handbook" of Cedel shall be
applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S
Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes that are
held by Participants through Euroclear or Cedel.
Section 2.2 Execution and Authentication.
----------------------------
An Officer shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or
facsimile signature. If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer
holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall
nevertheless be valid.
A Note shall not be valid or obligatory until authenticated by the
manual or facsimile signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be
conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this
Indenture.
The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Company signed by
an Officer (an "Authentication Order"), authenticate (a) Initial Notes for
original issue up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $450,000,000
and (b) subject to compliance with Section 4.9, additional series of Notes
(including Exchange Notes) which may be offered subsequent to the Issue
Date (the "Subsequent Series Notes"). All Notes issued on the Issue Date
and all Subsequent Series Notes shall be identical in all respects other
than issue dates, the date from which interest accrues and any changes
relating thereto. Each such Authentication Order shall specify the amount
of Notes to be authenticated, whether the Notes are to be Initial Notes,
Subsequent Series Notes or Exchange Notes and whether the Notes are to be
issued as Definitive Notes or Global Notes or such other information as the
Trustee shall reasonably request.
In the event that the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall
authenticate any Subsequent Series Notes pursuant to this Section 2.2, the
Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the same "CUSIP"
number for such Subsequent Series Notes as is printed on the Notes
outstanding at such time; provided, however, that if any Subsequent Series
Notes are determined, pursuant to an Opinion of Counsel of the Company to
be a different class of security than the Notes outstanding at such time
for federal income tax purposes, the Company may obtain a "CUSIP" number
for such Notes that is different than the "CUSIP" number printed on the
Subsequent Series Notes then outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
all Notes issued and outstanding under this Indenture shall vote and
consent together on all matters as one class and no series of Notes will
have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the
Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate
Notes whenever the Trustee may not be geographically able to do so. Each
reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes
authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights
as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Company.
Section 2.3 Registrar and Paying Agent.
--------------------------
The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which shall be
located in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, State of New
York) where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for
exchange ("Registrar"), an office or agency (which shall be located in the
Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, State of New York) where
Notes may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent") and an office or agency
where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes,
the Guarantees and this Indenture may be served. The Registrar shall keep a
register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may
appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.
The term "Registrar" includes any co-registrar and the term "Paying Agent"
includes any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying
Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company shall promptly
notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a
party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain
another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such.
The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or
Registrar.
The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company
("DTC") to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.
The Company initially appoints the Trustee and the Trustee accepts
its appointment to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as
Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
The Company shall, prior to each interest record date, notify the
Paying Agent of any wire transfer instructions for payments that it
receives from Holders.
Section 2.4 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
-----------------------------------
The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee
to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the
benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for
the payment of principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or
interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it by the
Company or any other obligor on the Notes or any Guarantor), and will
notify the Trustee of any default by the Company (or any other obligor or
the Notes or any Guarantor) in making any such payment. While any such
default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money
held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying
Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and the Trustee may at any
time during the continuance of any Event of Default, upon written request
to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to pay forthwith all money so
held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed. Upon
payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or
a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company
or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a
separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as
Paying Agent and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any
Event of Default, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such
Paying Agent to pay forthwith all money so held by it to the Trustee and to
account for any funds disbursed. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization
proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee shall serve as Paying
Agent for the Notes.
Section 2.5 Holder Lists.
------------
The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses
of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA ss. 312(a). If the
Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at
least seven Business Days before each interest payment date and at such
other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and
as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and
addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply
with TIA ss. 312(a).
Section 2.6 Transfer and Exchange.
---------------------
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not
be transferred as a whole or in part except by the Depositary to a nominee
of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to
another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee
to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. Global
Notes will not be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes unless (i)
the Company delivers to the Trustee in writing notice from the Depositary
(a) that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary for the
Global Note or (b) that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days after the date of such notice from
the Depositary; (ii) the Company, at its option, determines that the Global
Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes
and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee (provided that
in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by
the Company for Definitive Notes prior to (x) the expiration of the
Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates
required pursuant to Rule 903(c)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act and
provided, further, there shall be no continuing Default or Event of
Default); or (iii) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or any event which after notice or lapse or time or both would
be an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the Trustee has
received a request from DTC or any Holder to issue Definitive Notes. Upon
the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above,
Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall
instruct the Trustee in writing. Global Notes also may be exchanged or
replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.7 and 2.10. Every
Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global
Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.6 or Section 2.7 or
2.10, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a
Global Note and will bear the legend restricting transfers that is borne by
such Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other
than as provided in this Section 2.6(a); however, beneficial interests in a
Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.6(b)
or (f).
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes.
The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall
be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of
this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the
Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer
comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the
Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also
shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as
applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as
applicable:
(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global
Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be
transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in
accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private
Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration
of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the
Temporary Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S.
Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than
an Initial Purchaser) who takes delivery in the form of an
interest in a 144A Global Note without the receipt by Trustee of a
written certification on behalf of the transferor substantially in
the form of Exhibit B. Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted
Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted
Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required
to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described
in this Section 2.6(b)(i).
(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial
Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and
exchanges of beneficial interests in any Global Note that is not
subject to Section 2.6(b)(i) above, the transferor of such
beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written
order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the
Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing
the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial
interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the
beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2)
instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures
containing information regarding the Participant account to be
credited with such increase. Upon consummation of the Exchange
Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.6(f), the
requirements of this Section 2.6(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have
been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions
contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the holder of
such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon
satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange
of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this
Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the
Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of
the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.6(h).
(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another
Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted
Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted
Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of
Section 2.6(b)(ii) and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the
form of a beneficial interest in a 144A Global Note, then
the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of
Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1)
thereof; and
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the
form of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global
Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in
item (2) thereof;
(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a
Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted
Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note
may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with
the requirements of Section 2.6(b)(ii) and:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the
beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an
exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer,
certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it
is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in
the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person
who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the
Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the
Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer
pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the holder of such beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
exchange such beneficial interest for a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit C, including the certifications in
item (1)(a) thereof; or
(2) if the holder of such beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
transfer such beneficial interest to a Person
who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit B, including the certifications in
item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph
(D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable
Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that
such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the
Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are
no longer required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or
(D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been
issued, the Company shall issue and execute and, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee shall
authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial
interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.
Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be
exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the
form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.
(c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes
for Definitive Notes. A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be
exchanged for a Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in
Section 2.6(a). A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be
transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a
Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.6(a)
hereof.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial
Interests in Global Notes.
(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests
in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note
proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following
documentation:
(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive
Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from
such Holder in the form of Exhibit C, including the
certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under
the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth
in Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1)
thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred to a Non- U.S. Person in an offshore
transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under
the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth
in Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2)
thereof;
(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred pursuant to an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B,
including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in
reliance on an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act other than those
listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B,
including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of
Counsel required by item (3)(d) thereof, if applicable;
(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B,
including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being
transferred pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B, including the
certifications in item (3)(c) thereof, the Trustee shall
cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, and increase or
cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of,
in the case of clause (A) above, the appropriate
Restricted Global Note, and in the case of clause (B)
above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause
(C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.
(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests
in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may
exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case
of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a
transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of
Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a
Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in
Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the
Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer
pursuant to the Exchange Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive
Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial
interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate
from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C, including the
certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or
(2) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive
Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who
shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate
from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the
Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require,
an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the
Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on
transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are
no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the
Securities Act.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in
this Section 2.6(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive
Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount
of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests
in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note
may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note or transfer such Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer,
the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and
increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of
the Unrestricted Global Notes.
If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a
beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraph (ii)(B), (ii)(D)
or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been
issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication
Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee shall authenticate one or
more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive
Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder's
compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.6(e), the Registrar shall
register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such
registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present
or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly
authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any
additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable,
required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.6(e):
(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive
Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and
registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the
form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the
following:
(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to
Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor
must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to
Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the
certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any
other exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel
required by item (3)(d) thereof, if applicable.
(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted
Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged
by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or
transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in
the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case
of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a
transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of
Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a
Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in
Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to
the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) any such transfer is effected by a
Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights
Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the Holder of such Restricted
Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes
for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from such Holder in the form of
Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications
in item (1)(c) thereof; or
(2) if the Holder of such Restricted
Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes
to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in
the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from such Holder in the form of
Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications
in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the
Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably
acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or
transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the
restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private
Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted
Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may
transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the
form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request
to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the
Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from
the Holder thereof.
(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue
and execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with
Section 2.2, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted
Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount
of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for
acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal
that (x) they are not broker-dealers, (y) they are not participating in a
distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as
defined in Rule 144) of the Company, and accepted for exchange in the
Exchange Offer and (ii) Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted
for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such
Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the
applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the
Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted
Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
(g) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all
Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless
specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this
Indenture.
(i) Private Placement Legend.
(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B)
below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all
Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution
thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the
following form:
THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN
REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD,
PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A
PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR THE
ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A
TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) IN
AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 903 OR RULE
904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) TO AN
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT
FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT,
(4) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF
AVAILABLE) OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE
UNITED STATES.
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global
Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph
(b)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of
this Section 2.6 (and all Notes issued in exchange
therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the
Private Placement Legend.
(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a
legend in substantially the following form:
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS
DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS
NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL
OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY
MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN
WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(a) OF THE
INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE
TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE
INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO
A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF
THE COMPANY.
(iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. The
Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall bear a legend in
substantially the following form:
THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY
GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS
EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE
(AS DEFINED HEREIN).
(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time
as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged
for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed,
repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note
shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance
with Section 2.11. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any
beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a
Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest
in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of
Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an
endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the
Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and
if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a
Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest
in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased
accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the
Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect
such increase.
(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges,
the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes
and Definitive Notes upon the Company's order or at the Registrar's
request.
(ii) No service charge shall be made to a holder of a
beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note
for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar
governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such
transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or
transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.6, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.5).
(iii) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any
registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes
shall be the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such
registration of transfer or exchange.
(iv) The Registrar shall not be required (A) to register
the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before the day of any mailing of notice of
redemption of Notes for redemption under Section 3.2 and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing, (B) to register the transfer
of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part,
except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (c) to
register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and
the next succeeding interest payment date.
(v) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a
transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and
treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner
of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and
interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee,
any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(vi) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and
Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2.
(vii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of
Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section
2.6 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by
facsimile.
(viii) Each Holder of a Note agrees to indemnify the Company
and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer,
exchange or assignment of such Holder's Note in violation of any provision
of this Indenture and/or applicable United States federal or state
securities law.
The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine
or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under
this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any
interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary
Participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other
than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or
evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly
required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to
determine reasonable compliance as to form with the express requirements
hereof, provided that the Trustee shall have no obligation to investigate
or confirm the accuracy or correctness thereof.
Section 2.7 Replacement Notes.
------------------
If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company
and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction,
loss or theft of any Note, the Company shall issue and execute and the
Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a
replacement Note if the Trustee's requirements are met. An indemnity bond
must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the
Trustee and the Company to protect The Company, the Trustee, any Agent and
any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a
Note is replaced. The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing a
Note.
Every replacement Note is an additional and binding obligation of
the Company and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture
equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.
Section 2.8 Outstanding Notes.
------------------
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated
by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for
cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by
the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof and those described in
this Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.9, a Note
does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company holds the Note; however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary
of the Company shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of
Section 3.7(b).
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, it ceases to be
outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof and indemnification
satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.
If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under
Section 4.1, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to
accrue.
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary of the
Company or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or
maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on
and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding
and shall cease to accrue interest.
Section 2.9 Treasury Notes.
---------------
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal
amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes
owned by the Company or by any Affiliate of the Company shall be considered
as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction,
waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee
actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.
---------------
The Company may prepare and execute and the Trustee, upon receipt
of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary
Notes shall be substantially in the form of permanent Notes but may have
variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and
as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The Company may prepare
and execute and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall
authenticate permanent Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
Holders of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the
benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.11 Cancellation.
------------
The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for
cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee
any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or
payment. The Trustee upon direction by the Company and no one else shall
cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange,
payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of the Notes
(subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). The
Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that
have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.
------------------
If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes,
such interest shall cease to be payable to the Holders on the relevant
record date and the Company shall instead pay the defaulted interest in any
lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted
interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record
date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.1.
The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted
interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed
payment. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special
record date and payment date, provided that no such special record date
shall be less than 5 days prior to the related payment date for such
defaulted interest. At least 10 days before the special record date, the
Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the
name and at the expense of the Company) shall mail or cause to be mailed to
Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment
date and the amount of such interest to be paid.
Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers.
-------------
The Company, in issuing the Notes, may use "CUSIP" numbers (if
then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in
notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such
notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of
such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice
of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other
identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall
not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company
will promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.1 Notice of Redemption to Trustee.
-------------------------------
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional
redemption provisions of Section 3.7, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at
least 30 days but not more than 90 days before the redemption date, an
Officers' Certificate setting forth (i) the redemption date, (ii) the
principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iii) the redemption price.
Section 3.2 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.
---------------------------------
The Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed among the
Holders of the Notes in compliance with the requirements of the principal
national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if
the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method
as the Trustee shall deem appropriate. In the event of partial redemption
by lot pursuant to Section 3.7, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall
be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more
than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the
outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the
Notes selected for redemption and the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of
$1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000, except that if all of the Notes of a
Holder are to be redeemed, then the entire outstanding amount of Notes held
by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed.
Section 3.3 Notice of Redemption to Holders.
-------------------------------
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional
redemption provisions of Section 3.7, at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date and no later than 30 days after the closing
or the related Public Equity Offering, the Company shall mail or cause to
be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose
Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. The notice shall
identify the Notes to be redeemed (including "CUSIP" number(s)) and shall
state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the redemption price; (iii) if any
Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such
Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of
such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note; (iv) the
name and address of the Paying Agent; (v) that Notes called for redemption
must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
(vi) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment,
interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the
redemption date; (vii) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this
Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being
redeemed; and (viii) that no representation is made as to the correctness
or accuracy of the "CUSIP" number, if any, listed in such notice or printed
on the Notes.
At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of
redemption in the Company's name and at its expense; provided, however,
that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days
prior to the redemption date, an Officers' Certificate requesting that the
Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in
such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.
Section 3.4 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
------------------------------
Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section
3.3, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the
redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be
conditional.
Section 3.5 Deposit of Redemption Price.
---------------------------
No later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption
date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to
pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on all Notes to be
redeemed on that date. The Paying Agent shall promptly return to the
Company any money deposited with the Paying Agent by the Company in excess
of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued
interest on, all Notes to be redeemed.
If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding
paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue
on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is
redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related
interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid
to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of
business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not
be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the
Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on
the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is
paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid
principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section
4.1.
Section 3.6 Notes Redeemed in Part.
----------------------
Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company
shall issue and execute and, upon the Company's written request, the
Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a
new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note
surrendered.
Section 3.7 Optional Redemption.
-------------------
(a) Except as described below, the Notes will not be redeemable by
the Company prior to maturity.
(b) At any time prior to August 1, 2004, the Company, at its
option, may use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity
Offerings to redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of Notes issued under this Indenture (including Subsequent Series
Notes, if any) at a redemption price equal to 109% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of record
on relevant record dates to receive interest due on an interest payment
date). At least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under
this Indenture (including Subsequent Series Notes, if any) must remain
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. In order
to effect this redemption, the Company must complete such redemption within
60 days of the closing of the Public Equity Offering.
(c) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall be made
pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.1 through 3.6.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.1 Payment of Notes.
----------------
The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of,
premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes on
the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if
any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying
Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00
a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in
immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all
principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. At the option of the
Company interest may be paid by check mailed to the address of the Holder
as such address appears on the securities register. The Company shall pay
all Liquidated Damages, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the
amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest
in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the
rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate
on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including
post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on
overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to
any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.
Section 4.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
-------------------------------
The Company shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City
of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or
an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be
surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices
and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this
Indenture may be served. The Company shall give prompt written notice to
the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office
or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such
required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the
address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be
made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any
or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations;
provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any
manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or
agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes.
The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such
designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such
other office or agency.
The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with
Section 2.3.
Section 4.3 Reports.
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Whether or not the Company is subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act, the Company will, to the extent permitted under the
Exchange Act, file with the Commission the annual reports, quarterly
reports and other documents which the Company would have been required to
file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) if the Company
were so subject, such documents to be filed with the Commission on or prior
to the date (the "Required Filing Date") by which the Company would have
been required so to file such documents if the Company were so subject.
The Company will also in any event (a) within 15 days of each
Required Filing Date file with the Trustee copies of the annual reports,
quarterly reports and other documents which the Company would have been
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act if the Company were subject to either of such Sections and
(b) if filing such documents by the Company with the Commission is not
permitted under the Exchange Act, promptly upon written request and payment
of the reasonable cost of duplication and delivery, supply copies of such
documents to any prospective holder at the Company's cost.
If any Guarantor's financial statements would be required to be
included in the financial statements or footnotes filed or delivered
pursuant to this Indenture if the Company were subject to Section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall include such Guarantor's
financial statements (or include such financial statements in a footnote)
in any filing or delivery pursuant to this Indenture.
Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee
is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall
not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or
determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's
compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is
entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).
Section 4.4 Compliance Certificate.
----------------------
(a) The Company and each Guarantor (to the extent that such
Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, on or
before a date not more than 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter
and not more than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers'
Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its
Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the
supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the
Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under
this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such
certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept,
observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this
Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of
the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or
Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, describing all such
Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and
what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto)
and that to his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in
existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or
interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred,
a description of the event and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
(b) The Company shall, so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding, deliver to the Trustee as soon as possible and in any event
within five Business Days, forthwith upon the Company becoming aware of any
Default or Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing, an
Officers' Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what
action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 4.5 Taxes.
-----
The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to
pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and
governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not
adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.
Section 4.6 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
------------------------------
The Company and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent
permitted by applicable law) that it shall not at any time insist upon,
plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage
of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of
this Indenture; and the Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent
that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or
advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to
any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein
granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every
such power as though no such law has been enacted.
Section 4.7 Limitation on Restricted Payments.
---------------------------------
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:
(i) declare or pay any dividend on, or make any
distribution to holders of, any shares of the
Company's Capital Stock (other than dividends or
distributions payable solely in shares of its
Qualified Capital Stock or in options, warrants
or other rights to acquire shares of such
Qualified Capital Stock);
(ii) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire
or retire for value, directly or indirectly, the
Company's Capital Stock or any Capital Stock of
any Affiliate of the Company (other than Capital
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company) or options, warrants or other rights to
acquire such Capital Stock;
(iii) make any principal payment on, or repurchase,
redeem, defease, retire or otherwise acquire for
value, prior to any scheduled principal payment,
sinking fund payment or maturity, any
Subordinated Indebtedness;
(iv) declare or pay any dividend or distribution on
any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary
to any Person (other than (a) to the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (b)
dividends or distributions made by a Restricted
Subsidiary on a pro rata basis to all
stockholders of such Restricted Subsidiary); or
(v) make any Investment in any Person (other than any
Permitted Investments).
(any of the foregoing actions described in paragraphs (i) through (v)
above, other than any such action that is a Permitted Payment (as defined
below), collectively, "Restricted Payments") (the amount of any such
Restricted Payment, if other than cash, shall be the Fair Market Value of
the assets proposed to be transferred, as determined either by (a) the
Board of Directors of the Company and evidenced by a board resolution or
(b) the Board Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or committee
resolution, as the case may be), in each case whose determination shall be
conclusive), unless
(1) immediately before and immediately after giving
effect to such proposed Restricted Payment on a
pro forma basis, no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing;
(2) immediately before and immediately after giving
effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro forma
basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) under the provisions described
under Section 4.9; and
(3) after giving effect to the proposed Restricted
Payment, the aggregate amount of all such
Restricted Payments declared or made after the
Issue Date and all Designation Amounts does not
exceed the sum of:
(A) 50% of the aggregate Consolidated Net
Income of the Company accrued on a
cumulative basis during the period
beginning on the first day of the
Company's fiscal quarter in which the
Issue Date occurs and ending on the last
day of the Company's last fiscal quarter
ending prior to the date of the
Restricted Payment (or, if such
aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net
Income shall be a loss, minus 100% of
such loss);
(B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received
after the Issue Date by the Company
either (1) as capital contributions in
the form of common equity to the Company
or (2) from the issuance or sale (other
than to any of its Subsidiaries) of
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company
or any options, warrants or rights to
purchase such Qualified Capital Stock of
the Company (except, in each case, to
the extent such proceeds are used to
purchase, redeem or otherwise retire
Capital Stock or Subordinated
Indebtedness as set forth below in
paragraph (2) or (3) of paragraph (b)
below) (and excluding the Net Cash
Proceeds from the issuance of Qualified
Capital Stock financed, directly or
indirectly, using funds borrowed from
the Company or any Subsidiary until and
to the extent such borrowing is repaid);
(C) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received
after the Issue Date by the Company
(other than from any of its
Subsidiaries) upon the exercise of any
options, warrants or rights to purchase
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company
(and excluding the Net Cash Proceeds
from the exercise of any options,
warrants or rights to purchase Qualified
Capital Stock financed, directly or
indirectly, using funds borrowed from
the Company or any Subsidiary until and
to the extent such borrowing is repaid);
(D) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received
after the Issue Date by the Company from
the conversion or exchange, if any, of
debt securities or Redeemable Capital
Stock of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries into or for Qualified
Capital Stock of the Company plus, to
the extent such debt securities or
Redeemable Capital Stock was issued
after the Issue Date, the aggregate of
the Net Cash Proceeds from its original
issuance (and excluding the Net Cash
Proceeds from the conversion or exchange
of debt securities or Redeemable Capital
Stock financed, directly or indirectly,
using funds borrowed from the Company or
any Subsidiary until and to the extent
such borrowing is repaid);
(E) (a) in the case of the disposition or
repayment of any Investment constituting
a Restricted Payment made after the
Issue Date, an amount (to the extent not
included in Consolidated Net Income)
equal to 100% of the aggregate net
proceeds (including the fair market
value of assets other than cash)
received by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, less the cost
of the disposition of such Investment
and net of taxes; and
(b) in the case of the designation of
an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary (as long as the
designation of such Subsidiary as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary was deemed a
Restricted Payment), the Fair Market
Value of the Company's interest in such
Subsidiary; provided that such amount
shall not in any case exceed the amount
of the Restricted Payment deemed made
at the time the Subsidiary was
designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary plus any additional amounts
contributed or loaned to the
Unrestricted Subsidiary which were
deemed Restricted Payments; and
(F) $100.0 million.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, and in the case of paragraphs
(2) through (4) and (9) below, so long as no Default or Event of Default is
continuing or would arise therefrom, the foregoing provisions shall not
prohibit the following actions (each of paragraphs (1) through (9) being
referred to as a "Permitted Payment"):
(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after
the date of declaration thereof, if at such date
of declaration such payment was permitted by the
provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 4.7
and such payment shall have been deemed to have
been paid on such date of declaration and shall
not have been deemed a "Permitted Payment" for
purposes of the calculation required by
paragraph (a) of this Section 4.7;
(2) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition
or retirement for value of any shares of any
class of Capital Stock of the Company in
exchange for (including any such exchange
pursuant to the exercise of a conversion right
or privilege in connection with which cash is
paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional
shares or scrip), or out of the Net Cash
Proceeds of (A) a substantially concurrent
issuance and sale for cash (other than to a
Subsidiary) of other shares of Qualified Capital
Stock of the Company or (B) an issuance and sale
for cash (other than to any Subsidiary), which
issuance and sale was done in contemplation of
such repurchase, redemption, acquisition or
retirement of, other shares of Qualified Capital
Stock of the Company; provided that the Net Cash
Proceeds from the issuance of such shares of
Qualified Capital Stock are excluded from
paragraph (3)(B) of paragraph (a) of this
Section 4.7;
(3) the repurchase, redemption, defeasance,
retirement or acquisition for value or payment
of principal of any Subordinated Indebtedness in
exchange for, or in an amount not in excess of
the Net Cash Proceeds of (A) a substantially
concurrent issuance and sale for cash (other
than to any Subsidiary of the Company) of any
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or (B) an
issuance and sale for cash (other than to any
Subsidiary of the Company), which issuance and
sale was done in contemplation of such
repurchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement
or acquisition, of any Qualified Capital Stock
of the Company, provided that the Net Cash
Proceeds from the issuance of such shares of
Qualified Capital Stock are excluded from
paragraph (3)(B) of paragraph (a) of this
Section 4.7;
(4) the repurchase, redemption, defeasance,
retirement, refinancing, acquisition for value
or payment of principal of any Subordinated
Indebtedness (a "refinancing") through the
substantially concurrent issuance of new
Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or a
Guarantor, provided that any such new
Subordinated Indebtedness
(A) shall be in a principal amount that does
not exceed the principal amount so
refinanced (or, if such Subordinated
Indebtedness provides for an amount less
than the principal amount thereof to be
due and payable upon a declaration of
acceleration thereof, then such lesser
amount as of the date of determination),
plus the lesser of (1) the stated amount
of any premium or other payment required
to be paid in connection with such a
refinancing pursuant to the terms of the
Indebtedness being refinanced or (2) the
amount of premium or other payment
actually paid at such time to refinance
the Indebtedness, plus, in either case,
the amount of expenses of the Company or
such Guarantor incurred in connection
with such refinancing;
(B) has an Average Life to Stated Maturity
greater than the remaining Average Life
to Stated Maturity of the Notes;
(C) has a Stated Maturity for its final
scheduled principal payment later than
the Stated Maturity for the final
scheduled principal payment of the
Notes;
(D) is expressly subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of
such Guarantor, as the case may be, at
least to the same extent as the
Subordinated Indebtedness to be
refinanced;
(5) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any class of Capital
Stock of the Company from employees, former
employees, directors or former directors of the
Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to the terms
of the agreements pursuant to which such Capital
Stock was acquired in an amount not to exceed
$5.0 million in the aggregate in any calendar
year;
(6) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition
or retirement for value of Capital Stock of the
Company issued pursuant to acquisitions by the
Company to the extent required by or needed to
comply with the requirements of any of the
Manufacturers with which the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary is a party to a franchise
agreement;
(7) the payment of the contingent purchase price of
an acquisition to the extent such payment would
be deemed a Restricted Payment;
(8) the payment of the deferred purchase price,
including holdbacks (and the receipt of any
corresponding consideration therefor), of an
acquisition to the extent such payment would
have been permitted by this Indenture at the
time of such acquisition; and
(9) additional Restricted Payments not to exceed
$5.0 million in the aggregate.
Section 4.8 Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment
Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.
----------------------------------------------
The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise
cause to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to
(1) pay dividends or make any other distribution on
its Capital Stock or any other interest or
participation in or measured by its profits,
(2) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any
other Restricted Subsidiary,
(3) make any Investment in the Company or any Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary, or
(4) transfer any of its properties or assets to the
Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary.
However, this covenant will not prohibit any encumbrance or
restriction (1) pursuant to an agreement in effect on the Issue Date; (2)
with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company on the Issue Date, in existence at the time such Person
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and not incurred in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted
Subsidiary, provided that such encumbrances and restrictions are not
applicable to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or the properties or
assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such
Subsidiary(ies) which is (are) becoming a Restricted Subsidiary(ies); (3)
contained in any Acquired Indebtedness or other agreement of an entity or
related to assets acquired by or merged into or consolidated with the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as such encumbrance or
restriction was not entered into in contemplation of the acquisition,
merger or consolidation transaction; (4) customary provisions contained in
an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of a Restricted
Subsidiary; provided, however, that the restrictions are applicable only to
such Restricted Subsidiary or assets; (5) any encumbrance or restriction
existing under or by reason of applicable law, including any applicable
laws governing Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company which underwrite
and/or reinsure insurance products; (6) customary provisions restricting
subletting or assignment of any lease governing any leasehold interest of
any Restricted Subsidiary; (7) covenants in franchise agreements and/or
framework agreements with Manufacturers customary for franchise agreements
and/or framework agreements in the automobile retailing industry; (8) any
encumbrances or restrictions in security agreements securing Indebtedness
(other than Subordinated Indebtedness) of a Restricted Subsidiary permitted
to be incurred under this Indenture (including any Vehicle Inventory
Indebtedness) (to the extent that such Liens are otherwise incurred in
accordance with the provisions of Section 4.12) that restrict the transfer
of property subject to such agreements, provided that any such encumbrance
or restriction is released to the extent the underlying Lien is released or
the related Indebtedness is repaid; and (9) under any agreement that
extends, renews, refinances or replaces the agreements containing the
encumbrances or restrictions in the foregoing paragraphs (1) through (8),
or in this paragraph (9), provided that the terms and conditions of any
such encumbrances or restrictions are no more restrictive in any material
respect than those under or pursuant to the agreement evidencing the
Indebtedness so extended, renewed, refinanced or replaced.
Section 4.9 Limitation on Indebtedness.
--------------------------
(a) The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, issue, incur, assume, guarantee or
otherwise in any manner become directly or indirectly liable for the
payment of or otherwise incur, contingently or otherwise (collectively,
"incur"), any Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness), unless
such Indebtedness is incurred by the Company or any Guarantor or
constitutes Acquired Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary and, in each
case, the Company's Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the most
recent four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are
available immediately preceding the incurrence of such Indebtedness taken
as one period is equal to or greater than 2.0:1.0.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and, to the extent
specifically set forth below, the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur each
and all of the following (collectively, the "Permitted Indebtedness"):
(1) Indebtedness of the Company (and guarantees by
Guarantors of such Indebtedness) under the Credit Facilities in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to
exceed the greater of (a) $750 million and (b) the Borrowing Base;
(2) Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to the Notes
issued on the Issue Date (and any Exchange Notes issued in
exchange therefor) and Indebtedness of any Guarantor pursuant to a
Guarantee of such Notes;
(3) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary outstanding on the Issue Date;
(4) Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor owing to
a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any Indebtedness of the
Company or a Guarantor owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is
not a Guarantor, except pursuant to the customary cash management
procedures of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, is made
pursuant to an intercompany note and is unsecured and, other than
with respect to Indebtedness owed to AutoNation Cayman Insurance
Company, Ltd. with respect to capital and surplus, is subordinated
in right of payment from and after such time as the Notes shall
become due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity, acceleration
or otherwise) to the payment and performance of the Company's
obligations under the Notes or such Guarantor's obligations under
its guarantee; provided, further, that any disposition, pledge or
transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person (other than a
disposition, pledge or transfer to a Restricted Subsidiary) shall
be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company
or other obligor not permitted by this paragraph (4);
(5) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not
a Guarantor owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary;
provided that (except pursuant to the customary cash management
procedures of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) any
such Indebtedness is made pursuant to an intercompany note;
provided, further, that (a) any disposition, pledge or transfer of
any such Indebtedness to a Person (other than a disposition,
pledge or transfer to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary)
shall be deemed to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the
obligor not permitted by this paragraph (5), and (b) any
transaction pursuant to which any Restricted Subsidiary, which has
Indebtedness owing to the Company or any other Restricted
Subsidiary, ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed
to be the incurrence of Indebtedness by such Restricted Subsidiary
that is not permitted by this paragraph (5);
(6) guarantees of any Restricted Subsidiary made in
accordance with the provisions of Section 4.16;
(7) obligations of the Company or any Guarantor entered
into in the ordinary course of business
(A) pursuant to Interest Rate Agreements designed to
protect the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
against fluctuations in interest rates in
respect of Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary as long as such
obligations do not exceed the payment
obligations of such Indebtedness then
outstanding,
(B) under any Currency Hedging Agreements, relating
to (1) Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary and/or (2) obligations to
purchase or sell assets or properties, in each
case, incurred in the ordinary course of
business of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary; provided, however, that such
Currency Hedging Agreements do not increase the
Indebtedness or other obligations of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding other
than as a result of fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates or by reason of fees,
indemnities and compensation payable thereunder
or
(C) under any Commodity Price Protection Agreements
which do not increase the amount of Indebtedness
or other obligations of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary outstanding other than as
a result of fluctuations in commodity prices or
by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation
payable thereunder;
(8) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary represented by Capital Lease Obligations or Purchase
Money Obligations or other Indebtedness incurred or assumed in
connection with the acquisition (including in connection with an
acquisition of a business by means of stock purchase, merger or
otherwise) or development of real or personal, movable or
immovable property in each case incurred for the purpose of
financing or refinancing all or any part of the purchase price or
cost of construction or improvement of property used in the
business of the Company, in an aggregate principal amount pursuant
to this paragraph (8) not to exceed the greater of (a) $100
million and (b) 10% of the Company's Consolidated Tangible Net
Worth; provided that the principal amount of any Indebtedness
permitted under this paragraph (8) did not in each case at the
time of incurrence exceed the Fair Market Value, as determined by
the Company in good faith, of the acquired or constructed asset or
improvement so financed;
(9) Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness;
(10) obligations arising from agreements by the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary to provide for indemnification,
customary purchase price closing adjustments, earn-outs or other
similar obligations, in each case, incurred in connection with the
acquisition or disposition of any business or assets of a
Restricted Subsidiary;
(11) Indebtedness evidenced by letters of credit or
similar obligations in the ordinary course of business to support
the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's insurance or
self-insurance obligations for workers' compensation and other
similar insurance coverages;
(12) Vehicle Receivables Indebtedness;
(13) Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor under
one or more Mortgage Facilities in an aggregate principal amount
not to exceed $500 million at any one time outstanding less any
amounts outstanding under the lease facility that was established
primarily to acquire and develop the Company's former megastore
properties;
(14) Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in addition to that described by the foregoing
paragraphs (1) through (13) above, and any renewals, extensions,
substitutions, refinancings or replacements of such Indebtedness,
so long as the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness
shall not exceed $100 million outstanding at any one time in the
aggregate;
(15) obligations in respect of letters of credit,
performance and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in the
ordinary course of business; and
(16) any renewals, extensions, substitutions,
refundings, refinancings or replacements (collectively, a
"refinancing") of any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the ratio
test in the first paragraph of clause (a) of this Section 4.9 or
described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this definition of
Permitted Indebtedness, including any successive refinancings so
long as the borrower under such refinancing is the Company or, if
not the Company, the same as the borrower of the Indebtedness
being refinanced and the aggregate principal amount of
Indebtedness represented thereby (or if such Indebtedness provides
for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity
thereof, the original issue price of such Indebtedness plus any
accreted value attributable thereto since the original issuance of
such Indebtedness) is not increased by such refinancing plus the
lesser of (a) the stated amount of any premium or other payment
required to be paid in connection with such a refinancing pursuant
to the terms of the Indebtedness being refinanced or (b) the
amount of premium or other payment actually paid at such time to
refinance the Indebtedness, plus, in either case, the amount of
expenses of the Company incurred in connection with such
refinancing.
(b) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.9,
in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than
one of the types of Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.9, the Company
in its sole discretion shall classify or later reclassify in whole or in
part such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount
of such Indebtedness as one of such types.
(c) The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of
original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the
form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of
dividends on Redeemable Stock in the form of additional shares of the same
class of Redeemable Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of
Indebtedness.
Section 4.10 Limitation on Sale of Assets.
----------------------------
(a) Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, consummate an Asset
Sale unless (1) at least 75% of the consideration from such Asset Sale
other than Asset Swaps is received in cash or Cash Equivalents and (2) the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of
such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares or
assets subject to such Asset Sale (as determined by either (a) the Board of
Directors of the Company and evidenced by a board resolution or (b) the
Board Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or committee resolution, as
the case may be), in each case whose determination shall be conclusive);
provided that the amount of:
(i) any securities, notes or other obligations received
by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection
with such transfer that are within 10 days converted, sold or
exchanged by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash
(to the extent of the cash received);
(ii) any Designated Noncash Consideration received by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Asset Sale;
and
(iii) any payment, or assumption, of Indebtedness which
is related to the assets sold in the Asset Sale
shall be deemed "cash" for purposes of this provision.
With respect to an Asset Swap constituting as Asset Sale, the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to receive in cash
(as such term is deemed to be defined for purposes of this paragraph (a))
or Cash Equivalents an amount equal to 75% of the proceeds of the Asset
Sale which do not consist of like-kind assets acquired with the Asset Swap.
(b) If all or a portion of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale
are not required to be applied to repay permanently any Indebtedness under
the Credit Facilities, the Mortgage Facilities, the Vehicle Receivables
Indebtedness and/or the Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness then outstanding as
required by the terms thereof, or the Company determines not to apply such
Net Cash Proceeds to the permanent prepayment of such Indebtedness under
the Credit Facilities, the Mortgage Facilities, the Vehicle Receivables
Indebtedness and/or the Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness, or if no such
Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities, the Mortgage Facilities, the
Vehicle Receivables Indebtedness and/or the Vehicle Inventory Indebtedness
is then outstanding, then the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary may within
30 days before or 365 days after the Asset Sale invest the Net Cash
Proceeds in properties and other assets that (as determined by either (a)
the Board of Directors of the Company and evidenced by a board resolution
or (b) the Board Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or committee
resolution, as the case may be), in each case whose determination shall be
conclusive) replace the properties and assets that were the subject of the
Asset Sale or in properties and assets that will be used in a Permitted
Business of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries. The amount of such
Net Cash Proceeds not used or invested within 365 days of the Asset Sale as
set forth in this paragraph constitutes "Excess Proceeds."
(c) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25
million, the Company will apply the Excess Proceeds to the repayment of the
Notes and any other Pari Passu Indebtedness outstanding with similar
provisions requiring the Company to make an offer to purchase such
Indebtedness with the proceeds from any Asset Sale as follows:
(A) the Company will make an offer to purchase (an
"Excess Proceeds Offer") from all holders of the
Notes in accordance with the procedures set
forth in this Indenture in the maximum principal
amount (expressed as a multiple of $1,000) of
Notes that may be purchased out of an amount
(the "Note Amount") equal to the product of such
Excess Proceeds multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the outstanding principal
amount of the Notes, and the denominator of
which is the sum of the outstanding principal
amount (or accreted value in the case of
Indebtedness issued with original issue
discount) of the Notes and such Pari Passu
Indebtedness (subject to proration in the event
such amount is less than the aggregate Offered
Price (as defined herein) of all Notes tendered)
and
(B) to the extent required by such Pari Passu
Indebtedness to permanently reduce the principal
amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, the
Company will make an offer to purchase or
otherwise repurchase or redeem Pari Passu
Indebtedness (a "Pari Passu Offer") in an amount
(the "Pari Passu Debt Amount") equal to the
excess of the Excess Proceeds over the Note
Amount; provided that in no event will the
Company be required to make a Pari Passu Offer
in a Pari Passu Debt Amount exceeding the
principal amount of such Pari Passu Indebtedness
plus the amount of any premium required to be
paid to repurchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness.
The offer price for the Notes will be payable in
cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date (the "Excess
Proceeds Offer Date") such Offer is consummated
(the "Excess Proceeds Price"), in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Indenture.
To the extent that the aggregate in clause (d)
below Offered Price of the Notes tendered
pursuant to the Offer is less than the Note
Amount relating thereto or the aggregate amount
of Pari Passu Indebtedness that is purchased in
a Pari Passu Offer is less than the Pari Passu
Debt Amount, the Company may use any remaining
Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes.
If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and
Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by Holders
thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds,
the Trustee shall select the Notes to be
purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon the
completion of the purchase of all the Notes
tendered pursuant to an Excess Proceeds Offer
and the completion of a Pari Passu Offer, the
amount of Excess Proceeds, if any, shall be
reset at zero.
(d) Upon the commencement of an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company
shall send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and to each Holder
at its registered address. The notice shall contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable such Holder to tender Notes pursuant to the
Excess Proceeds Offer. Any Excess Proceeds Offer shall be made to all
Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Excess Proceeds
Offer, shall state: (1) that the Excess Proceeds Offer is being made
pursuant to this Section 4.10; (2) the Note Amount, the Excess Proceeds
Price and the date on which Notes tendered and accepted for payment shall
be purchased, which date shall be at least 30 days and no later than 60
days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Excess Proceeds Payment
Date"); (3) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall
continue to accrete or accrue interest; (4) that, unless the Company
defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to
the Excess Proceeds Offer shall cease to accrete or accrue interest after
the Excess Proceeds Payment Date; (5) that Holders electing to have a Note
purchased pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer may only elect to have all
of such Note purchased and may not elect to have only a portion of such
Note purchased; (6) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant
to any Excess Proceeds Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with
the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of
the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company, a
depositary, if appointed by the Company, or the Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice at least three days before the Excess Proceeds
Payment Date; (7) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election
if the Company, the depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be,
receives, not later than the Excess Proceeds Payment Date, a notice setting
forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder
delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his
election to have such Note purchased; (8) that, if the aggregate principal
amount of Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Note Amount, the Company
shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such
adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes
in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall be
purchased); and (9) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part
shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased
portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).
The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the
Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to
the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the
repurchase of the Notes as a result of an Asset Sale.
(e) On the Excess Proceeds Payment Date, the Company shall, to the
extent lawful: (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof
properly tendered pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer; (2) deposit with
the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Excess Proceeds Price in respect of
all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and (3) deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers'
Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions
thereof being repurchased by the Company. The Company shall publicly
announce the results of the Excess Proceeds Offer on the Excess Proceeds
Payment Date.
(f) The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Notes
so tendered the Excess Proceeds Price for such Notes, and the Trustee shall
promptly authenticate pursuant to an Authentication Order and mail (or
cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in
principal amount to any unrepurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if
any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. However, if the Excess Proceeds
Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the
related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be
paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of
business on such record date, and no Liquidated Damages shall be payable to
Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer.
Section 4.11 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.
------------------------------------------
The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any
transaction or series of related transactions (including, without
limitation, the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, property or
services) with or for the benefit of any Affiliate of the Company (other
than the Company, a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or a Restricted
Subsidiary that is a Guarantor) unless such transaction or series of
related transactions is entered into in good faith and in writing and
(1) such transaction or series of related
transactions is on terms or pursuant to
arrangements that existed as of the Issue Date;
(2) such transaction or series of related
transactions is on terms that are no less
favorable to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that
would be available in a comparable transaction
in arm's-length dealings with an unrelated third
party,
(3) with respect to any transaction or series of
related transactions not covered by clause (1)
above involving aggregate value in excess of $10
million, the Company delivers an officers'
certificate to the Trustee certifying that such
transaction or series of related transactions
complies with paragraph (2) above, and
(4) with respect to any transaction or series of
related transactions not covered by paragraph
(1) above involving aggregate value in excess of
$20 million, either
(A) such transaction or series of related
transactions has been approved by a
majority of the Disinterested Directors
of the Board of Directors of the
Company, or in the event there is only
one Disinterested Director, by such
Disinterested Director, or
(B) the Company delivers to the Trustee a
written opinion of an investment banking
firm of national standing or other
recognized independent expert with
experience appraising the terms and
conditions of the type of transaction or
series of related transactions for which
an opinion is required stating that the
transaction or series of related
transactions is fair to the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary from a
financial point of view;
provided, however, that this Section 4.11 shall not apply to (i) employee
benefit arrangements with any officer or director of the Company, including
under any stock option or stock incentive plans, entered into in the
ordinary course of business; (ii) any transaction permitted as a Restricted
Payment or Permitted Payment or Permitted Investment pursuant to Section
4.7; (iii) the payment of customary fees to directors of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries; (iv) any transaction with any officer or
member of the Board of Directors of the Company involving indemnification
arrangements; and (v) loans or advances to officers of the Company in the
ordinary course of business not to exceed $2.5 million in any calendar
year.
Section 4.12 Limitation on Liens.
-------------------
The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, incur or affirm any Lien of
any kind upon any property or assets (including any intercompany notes) of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary owned on the Issue Date or
acquired thereafter, or assign or convey any right to receive any income or
profits therefrom, unless the Notes (or a Guarantee in the case of Liens of
a Guarantor) are directly secured equally and ratably with (or, in the case
of Subordinated Indebtedness, prior or senior thereto, with the same
relative priority as the Notes shall have with respect to such Subordinated
Indebtedness) the obligation or liability secured by such Lien except for
any Permitted Liens.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Lien securing the Notes granted
pursuant to this covenant shall be automatically and unconditionally
released and discharged upon the release by the holders of the Pari Passu
Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness described above of their Lien on
the property or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
(including any deemed release upon payment in full of all obligations under
such Indebtedness, at such time as the holders of all such Pari Passu
Indebtedness or Subordinated Indebtedness also release their Lien on the
property or assets of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, or upon
any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person not an Affiliate of the
Company of the property or assets secured by such Lien, or of all of the
Capital Stock held by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all
or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating such
Lien.
Section 4.13 Limitation on Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
---------------------------------------
The Company may designate after the Issue Date any Subsidiary as
an "Unrestricted Subsidiary" (a "Designation") only if:
(a) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of or after giving effect to such Designation;
(b) the Company would be permitted to make an Investment (other
than a Permitted Investment) at the time of Designation
(assuming the effectiveness of such Designation) pursuant to
paragraph (a) of Section 4.7 in an amount (the "Designation
Amount") equal to the greater of (1) the net book value of
the Company's interest in such Subsidiary calculated in
accordance with GAAP or (2) the Fair Market Value of the
Company's interest in such Subsidiary as determined in good
faith by either (a) the Board of Directors of the Company
and evidenced by a board resolution or (b) the Board
Designee and evidenced by a certificate (or committee
resolution, as the case may be), in each case whose
determination shall be conclusive;
(c) the Company would be permitted to incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) pursuant to
Section 4.9 at the time of such Designation (assuming the
effectiveness of such Designation);
(d) such Unrestricted Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock
in any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company which is not
simultaneously being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
(e) such Unrestricted Subsidiary is not liable, directly or
indirectly, with respect to any Indebtedness other than
Unrestricted Subsidiary Indebtedness, provided that an
Unrestricted Subsidiary may provide a Guarantee for the
Notes; and
(f) such Unrestricted Subsidiary is not a party to any
agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding at such
time with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary unless
the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at
the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company
or, in the event such condition is not satisfied, the value
of such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding to
such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed a Restricted
Payment.
In the event of any such Designation, the Company shall be deemed
to have made an Investment constituting a Restricted Payment pursuant to
Section 4.7 for all purposes of this Indenture in the Designation Amount.
The Company shall not and shall not cause or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to at any time
(a) provide credit support for, guarantee or subject any of its
property or assets (other than the Capital Stock of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary) to the satisfaction of, any
Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary (including any
undertaking, agreement or instrument evidencing such
Indebtedness) (other than Permitted Investments in
Unrestricted Subsidiaries) or
(b) be directly or indirectly liable for any Indebtedness of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary. For purposes of the foregoing, the
Designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be the
Designation of all of the Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary as
Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
The Company may revoke any Designation of a Subsidiary as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary (a "Revocation") if:
(a) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of and after giving effect to such Revocation;
(b) all Liens and Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary
outstanding immediately following such Revocation would, if
incurred at such time, have been permitted to be incurred
for all purposes of this Indenture; and
(c) unless such redesignated Subsidiary shall not have any
Indebtedness outstanding (other than Indebtedness that would
be Permitted Indebtedness), immediately after giving effect
to such proposed Revocation, and after giving pro forma
effect to the incurrence of any such Indebtedness of such
redesignated Subsidiary as if such Indebtedness was incurred
on the date of the Revocation, the Company could incur $1.00
of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) pursuant to Section 4.9.
All Designations and Revocations must be evidenced by a resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Company delivered to the Trustee
certifying compliance with the foregoing provisions.
Section 4.14 Corporate Existence.
-------------------
Subject to Article V hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be
done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (a)
its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence
of each of its Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective
organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of
the Company or any such Subsidiary and (b) the rights (charter and
statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any
such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other
existence of any of its Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors of the
Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer
desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in
any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.
Section 4.15 Purchase of Notes upon Change of Control.
----------------------------------------
If a Change of Control occurs, each Holder will have the right to
require that the Company purchase all or any part (in integral multiples of
$1,000) of such Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the
"Change of Control Offer"). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company
will offer to purchase all of the Notes, at a purchase price (the "Change
of Control Purchase Price") in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the
principal amount of such Notes (the "Change of Control Payment"), plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change
of Control Purchase Date") (subject to the rights of Holders of record on
relevant record dates to receive interest due on an interest payment date).
Within 30 days of any Change of Control or, at the Company's
option, prior to such Change of Control but after it is publicly announced,
the Company must notify the Trustee and give written notice of the Change
of Control to each Holder, by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at his,
her or its address appearing in the security register. The notice must
state, among other things,
(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and the date of
such event;
(ii) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such
Change of Control, including information with respect to pro forma
historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving
effect to such Change of Control;
(iii) the purchase price and the purchase date which shall
be fixed by the Company on a Business Day no earlier than 30 days
nor later than 60 days from the date the notice is mailed, or such
later date as is necessary to comply with requirements under the
Exchange Act;
(iv) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue
interest;
(v) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the
Change of Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue
interest after the Change of Control Purchase Date; and
(vi) other procedures that a Holder must follow to accept a
Change of Control Offer or to withdraw acceptance of the Change of
Control Offer.
On the Change of Control Purchase Date, the Company will, to the
extent lawful, (i) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof
properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit
with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Purchase
Price in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (iii)
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted
together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate principal
amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The
Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of Notes so tendered the
Change of Control Purchase Price for such Notes, and the Trustee will
promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry)
to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased
portion of the Notes surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be
issued in an original principal amount in denominations of $1,000 or an
integral multiple thereof. [Prior to complying with the provisions of this
Section 4.15, but in any event within 90 days following the Change of
Control, the Company will either repay all outstanding Indebtedness under
the Senior Secured Credit Agreement or obtain the requisite consents, if
any, under all agreements governing Indebtedness under the Senior Secured
Credit Agreement to permit the repurchase of Notes required by this Section
4.15.] The Company will publicly announce the results of the Change of
Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control
Purchase Date. The Company shall not be required to make a Change of
Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of
Control Offer in the manner, at the time and otherwise in compliance with
the requirements applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the
Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under
such Change of Control Offer.
The Change of Control provisions described above will be
applicable whether or not any other provisions of this Indenture are
applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control,
this Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the
Notes to require the Company to repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event
of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Notes so
tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee
shall promptly authenticate pursuant to an Authentication Order and mail
(or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal
in principal amount to any unrepurchased portion of the Notes surrendered,
if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. However, if the Change of Control
Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the
related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be
paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of
business on such record date, and no Liquidated Damages shall be payable to
Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.
Section 4.16 Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by
Restricted Subsidiaries.
-------------------------------------------
(a) The Company will not cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary
(which is not a Guarantor), directly or indirectly, to guarantee, assume or
in any other manner become liable with respect to any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such Restricted Subsidiary
simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to this
Indenture providing for a Guarantee of the Notes on the same terms as the
guarantee of such Indebtedness except that (A) such guarantee need not be
secured unless required pursuant to Section 4.12 and (B) if such
Indebtedness is by its terms expressly subordinated to the Notes, any such
assumption, guarantee or other liability of such Restricted Subsidiary with
respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated to such Restricted
Subsidiary's Guarantee of the Notes at least to the same extent as such
Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantee by a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Notes shall provide by its terms that it (and all Liens
securing the same) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and
discharged upon (i) any sale, exchange or transfer, to any Person not an
Affiliate of the Company, of all of the Company's Capital Stock in, or all
or substantially all the assets of, such Restricted Subsidiary, which
transaction is in compliance with the terms of this Indenture and such
Restricted Subsidiary is released from all guarantees, if any, by it of
other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) the
Designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in
compliance with this Indenture and (iii) with respect to any Guarantees
created after the Issue Date, the release by the holders of the
Indebtedness of the Company described in clause (a) above of their
guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary (including any deemed release upon
payment in full of all obligations under such Indebtedness), at such time
as (A) no other Indebtedness of the Company has been guaranteed by such
Restricted Subsidiary or (B) the holders of all such other Indebtedness
which is guaranteed by such Restricted Subsidiary also release their
guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary (including any deemed release upon
payment in full of all obligations under such Indebtedness).
Section 4.17 Suspension Period
-----------------
During the Suspension Period, the provisions of this Indenture
under Sections 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.13, 4.15 and the requirement
set forth in paragraph (3) of Section 5.1 will no longer be applicable to
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"Suspension Period" means the period (a) beginning on the date
that:
(1) the Notes have Investment Grade ratings;
(2) no Default and Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered an Officers' Certificate to the
Trustee certifying that the conditions set forth in clauses
(1) and (2) above are satisfied;
and (b) ending on the date (the "Reversion Date") that either
▇▇▇▇▇'▇ or Standard & Poor's ceases to have Investment Grade
ratings on the Notes.
On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness incurred during the
Suspension Period will be classified to have been incurred pursuant to
clause (a) of Section 4.9 of this Indenture or one of the clauses set forth
in the definition of Permitted Indebtedness (to the extent such
Indebtedness would be permitted to be incurred thereunder as of the
Reversion Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness incurred prior to
the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date). To the extent
any Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be incurred pursuant to
clause (a) of Section 4.9 of this Indenture or any of the clauses set forth
in the definition of Permitted Indebtedness, such Indebtedness will be
deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified
as Permitted Indebtedness under clause (3) of the definition of Permitted
Indebtedness and permitted to be refinanced under clause (16) of the
definition of Permitted Indebtedness.
For purposes of calculating the amount available to be made as
Restricted Payments under clause (3) of paragraph (a) of Section 4.7,
calculations under that clause will be made with reference to the Issue
Date as set forth in that clause. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made
during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as
Restricted Payments under such clause (3) and the events specified in
subclauses (A) through (F) of such clause (3) that occur during the
Suspension Period will increase the amount available to be made as
Restricted Payments under such clause (3).
For purposes of Section 4.10, on the Reversion Date, the amount of
Excess Proceeds will be reset to zero.
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.1 Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.
----------------------------------------
The Company will not, in a single transaction or through a series
of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into any other
Person or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all
or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person or "group"
(as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) of
Persons, or permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to enter into any
such transaction or series of transactions, if such transaction or series
of transactions, in the aggregate, would result in a sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on
a Consolidated basis to any other Person or "group" (as such term is used
in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) of Persons, unless at the
time and after giving effect thereto
(1) either (a) the Company will be the continuing corporation
(in the case of a consolidation or merger involving the
Company) or (b) the Person (if other than the Company)
formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is
merged or the Person which acquires by sale, assignment,
conveyance, transfer, lease or disposition all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a Consolidated
basis (the "Surviving Entity") will be duly organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States of
America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and
such Person expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture,
in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the
obligations of the Company under the Notes and this
Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement, as the case
may be, and the Notes and this Indenture and the
Registration Rights Agreement will remain in full force and
effect as so supplemented (and any Guarantees will be
confirmed as applying to such Surviving Entity's
obligations);
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro
forma basis (and treating any Indebtedness not previously an
obligation of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries which becomes the obligation of the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such
transaction as having been incurred at the time of such
transaction), no Default or Event of Default will have
occurred and be continuing;
(3) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro
forma basis, the Company (or the Surviving Entity if the
Company is not the continuing obligor under this Indenture)
could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than
Permitted Indebtedness) under Section 4.9;
(4) at the time of the transaction each Guarantor, if any,
unless it is the other party to the transactions described
above, will have by supplemental indenture confirmed that
its Guarantee shall apply to such Person's obligations under
this Indenture and the Notes; and
(5) at the time of the transaction the Company or the Surviving
Entity will have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to
the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to the Trustee, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each to the effect that such consolidation, merger,
transfer, sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or
other transaction and the supplemental indenture in respect
thereof comply with this Indenture and that all conditions
precedent therein provided for relating to such transaction
have been complied with.
Section 5.2 Successor Person Substituted.
----------------------------
In the event of any transaction (other than a lease) described in
and complying with the conditions listed in the immediately preceding
paragraph in which the Company is not the continuing corporation, the
successor Person formed or remaining or to which such transfer is made
shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and
power of, the Company and the Company will be discharged (other than in a
transaction that results in the transfer of assets constituting or
accounting for less than 95% of the Consolidated assets (as of the last
balance sheet date available to the Company) of the Company or the
Consolidated revenue of the Company (as of the last 12-month period for
which financial statements are available)) from all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Notes and the Registration Rights
Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.1 Events of Default.
-----------------
The occurrence of any of the following will constitute an "Event
of Default:"
(1) there shall be a default in the payment of any interest on
any Note when it becomes due and payable, and such default
shall continue for a period of 30 days;
(2) there shall be a default in the payment of the principal of
(or premium, if any, on) any Note at its Maturity (upon
acceleration, optional or mandatory redemption, if any,
required repurchase or otherwise);
(3) (a) there shall be a default in the performance, or breach,
of any covenant or agreement of the Company or any Guarantor
under this Indenture or any Guarantee (other than a default
in the performance, or breach, of a covenant or agreement
which is specifically dealt with in paragraph (1), (2) or in
clause (b) or (c) of this paragraph (3)) and such default or
breach shall continue for a period of 30 days after written
notice has been given, by certified mail, (1) to the Company
by the Trustee or (2) to the Company and the Trustee by the
holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes; (b) there shall be a default in the
performance or breach of the provisions described in Section
5.1; or (c) the Company shall have failed to make or
consummate a Change of Control Offer in accordance with the
provisions of Section 4.15;
(4) (a) any default in the payment of the principal, premium, if
any, or interest on any Indebtedness shall have occurred
under any of the agreements, indentures or instruments under
which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary then has
outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $25 million when the
same shall become due and payable in full and such default
shall have continued after any applicable grace period and
shall not have been cured or waived and, if not already
matured at its final maturity in accordance with its terms,
the holder of such Indebtedness shall have the right to
accelerate such Indebtedness or (b) an event of default as
defined in any of the agreements, indentures or instruments
described in clause (a) of this paragraph (4) shall have
occurred and the Indebtedness thereunder, if not already
matured at its final maturity in accordance with its terms,
shall have been accelerated;
(5) any Guarantee from any Guarantor that is a Significant
Restricted Subsidiary shall for any reason cease to be, or
shall for any reason be asserted in writing by such
Guarantor or the Company not to be, in full force and effect
and enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent contemplated by this Indenture and any such
Guarantee;
(6) one or more judgments, orders or decrees of any court or
regulatory or administrative agency for the payment of money
in excess of $25 million, either individually or in the
aggregate (exclusive of any portion of any such payment
covered by insurance), shall be rendered against the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their respective
properties and shall not be discharged and there shall have
been a period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of
enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of an
appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;
(7) any holder or holders of at least $25 million in aggregate
principal amount of Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary after a default under such
Indebtedness shall notify the Trustee of the intended sale
or disposition of any assets of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary that have been pledged to or for the
benefit of such holder or holders to secure such
Indebtedness or shall commence proceedings, or take any
action (including by way of set-off), to retain in
satisfaction of such Indebtedness or to collect on, seize,
dispose of or apply in satisfaction of Indebtedness, assets
of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (including funds
on deposit or held pursuant to lock-box and other similar
arrangements);
(8) there shall have been the entry by a court of competent
jurisdiction of (a) a decree or order for relief in respect
of the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary in
an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable
Bankruptcy Law or (b) a decree or order adjudging the
Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary bankrupt or
insolvent, or seeking reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or
any Significant Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable
federal or state law, or appointing a custodian, receiver,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other
similar official) of the Company or any Significant
Restricted Subsidiary or of any substantial part of their
respective properties, or ordering the winding up or
liquidation of their affairs, and any such decree or order
for relief shall continue to be in effect, or any such other
decree or order shall be unstayed and in effect, for a
period of 60 consecutive days; or
(9) (a) the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary
commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any
applicable Bankruptcy Law or any other case or
proceeding to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent,
(b) the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary
consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief
in respect of the Company or such Significant
Restricted Subsidiary in an involuntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Bankruptcy Law or to
the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case
or proceeding against it,
(c) the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary
files a petition or answer or consent seeking
reorganization or relief under any applicable federal
or state law,
(d) the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary
(1) consents to the filing of such petition or the
appointment of, or taking possession by, a custodian,
receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator
or similar official of the Company or such Significant
Restricted Subsidiary or of any substantial part of
their respective properties, (2) makes an assignment
for the benefit of creditors or (3) admits in writing
its inability to pay its debts generally as they become
due, or
(e) the Company or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary
takes any corporate action in furtherance of any such
actions in this paragraph (9).
Section 6.2 Acceleration.
------------
If an Event of Default (other than as specified in clauses (8) and
(9) of Section 6.1) shall occur and be continuing with respect to this
Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may, and the Trustee at the
request of such Holders shall, declare all unpaid principal of, premium, if
any, and accrued interest on all Notes to be due and payable immediately,
by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the
Holders) and upon any such declaration, such principal, premium, if any,
and interest shall become due and payable immediately. If an Event of
Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.1 occurs and is
continuing, then all the Notes shall ipso facto become and be due and
payable immediately in an amount equal to the principal amount of the
Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date the
Notes become due and payable, without any declaration or other act on the
part of the Trustee or any Holder. Thereupon, the Trustee may, at its
discretion, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the Holders by
appropriate judicial proceedings.
After a declaration of acceleration, but before a judgment or
decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee, the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding by
written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences if
(a) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay (1) all sums paid or advanced by the
Trustee under this Indenture and the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel, (2) all overdue interest on
all Notes then outstanding, (3) the principal of, and
premium, if any, on any Notes then outstanding which have
become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and interest thereon at the rate borne by the
Notes and (4) to the extent that payment of such interest is
lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate borne by
the Notes;
(b) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or
decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; and
(c) all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes
which have become due solely by such declaration of
acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in this
Indenture.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair
any right consequent thereon.
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all
outstanding Notes waive any past default under this Indenture and its
consequences, except a default (1) in the payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Note (which may only be waived with the
consent of each Holder affected) or (2) in respect of a covenant or
provision which under this Indenture cannot be modified or amended without
the consent of the Holder affected by such modification or amendment.
No Holder has any right to institute any proceedings with respect
to this Indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the Holders of at least
25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made
written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the Trustee to
institute such proceeding as Trustee under the Notes and this Indenture,
the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within 15 days after
receipt of such notice and the Trustee, within such 15-day period, has not
received directions inconsistent with such written request by Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes. Such
limitations do not, however, apply to a suit instituted by a Holder for the
enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in
such Note.
Section 6.3 Other Remedies.
--------------
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may
pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium,
if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce
the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess
any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay
or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right
or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.
All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
Section 6.4 Waiver of Past Defaults.
-----------------------
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding Notes may, on behalf of the Holders of all the
Notes, waive any past Defaults, except a Default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on
any Note, or in respect of a covenant or provision which under this
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder
of each Note outstanding. Upon such waiver, such Default shall cease to
exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have
been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall
extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent
thereon.
Section 6.5 Control by Majority.
-------------------
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on it. Holders may not enforce this Indenture or the
Notes, however, except as provided in this Indenture. In addition, the
Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this
Indenture or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the
rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in
personal liability.
Section 6.6 Limitation on Suits.
-------------------
No individual Holder of any of the Notes has any right to
institute any proceeding with respect to this Indenture or any remedy
hereunder, unless the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and offered reasonable
indemnity, to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as Trustee under the
Notes and this Indenture, the Trustee has failed to institute such
proceeding within 60 days after receipt of such notice and the Trustee,
within such 60-day period, has not received directions inconsistent with
such written request by Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the outstanding Notes.
A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the
rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority
over another Holder of a Note.
Section 6.7 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.
---------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right
of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium and
Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the
respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an
offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such
payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or
affected without the consent of such Holder.
Section 6.8 Collection Suit by Trustee.
--------------------------
If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(1) or (2) occurs
and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own
name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole
amount of principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and
interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal
and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be
sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel.
Section 6.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
--------------------------------
The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other
papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the
claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings
relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its
creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect,
receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable
on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is
hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and
in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments
directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee
under Section 7.7. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 out of the
estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of
the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and
all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that
the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in
liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or
otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition
affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the
Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such
proceeding.
Section 6.10 Priorities.
----------
If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it
shall pay out the money in the following order:
First: to the Trustee, its agents and counsel for amounts
due under Section 7.7, including payment of all compensation,
expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the
Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;
Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on
the Notes for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any,
and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind,
according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for
principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest,
respectively; and
Third: to the Company or to such party as a court of
competent jurisdiction shall direct.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment
to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
---------------------
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this
Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or
omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the
filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs
of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs,
including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, against any party
litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the
claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section does not apply
to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section
6.7, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.1 Duties of Trustee.
-----------------
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the
Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this
Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a
prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct
of such person's own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(i) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely
by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need
perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this
Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations
shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee
may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the
correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates
or opinions furnished to the Trustee and reasonably conforming to
the requirements of this Indenture. However, in the case of any
such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are
specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee
shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether
or not they reasonably conform to the requirements of this
Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any
mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:
(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph
(b) of this Section 7.1;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of
judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is
proved by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Trustee was
negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any
action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with
a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision
of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to the
paragraphs of this Section.
(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money
received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.
Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.
Section 7.2 Rights of Trustee.
-----------------
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed
by it to be genuine and to have been signed or purportedly presented by the
proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated
in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may
require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The
Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in
good faith in reliance on such Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of
such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall
not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed
with due care.
(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or
omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the
rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any
demand, request, direction or notice from the Company shall be sufficient
if signed by an Officer of the Company.
(f) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to
expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee shall be
under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such
Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity
satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense that
might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into
the facts or matters stated in any document, but the Trustee, in its
judgment, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or
matters as it may see fit and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such
further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the
books, records and premises of the Company, at reasonable times upon
reasonable notice to the Company, personally or by agent or attorney at the
sole cost of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional
liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(h) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder
or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or
attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or
negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by
it hereunder.
(i) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default
or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual
knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact
such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.
(j) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits
given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be
indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in
each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other
Person employed to act hereunder.
Section 7.3 Individual Rights of Trustee.
----------------------------
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the
owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any
Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not
Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting
interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the
Commission for permission to continue as trustee or resign. Any Agent may
do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to
Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
Section 7.4 Trustee's Disclaimer.
--------------------
The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no
representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the
Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds
from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company's
direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be
responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying
Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any
statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other
document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this
Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.
Section 7.5 Notice of Defaults.
------------------
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if
it is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee
shall mail to Holders of Notes as it appears on the Registrar a notice of
the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in
the case of a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of
principal or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if
it determines, in good faith, that withholding the notice is in the
interests of the Holders of the Notes.
Section 7.6 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
------------------------------------------
Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15
following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain
outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief
report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA ss. 313(a)
(but if no event described in TIA ss. 313(a) has occurred within the twelve
months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The
Trustee also shall comply with TIA ss. 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also
transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA ss. 313(c).
A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of
Notes shall be mailed to the Company and filed with the Commission and each
stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA ss.
313(d). The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are
listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
Section 7.7 Compensation and Indemnity.
--------------------------
The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable
compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services as the
Company and the Trustee shall from time to time agree in writing. The
Trustee's compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a
trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee
promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and
expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its
services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation,
disbursements and expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel.
The Company shall indemnify the Trustee and any predecessor
Trustee against any and all losses, damages, claims, liabilities or
expenses incurred by it including taxes (other than taxes based upon,
measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee) arising out of or
in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under
this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this
Indenture against the Company (including this Section 7.7) and defending
itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company or any Holder or
any other person) or liability in connection with the acceptance, exercise
or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the
extent any such loss, damage, claim, liability or expense is determined by
a court of competent jurisdiction to have been caused by its own negligence
or bad faith. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim
which a Responsible Officer has actually received for which it may seek
indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not
relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent that
the Company is actually prejudiced thereby. The Company shall defend the
claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have
separate counsel and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses
of such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without
its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company
need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or
expense incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee's own willful
misconduct, negligence or bad faith.
The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.7 shall
survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section, the
Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held
or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and
interest on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an
Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(8) or (9) occurs, the expenses
and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of
its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA ss. 313(b)(2)
to the extent applicable.
Section 7.8 Replacement of Trustee.
----------------------
A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a
successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee's
acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.8.
The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged
from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of
Notes of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may
remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing.
The Company may remove the Trustee if: (a) the Trustee fails to comply with
Section 7.10; (b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an
order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any
Bankruptcy Law; (c) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the
Trustee or its property; or (d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the
office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a
successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes
office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor
Trustee appointed by the Company.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after
the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the
Company, or the Holders of Notes of at least 10% in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
the appointment of a successor Trustee, at the expense of the Company.
If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder of a Note who
has been a Holder of a Note for at least six months, fails to comply with
Section 7.10, such Holder of a Note may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a
successor Trustee.
A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its
appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and
the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the
Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of
its succession to Holders of the Notes. The retiring Trustee shall promptly
transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee,
provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject
to the Lien provided for in Section 7.7. Notwithstanding replacement of the
Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.8, the Company's obligations under
Section 7.7 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.9 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
--------------------------------
If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers
all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another
corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the
successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
-----------------------------
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a
corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United
States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such
laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or
examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital
and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent
published annual report of condition.
This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the
requirements of TIA ▇▇.▇▇. 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject
to TIA ss. 310(b).
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Trustee is subject to TIA ss. 311(a), excluding any creditor
relationship listed in TIA ss. 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been
removed shall be subject to TIA ss. 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.
Section 7.12 Trustee's Application for Instructions from the
Company.
-----------------------------------------------
Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the
Company, may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action
proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the
date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission
shall be effective. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken
by, or omission of, the Trustee in accordance with a proposal included in
such application on or after the date specified in such application (which
date shall not be less than ten Business Days after the date any officer of
the Company actually receives such application, unless any such officer
shall have consented in writing to any earlier date) unless prior to taking
any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the
Trustee shall have received written instructions in response to such
application specifying the action to be taken or omitted.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE; DISCHARGE
Section 8.1 Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
--------------------------------------------------
The Company may, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced
by a resolution set forth in an Officers' Certificate, at any time, elect
to have either Section 8.2 or 8.3 be applied to all outstanding Notes and
Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this
Article VIII.
Section 8.2 Defeasance and Discharge.
------------------------
Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 of the option
applicable to this Section 8.2, the Company shall, subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4, be deemed to have
been discharged from its obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes
and the related Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are
satisfied (hereinafter, "Defeasance"). For this purpose, Defeasance means
that the Company, a Guarantor, if applicable, and any other obligor under
this Indenture shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which shall thereafter
be deemed to be "outstanding" only for the purposes of Section 8.5 and the
other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to
have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes and this
Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company,
shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the
following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to
receive, solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.4, and as more
fully set forth in such Section 8.4, payments in respect of the principal
of, premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on such Notes
when such payments are due, (b) the Company's obligations with respect to
such Notes under Article II and Section 4.2, (c) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company's
obligations in connection therewith and (d) this Article VIII. Subject to
compliance with this Article VIII, the Company may exercise its option
under this Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option
under Section 8.3.
Section 8.3 Covenant Defeasance.
-------------------
Upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the option
applicable to this Section 8.3, the Company and each Guarantor shall,
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4
hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in
Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17
and the operation of Section 5.1 hereof with respect to the outstanding
Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 are
satisfied (hereinafter, "Covenant Defeasance"), and the Notes shall
thereafter be deemed not "outstanding" for the purposes of any direction,
waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of
any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be
deemed "outstanding" for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood
that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes).
For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the
outstanding Notes, the Company and each Guarantor may omit to comply with
and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation
set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason
of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any
reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any
other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default
or an Event of Default under Section 6.1, but, except as specified above,
the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.
In addition, upon the Company's exercise under Section 8.1 of the option
applicable to this Section 8.3, subject to the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 8.4, Sections 6.1(3) through 6.1(6) shall
not constitute Events of Default.
Section 8.4 Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
-----------------------------------------------
The following shall be the conditions to the application of either
Section 8.2 or 8.3 to the outstanding Notes:
(a) the Company must irrevocably deposit or cause to be
deposited with the Trustee, in trust, cash in United States
dollars, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in United States
dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in
such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants or a nationally
recognized investment banking firm, to pay and discharge the
principal of, premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and
interest on the outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity;
(b) in the case of an election under Section 8.2, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
in the United States stating that (A) the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service
a ruling, or (B) since the Issue Date, there has been a change in
applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect
that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that the
Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes as a result of such Defeasance and will be subject to
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would have been the case if such Defeasance had
not occurred;
(c) in the case of an election under Section 8.3, the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
in the United States to the effect that the Holders of the Notes
outstanding will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing either (a) on the date of such deposit (other
than a Default or Event of Default solely resulting from the
borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit); or (b) insofar
as paragraphs (8) and (9) under the first paragraph under Section
6.1 are concerned, at any time during the period ending on the
91st day after the date of deposit;
(e) such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not
cause the Trustee for the Notes to have a conflicting interest as
defined in this Indenture and for purposes of the Trust Indenture
Act with respect to any securities of the Company or any
Guarantor;
(f) such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not
result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a Default under,
this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument
(other than, to the extent set forth in clause (d) above, this
Indenture) to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary is a
party or by which it is bound;
(g) such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not
result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an
investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust shall be registered
under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder;
(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that after the 91st day following
the date of deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the
effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally;
(i) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the
Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes or any
Guarantee over the other creditors of either the Company or any
Guarantor with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
defrauding creditors of either the Company or the Guarantors or
others; and
(j) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that
all conditions precedent provided for relating to either the
Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have
been complied with.
Section 8.5 Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations
to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
---------------------------------------------------
Subject to Section 8.6, all money and non-callable U.S. Government
Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or
other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.5,
the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 8.4 in respect of the outstanding Notes
shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the
provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either
directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as
Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of
all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if
any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax,
fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable
U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.4 or the
principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax,
fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the
outstanding Notes.
Anything in this Article VIII to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the
request of the Company any money or non-callable U.S. Government
Obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.4 which, in the opinion of
a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in
a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the
opinion delivered under Section 8.4(a)), are in excess of the amount
thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent
Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
Section 8.6 Repayment to the Company.
------------------------
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then
held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining
unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium, if any, or
interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its
request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such
trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as a secured creditor,
look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the
Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all
liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease;
provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being
required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company
cause to be published once, in The New York Times and The Wall Street
Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and
that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days
from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of
such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
Section 8.7 Reinstatement.
-------------
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United
States dollars or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations in accordance
with Section 8.2 or 8.3, as the case may be, by reason of any order or
judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or
otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company's obligations
under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as
though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.2 or 8.3 until such
time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in
accordance with Section 8.2 or 8.3, as the case may be; provided, however,
that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any,
Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on any Note following the
reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the
rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money
held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
Section 8.8 Discharge.
---------
This Indenture will cease to be of further effect (except as to
surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes as
expressly provided for in this Indenture and the compensation and
indemnification provisions relating to the Trustee) and the Trustee, at the
expense of the Company, will execute proper instruments acknowledging
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture when (a) either (i) all the
Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than destroyed, lost
or stolen Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose
payment money has been deposited in trust with the Trustee or any paying
agent or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid
to the Company or discharged from such trust as provided for in this
Indenture) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (ii) all
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have
become due and payable, (y) will become due and payable at Stated Maturity
within one year or (z) are to be called for redemption within one year
under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of
redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
(b) the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be
deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust an amount in United
States dollars sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on
the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
including principal of, premium, if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and
interest on the Notes to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes
which have become due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or redemption
date, as the case may be, (c) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or
caused to be paid all sums payable under this Indenture by the Company and
any Guarantor, and (d) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent provided in this Indenture relating to the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.1 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.
-----------------------------------
Notwithstanding Section 9.2, the Company, any Guarantor, any other
obligor under the Notes and the Trustee may amend or supplement this
Indenture or the Notes without notice to or the consent of any Holder of a
Note.
(a) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company
or a Guarantor, and the assumption by any such successor of
the covenants of the Company or such Guarantor in this
Indenture and in the Notes and in any Guarantee in
accordance with Section 5.1;
(b) to add to the covenants of the Company, any Guarantor or any
other obligor upon the Notes for the benefit of the Holders
of the Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred
upon the Company or any Guarantor or any other obligor upon
the Notes, as applicable, in this Indenture, in the Notes or
in any Guarantee;
(c) to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any
provision in this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision in this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee or
make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Indenture, the Notes or any
Guarantee; provided that, in each case, such provisions
shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of
the Notes;
(d) to comply with the requirements of the Commission in order
to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture
under this Trust Indenture Act;
(e) to add a Guarantor under this Indenture;
(f) to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of
a successor Trustee under this Indenture; or
(g) to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security
interest in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the
Holders of the Notes as additional security for the payment
and performance of the Company's and any Guarantor's
obligations under this Indenture, in any property, or
assets, including any of which are required to be mortgaged,
pledged or hypothecated, or in which a security interest is
required to be granted to the Trustee pursuant to this
Indenture or otherwise.
Upon the written request of the Company accompanied by a
resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such
amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of any
of the documents requested by it pursuant to Section 7.2(b), the Trustee
shall join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such
amended or supplemental Indenture and to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, unless such
amended or supplemental Indenture directly affects the Trustee's own
rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which
case the Trustee may in its judgment, but shall not be obligated to, enter
into such amended or supplemental Indenture.
Section 9.2 With Consent of Holders of Notes.
--------------------------------
Except as provided below in this Section 9.2, the Company and the
Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including Sections 4.10 and
4.15) or the Notes and/or any Guarantees may be amended or supplemented
with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without
limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, tender
offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.4 and 6.7,
any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of
Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, Liquidated
Damages, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default
resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with
any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees may be waived
with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a
purchase of, tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes). Section 2.8 shall
determine which Notes are considered to be "outstanding" for purposes of
this Section 9.2.
Upon the written request of the Company accompanied by a
resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such
amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of
evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes
as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of any document requested by
it pursuant to Section 7.2(b), the Trustee shall join with the Company and
the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture
and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be
therein contained, unless such amended or supplemental Indenture directly
affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture
or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall
not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes
under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed
amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves
the substance thereof.
After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.2
becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected
thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.
Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein,
shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such
amended or supplemental Indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.4 and
6.7, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes
then outstanding voting as a single class may waive compliance in a
particular instance by the Company and/or the Guarantors with any provision
of this Indenture, the Notes or the Notes Guarantees. However, without the
consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver under this Section
9.2 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):
(a) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of interest on, or change to an earlier date any
redemption date of, or waive a default in the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any such Note
or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of
interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption
thereof, or change the coin or currency in which the
principal of any such Note or any premium or the interest
thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit
for the enforcement of any such payment after the Stated
Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after
the redemption date);
(b) amend, change or modify the obligation of the Company to
make and consummate an Offer with respect to any Asset Sale
or Asset Sales in accordance with Section 4.10 or the
obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of
Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control in
accordance with Section 4.15, including, in each case,
amending, changing or modifying any definitions related
thereto;
(c) reduce the percentage in principal amount of such
outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required
for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose
Holders is required for any waiver or compliance with
certain provisions of this Indenture;
(d) modify any of the provisions relating to supplemental
indentures requiring the consent of Holders or relating to
the waiver of past defaults or relating to the waiver of
certain covenants, except to increase the percentage of such
outstanding Notes required for such actions or to provide
that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each
such Note affected thereby;
(e) except as otherwise permitted under Section 5.1, consent to
the assignment or transfer by the Company or any Guarantor
of any of its rights and obligations under this Indenture;
or
(f) amend or modify any of the provisions of this Indenture in
any manner which subordinates the Notes issued thereunder in
right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or
which subordinates any Guarantee in right of payment to any
other Indebtedness of the Guarantor issuing any such
Guarantee
Section 9.3 Revocation and Effect of Consents.
---------------------------------
Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a
consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder
of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that
evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Note, even if notation
of the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note
or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the
Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver,
supplement or amendment becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or
waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds
every Holder.
Section 9.4 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
--------------------------------
The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment,
supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in
exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment,
supplement or waiver.
Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall
not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.5 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.
-------------------------------
The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental Indenture
authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment or supplement does
not in the judgment of the Trustee adversely affect the rights, duties,
liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. The Company may not sign an
amendment or supplemental Indenture until its Board of Directors approves
it. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall
be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.1) shall be fully
protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section
11.4, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the
execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture is authorized or
permitted by this Indenture.
ARTICLE X
GUARANTEES
Section 10.1 Guarantee.
---------
Subject to this Article X, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly
and severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note
authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its
successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of
this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or
thereunder, that: (a) the principal of, premium, if any, Liquidated
Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes will be promptly paid by the
Company in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption
or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium, if any,
Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful,
and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid by the Company in full or
performed by the Company, all in accordance with the terms hereof and
thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of
any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid
by the Company in full when due or performed by the Company in accordance
with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due by the Company of any
amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed which failure
continues for ten days after demand therefor is made to the Company for
whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to
pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of
payment and not a guarantee of collection.
The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall
be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to
enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with
respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment
against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other
circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable
discharge or defense of a Guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives
diligence, presentment, demand of payment (except as specifically provided
in the preceding paragraph), filing of claims with a court in the event of
insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding
first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands (except as
specifically provided in the preceding paragraph) whatsoever and covenant
that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance
of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture. Each
Guarantor also expressly waives, without any requirement of any notice to
or further assent by such Guarantor, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, the benefit of all principles or provisions of applicable
law which are or might be in conflict with the terms hereof, including,
without limitation, Section 10-7-23 and Section 10-7-24 of the Official
Code of Georgia Annotated.
If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise
to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee,
liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the
Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such
Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be
reinstated in full force and effect.
Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right
of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations
guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed
hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on
the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the
maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as
provided in Article VI hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee,
notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such
acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in
the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as
provided in Article VI hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and
payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the
purpose of this Guarantee, failing payment when due by the Company which
failure continues for ten days after demand therefor is made to the
Company. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any
non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair
the rights of the Holders under the Guarantee.
Section 10.2 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
---------------------------------
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder,
hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the
Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or
conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent
Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal
or state law to the extent applicable to any Guarantee. To effectuate the
foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby
irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor under its
Guarantee and this Article X shall be limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent
and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws,
and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive
contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor
in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article X,
result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not
constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
Section 10.3 Execution and Delivery of Guarantee.
-----------------------------------
To evidence the Guarantees set forth in Section 10.1, the Company
hereby agrees to cause a notation of such Guarantee substantially in the
form of Exhibit E to be endorsed by manual or facsimile signature by an
Officer of each Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee and that a supplemental indenture shall be executed on behalf of
each Guarantor by its President, Executive or Senior Vice President,
Treasurer or one of its Vice Presidents. The Company shall cause all future
Guarantors to execute a Supplemental Indenture substantially in the form of
Exhibit F.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in
Section 10.1 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any
failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Guarantee.
If an Officer whose signature is on any Supplemental Indenture or
on the Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee
authenticates the Note on which a Guarantee is endorsed, the Guarantee
shall be valid and obligatory nevertheless.
The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication
thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth
in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
In the event that the Company creates or acquires any new
Subsidiaries subsequent to the date of this Indenture, if required by
Section 4.16 hereof the Company shall cause such Subsidiaries to execute
supplemental indentures to this Indenture and Guarantees in accordance with
Section 4.16 and this Article X, to the extent applicable; provided that
all Subsidiaries that have properly been designated as Unrestricted
Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture (a) will not be subject to
the requirements of Section 4.16 and (b) will be released from all
obligations under any Guarantee, in each case for so long as they continue
to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
Section 10.4 Releases Following Sale of Assets or Capital Stock.
--------------------------------------------------
The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(a) in connection with any sale or other disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor
(including by way of merger or consolidation), if the Company
applies the Excess Proceeds of that sale or other disposition in
accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture,
including, without limitation, Section 4.10; or
(b) in connection with any sale or other disposition or
liquidation of all or substantially all of the assets of such
Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) if such
sale or other disposition or liquidation is to, with or into
another Guarantor or the Company;
(c) in connection with any sale of all or substantially
all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor to any Person that is not
an Affiliate of the Company, if the Company applies the Excess
Proceeds of that sale in accordance with the applicable provisions
of this Indenture, including, without limitation, Section 4.10; or
(d) if the Company designates any Restricted Subsidiary
that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance
with this Indenture.
The Trustee will provide any written confirmation or evidence of
the termination of such Guarantee as reasonably required by the
representative of such Guarantor.
Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its
Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and
interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under
this Indenture as provided in this Article X.
Section 10.5 Acknowledgment of Manufacturers' Letter Agreements.
--------------------------------------------------
It is hereby acknowledged that the enforcement of certain rights
with respect to the Guarantees is subject to the terms and conditions of
the Manufacturers' Letter Agreements.
Section 10.6 Certain California Law Waivers.
------------------------------
As used in this Section 10.6, any reference to "the principal"
includes the Company, and any reference to "the creditor" includes the
Holders. In accordance with Section 2856 of the California Civil Code:
(a) each Guarantor agrees (i) to waive any and all rights of
subrogation and reimbursement against the Company or
against any collateral or security granted by the Company
for any of the Guarantor's obligations and (ii) to
withhold the exercise of any and all rights of
contribution against any other guarantor of any of the
Guarantor's obligations and against any collateral or
security granted by any such other guarantor for any of
the Guarantor's obligations until the Guarantor's
obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full;
(b) each Guarantor waives any and all other rights and
defenses available to Guarantor by reason of Sections
2787 to 2855, inclusive, 2899 and 3433 of the California
Civil Code, including any and all rights or defenses
Guarantor may have by reason of protection afforded to
the principal with respect to any of the Guarantor's
obligations, or to any other guarantor of any of the
Guarantor's obligations with respect to any of such
guarantor's obligations under its guaranty, in either
case pursuant to the antideficiency or other laws of the
State of California limiting or discharging the
principal's indebtedness or such guarantor's obligations,
including Section 580a, 580b, 580d, or 726 of the
California Code of Civil Procedure; and
(c) each Guarantor waives all rights and defenses arising out
of an election of remedies by the creditor, even though
that election of remedies, such as a nonjudicial
foreclosure with respect to security for any Guarantee
obligation, has destroyed Guarantor's rights of
subrogation and reimbursement against the principal by
the operation of Section 580d of the Code of Civil
Procedure or otherwise; and even though that election of
remedies by the creditor, such as nonjudicial foreclosure
with respect to security for an obligation of any other
guarantor of any of the Guarantor's obligations, has
destroyed Guarantor's rights of contribution against such
other guarantor.
No other provision of this Article X shall be construed as
limiting the generality of any of the covenants and waivers set forth in
this Section 10.6. In accordance with Section 11.8 hereof, the Guarantees
shall be governed by, and shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with, the internal laws of the State of New York. This Section 10.6 is
included solely out of an abundance of caution, and shall not be construed
to mean that any of the above-referenced provisions of California law are
in any way applicable to the Guarantees or to any of the Guarantor's
obligations.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.1 Trust Indenture Act Controls.
----------------------------
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts
with the duties imposed by TIA ss. 318(c), the imposed duties shall
control.
Section 11.2 Notices.
-------
Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the
Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person
or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt
requested), or sent by telecopier or overnight courier guaranteeing next
day delivery, to the other's address.
If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:
AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation Tower
▇▇▇ ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
With a copy to:
Skadden, Arps, Slate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ (Illinois)
▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
If to the Trustee:
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopier No.: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Corporate Trust Services
Re: AutoNation, Inc.
The Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others
may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or
communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders)
shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if
personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail,
postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and
the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by
overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first
class mail, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to
its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or
communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA ss.
313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or
communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its
sufficiency with respect to other Holders.
If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided
above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the
addressee receives it.
If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it
shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.
Section 11.3 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other
Holders of Notes.
-------------------------------------------
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA ss. 312(b) with other
Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The
Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the
protection of TIA ss. 312(c).
Section 11.4 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
--------------------------------------------------
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to
take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
Trustee:
(a) an Officers' Certificate in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the
statements set forth in Section 11.5) stating that, in
the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and
covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture
relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and
(b) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the
statements set forth in Section 11.5) stating that, in
the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions
precedent and covenants have been satisfied.
Section 11.5 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
---------------------------------------------
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a
certificate provided pursuant to TIA ss. 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the
provisions of TIA ss. 314(e) and shall include:
(a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or
opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
examination or investigation upon which the statements or
opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are
based;
(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or
she has made such examination or investigation as is
necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as
to whether or not such covenant or condition has been
satisfied; and
(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
Person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied.
Section 11.6 Rules by Trustee and Agents.
---------------------------
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a
meeting of Holders.
The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set
reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 11.7 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers,
Employees and Stockholders.
--------------------------------------------
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the
Company or any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company or such Guarantor under the Notes, this
Indenture, the Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement or for any
claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their
creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all
such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for
issuance of the Notes.
Section 11.8 Governing Law.
-------------
THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED
TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.
Section 11.9 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
---------------------------------------------
This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture,
loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other
Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to
interpret this Indenture.
Section 11.10 Successors.
----------
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes
shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture
shall bind its successors.
Section 11.11 Severability.
------------
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected
or impaired thereby.
Section 11.12 Counterpart Originals; Acceptance by Trustee.
--------------------------------------------
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each
signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the
same agreement. The Trustee hereby accepts the trusts in this Indenture
declared or provided, upon the terms and conditions hereinabove set forth.
Section 11.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
--------------------------------
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the
Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience
of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and
shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Signatures on following page]
SIGNATURES
Dated as of August 10, 2001
AUTONATION, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President and
Treasurer
▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President
7 ROD REAL ESTATE NORTH, A LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY
7 ROD REAL ESTATE SOUTH, A LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET-MIAMI, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET-TAMPA, INC.
ACER FIDUCIARY, INC.
AIRPORT DODGE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, LLC
ALL-STATE RENT A CAR, INC.
ALLIED 2000 COLLISION CENTER, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BAVARIAN
AMERICA'S CAR STOP
AMERICAN WAY MOTORS, INC.
AN/CF ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/FGJE ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/FMK ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/MF ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/MNI ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/PF ACQUISITION CORP.
AN/STD ACQUISITION CORP.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET - LOS GATOS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CUPERTINO, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ DEALERSHIP GROUP
ANYTHING ON WHEELS, LTD.
APPLEWAY CHEVROLET, INC.
ATRIUM RESTAURANTS, INC.
AUTO AD AGENCY, INC.
AUTO ADVERTISING SERVICES, INC.
AUTO CAR, INC.
AUTO HOLDING CORP.
AUTO MISSION LTD.
AUTO WEST, INC.
AUTONATION BENEFITS COMPANY, INC.
AUTONATION CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH GP, INC.
AUTONATION CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH JEEP
OF NORTH HOUSTON, L.P.
AUTONATION CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH LP, INC.
AUTONATION CORPORATE MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
AUTONATION DENVER MANAGEMENT, INC.
AUTONATION DODGE OF PEMBROKE PINES,
INC.
AUTONATION DODGE OF SAN ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇,
INC.
AUTONATION DODGE OF SAN ANTONIO, L.P.
AUTONATION DODGE OF SAN ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇,
INC.
AUTONATION DS INVESTMENTS, INC.
AUTONATION ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED
AUTONATION FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP.
AUTONATION HOLDING CORP.
AUTONATION IMPORTS NORTHWEST, INC.
AUTONATION IMPORTS OF LITHIA SPRINGS,
INC.
AUTONATION IMPORTS OF LONGWOOD, INC.
AUTONATION IMPORTS OF PALM BEACH, INC.
AUTONATION IMPORTS OF WINTER PARK, INC.
AUTONATION INSURANCE COMPANY
AUTONATION LM HOLDING CORPORATION
AUTONATION MOTORS OF LITHIA SPRINGS,
INC.
AUTONATION PARK ASSOCIATION, INC.
AUTONATION REALTY CORPORATION
AUTONATION USA CORPORATION
AUTONATION USA OF ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
AUTONATION USA OF VIRGINIA BEACH, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇, INC.
B-S-P AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTO, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ GP, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇ LP, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER JEEP OF FRISCO, ▇.▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD OF FRISCO, LTD. CO.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN IN IRVING, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN LEWISVILLE, INC.
BARGAIN RENT-A-CAR
BATFISH AUTO, LLC
BATFISH, LLC
BBCSS, INC.
BEACH CITY CHEVROLET COMPANY, INC.
BEACON MOTORS, INC.
▇▇▇▇ DODGE, L.L.C
BENGAL MOTOR COMPANY, LTD
BENGAL MOTORS, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ENTERPRISES, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ DODGE, LLC
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
BODY SHOP HOLDING CORP.
BOSC AUTOMOTIVE REALTY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET - SUPERSTITION
SPRINGS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN MESA, L.L.C.
BUICK MART, INC.
BUICK MART LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BULL MOTORS, LLC
C-CAR AUTO WHOLESALERS, INC.
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
CARLISLE MOTORS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, LLC
CENTRAL MOTOR COMPANY, LTD
CENTRAL MOTORS, INC.
CERRITOS BODY WORKS, INC.
CERRITOS IMPORTS, INC.
CHAMPION CHEVROLET, LLC
CHAMPION FORD, INC.
CHAMPION PLANNING, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTO SALES, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ COURTESY LEASING, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇' COURTESY FORD, INC.
CHESROWN AUTO, LLC
CHESROWN CHEVROLET, LLC
CHESROWN COLLISION CENTER, INC.
CHESROWN FORD, INC.
CHEVROLET WORLD, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD OF MARIETTA, INC.
CLEBURNE MOTOR COMPANY, INC.
COASTAL CADILLAC, INC.
COLONIAL IMPORTS, INC.
CONSUMER CAR CARE CORPORATION
CONTEMPORARY CARS, INC.
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, LLC
CORPORATE PROPERTIES HOLDING, INC.
COSTA MESA CARS, INC.
COURTESY AUTO GROUP, INC.
COURTESY WHOLESALE CORPORATION
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
CREDIT MANAGEMENT ACCEPTANCE
CORPORATION
CROSS-CONTINENT AUTO RETAILERS, INC.
CT INTERCONTINENTAL, INC.
CT MOTORS, INC.
D/L MOTOR COMPANY
D/L MOTOR-HO, INC.
DEAL DODGE OF DES PLAINES, INC.
DEALERSHIP ACCOUNTING SERVICES, INC.
DEALERSHIP PROPERTIES, INC.
DEALERSHIP REALTY CORPORATION
DESERT BUICK-GMC MANAGEMENT GROUP,
INC.
DESERT BUICK-GMC TRUCKS, L.L.C
DESERT CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH, INC.
DESERT DODGE, INC.
DESERT GMC-EAST, INC.
DESERT GMC, L.L.C
DESERT LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ BROTHERS BUICK-PONTIAC, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ FORD OF MEMPHIS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ MOBILE BAY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS OF ARIZONA, INC.
DODGE OF BELLEVUE, INC.
DON-A-VEE JEEP EAGLE, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ IMPORTS, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ OLDSMOBILE, INC.
DOWNERS GROVE DODGE, INC.
DRIVER'S MART WORLDWIDE, INC.
EASTGATE FORD, INC.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ MOTOR COMPANY, INC.
EL MONTE IMPORTS, INC.
EL MONTE MOTORS, INC.
ELMHURST AUTO MALL, INC.
ELMHURST DODGE, INC.
EMICH CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH, LLC
EMICH DODGE, LLC
EMICH LINCOLN-MERCURY, LLC
EMICH LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
EMICH OLDSMOBILE, LLC
EMICH SUBARU WEST, LLC
EMPIRE SERVICES AGENCY, INC.
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
FIRST TEAM AUTOMOTIVE CORP.
FIRST TEAM FORD, LTD
FIRST TEAM FORD OF MANATEE, LTD.
FIRST TEAM IMPORTS, LTD.
FIRST TEAM INFINITI, LTD.
FIRST TEAM JEEP EAGLE, CHRYSLER-
PLYMOUTH, LTD.
FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT, INC.
FIRST TEAM PREMIER, LTD.
FIT KIT, INC.
FLEMINGTON LAND ROVER, LLC
FLORIDA AUTO CORP.
FORD OF GARDEN GROVE LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP
FORD OF ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
FOX BUICK/ISUZU, INC.
FOX CHEVROLET, INC.
FOX HYUNDAI, INC.
FOX, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
FT. LAUDERDALE NISSAN, INC.
G.B. IMPORT SALES & SERVICE, LLC
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN, INC
GOLF MILL FORD, INC.
GOVERNMENT BLVD. MOTORS, INC.
GULF MANAGEMENT, INC.
H'S AUTO BODY, INC.
HAYWARD DODGE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTO GROUP, INC.
HOLLYWOOD IMPORTS LIMITED, INC.
HOLLYWOOD KIA, INC.
HORIZON CHEVROLET, INC.
HOUSE OF IMPORTS, INC.
HOUSTON AUTO IMPORTS GREENWAY, LTD.
HOUSTON AUTO IMPORTS NORTH, LTD.
HOUSTON IMPORTS GREENWAY-GP, INC.
HOUSTON IMPORTS GREENWAY-LP, INC.
HOUSTON IMPORTS NORTH-GP, INC.
HOUSTON IMPORTS NORTH-LP, INC.
HUB MOTOR CO.
IRVINE IMPORTS, INC.
IRVINE TOYOTA/NISSAN/VOLVO LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP
J-R ADVERTISING COMPANY
J-R-M MOTORS COMPANY NORTHWEST, LLC
J-R MOTORS COMPANY CENTRAL LLC
J-R MOTORS COMPANY NORTH
J-R MOTORS COMPANY SOUTH
JEMAUTCO, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ DODGE, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET CO.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, FORD LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ IMPORTS NO.1
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ INFINITI
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ OLDSMOBILE
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC
JRJ INVESTMENTS, INC.
KELNAT ADVERTISING, LTD. CO.
KENYON DODGE, INC.
KING'S CROWN FORD, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PONTIAC-BUICK-GMC, INC.
KLJ OF NEVADA, INC.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS WPB, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ CHILDREN, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇'▇ FORD, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇'▇ IRVINE NISSAN, INC.
LEXUS OF CERRITOS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
LGS HOLDING COMPANY
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET-ARROWHEAD, INC.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, L.L.C
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, L.L.C
▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
MC/RII, LLC
M S AND S TOYOTA, INC.
MACHOWARD LEASING
MACPHERSON ENTERPRISES, INC.
MAGIC ACQUISITION CORP.
MANHATTAN MOTORS, INC.
MARKS FAMILY DEALERSHIPS, INC.
MARKS TRANSPORT, INC.
MAROONE CAR AND TRUCK RENTAL COMPANY
MAROONE CHEVROLET FT. LAUDERDALE, INC.
MAROONE CHEVROLET, LLC
MAROONE DODGE, LLC
MAROONE DODGE POMPANO, INC.
MAROONE FORD, LLC
MAROONE ISUZU, LLC
MAROONE JEEP-EAGLE, INC.
MAROONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC
MAROONE OLDSMOBILE II, INC.
MAROONE OLDSMOBILE, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-MERCURY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ HOLDINGS, INC.
MECHANICAL WARRANTY PROTECTION, INC.
METRO CHRYSLER JEEP, INC.
MIDWAY CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH JEEP
EAGLE, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
MISSION BLVD. MOTORS, INC.
MR. WHEELS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ EAST, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD NORTH CANTON, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD SOUTH, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ MANAGEMENT, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ OF ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ USED CARS, INC.
NEWPORT BEACH CARS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
NISSAN OF ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, INC.
NORTHPOINT CHEVROLET, INC.
NORTHPOINT FORD, INC.
NORTHWEST FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
ONTARIO DODGE, INC.
ORANGE COUNTY AUTOMOTIVE IMPORTS, LLC
ORLANDO IMPORTS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD SALES, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTOMOTIVE
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ INFINITI
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ JAGUAR
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ LINCOLN-MERCURY
▇▇▇▇▇▇ AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
▇▇▇▇▇▇, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ BUICK-PONTIAC-GMC OF SCOTTSDALE,
INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-JEEP OF ▇▇▇▇,
INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH-JEEP OF
SCOTTSDALE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ISUZU-SUBARU-HYUNDAI OF
SCOTTSDALE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ KIA OF SCOTTSDALE, INC.
PLAINS CHEVROLET, INC.
PMWQ, INC.
PMWQ, LTD.
PORT CITY IMPORTS-HO, INC.
PORT CITY IMPORTS, INC.
PORT CITY PONTIAC-GMC TRUCKS, INC.
PRIME AUTO RESOURCES, INC.
QUALITY NISSAN, INC.
QUANTUM PREMIUM FINANCE CORPORATION
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
R. COOP LIMITED
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, INC.
▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ III, INC.
REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, INC.
REPUBLIC ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ INVESTMENT GROUP,
INC.
REPUBLIC DM PROPERTY ACQUISITION CORP.
REPUBLIC RESOURCES COMPANY (RRC)
REPUBLIC RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
REPUBLIC OF ROCHESTER, INC.
RESOURCES AVIATION, INC.
RI/ASC ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/BB ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/BBNM ACQUISITION CORP
RI/BRC REAL ESTATE CORP.
RI/CC ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/DM ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/HGMC ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/HOLLYWOOD NISSAN ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/LLC-2 ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/LLC ACQUISITION CORP.
RI MERGER CORP.
RI/PII ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/RMC ACQUISITION CORP
RI/RMP ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/RMT ACQUISITION CORP.
RI/SBC ACQUISITION CORP.
RI SHELF CORP.
RI/WFI ACQUISITION CORPORATION
RII MANAGEMENT COMPANY
ROSECRANS INVESTMENTS, LLC
ROSEVILLE MOTOR CORPORATION
RRM CORPORATION, INC.
RSHC, INC.
SAHARA IMPORTS, INC.
SAHARA NISSAN, INC.
SANTA ▇▇▇ AUTO CENTER
▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
SCM REALTY II, INC.
SCM REALTY, INC.
SERVICE STATION HOLDING CORP.
SGSCP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
SHAMROCK FORD, INC.
SIX JAYS LLC
SMI MOTORS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ EUROPEAN, INC.
SOUTHEAST LEASE CAR, INC.
SOUTHTOWN FORD, INC.
SOUTHWEST DODGE, LLC
SPIT FIRE PROPERTIES, INC.
SPOKANE MITSUBISHI DEALERS ADVERTISING
ASSOCIATION, INC.
STAR MOTORS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
STEEPLECHASE MOTOR COMPANY
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET DELRAY, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇'▇ BUY-RIGHT AUTO CENTER,
INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ PONTIAC-BUICK-GMC-TRUCK,
LLC
STEVENS CREEK MOTORS, INC.
SUNRISE NISSAN OF JACKSONVILLE, INC.
SUNRISE NISSAN OF ORANGE PARK, INC.
SUNSET PONTIAC-GMC, INC.
SUNSET PONTIAC-GMC TRUCK SOUTH, INC.
SUPERIOR NISSAN, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ CHRYSLER-PLYMOUTH JEEP-
EAGLE, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ IMPORTS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ IMPORTS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN OF TOWN CENTER, INC.
T-FIVE, INC.
T-WEST SALES & SERVICE, INC.
TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
TALLAHASSEE CHRYSLER PLYMOUTH, INC.
TARTAN ADVERTISING, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ INCORPORATED
▇▇▇▇▇▇ JEEP EAGLE, LLC
TEAM DODGE, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ MOTOR CARS, LTD.
TEXAN FORD, INC.
TEXAN FORD SALES, INC.
TEXAN LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
THE CONSULTING SOURCE, INC.
THE ▇▇▇▇▇▇ CORPORATION II, INC.
TORRANCE NISSAN, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ FORD, INC.
TOWN & COUNTRY CHRYSLER JEEP, INC.
TOYOTA CERRITOS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
TRIANGLE CORPORATION
VALENCIA DODGE
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-MERCURY, INC.
VALLEY CHEVROLET, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ MOTORS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ OLDS/GMC TRUCK, INC.
VILLAGE MOTORS, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ CHEVROLET, INC.
W.O. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ENTERPRISES, INC.
W.O. BANKSTON LINCOLN-MERCURY, INC.
W.O. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN, INC.
W.O. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PAINT AND BODY, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ IMPORTS, INC.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇-MERCURY, LLC
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ NISSAN, LLC
▇▇▇▇ AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC.
WEST COLTON CARS, INC.
WEST SIDE MOTORS, INC.
WESTGATE CHEVROLET, INC.
WOODY CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMPANY II
WOODY CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMPANY III
WORKING MAN'S CREDIT PLAN, INC.
YORK ENTERPRISES SOUTH, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Treasurer
EXHIBIT A-1
(Face of Note)
=============================================================================
CUSIP:
9% Senior Notes due 2008
No.:_______________ $______________
AutoNation, Inc.
promises to pay to _______________________________________________or
registered assigns, the principal sum
of______________________________________________ Dollars on August 1, 2008.
Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1, commencing February 1, 2002.
Record Dates: January 15 and July 15.
Dated:____________________________
AUTONATION, INC.
By: _____________________________
Name:
Title:
This is one of the
Notes referred to
in the within-mentioned
Indenture:
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota,
National Association,
as Trustee
By: _________________________
Authorized Signatory
=============================================================================
(Back of Note)
9% Senior Notes due 2008
[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of
the Indenture]
[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the
provisions of the Indenture]
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
1. Interest. AutoNation, Inc. promises to pay interest on the
principal amount of this Note at 9% per annum from February 1, 2002 until
maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages payable pursuant to Section
2(e) of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company
will pay interest and Liquidated Damages semi-annually on February 1 and
August 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the
next succeeding Business Day (each an "Interest Payment Date"). Interest on
the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been
paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance;
provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest,
and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the
face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall
accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided, further,
that the first Interest Payment Date shall be February 1, 2002. The Company
shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding
under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from
time to time on demand to the extent lawful at a rate that is 1% per annum
in excess of the rate then in effect; it shall pay interest (including
post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on
overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to
any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate
to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
2. Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the Notes
(except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages to the Persons who are
registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the January 15 or
July 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are
canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment
Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to
defaulted interest. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated
Damages on the Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose or, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest and Liquidated Damages may be made by check mailed to the Holders
of the Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of
Holders of Notes. Until otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's
office or agency in New York will be the office of the Trustee maintained
for such purpose. The Notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency
of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender
for payment of public and private debts.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank
Minnesota, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act
as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its
Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.
4. Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture
dated as of August 10, 2001 (as amended, the "Indenture") between the
Company, each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture and the Trustee. The
terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made
part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (15 U.S. Code ▇▇.▇▇. 77aaa-77bbbb) (the 11 "TIA"). The Notes are
subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and
the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this
Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions
of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
5. Optional Redemption. Except as described below, the Notes will
not be redeemable by the Company prior to maturity.
At any time prior to August 1, 2004, the Company, at its option,
may use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to
redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
issued under the Indenture (including subsequent Series Notes, if any) at a
redemption price equal to 109% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption
date (subject to the rights of Holders of record on relevant record dates
to receive interest due on an interest payment date). At least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture must remain
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. In order
to effect this redemption, the Company must complete such redemption within
60 days of the closing of the Public Equity Offering.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of
common stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company with
gross cash proceeds to the Company of at least $50 million pursuant to a
registration statement that has been declared effective by the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act (other than a registration statement on Form
S-4 (or any successor form covering substantially the same transactions),
Form S-8 (or any successor form covering substantially the same
transactions) or otherwise relating to equity securities issuable under any
employee benefit plan of the Company).
6. Repurchase Upon Change of Control. If a Change of Control
occurs, each Holder of Notes will have the right to require that the
Company purchase all or any part (in integral multiples of $1,000) of such
Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of
Control Offer"). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will offer to
purchase all of the Notes, at a purchase price (the "Change of Control
Purchase Price") in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount
of such Notes (the "Change of Control Payment"), plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Purchase
Date") (subject to the rights of holders of record on relevant record dates
to receive interest due on an interest payment date).
Within 30 days of any Change of Control or, at the Company's
option, prior to such Change of Control but after it is publicly announced,
the Company must notify the Trustee and give written notice of the Change
of Control to each Holder of Notes, by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
at his address appearing in the security register. The notice must state,
among other things,
(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and the date of such
event;
(ii) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of
Control, including information with respect to pro forma
historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving
effect to such Change of Control;
(iii) the purchase price and the purchase date which shall be
fixed by the Company on a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor
later than 60 days from the date the notice is mailed, or such
later date as is necessary to comply with requirements under the
Exchange Act;
(iv) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(v) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change
of Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant
to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest after
the Change of Control Purchase Date; and
(vi) other procedures that a Holder of Notes must follow to accept
a Change of Control Offer or to withdraw acceptance of the Change
of Control Offer.
7. Notice of Optional Redemption. Notice of redemption pursuant to
Paragraph 5 of this Note will be mailed by first class mail at least 30
days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of
Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may
not be conditional. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may be
redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the
Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the
redemption date interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof
called for redemption.
8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of
$1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged
as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a
Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and
transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes
and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company or the
Registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for
redemption. Also, the Company or the Registrar is not required to transfer
or exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a
notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed.
9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.
10. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees may be amended or
supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class
(including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a
purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and subject to
Sections 6.4 and 6.7, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than
a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a
payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or
compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the
Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without
limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender
offer or exchange offer for, Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of
Notes, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture
or the Notes: (i) to evidence the succession of another Person to the
Company, a Guarantor or any other obligor on the Notes, and the assumption
by any such successor of the covenants of the Company or such obligor or
Guarantor in the Indenture and in the Notes and in any Guarantee in
accordance with Article 5 of the Indenture; (ii) to add to the covenants of
the Company, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Notes for the
benefit of the Holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power
conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the
Notes, as applicable, in this Indenture, in the Notes or in any Guarantee;
(iii) to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any provision in
this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee which may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision in this Indenture, the Notes or any
Guarantee or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions
arising under this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee; provided that, in
each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the interest of the
Holders of the Notes; (iv) to comply with the requirements of the
Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this
Indenture under this TIA; (v) to add a Guarantor under this Indenture; (vi)
to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a successor
Trustee under this Indenture; or (vii) to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or
grant a security interest in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the
Holders of the Notes as additional security for the payment and performance
of the Company's and any Guarantor's obligations under this Indenture, in
any property, or assets, including any of which are required to be
mortgaged, pledged or hypothecated, or in which a security is required to
be granted to the trustee pursuant to this Indenture or otherwise.
11. Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the principal of all Notes then outstanding, plus all accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to and including the date the Notes are paid,
may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided
in the Indenture. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the
Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee is not obligated to
enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it has received indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to it. The Indenture permits, subject to certain
limitations therein provided, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding to direct the Trustee in its exercise
of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Notes
notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default in
payment of principal or interest when due, for any reason or a Default in
compliance with Article Five of the Indenture) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
12. Trustee Dealings with the Company. The Trustee, in its
individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from,
and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise
deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee;
however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such
conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue
or resign.
13. No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee,
incorporator or stockholder, of the Company or any Guarantor, as such,
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any
Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees, the Registration
Rights Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of,
such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of the Notes.
14. Guarantees. Assuming certain conditions described in the
Indenture have been satisfied, this Note will be entitled to the benefits
of certain Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is
hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights,
limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors,
the Trustee and the Holders.
15. Authentication. This Note shall not be valid or obligatory
until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an
authenticating agent.
16. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT
(= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with right of
survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A
(= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
17. Additional Rights of Holders of Notes. In addition to the
rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Notes
shall have all the rights set forth in the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreement dated as of the date of the Indenture, between the Company and
the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the "Registration Rights
Agreement").
18. CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has
caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use
CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No
representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed
on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may
be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
19. Governing Law. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL
GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights
Agreement. Requests may be made to: AutoNation, Inc., AutoNation Tower, ▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Telecopier No.: (954)
769-6340, Attention: General Counsel.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and
transfer this Note to
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint_______________________________________________________
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute
another to act for him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:__________________
Your Signature:
-----------------------
(Sign exactly as your name
appears on the Note)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
---------------------------------
Participant in a Recognized Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the box below:
| | Section 4.10 | | Section 4.15
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by
the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture,
state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$--------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the Note)
Tax Identification No:_____________________
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
--------------------------------
Participant in a Recognized Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE1
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an
interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a
part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this
Global Note, have been made:
Amount of Amount of Principal Amount Signature of
decrease in increase in of this authorized
Principal Principal Global Note signatory of
Amount of Amount of following such Trustee or
Date of Exchange this Global Note this Global Note decrease (or Custodian
increase)
EXHIBIT A-2
(Face of Regulation S Temporary Global Note)
=============================================================================
CUSIP:
ISIN:
9% Senior Notes due 2008
No.:_______________ $______________
AutoNation, Inc.
promises to pay to __________________________________________________or
registered assigns, the principal sum
of_________________________________________________ Dollars on August 1,
2008.
Interest Payment Dates: February 1 and August 1, commencing February 1, 2002.
Record Dates: January 15 and July 15.
Dated:________________________________
AUTONATION, INC.
By: __________________________________
Name:
Title:
This is one of the
Notes referred to in
the within-mentioned Indenture:
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota,
National Association,
as Trustee
By:
---------------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
=============================================================================
(Back of Regulation S Temporary Global Note)
9% Senior Notes due 2008
THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE,
AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED
NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN).
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE
INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF
THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS
HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE
MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(a) OF THE
INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR
CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL
NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN
CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.
THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE
UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND MAY NOT BE
OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A) (1) TO A PERSON
WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER
WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PURCHASING FOR ITS
OWN ACCOUNT OR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A
TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (2) IN AN OFFSHORE
TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION
S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (3) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR IN
A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES
ACT, (4) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (5) PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (B) IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED
STATES.
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
1. Interest. AutoNation, Inc. promises to pay interest on the
principal amount of this Note at 9% per annum from February 1, 2002 until
maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages payable pursuant to Section
2(e) of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company
will pay interest and Liquidated Damages semi-annually on February 1 and
August 1 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the
next succeeding Business Day (each an "Interest Payment Date"). Interest on
the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been
paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance;
provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest,
and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the
face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall
accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided, further,
that the first Interest Payment Date shall be February 1, 2002. The Company
shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding
under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from
time to time on demand to the extent lawful at a rate that is 1% per annum
in excess of the rate then in effect; it shall pay interest (including
post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on
overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to
any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate
to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
2. Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the Notes
(except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages to the Persons who are
registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the January 15 or
July 15 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are
canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment
Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to
defaulted interest. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated
Damages on the Notes will be payable at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose or, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest and Liquidated Damages may be made by check mailed to the Holders
of the Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of
Holders of Notes. Until otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's
office or agency in New York will be the office of the Trustee maintained
for such purpose. The Notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency
of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender
for payment of public and private debts.
3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank
Minnesota, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act
as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its
Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.
4. Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture
dated as of August 10, 2001 (as amended, the "Indenture") between the
Company, each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture and the Trustee. The
terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made
part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (15 U.S. Code ▇▇.▇▇. 77aaa-77bbbb) (the 11 "TIA"). The Notes are
subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and
the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this
Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions
of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
5. Optional Redemption. Except as described below, the Notes will
not be redeemable by the Company prior to maturity.
At any time prior to August 1, 2004, the Company, at its option,
may use the net cash proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings to
redeem up to an aggregate of 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
issued under the Indenture (including subsequent Series Notes, if any) at a
redemption price equal to 109% of the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption
date (subject to the rights of Holders of record on relevant record dates
to receive interest due on an interest payment date). At least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture must remain
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption. In order
to effect this redemption, the Company must complete such redemption within
60 days of the closing of the Public Equity Offering.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten public offering of
common stock (other than Redeemable Capital Stock) of the Company with
gross cash proceeds to the Company of at least $50 million pursuant to a
registration statement that has been declared effective by the Commission
pursuant to the Securities Act (other than a registration statement on Form
S-4 (or any successor form covering substantially the same transactions),
Form S-8 (or any successor form covering substantially the same
transactions) or otherwise relating to equity securities issuable under any
employee benefit plan of the Company).
6. Repurchase Upon Change of Control. If a Change of Control
occurs, each Holder of Notes will have the right to require that the
Company purchase all or any part (in integral multiples of $1,000) of such
Holder's Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the "Change of
Control Offer"). In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will offer to
purchase all of the Notes, at a purchase price (the "Change of Control
Purchase Price") in cash in an amount equal to 101% of the principal amount
of such Notes (the "Change of Control Payment"), plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Purchase
Date") (subject to the rights of holders of record on relevant record dates
to receive interest due on an interest payment date).
Within 30 days of any Change of Control or, at the Company's
option, prior to such Change of Control but after it is publicly announced,
the Company must notify the Trustee and give written notice of the Change
of Control to each Holder of Notes, by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
at his address appearing in the security register. The notice must state,
among other things,
(i) that a Change of Control has occurred and the date of such
event;
(ii) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of
Control, including information with respect to pro forma
historical income, cash flow and capitalization after giving
effect to such Change of Control;
(iii) the purchase price and the purchase date which shall be
fixed by the Company on a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor
later than 60 days from the date the notice is mailed, or such
later date as is necessary to comply with requirements under the
Exchange Act;
(iv) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(v) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change
of Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant
to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest after
the Change of Control Purchase Date; and
(vi) other procedures that a Holder of Notes must follow to accept
a Change of Control Offer or to withdraw acceptance of the Change
of Control Offer.
7. Notice of Optional Redemption. Notice of redemption pursuant to
Paragraph 5 of this Note will be mailed by first class mail at least 30
days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of
Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may
not be conditional. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may be
redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount
equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the
Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the
redemption date interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof
called for redemption.
8. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of
$1,000. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged
as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a
Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and
transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes
and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company or the
Registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for
redemption. Also, the Company or the Registrar is not required to transfer
or exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a
notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed.
9. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.
10. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes or the Guarantees may be amended or
supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class
(including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a
purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and subject to
Sections 6.4 and 6.7, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than
a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium,
if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a
payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or
compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the
Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without
limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender
offer or exchange offer for, Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of
Notes, the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture
or the Notes: (i) to evidence the succession of another Person to the
Company, a Guarantor or any other obligor on the Notes, and the assumption
by any such successor of the covenants of the Company or such obligor or
Guarantor in the Indenture and in the Notes and in any Guarantee in
accordance with Article 5 of the Indenture; (ii) to add to the covenants of
the Company, any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the Notes for the
benefit of the Holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power
conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor or any other obligor upon the
Notes, as applicable, in this Indenture, in the Notes or in any Guarantee;
(iii) to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any provision in
this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee which may be defective or
inconsistent with any other provision in this Indenture, the Notes or any
Guarantee or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions
arising under this Indenture, the Notes or any Guarantee; provided that, in
each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the interest of the
Holders of the Notes; (iv) to comply with the requirements of the
Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this
Indenture under this TIA; (v) to add a Guarantor under this Indenture; (vi)
to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a successor
Trustee under this Indenture; or (vii) to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or
grant a security interest in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the
Holders of the Notes as additional security for the payment and performance
of the Company's and any Guarantor's obligations under this Indenture, in
any property, or assets, including any of which are required to be
mortgaged, pledged or hypothecated, or in which a security is required to
be granted to the trustee pursuant to this Indenture or otherwise.
11. Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the principal of all Notes then outstanding, plus all accrued
and unpaid interest, if any, to and including the date the Notes are paid,
may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided
in the Indenture. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the
Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee is not obligated to
enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it has received indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to it. The Indenture permits, subject to certain
limitations therein provided, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding to direct the Trustee in its exercise
of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of Notes
notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default in
payment of principal or interest when due, for any reason or a Default in
compliance with Article Five of the Indenture) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
12. Trustee Dealings with the Company. The Trustee, in its
individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from,
and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise
deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee;
however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such
conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue
or resign.
13. No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee,
incorporator or stockholder, of the Company or any Guarantor, as such,
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any
Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees, the Registration
Rights Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of,
such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of the Notes.
14. Guarantees. Assuming certain conditions described in the
Indenture have been satisfied, this Note will be entitled to the benefits
of certain Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is
hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights,
limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of the Guarantors,
the Trustee and the Holders.
15. Authentication. This Note shall not be valid or obligatory
until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an
authenticating agent.
16. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT
(= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with right of
survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A
(= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
17. Additional Rights of Holders of Notes. In addition to the
rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Notes
shall have all the rights set forth in the Exchange and Registration Rights
Agreement dated as of the date of the Indenture, between the Company and
the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the "Registration Rights
Agreement").
18. CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has
caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use
CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No
representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed
on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may
be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
19. Governing Law. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL
GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights
Agreement. Requests may be made to: AutoNation, Inc., AutoNation Tower, ▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Telecopier No.: (954)
769-6340, Attention: General Counsel.
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (1) or (we) assign and transfer
this Note to
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint_____________________________________________________
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute
another to act for him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date:__________________
Your Signature:
---------------------
Sign exactly as your
name appears on the Note)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
-----------------------------------
Participant in a Recognized Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the box below:
| | Section 4.10 | | Section 4.15
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by
the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture,
state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the Note)
Tax Identification No:
--------------------
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
--------------------------------
Participant in a Recognized Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an
interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a
part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this
Global Note, have been made:
Amount of Amount of Principal Amount Signature of
decrease in increase in of this authorized
Principal Principal Global Note signatory of
Amount of Amount of following such Trustee or
this Global Note this Global Note decrease (or Custodian
Date of Exchange increase)
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation Tower
▇▇▇ ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopier No. (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Corporate Trust Services
Re: AutoNation, Inc.
Re: 9% Senior Notes due 2008
(CUSIP [ ] and [ ])
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 10,
2001, (as amended, the "Indenture"), between AutoNation, Inc., as issuer
(the "Company"), each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture, as
Guarantors and ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as
trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
___________________(the "Transferor") owns and proposes to
transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A
hereto, in the principal amount of $____________in such Note[s] or
interests (the "Transfer"), to____________ (the "Transferee"), as further
specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the
Transferor hereby certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
1. | | Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a
144A Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer
is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the
United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the
beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person
that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the
beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or
more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment
discretion, and such Person and each such account is a "qualified
institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction
meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive
Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the
Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the
Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
2. | | Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a
Regulation S Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or
Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby
further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in
the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the
Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person
acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee
was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or
through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and
neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the
transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no
directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the
requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the
Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to
evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the
proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted
Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account
or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an initial purchaser). Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be
subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement
Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note
and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
3. | | Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial
interest in the Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to any provision
of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is
being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to
beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive
Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any
applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and
accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):
(a) | | such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;
or
(b) | | such Transfer is being effected to the Company or to a
Subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) | | such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance
with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;
or
(d) | | such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional
Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule
144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further
certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation
within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and
the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to
beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted
Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed,
which certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by
the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Indenture and (2)
if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at
the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel
provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the
Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that
such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or
Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Global
Note and/or the Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the
Securities Act.
4. | | Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in
an Unrestricted Global Note or an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
(a) | | Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144
under the Securities Act and in compliance, with the transfer restrictions
contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of
any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer
contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no
longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(b) | | Check if Transfer is pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or
Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer
restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions
on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are
not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no
longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(c) | | Check if Transfer is pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule
144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions
contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of
any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer
contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not
be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for
your benefit and the benefit of the Company.
-------------------------------
[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:
--------------------------
Name:
Title:
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
[CHECK ONE]
(a) | | a beneficial interest in the:
(i) | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ (▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), ▇▇
(▇▇) | | Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), or
(b) | | a Restricted Definitive Note.
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
[CHECK ONE]
(a) | | a beneficial interest in the:
(i) | | ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ (▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), ▇▇
(▇▇) | | Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), or
(iii) | | Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇); or
(b) | | a Restricted Definitive Note; or
(c) | | an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation Tower
▇▇▇ ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopier No. (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Corporate Trust Services
Re: AutoNation, Inc.
Re: 9% Senior Notes due 2008
(CUSIP [ ] and [ ])
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 10,
2001 (as amended, the "Indenture"), between AutoNation, Inc., as issuer
(the "Company"), each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture, as
Guarantors and ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as
trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
____________ (the "Owner") owns and proposes to exchange the
Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal
amount of $__________ in such Note[s] or interests (the "Exchange"). In
connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests
in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial
Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
(a) | | Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In
connection with the Exchange of the Owner's beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without
transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the
transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to
maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial
interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States.
(b) | | Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the
Owner's Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without
transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the
transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and
pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the
Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the
United States.
(c) | | Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to
Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner's Exchange of a
Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner
hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for
the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been
effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to
Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the
Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to
maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted
Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue
sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for Restricted
Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
(a) | | Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to
beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the
Exchange of the Owner's Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial
interest in the [CHECK ONE] --144A Global Note, _Regulation S Global Note
with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner's own account without
transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the
transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and
pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the
terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to
the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend
printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the
Securities Act.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for
your benefit and the benefit of the Company.
[Insert Name of Owner]
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Dated: _________________
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation Tower
▇▇▇ ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Telecopier No. (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Corporate Trust Services
Re: AutoNation, Inc.
Re: 9% Senior Notes due 2008
(CUSIP [ ] and [ ])
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 10,
2001 (as amended, the "Indenture"), between AutoNation, Inc., as issuer
(the "Company"), each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture, as
Guarantors and ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as
trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
In connection with our proposed purchase of $___________ aggregate
principal amount of:
(a) | | a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or
(b) | | a Definitive Note,
we confirm that:
1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any
interest therein is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set
forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not
to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein
except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the United
States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not
been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any
interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the
following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any
accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should
sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A) to the
Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with Rule 144A under
the Securities Act to a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined
therein), (C) to an institutional "accredited investor" (as defined below)
that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by
a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Company a signed letter
substantially in the form of this letter and, if such transfer is in
respect of a principal amount of Notes, at the time of transfer, of less
than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the
Company to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the
Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904
of Regulation S, under the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions
of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or (F) pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to
provide to any person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest
in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of
clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser
that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.
3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or
beneficial interest therein, we will be required to furnish to you and the
Company such certifications, legal opinions and other information as you
and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale
complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the
Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
4. We are an institutional "accredited investor" (as defined in
Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act)
and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as
to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the
Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to
bear the economic risk of our or its investment.
5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein
purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of
which is an institutional "accredited investor") as to each of which we
exercise sole investment discretion.
You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter
and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to
any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official
inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
----------------------------------
[Insert Name of Accredited Owner]
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Dated:__________________
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF GUARANTEE
For value received, the undersigned (including any successor
Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally
guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the
provisions in the Indenture dated as of August 10, 2001 (as amended and
supplemented, the "Indenture") between AutoNation, Inc. (the "Company"),
each of the Guarantors named in the Indenture (the "Guarantors") and ▇▇▇▇▇
Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), (a)
the due and punctual payment by the Company of the principal of, premium,
if any, Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Notes (as defined
in the Indenture), whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or
otherwise, the due and punctual payment by the Company of interest on
overdue principal and premium, and, to the extent permitted by law,
interest, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of
the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or
renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will
be promptly paid by the Company in full when due or performed in accordance
with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the undersigned to the
Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to this Guarantee and the
Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 10 of the Indenture and
reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of this
Guarantee. Each Holder of a Note, by accepting the same, agrees to and
shall be bound by such provisions.
The terms of the Indenture, including, without limitation, Article
10 of the Indenture, are incorporated herein by reference. Capitalized
terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture
unless otherwise indicated.
[NAME OF GUARANTOR]
By:
----------------------
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT F
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this "Supplemental Indenture"), dated as
of ____________, among AutoNation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), _________ (the "Guaranteeing Subsidiary"), a subsidiary of
AutoNation, Inc. (or its permitted successor) and ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank
Minnesota, National Association, as trustee under the indenture referred to
below (the "Trustee").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company, has heretofore executed and delivered to the
Trustee the indenture (as amended, the "Indenture"), dated as of August 10,
2001, providing for the issuance of 9% Senior Notes due 2008 (the "Notes");
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that the Guaranteeing Subsidiary
shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant
to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of
the Company's obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms
and conditions set forth herein (the "Guarantee"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Indenture, the Trustee is
authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Company, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee
mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the
Holders of the Notes as follows:
1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without
definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby
agrees as follows:
(a) To jointly and severally Guarantee to each Holder of
a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and
to the Trustee and its successors and assigns,
irrespective of the validity and enforceability of
the Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the
Company hereunder or thereunder, that:
(i) the principal of and interest on the Notes will
be promptly paid by the Company in full when
due, whether at maturity, by acceleration,
redemption or otherwise, and interest on the
overdue principal of and interest on the Notes,
if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of
the Company to the Holders or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid by
the Company in full or performed by the Company,
all in accordance with the terms hereof and
thereof; and
(ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or
renewal of any Notes or any of such other
obligations, that same will be promptly paid by
the Company in full when due or performed by the
Company in accordance with the terms of the
extension or renewal, whether at stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due by the Company of any
amount so guaranteed or any performance so
guaranteed which failure continues for three
days after demand therefor is made to the
Company for whatever reason, the Guarantors
shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay
the same immediately.
(b) The obligations hereunder shall be unconditional,
irrespective of the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Notes or the Indenture, the
absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver
or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to
any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any
judgment against the Company, any action to enforce
the same or any other circumstance which might
otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge
or defense of a Guarantor.
(c) The following is hereby waived: diligence,
presentment, demand of payment (except as
specifically provided in (a) above), filing of claims
with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy
of the Company, any right to require a proceeding
first against the Company, protest, notice and all
demands (except as specifically provided in (a)
above) whatsoever.
(d) This Guarantee shall not be discharged except (i) by
complete performance of the obligations contained in
the Notes and the Indenture or (ii) as provided in
Section 5 hereof.
(e) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court
or otherwise to return to the Company, the
Guarantors, or any Custodian, Trustee, liquidator or
other similar official acting in relation to either
the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by
either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Guarantee,
to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be
reinstated in full force and effect.
(f) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall not be entitled to
any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders
in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until
payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.
(g) As between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the
Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the
maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be
accelerated as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture
for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding
any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing
such acceleration in respect of the obligations
guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any
declaration of acceleration of such obligations as
provided in Article 6 of the Indenture, such
obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall
forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors
for the purpose of this Guarantee, failing payment
when due by the Company which failure continues for
three days after demand therefor is made to the
Company.
(h) The Guarantors shall have the right to seek
contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as
the exercise of such right does not impair the rights
of the Holders under the Guarantee.
3. Execution and Delivery. Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees
that the Guarantees shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Guarantee.
4. Guaranteeing Subsidiary May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms.
The Guaranteeing Subsidiary may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its assets, or consolidate with or merge with or into
(whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another
corporation, Person or entity whether or not affiliated with such Guarantor
except to the extent limited by the provisions set forth in the Indenture,
including, without limitation, Section 5.1 of the Indenture.
5. Releases. The Guarantee of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary will be
released in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Indenture,
including, without limitation, Section 10.4 of the Indenture. The Trustee
will provide any written confirmation or evidence of the termination of
such Guarantee as reasonably required by the Company. Any Guarantor not
released from its obligations under its Guarantee shall remain liable for
the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other
obligations of any Guarantor under the Indenture as provided in Article 10
of the Indenture.
6. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee,
incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such,
shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any
Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes, the Indenture, any Guarantees or
this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by
reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such
waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal
securities laws.
7. New York Law to Govern. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.
8. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this
Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of
them together represent the same agreement.
9. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
10. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any
manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity, legality or
sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the
recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the
Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date
first above written.
Dated:
[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]
By:
---------------------------
Name:
Title:
AUTONATION, INC.
By:
----------------------------
Name:
Title:
▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
EXHIBIT G-1
FORM OF AFFIDAVIT OF OUT-OF-STATE EXECUTION
STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF ▇▇▇▇
I hereby certify that on this ____ day of August, 2001, before me,
an officer duly authorized in the County and State aforesaid to take
acknowledgments, personally appeared ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, as Vice President and
Treasurer of AutoNation, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
as Treasurer or authorized signatory of each of the subsidiaries of the
Company party to the hereinafter defined Indenture (the "Guarantors"), who
is personally known to me or who has produced _______________ as
identification, who did/did not take an oath, who is known to me to be the
person who executed the Indenture, dated as of August 10, 2001 (the
"Indenture"), by and among the Company, the Guarantors and ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank
Minnesota, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), to which this
Affidavit is attached on behalf of the Company and on behalf of each of the
Guarantors in Chicago, Illinois, and who acknowledged before me that be
executed the same.
-------------------------
Notary Public
--------------------------
Print Name
My Commission Expires: ______________
EXHIBIT G-2
FORM OF AFFIDAVIT OF OUT OF STATE RECEIPT AND ACCEPTANCE
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
COUNTY OF ▇▇▇▇ )
Before me this day personally appeared _________________
("Affiant"), who being personally sworn, deposes and says that:
1. Affiant is a _________________ of ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank Minnesota,
National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee") under the Indenture, dated
as of August 10, 2001 (the "Indenture"), by and among AutoNation, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), the subsidiaries of the Company party
thereto (the "Guarantors") and the Trustee.
2. The Trustee is the authorized agent for each of the initial
purchasers under the Purchase Agreement, dated August 1, 2001 (the
"Purchase Agreement"), by and among ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ & Co., ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lynch,
Pierce, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, ▇.▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ Securities Inc., First Union Securities, Inc. and Comerica
Securities, Inc., as initial purchasers (the "Initial Purchasers"), the
Company, and the Guarantors relating to the sale by the Company to the
Initial Purchasers of $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9%
Senior Notes Due 2008, for the purpose of receiving delivery of and
accepting of the Indenture on behalf of the Initial Purchasers and on
behalf of the Trustee.
3. The Indenture was executed in the City of Chicago, and the
State of Illinois by ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ as Vice President and Treasurer of the
Company and as Treasurer or authorized signatory of each of the Guarantors.
4. On the date hereof, Affiant received delivery of and accepted
the Indenture on behalf of the Trustee and on behalf of the Initial
Purchasers within the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois.
FURTHER AFFIANT SAYETH NOT.
Dated: August ___, 2001
--------------------------------------
Print Name:___________________________
THE FOREGOING instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day
of August, 2001, by ____________________, who is personally known to me or
who has produced _____________________ as identification and who did/did
not take an oath.
-------------------------
Notary Public
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Print Name
My Commission Expires: ______________
1 This should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.