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MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC.,
as Issuer,
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee
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INDENTURE
Dated as of January 26, 2004
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6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
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CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
TIA Indenture
Section Section
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310(a)(1)....................................................................................... 7.10
(a)(2)................................................................................... 7.10
(a)(3)................................................................................... N.A.
(a)(4)................................................................................... N.A.
(a)(5)................................................................................... 7.10
(b)...................................................................................... 7.10
(c)...................................................................................... N.A.
311(a) ......................................................................................... 7.11
(b)...................................................................................... 7.11
(c)...................................................................................... N.A.
312(a) ......................................................................................... 2.05
(b)...................................................................................... 11.03
(c)...................................................................................... 11.03
313(a) ......................................................................................... 7.06
(b)(1)................................................................................... N.A.
(b)(2)................................................................................... 7.06
(c)...................................................................................... 7.06; 11.02
(d)...................................................................................... 7.06
314(a) ......................................................................................... 4.06; 4.08; 11.02
(b)................................................................................... N.A.
(c)(1)................................................................................ 11.04
(c)(2)................................................................................... 11.04
(c)(3)................................................................................... N.A.
(d)...................................................................................... N.A.
(e)...................................................................................... 11.05
(f)...................................................................................... N.A.
315(a) ......................................................................................... 7.01(b)
(b)...................................................................................... 7.05; 11.02
(c)...................................................................................... 7.01(a)
(d)................................................................................... 7.01(c)
(e)................................................................................... 6.11
316(a)(last sentence)........................................................................ 2.09
(a)(1)(A)............................................................................. 6.05
(a)(1)(B)............................................................................. 6.04
(a)(2)................................................................................ N.A.
(b)................................................................................... 6.07
(c)................................................................................... 6.10; 9.04
317(a)(1).................................................................................... 6.08
(a)(2)................................................................................ 6.09
(b)................................................................................... 2.04
318(a) ...................................................................................... 11.01
(b)................................................................................... 11.01
(c)................................................................................... 11.01
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N.A. means Not Applicable
Note: This Cross-Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the
Indenture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
SECTION 1.01. Definitions....................................................................................1
SECTION 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of TIA.............................................................20
SECTION 1.03. Rules of Construction.........................................................................20
ARTICLE TWO
THE NOTES
SECTION 2.01. Form and Dating...............................................................................21
SECTION 2.02. Execution and Authentication..................................................................22
SECTION 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent....................................................................22
SECTION 2.04. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust...........................................................23
SECTION 2.05. Holder Lists..................................................................................23
SECTION 2.06. Transfer and Exchange.........................................................................23
SECTION 2.07. Replacement Notes.............................................................................36
SECTION 2.08. Outstanding Notes.............................................................................37
SECTION 2.09. Treasury Notes................................................................................37
SECTION 2.10. Temporary Notes...............................................................................37
SECTION 2.11. Cancellation..................................................................................38
SECTION 2.12. Defaulted Interest............................................................................38
SECTION 2.13. Record Date...................................................................................38
SECTION 2.14. CUSIP Numbers.................................................................................38
ARTICLE THREE
REDEMPTION
SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee............................................................................39
SECTION 3.02. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.............................................................39
SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption..........................................................................39
SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption................................................................40
SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price...................................................................40
SECTION 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part........................................................................41
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ARTICLE FOUR
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes..............................................................................41
SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency...............................................................41
SECTION 4.03. Corporate Existence...........................................................................41
SECTION 4.04. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.............................................................42
SECTION 4.05. [Intentionally Omitted].......................................................................42
SECTION 4.06. Compliance Certificate; Notice of Default.....................................................42
SECTION 4.07. Compliance with Laws..........................................................................43
SECTION 4.08. Commission Reports............................................................................43
SECTION 4.09. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.......................................................44
SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Restricted Payments.............................................................44
SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates....................................................46
SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Additional Debt.................................................................47
SECTION 4.13. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment
Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries................................................48
SECTION 4.14. Limitation on Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries........................................49
SECTION 4.15. Limitation on Senior Subordinated Debt........................................................50
SECTION 4.16. Change of Control.............................................................................50
SECTION 4.17. Limitation on Sales of Assets.................................................................52
SECTION 4.18. Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debts....................................................54
SECTION 4.19. Limitation on Business........................................................................54
SECTION 4.20. Investment Company Act........................................................................54
ARTICLE FIVE
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 5.01. When Company May Merge, Etc...................................................................54
SECTION 5.02. Successor Corporation Substituted.............................................................55
ARTICLE SIX
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.............................................................................56
SECTION 6.02. Acceleration..................................................................................57
SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies................................................................................58
SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults.......................................................................59
SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority...........................................................................59
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SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits...........................................................................59
SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders To Receive Payment..........................................................60
SECTION 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee....................................................................60
SECTION 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim..............................................................60
SECTION 6.10. Priorities....................................................................................60
SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.........................................................................61
ARTICLE SEVEN
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee.............................................................................61
SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee.............................................................................62
SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee..................................................................64
SECTION 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer..........................................................................64
SECTION 7.05. Notice of Default.............................................................................65
SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders.................................................................65
SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity....................................................................65
SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee........................................................................66
SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc..............................................................67
SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.................................................................67
SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.............................................68
ARTICLE EIGHT
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.01. Termination of Company's Obligations..........................................................68
SECTION 8.02. Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee........................................................71
SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money....................................................................71
SECTION 8.04. Repayment to the Company......................................................................71
SECTION 8.05. Reinstatement.................................................................................72
ARTICLE NINE
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders....................................................................72
SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders.......................................................................73
SECTION 9.03. Compliance with TIA...........................................................................74
SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents.............................................................74
SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes..............................................................75
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SECTION 9.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments, Etc...............................................................75
ARTICLE TEN
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 10.01. Notes Subordinated to Senior Debt.............................................................76
SECTION 10.02. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy..........................................................76
SECTION 10.03. Default on Senior Debt........................................................................77
SECTION 10.04. No Suspension of Remedies.....................................................................78
SECTION 10.05. When Distributions Must Be Paid Over..........................................................78
SECTION 10.06. Notice by Company.............................................................................79
SECTION 10.07. Subrogation...................................................................................79
SECTION 10.08. Relative Rights...............................................................................79
SECTION 10.09. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Company..................................................80
SECTION 10.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative......................................................80
SECTION 10.11. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent............................................................80
SECTION 10.12. Authorization to Effect Subordination.........................................................81
SECTION 10.13. Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent................................81
ARTICLE ELEVEN
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.01. TIA Controls..................................................................................81
SECTION 11.02. Notices.......................................................................................81
SECTION 11.03. Communications by Holders with Other Holders..................................................83
SECTION 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent............................................83
SECTION 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.................................................83
SECTION 11.06. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar.....................................................84
SECTION 11.07. Legal Holidays................................................................................84
SECTION 11.08. Governing Law.................................................................................84
SECTION 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.................................................84
SECTION 11.10. No Recourse Against Others....................................................................84
SECTION 11.11. Successors....................................................................................84
SECTION 11.12. Duplicate Originals...........................................................................85
SECTION 11.13. Severability..................................................................................85
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Exhibit A - Form of Note............................................................................. A-1
Exhibit B - Form of Certificate of Transfer.......................................................... B-1
Exhibit C - Form of Certificate of Exchange.......................................................... C-1
Exhibit D - Form of Certificate from Acquiring Institutional Accredited Investor..................... D-1
Exhibit E-1 - Form of Global Note Legend................................................................ E-1-1
Exhibit E-2 - Form of Private Placement Legend.......................................................... E-2-1
Exhibit E-3 - Form of Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend......................................... E-3-1
Note: This Table of Contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part
of this
Indenture.
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INDENTURE, dated as of January 26, 2004, between MediaNews Group, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and The Bank of
New York, a
New York
banking corporation, as Trustee (the "Trustee").
Each party hereto agrees as follows for the benefit of the other
parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's
6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
SECTION 1.01. Definitions.
"Acquired Debt" with respect to any Person, means (i) Debt of an
entity, which entity is acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(through the acquisition of Capital Stock or assets) after the Issue Date, (ii)
Debt assumed which is secured by assets acquired by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, provided that the Debt in clauses (i) and (ii) is outstanding at
the time of the acquisition of such entity or such assets, is not created in
contemplation of such acquisition and, in the case of the acquisition of an
entity, is not, directly or indirectly, recourse (including by way of set-off)
to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets,
other than to the entity and its Subsidiaries so acquired and the assets of the
entity and its Subsidiaries so acquired, or (iii) Refinancings of Debt described
in clauses (i) and (ii), provided that (a) in the case of Debt incurred to
renew, refinance or extend Debt described in either such clause, the aggregate
principal amount of Debt so issued (or, if such Debt is issued at a price less
than the principal amount thereof, the original issue price) shall not exceed
the aggregate principal amount of the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced
plus any premium, "make-whole" amounts and penalties actually paid on the Debt
being extended, renewed or refinanced and all reasonable fees and expenses
payable in connection with such renewal, refinancing or extension and (b) in the
case of Debt described in clause (i), the recourse with respect to such
Refinancing Debt is limited to the same extent as the Debt so Refinanced.
"Additional Notes" means Notes, in addition to, and having identical
terms (except that the date of original issuance shall be a date following the
Issue Date) as the Initial Notes and issued in accordance with Section 2.02 and
in compliance with Section 4.12.
"Adjusted Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" of a Person means the
Consolidated Operating Cash Flow of such Person as determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, after giving effect to the
following: (i) if, since the first day of the period in which Consolidated
Operating Cash Flow is being calculated, such Person or any of its Subsidiaries
completed an Asset Sale, Consolidated Operating Cash Flow
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for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the pro forma
Consolidated Operating Cash Flow (if positive) directly attributable to the
assets which are the subject of such Asset Sale for the period or increased by
an amount equal to the pro forma Consolidated Operating Cash Flow (if negative)
directly attributable thereto for such period; and (ii) if, since the first day
of such period in which Consolidated Operating Cash Flow is being calculated,
such Person or any of its Subsidiaries completes an acquisition of any Person or
business which immediately after such acquisition is a Subsidiary of such Person
or whose assets are held directly by such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person,
or makes a material Investment in any Person other than a Subsidiary that is
permitted by the
Indenture, pro forma Consolidated Operating Cash Flow shall be
computed so as to give pro forma effect to the acquisition of such Person or
business or the making of such Investment as if such acquisition or Investment
had occurred on the first day of such period. Any such pro forma calculation may
include (a) any adjustments that would, in the reasonable determination of the
Company, set forth in an Officers' Certificate, satisfy the requirements of Rule
11-02(a) of Regulation S-X as if included in a registration statement filed with
the Commission, and (b) any other operating expense reductions reasonably
expected to result from any acquisition of assets, if such expected reductions
are (i) set forth in reasonable detail in an operating plan, and (ii) limited to
operating expenses specified in such plan (and, if any such reductions are set
forth as a range, the lowest amount of such range) that would otherwise have
resulted in the payment of cash within twelve months after the date of
consummation of such transaction, net of any operating expenses (other than
extraordinary items, non-recurring or temporary charges and other similar
one-time expenses) reasonably expected to be incurred to implement such plan or
to obtain goods or services (including without limitation personnel, occupancy
and newsprint expenses) in replacement of goods and services that are being
curtailed or eliminated to result in such expected reductions, and that are to
be paid in cash during such twelve-month period, and such Officers' Certificate
so states.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" having meanings correlative to the foregoing. A
lender to such Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall not, as a result of such
loan and any credit or similar agreement entered into in connection therewith,
be deemed an Affiliate of such Person.
"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 that apply to such transfer or exchange.
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"Asset Sale" means the sale, transfer, lease, assignment, conveyance or
other disposition (other than in the ordinary course of business) by the Company
or its Restricted Subsidiaries of any assets of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries to any Person other than the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or Cash or
Cash Equivalents), whether owned or outstanding on the Issue Date or hereafter
acquired, in one or more related transactions, in each case having an aggregate
fair market value in excess of $5.0 million. Asset Sale shall include the
disposition of (i) any Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
or (ii) all or substantially all of the properties or assets relating to any
newspaper or groups of newspapers owned by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in either case having an aggregate fair market value in excess of
$5.0 million. Any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 4.10 shall not be
deemed to be an Asset Sale and any sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company that is subject to Section 5.01 shall not be deemed to be
an Asset Sale.
"Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11 of the U.S. Code or any similar
Federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.
"Board of Directors" means, with respect to any Person, the Board of
Directors of such Person or any committee of the Board of Directors of such
Person duly authorized, with respect to any particular matter, to exercise the
power of the Board of Directors of such Person.
"Board Resolution" means, with respect to any Person, a duly adopted
resolution of the Board of Directors or other equivalent governing body of such
Person.
"Business Day" means a day that is not a Legal Holiday (as defined in
Section 11.07).
"Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests
(including partnership interests), warrants, rights, options or other interests,
participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the
equity of such Person, including common stock or preferred stock, whether now
outstanding or issued after the Issue Date, but excluding any debt securities
convertible into or exchangeable for such equity.
"Capitalized Lease Obligation" means any rental obligation that, in
accordance with GAAP, is required to be classified and accounted for as a
capitalized lease and the amount of Debt represented by such obligation shall be
the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in accordance with GAAP;
and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or
any other amount due in respect of such obligation.
"Cash Equivalents" means (i) readily marketable obligations of or
obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or issued by any agency
thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America,
(ii) readily marketable direct obligations
-4-
issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision
having a rating in one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from
either ▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation, (iii)
commercial paper having a rating in one of the two highest rating categories of
▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Investors Service, Inc., or Standard & Poor's Corporation, (iv)
certificates of deposit issued by, bankers' acceptances and deposit accounts of,
and time deposits with, commercial banks of recognized standing chartered in the
United States of America with capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating
in excess of $500.0 million, (v) agreements to sell or repurchase securities of
the kind described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and (vi) shares of money
market funds that invest solely in Permitted Investments of the kind described
in clauses (i) through (v) above.
"Change of Control" means the date on which any Person other than the
Permitted Holders, individually or as a group, becomes the "beneficial owner"
(as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, in the aggregate, of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock or Voting Stock of the Company, on a fully diluted basis.
"Change of Control Date" has the meaning provided in Section 4.16.
"Change of Control Offer" has the meaning provided in Section 4.16.
"Change of Control Payment Date" has the meaning provided in Section
4.16.
"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 TIA, then the body performing such duties at
such time.
"Common Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests,
participations or other equivalents (however designated) of such Person's common
stock, whether now outstanding or issued after the Issue Date.
"Company" means MediaNews Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
permitted successors and assigns.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for
any period, the aggregate of all cash and non-cash interest expense (including
amortization of any original issue discount attributable to the issuance of any
debt security as part of or with any other security) with respect to all
outstanding Debt of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the interest component of
Capitalized Lease Obligations, all capitalized interest, and the interest
portion of any deferred payment obligations for such period; provided that if
any such Subsidiary is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Person, interest
expense of such Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries
-5-
shall be included only to the extent of such Person's consolidated common equity
ownership on a fully diluted basis therein.
"Consolidated Operating Cash Flow" with respect to the Company for any
period means (A) Operating Cash Flow of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, for such period, determined on a consolidated basis and in
accordance with GAAP, plus (B) with respect to an Investment in a Permitted
Business that does not qualify as a Subsidiary or a Permitted Partnership, the
lesser of (a) dividends and other distributions received from such Investment
for such period and (b) the Company's and its Restricted Subsidiaries'
percentage interest in the Operating Cash Flow of such Permitted Business, plus
(C) for any Investment in a Permitted Partnership, the Company's and its
Restricted Subsidiaries' interest in the Operating Cash Flow of such Permitted
Partnership (it being understood that if any such Investment is held by a
Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the
Company's and the Restricted Subsidiaries' proportionate interest will be
reduced by the percentage of the Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary
that is not owned directly or indirectly by the Company) less the Company's or
such Restricted Subsidiary's pro rata share (based upon their percentage
ownership interest) of payments of principal and interest on Debt of such
Permitted Partnership for such period; provided that (x) in the case of clause
(A) if any such Person is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company,
Operating Cash Flow of such Person and its Subsidiaries shall be included only
to the extent of the Company's common equity ownership on a fully diluted basis
therein, (y) Operating Cash Flow of any Person shall be excluded if and to the
extent that, the declaration of dividends or distribution by that Person of such
Operating Cash Flow is not, at the time, permitted directly or indirectly, by
the terms of its charter, or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order,
statute, rule or government regulation applicable to that Person and (z) if such
calculation is being made for the purposes of Section 4.10, the amount included,
for any period, under clause (C) shall never exceed dividends or distributions
actually received from that Investment in that period.
"Corporate Trust Office" means the principal office of the Trustee at
which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which
office at the dated hereof is located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ 8 West,
New
York,
New York 10286, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, or such other
address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders
and the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor
Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time
to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
"Credit Facility" means the Credit Agreement among the Company, the
financial institutions named therein and Bank of America, N.A., as agent
thereunder, as amended, substituted, refinanced (including successive
refinancings and whether through a refinancing, or successive refinancings,
under one or more commercial loan agreements or receivables facilities or
issuances of debt securities), renewed or replaced from time to time without
regard
-6-
to the amount of credit extended thereunder or the identity of the lenders or
agents with respect thereto.
"Cumulative Credit" means (x) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow of the
Company from and after January 1, 2004 to the end of the fiscal quarter
immediately preceding the date of the proposed Restricted Payment, or, if such
Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for such period is negative, minus the amount
by which such Consolidated Operating Cash Flow is negative less (y) 150% of the
cumulative Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company for such period.
"Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator,
sequestrator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
"Debt" of any Person means, without duplication, (i) the principal in
respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed (whether or not
the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only
to a portion thereof) and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds
or other similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible
or liable (other than those payable to government agencies to defer the payment
of workers' compensation liabilities, taxes, assessments or other obligations,
and provided in the ordinary course of business of such Person); (ii) all
Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (iii) all obligations of such
Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property (but
excluding customary earn-out provisions contained in acquisition agreements
entered into in compliance with the
Indenture), all conditional sale obligations
of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention
agreement (but excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued current
liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (iv) all obligations of
such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit,
banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction, other than letters of credit
entered into in the ordinary course of business that either are not drawn upon
or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than
the third Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand for
reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit and all net obligations
(determined in accordance with GAAP) of such Person under Hedging Obligations;
(v) the amount of all Disqualified Stock of such Person (but excluding any
accrued dividends thereon); (vi) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (v) of other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for
the payment of which, in either case, such Person is responsible or liable,
directly or indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including guarantees
of such obligations and dividends; and (vii) all obligations of the type
referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) of other Persons secured by any Lien on
any property, asset or Capital Stock held by such Person (whether or not such
obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation being
deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the amount of
the obligation so secured; provided, that any obligations of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (x) deferred pursuant to Section 4.07(a) of the Third
Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement dated
-7-
June 30, 1999, between Media General, Inc., MediaNews Group, Inc. and The Denver
Post Corporation (formerly known as Denver Newspapers, Inc.), as amended and (y)
under Section 9.9 of the Partnership Agreement, by and among West Coast
MediaNews LLC, Donrey Newspapers LLC, The Sun Company of San Bernardino,
California, and MediaWest-SBC, Inc., dated March 31, 1999, as amended, to the
extent otherwise constituting Debt, shall not constitute Debt prior to the
scheduled closing of the transactions contemplated thereby.
"Declaration" has the meaning provided in Section 6.02.
"Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time
or both would be, an Event of Default.
"Default Amount" has the meaning provided in Section 6.02.
"Definitive Note" means a certificated Note registered in the name of
the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06, in the form of
Exhibit A except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall
not have the "Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note" attached
thereto.
"Depositary" means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in
whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 as the
Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto
appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the
applicable provision of this
Indenture.
"Designated Senior Debt" means all obligations of the Company under the
Credit Facility (to the extent constituting Senior Debt) and any other Senior
Debt permitted hereunder the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more
that has been designated by the Company as Designated Senior Debt.
"Discharged" has the meaning provided in Section 8.01.
"Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital
Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is
convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event
(i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation
or otherwise, (ii) is subject to a mandatory offer to purchase, (iii) is
convertible or exchangeable for Debt or Disqualified Stock or (iv) is redeemable
at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, in each case on or
prior to the 91st day following the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided,
however, that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms,
authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations upon maturity,
redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or
otherwise by the delivery of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital
Stock), and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified
Capital Stock or Debt, will not be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock so
long as such Person satisfies its obligations with
-8-
respect thereto solely by the delivery of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Capital Stock); provided, further, however, that any Capital Stock that would
not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock but for provisions thereof giving
holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Capital
Stock is convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the
Company to redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control
occurring prior to the 91st day following the Stated Maturity of the Notes shall
not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock if the change of control provisions
applicable to such Capital Stock are no more favorable to such holders than the
provisions of Section 4.16 and such Capital Stock specifically provides that the
Company will not redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions prior
to the fulfillment of the Company's obligations under Section 4.16.
"DTC" has the meaning provided in Section 2.03.
"Equity Offering" has the meaning provided in paragraph 6 of the Notes.
"Event of Default" has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
"Excess Proceeds" has the meaning provided in Section 4.17.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"Exchange Notes" means the 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014,
to be issued in exchange for Restricted Notes pursuant to a Registration Rights
Agreement.
"Exchange Offer" has the meaning provided in the Registration Rights
Agreement.
"Exchange Offer Registration Statement" has the meaning provided in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
"Existing Debt" means Debt of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than the Credit Facility) outstanding on the Issue Date.
"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property, the
price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for
cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair market
value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting
reasonably and in good faith and shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution of the
Board of Directors of the Company delivered to the Trustee.
"Fairness Condition" has the meaning provided in Section 4.11.
-9-
"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" or "GAAP" means generally
accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of
the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board as they are in effect on the Issue Date.
"Global Note Legend" means the legend set forth in Exhibit E-1 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, issued in accordance with Section 2.01 or 2.06.
"Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other
obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any other Person and, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent
or otherwise, of such Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds
for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation of such other
Person (whether arising by virtue of participation arrangements, by agreement to
keep well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or
to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into
for the purpose of assuring the obligee of such Debt or other obligation in any
other manner of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in
respect thereof (in whole or in part), provided that the term "guarantee" shall
not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business. The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
"Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such
Person pursuant to (1) any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate collar
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, (2) foreign exchange
contracts, currency swap agreements or other similar agreement or arrangement,
or (3) any forward contract, commodity swap agreement, commodity option
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.
"Holder" means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the
Registrar's books.
"IAI Global Note" means a global note in the form of Exhibit A 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 Notes sold to Institutional Accredited Investors.
"Indenture" means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time
to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
-10-
"Indirect Participant" means a Person who holds a beneficial interest
in a Global Note through a Participant.
"Initial Notes" means the 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014,
Series A, of the Company.
"Initial Purchasers" shall have the meaning, with respect to any
Restricted Notes, given such term in the applicable Registration Rights
Agreement.
"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 that is not also a QIB.
"Interest Payment Date" means the Stated Maturity of an installment of
interest on the Notes.
"Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended from time to time.
"Investment" means any direct or indirect advance, loan (other than
advances or loans to customers in the ordinary course of business, which are
recorded at the time made as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the
Person making such advance or loan), guarantee 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 or acquisition of Capital Stock, bonds, notes,
debentures or other securities issued by, any other Person.
"Issue" means to issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become
liable for, provided, however, that any Debt or Capital Stock of a Person
existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of another Person (whether
by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be issued
by such Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary of such other Person.
"Issue Date" means January 26, 2004, the date of issuance of the
Initial Notes.
"Leverage Ratio" means, as of any date, the ratio of (A) total Debt of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such
date; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause, such total Debt shall
not include up to $20.0 million of Debt that would only be treated as Debt of
the Company because it is Guaranteed by the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, provided (and only to the extent) that (i) there has been no
default or event of default in existence with respect to the Debt so Guaranteed
and no Person has sought (or indicated that it would seek) payment under (or
with respect to) such Guarantee; (ii) such Guarantee was incurred in furtherance
of a Permitted Business and (iii)
-11-
no liability, charge, accrual, expense, payment or other amount with respect to
such Debt has at any time been required in accordance with GAAP to be reflected
on the consolidated balance sheet, statement of income or cash flow statement of
the Company, to (B) Trailing Adjusted Consolidated Operating Cash Flow of the
Company as of such date; provided, however, that the Debt of any Restricted
Subsidiary (and its Restricted Subsidiaries) that is not a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary, on a fully diluted basis, of the Company shall be included pro rata
only to the extent of the Company's common equity ownership interest therein, on
a fully diluted basis.
"Lien" means any lien, mortgage, charge, pledge, security interest, or
other encumbrance of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title
retention agreement and any lease in the nature thereof), whether or not filed,
recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional
sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any
option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing
of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial
Code (or equivalent statute) of any jurisdiction).
"Maturity Date" means April 1, 2014.
"Net Cash Proceeds" from an Asset Sale or issuance of Capital Stock
means cash payments received from, or by way of conversion into cash or Cash
Equivalents of any note or other obligation received in connection with such
Asset Sale or issuance or by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to,
or liquidation of, any note or installment receivable or otherwise (but only as
and when received therefrom), in each case net of all legal, title and recording
tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all income
taxes required to be accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such
Asset Sale or issuance of Capital Stock.
"Non-U.S. Person" has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation
S.
"Notes" means, collectively, the Initial Notes, Additional Notes, if
any, the Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes, if any, treated as a
single class of securities under this Indenture.
"Obligations" means all obligations for principal, premium, interest
(including post-petition interest), penalties, fees, indemnification,
reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation
governing any Debt.
"Offering Circular" means the offering circular dated January 14, 2004
used in connection with the offering of the Initial Notes.
-12-
"Officer" means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Chief
Financial Officer, the Treasurer, the Controller, or the Secretary of such
Person.
"Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a
certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice
President and the Chief Financial Officer or any Treasurer of such Person that
shall comply with applicable provisions of this Indenture.
"144A Global Note" means a global note in the form of Exhibit A 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.
"Operating Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person (A) revenues
less (B) the sum of (i) cost of sales, (ii) management fees and (iii) selling,
general and administrative expenses (other than non-cash expenses accrued under
employee compensation and stock ownership plans, but including any cash payments
made or required to be made under such plans; provided that cash payments under
such plans subject to vesting or other conditions will be included only when and
to the extent such vesting has occurred or such other conditions have been
fulfilled).
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel who is
acceptable to the Trustee complying with the requirements of Sections 11.04 and
11.05, as they relate to the giving of an Opinion of Counsel. Unless otherwise
required by the TIA, the legal counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the
Company or the Trustee.
"Participant" means a Person who has an account with the Depositary.
"Participating Broker-Dealer" shall have the meaning given such term in
the applicable Registration Rights Agreement.
"Paying Agent" has the meaning provided in Section 2.03.
"Permitted Business" means the (i) ownership and operation of regional,
local and other newspapers and other businesses directly related to newspaper
operations, and (ii) broadcast, electronic media, and other businesses deriving
a majority of their revenue from advertising and circulation.
"Permitted Holders" means (i) each of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ and their respective spouses, ancestors,
siblings, descendants (including children or grandchildren by adoption) and the
descendants of any of their siblings;
-13-
(ii) in the event of the incompetence or death of any of the Persons described
in clause (i), such Person's estate, executor, administrator, committee or other
personal representative, in each case who at any particular date shall
beneficially own or have the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, Capital
Stock of the Company; (iii) any trust created for the benefit of the Persons
described in clause (i) or (ii) or any trust for the benefit of any such trust;
or (iv) any Person controlled by any of the Persons described in clause (i),
(ii) or (iii). For purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect
to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power
to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person,
whether through ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
"Permitted Investments" means (i) Investments by a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company in the Company or Investments by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person that is, or as a result of such
Investment becomes, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) Investments in
cash or Cash Equivalents, (iii) Investments by the Company or by any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in a Permitted Business, including, but not limited to,
joint ventures or other business alliances in the ordinary course of business,
provided that the other investors in such joint venture or business alliance are
not Affiliates of the Company, (iv) Investments of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries arising as a result of any Asset Sale otherwise
complying with the terms of the Indenture, (v) Investments existing on the Issue
Date, and any extension, modification or renewal of any such Investments, but
only to the extent not involving additional advances, contributions or other
Investments of cash or other assets or other increases thereof, (vi) stock,
obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the
ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments including under a plan of
reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding, (vii) loans and advances to
directors, employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for bona fide business purposes not in excess of $10.0 million at any one time
outstanding, (viii) Investments of a Person owned by such Person at the time
such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a transaction that
complies with the Indenture to the extent (x) such Investments were not made in
anticipation of the acquisition of such Person by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary and (y) such Person was primarily engaged in a Permitted Business at
the time of such acquisition, (ix) Investments from Hedging Obligations
permitted by clause (ix) of Section 4.12 and (x) other Investments (other than
Investments specified in clauses (i) through (ix) above) in an aggregate amount,
as valued at the time each such Investment is made, not exceeding $25.0 million.
"Permitted Partnership" means at the relevant time of determination,
any Person that, at such time, (i) is not a Subsidiary of the Company and in
which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries collectively hold equity
Investments of at least 25% of the total equity and voting stock in such Person;
(ii) is engaged primarily in a Permitted Business of the type described in
clause (i) of the definition of "Permitted Business"; (iii) the Company's and
-14-
its Restricted Subsidiaries' proportionate ownership interest in the cash flows
of such Person is included in the Company's filings under the Exchange Act in
"Adjusted EBITDA Available to the Company" or if the Company no longer includes
such information in its Exchange Act filings, in the good faith judgment of the
Company, would have been included in "Adjusted EBITDA Available to the Company,"
if so then calculated on a basis consistent with that set forth in the Offering
Circular; and (iv) which the Company has the ability, through its ownership of
Voting Stock or under contract, to cause to distribute substantially all of the
Company's and the Restricted Subsidiaries' proportionate ownership interests in
the free cash flow of such Person.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or other
agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity of any kind.
"Physical Notes" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01.
"Post-Petition Interest" means any interest accruing subsequent to the
filing of a petition of bankruptcy at the rate provided for in the documentation
with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under
applicable law.
"Preferred Stock," as applied to the Capital Stock of any corporation,
means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is
preferred as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets
upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
corporation, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such
corporation. Preferred Stock of any Person shall include Disqualified Stock of
such Person.
"principal" of any Debt (including the Notes) means the principal
amount of such Debt.
"Private Exchange Notes" shall have the meaning provided in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
"Private Placement Legend" means the legend initially set forth in
Exhibit E-2.
"Purchase Money Obligations" means (i) any Debt of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance the purchase of any assets (including
the purchase of Capital Stock of Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company)
but only if the amount of Debt thereunder does not exceed 100% of the purchase
cost of such assets (and associated expenses); or (ii) Debt of the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary which refinances Debt referred to in clause (i) of
this definition.
-15-
"QIB" means a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A.
"Qualified Capital Stock" shall mean any Capital Stock which is not
Disqualified Stock.
"Redemption Date" when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture and the
Notes.
"Redemption Price" when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed,
means the price fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture and the
Notes.
"Refinance" means, in respect of any Debt, to refinance, extend, renew,
refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue Debt in exchange
or replacement for, such Debt. "Refinanced" and "Refinancing" shall have
correlative meanings.
"Registrable Notes" has the meaning given such term in the Registration
Rights Agreement.
"Registrar" has the meaning provided in Section 2.03.
"Registration Rights Agreement" means, with respect to the Initial
Notes, the exchange and registration rights agreement dated as of the Issue Date
between the Company and the initial purchasers named therein and, with respect
to any Additional Notes, any similar agreement applicable to such Notes.
"Regulation S" means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
"Regulation S Global Note" means a Regulation S Temporary Global Note
or a Regulation S Permanent Global Note, as appropriate.
"Regulation S Permanent Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in
the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, deposited with or
on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and
issued upon expiration of the Restricted Period.
"Regulation S Temporary Global Note" means a temporary Global Note in
the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private
Placement Legend and the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend and deposited
with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its
nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of
the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.
-16-
"Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend" means the legend set forth
in Exhibit E-3 which is required to be placed on all Regulation S Temporary
Global Notes.
"Representative" means the indenture trustee or other trustee, agent or
representative in respect of any Designated Senior Debt; provided that if, and
for so long as, any Designated Senior Debt lacks such a representative, then the
Representative for such Designated Senior Debt shall at all times constitute the
holders of a majority in outstanding principal amount of such Designated Senior
Debt in respect of any Designated Senior Debt.
"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 Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
"Restricted Payment" means (i) any dividend or distribution on or in
respect of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company to the direct or indirect
holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the Company (other
than dividends or distributions payable in Common Stock of the Company), (ii)
the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of any
Capital Stock of the Company, (iii) any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary
as an Unrestricted Subsidiary on the basis of the Investment by the Company
therein, (iv) any Restricted Investment by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company, provided that Restricted Payments shall not include
the redemption, purchase, retirement or other acquisition for value by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any Capital Stock of the
Company held by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries. For purposes of
determining the amount expended for Restricted Payments, cash distributed or
invested shall be valued at the face amount thereof and property other than cash
shall be valued at its fair market value.
"Restricted Period" means the applicable distribution compliance period
under Rule 903.
"Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary and includes all of the Subsidiaries of the Company
existing as of the Issue Date.
"Rule 144" means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Rule 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
-17-
"Rule 903" means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
"Rule 904" means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
"▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Permitted Holders" means (i) any of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, their
respective spouses, ancestors, siblings, descendants (including children or
grandchildren by adoption) and the descendants of any of their siblings; (ii) in
the event of the incompetence or death of any of the Persons described in clause
(i), such Person's estate, executor, administrator, committee or other personal
representative, in each case who at any particular date shall beneficially own
or have the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, Capital Stock of the
Company; (iii) any trust created for the benefit of the Persons described in
clause (i) or (ii) or any trust for the benefit of any such trust; or (iv) any
Person controlled by any of the Persons described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii).
For purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect to any Person,
shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether
through ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
"Senior Debt" means all Obligations of the Company with respect to any
Debt, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created, incurred or
assumed, unless, in the case of any particular Debt, the instrument creating or
evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly
provides that such Debt shall not be senior in right of payment to the Notes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Senior Debt shall not include: (i) any Debt of
the Company to any Subsidiary of the Company; (ii) any Debt to, or Guaranteed on
behalf of, any Affiliate (other than any Restricted Subsidiary), director,
officer or employee of the Company or of any Restricted Subsidiary (including,
without limitation, amounts owed for compensation); (iii) Debt and other amounts
incurred in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services owing to
trade creditors (other than Hedging Obligations); (iv) Disqualified Stock; (v)
any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the
Company; (vi) Debt incurred in violation of Section 4.12; and (vii) Debt which
is, by its express terms, junior in right of payment to the Notes.
"Shelf Registration Statement" means the Shelf Registration Statement
as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.
"Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
which at the time of determination either (A) had assets which, as of the date
of the Company's most recent quarterly consolidated balance sheet, constituted
at least 5% of the Company's total assets on a consolidated basis as of such
date, in each case determined in accordance
-18-
with GAAP, or (B) had revenues for the twelve-month period ending on the date of
the Company's most recent quarterly consolidated statement of income which
constituted at least 5% of the Company's total revenues on a consolidated basis
for such period.
"Stated Maturity," when used with respect to any Note or any
installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Note as the
fixed date on which the principal of such Note or such installment of interest
is due and payable, and, when used with respect to any other Debt, means the
date specified in the instrument governing such Debt as the fixed date on which
the principal of such Debt or any installment of interest is due and payable.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, (i) a corporation the
majority of whose Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by
such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and
one or more Subsidiaries thereof, (ii) a partnership, joint venture or limited
liability company, with respect to which such Person under the applicable
partnership agreement, joint venture agreement or limited liability company
operating agreement owns a majority of the equity interests therein and either
has the power to appoint a majority of the board of managers thereof, or
otherwise has the power to direct the policies, management and affairs thereof
through a management agreement or otherwise (iii) any Person (other than a
corporation, partnership, joint venture or limited liability company) in which
such Person, one or more Subsidiaries thereof or such Person and one or more
Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination
thereof has at least a majority ownership interest and the power to direct the
policies, management and affairs thereof. For purposes of this definition, any
director's qualifying shares or investments by foreign nationals mandated by
applicable law shall be disregarded in determining the ownership of a
Subsidiary. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to a
"Subsidiary" shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Company.
"Survivor" has the meaning provided in Section 5.01.
"TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections
77aaa-77bbbb), as amended, as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is
qualified under the TIA, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.03.
"Trailing" means, at or in respect of any date, the twelve-month period
ending on the last day of the month immediately preceding such date for which
financial statements are available.
"Transaction" has the meaning provided in Section 4.11.
"Trustee" means The Bank of
New York until a successor replaces it in
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means such
successor.
-19-
"Trust Officer" means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any
officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice
president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer,
trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs
functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be
such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred
because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular
subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this
Indenture.
"Unrestricted Definitive Note" means one or more Definitive Notes in
the form of Exhibit A attached hereto that do not bear and are not required to
bear the Private Placement Legend.
"Unrestricted Global Note" means a permanent Global Note in the form of
Exhibit A 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 bear the Private
Placement Legend.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary (including its
Subsidiaries) so designated by a Board Resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Company in accordance with Section 4.14. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be redesignated a
Restricted Subsidiary at any time if (a) the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (i) provides credit support for, or a guarantee of, any outstanding
Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries (including any
undertaking, agreement or instrument evidencing such Debt) or (ii) is directly
or indirectly liable for any outstanding Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or
any of its Subsidiaries, (b) in the case of any such Subsidiary that has Debt
outstanding, a default with respect to such Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary
or any of its Subsidiaries (including any right which the holders thereof may
have to take enforcement action against any of them) would permit (upon notice,
lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Debt of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the
payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its final scheduled
maturity or (c) such Unrestricted Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries incurs
Debt pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means money or direct non-callable
obligations of, and obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for
the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.
"U.S. Legal Tender" means such coin or currency of the United States of
America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of
public and private debts.
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"U.S. Person" means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under the
Securities Act.
"Voting Stock" of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such
Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary all the
Capital Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) is owned by the
applicable corporation or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the applicable
corporation.
SECTION 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of TIA.
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, such
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.
"indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture.
"indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee.
"obligor" on the indenture securities means the Company or any other
obligor on the Notes.
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA,
defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule and
not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them therein.
SECTION 1.03. Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning
assigned to it in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date hereof;
(3) "or" is not exclusive;
(4) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the
plural include the singular; and
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(5) "herein," "hereof" and other words of similar import refer
to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section
or other subdivision.
ARTICLE TWO
THE NOTES
SECTION 2.01. Form and Dating.
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of
authentication shall be substantially in the form 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. The terms
and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly
made, a part of this Indenture and the Company 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 Exhibit A 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 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 2.06
hereof.
(c) Regulation S Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in
reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of Regulation S
Temporary Global Notes. Following the termination of the applicable Restricted
Period, beneficial interests in a Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be
exchanged for beneficial interests in the Regulation S Permanent Global Note,
pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Owners of beneficial interests in the
Regulation S Temporary Global Note may also take delivery in the form of
Definitive Notes or beneficial interests in the 144A Global Note, upon (i)
certification in form reasonably
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satisfactory to the Trustee that such interests are being acquired pursuant to
an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and (ii) after the
expiration of the Restricted Period. 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 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.
SECTION 2.02. Execution and Authentication.
One or more Officers shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or
facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office
at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.
A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature
of the Trustee. 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 one or
more Officers (an "Authentication Order"), authenticate Notes for original issue
on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $150,000,000
(other than as provided in Section 2.07). The Trustee shall authenticate Notes
thereafter (so long as permitted by the terms of this Indenture) for original
issue upon one or more Authentication Orders in aggregate principal amount as
specified in such order (other than as provided in Section 2.07). Each such
Authentication Order shall specify the amount of Notes to be authenticated,
whether the Notes are to be Initial Notes, Additional 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.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the
Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes
whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to
authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An
authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an
Affiliate of the Company.
SECTION 2.03. Registrar and Paying Agent.
The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be
presented for registration of transfer or for exchange ("Registrar") and an
office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent"). The
Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange.
The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars
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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 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 to act as the Registrar and
Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
SECTION 2.04. Paying Agent To Hold Money in Trust.
The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to
agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of
Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the
Trustee in writing of any default by the Company in making any such payment.
While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay
all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a
Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to
the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or 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. Upon any bankruptcy
or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee shall serve
as Paying Agent for the Notes.
SECTION 2.05. Holder Lists.
The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of
all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA Section 312(a). If the Trustee
is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least five
Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the
Trustee may request 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 which
list may be conclusively relied on by the Trustee.
SECTION 2.06. Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be
transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary,
by a nominee
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of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or
by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of
such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be exchanged by the Company for
Definitive Notes if (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee written notice from
the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary
or 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 in its
sole discretion 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 or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and the Company has received a request from the Depositary to issue
Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the
Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Company for Physical
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.
Any Definitive Notes issued in accordance with the preceding
paragraph 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 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every Note authenticated
and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion
thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be
authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A
Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this
Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be
transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the
Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global
Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the
provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests
in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer
comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities
Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require
compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as
one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
(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 Regulation S Temporary
Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or
benefit of a U.S. Person (other than the Initial Purchasers) unless
certification is provided in form reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee
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that such interests are being transferred pursuant to an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act. 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 2.06(b)(i).
(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests
in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of
beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i) above,
the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the
Registrar either (A) both (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; provided that in no event shall a beneficial
interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be transferred or
exchanged for beneficial interests in another Global Note prior to (A)
the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the
Trustee of a certificate in the form of Exhibit B or Exhibit C hereto;
or (B) (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 cause to be issued a Definitive
Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or
exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar
containing information regarding the Person in whose name such
Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange
referred to in (1) above; provided that in no event shall Definitive
Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests
in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (A) the expiration
of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any
certificates required pursuant to Rule 903. Upon consummation of an
Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(f)
hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(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
2.06(h) hereof.
(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted
Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note (other
than the Regulation S Temporary Global Note during the Restricted
Period) may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in
the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global
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Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section
2.06(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form
of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the
transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form
of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, then
the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of
Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2)
thereof; and
(C) if the transferee will take delivery in the form
of a beneficial interest in the IAI Global Note, then the
transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications and certificates and
Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if
applicable.
(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 2.06(b)(ii) above 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 Person participating in the
distribution of the Exchange Notes or (2) a Person who is an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company, and makes
such other representations as are required by the Registration
Rights Agreement;
(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 Participating
Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights
Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
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(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
hereto, 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
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.
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, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in
accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more
Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to
subparagraph (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 or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for
Definitive Notes.
(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to
Restricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a
Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person
who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then,
upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a
Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a)
thereof;
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(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB
in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in
Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a
Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903
or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant
to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth
in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a)
thereof;
(E) if such beneficial interest 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 hereto, including the certifications, certificates
and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set
forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b)
thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global
Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the
Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the
Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate
principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be
registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or
denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the
Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or
Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the
Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued
in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to
this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be
subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section
2.06(c)(i) , a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may
not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes
delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive
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Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by
the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B)
under the Securities Act.
(ii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to
Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive
Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the
Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and
the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or
the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a Person participating in the
distribution of the Exchange Notes or (2) a Person who is an affiliate
(as defined in Rule 144) of the Company, and makes such other
representations as are required by the Registration Rights Agreement.
(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 Participating Broker-Dealer
pursuant to the Exchange Offer 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 Definitive Note that does not bear the Private
Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item
(1)(b) thereof; or
(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 Definitive Note that does not bear the Private
Placement Legend, 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.
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(iii) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to
Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a
Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes
delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of
the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee shall cause
the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced
accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute
and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the
instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any
Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this
Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall be registered in such name or names and in such
authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial
interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary
and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such
Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any
Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this
Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial
Interests.
(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in
Restricted Global Notes. If 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 hereto,
including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to
a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to
a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule
903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect
set forth in Exhibit B hereto, 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 hereto, including the
certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
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(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 hereto, including the certifications,
certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) 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 hereto, 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 hereto,
including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above,
the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the
144A Global Note, in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note,
and in all other cases, the IAI 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 Person participating in the distribution of the
Exchange Notes or (2) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule
144) of the Company, and makes such other representations as are
required by the Registration Rights Agreement;
(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 Participating Broker-Dealer
pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance
with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
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(1) if the Holder of such 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 hereto, including the certifications in
item (1)(c) thereof; or
(2) if the Holder of such 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 2.06(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the
Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal
amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in
Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may
exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or
transfer such Definitive Notes 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 subparagraphs (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 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more
Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive
Notes. Upon written request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder's
compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(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
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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
2.06(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, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the
form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item
(1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903
or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
item (2) thereof; 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 hereto, including the certifications,
certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3)
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 Person
participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (2)
a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the
Company, and makes such other representations as are required
by the Registration Rights Agreement;
(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 Participating
Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights
Agreement; or
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(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)(d) 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 written 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, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02,
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
participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (y) 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.
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(g) 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
cancelled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to
or retained and cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof.
At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global
Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof
in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive
Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be
reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on 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.
(h) 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 and the Trustee 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 2.02, 2.07, 2.10, 3.06, 4.16, 4.17 and 9.05 hereof).
(iii) The Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of
or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the
unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.
(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration
of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid
obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same
benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(v) The Registrar shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the
transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under
Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection,
(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any
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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.
(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any
Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in
whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the
purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for
all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.
(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel
required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to
effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.
(ix) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine
or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this
Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest
in any Notes (including any transfers between or among Participants or
beneficial owners of interests in any Global Notes) 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 substantial compliance
as to form with the express requirements hereof.
SECTION 2.07. 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 the Trustee, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee's
requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity
bond shall be required 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 (including reasonable expenses
of counsel) in replacing a Note.
Every replacement Note is an additional 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.
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SECTION 2.08. Outstanding Notes.
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by
the Trustee except for those cancelled 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 2.09 hereof, a Note
does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company holds the Note.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be
outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof 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
4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary 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 2.09. 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 (other than (i) any Affiliate who is an Affiliate
solely on account of his or its ownership of securities of the Company,
membership on the Board of Directors of the Company or employment by the Company
or any Affiliate of the Company, and (ii) any other Affiliate who is an
Affiliate solely on account of his or its relationship with any Person described
in clause (i) above, except in any case to the extent such Person is an
affiliate as described in Section 316(a) of the TIA) 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 Trust Officer the Trustee
actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.
SECTION 2.10. Temporary Notes.
Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the
Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order,
shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in
the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Company
considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably acceptable
to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the
Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
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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 and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of
transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of
cancelled Notes in accordance with its procedures regarding the disposition of
cancelled securities. 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, it shall
pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful,
interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a
subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes
hereof. 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 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At
least 15 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. Record Date.
The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the
identity of Holders entitled to vote or to consent to any action by vote or
consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.04 and 6.05.
SECTION 2.14. 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 the
omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in
writing of any change in the CUSIP numbers.
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ARTICLE THREE
REDEMPTION
SECTION 3.01. Notices to Trustee.
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the
Notes, it shall notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent in writing of the
Redemption Date and the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and, at its
option, instructing the Trustee to give notice of redemption to the Holders (at
the Company's expense) at least 45 days (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before the Redemption
Date. Any such notice may be cancelled at any time prior to notice of such
redemption being mailed to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no
effect.
SECTION 3.02. Selection of Notes To Be Redeemed.
If fewer than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall
select the Notes to be redeemed in compliance with the requirements of the
principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes being
redeemed are listed, or, if the Notes are not listed on a national securities
exchange, by lot or on a pro rata basis or by such other method as the Trustee
shall deem appropriate.
The Trustee shall make the selection from the Notes outstanding and not
previously called for redemption and shall promptly notify the Company in
writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note
selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
Notes in denominations of $1,000 may be redeemed only in whole. The Trustee may
select for redemption portions (equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple
thereof) of the principal of Notes that have denominations larger than $1,000.
Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also
apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.
SECTION 3.03. Notice of Redemption.
At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date,
the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed a notice of redemption by first
class mail to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed, with a copy to the
Trustee. At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of
redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's expense. Each notice for
redemption shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including CUSIP number) and
shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date;
(2) the Redemption Price;
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(3) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(4) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to
the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;
(5) that, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption
payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on
and after the Redemption Date, and the only remaining right of the
Holders of such Notes is to receive payment of the Redemption Price
upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Notes redeemed;
(6) 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, and upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes
in the aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion
thereof will be issued; and
(7) if fewer than all the Notes are to be redeemed, the
identification of the particular Notes (or portion thereof) to be
redeemed, as well as the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be
redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be outstanding
after such partial redemption.
SECTION 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section
3.03, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date
and at the Redemption Price. Upon surrender to the Trustee or Paying Agent, such
Notes called for redemption shall be paid at the Redemption Price.
SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or before 11:00 a.m. (
New York City time) on the Redemption
Date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Legal Tender
sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of all Notes to be redeemed on that date
(other than Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on that date which
have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation). The Paying
Agent shall promptly return to the Company any U.S. Legal Tender so deposited
which is not required for that purpose, except with respect to monies owed as
obligations to the Trustee pursuant to Article Seven.
If the Company complies with the preceding paragraph, then,
unless the Company defaults in the payment of such Redemption Price, interest on
the Notes to be redeemed will cease to accrue on and after the applicable
Redemption Date, whether or not such Notes are presented for payment.
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SECTION 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part.
Upon surrender of a Note that is to be redeemed in part, the Trustee
shall authenticate for the Holder a new Note or Notes equal in principal amount
to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.
ARTICLE FOUR
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes.
The Company shall pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the
dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. An installment of principal of or
interest on the Notes shall be considered paid on the date it is due if the
Trustee or Paying Agent (other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company)
holds on that date U.S. Legal Tender designated for and sufficient to pay the
installment.
The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal and on overdue
installments of interest at the rate set forth in Paragraph 1 of the Notes.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture,
the Company may, to the extent it is required to do so by law, deduct or
withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United States of America
from principal or interest payments hereunder.
SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company shall maintain the office or agency required under Section
2.03. The Company shall give prior 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 address of the Trustee set
forth in Section 11.02.
SECTION 4.03. Corporate Existence.
Except as otherwise permitted by Article Five, the Company shall do or
cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and
effect its corporate or other existence and the corporate or other existence of
each of its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the respective
organizational documents of each such Restricted Subsidiary and the material
rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company and each such
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Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required
to preserve, with respect to itself, any material right or franchise and, with
respect to any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any such existence, material
right or franchise, if the Board of Directors or other equivalent governing body
of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, shall
determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of
the business of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary.
SECTION 4.04. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged,
before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges (including withholding taxes and any penalties, interest
and additions to taxes) levied or imposed upon it or any of its Subsidiaries or
properties of it or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) all lawful claims for
labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon
the property of it or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim if either (a) the amount,
applicability or validity thereof is being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and an adequate reserve has been established therefor to
the extent required by generally accepted accounting principles then in effect
or (b) the failure to make such payment or effect such discharge (together with
all other such failures) would not have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
SECTION 4.05. [Intentionally Omitted]
SECTION 4.06. Compliance Certificate; Notice of Default.
(a) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the
end of the Company's fiscal year, an Officers' Certificate stating that a review
of its activities and the activities of its Subsidiaries during the preceding
fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a
view to determining whether it 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 knowledge the Company during
such preceding fiscal year has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and
every such covenant and no Default or Event of Default occurred during such year
and at the date of such certificate there is no Default or Event of Default that
has occurred and is continuing or, if such signers do know of such Default or
Event of Default, the certificate shall describe the Default or Event of Default
and its status with particularity. The Officers' Certificate shall also notify
the Trustee should the Company elect to change the manner in which it fixes its
fiscal year end. For purposes of this Section 4.06(a), one of the Officers
signing such Officers' Certificate shall be the Chief Financial Officer, the
Chief Executive Officer or the President of the Company.
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(b) So long as not contrary to the then current recommendations of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the annual financial
statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.08 shall be accompanied by a written
report of the Company's independent public accountants (who shall be a firm of
established national reputation) that in conducting their audit of such
financial statements (which is directed primarily to the expression of their
opinion on such financial statements taken as a whole and not toward obtaining
knowledge of non-compliance with credit agreements) nothing has come to their
attention that would lead them to believe that the Company has violated any
provisions of Article Four or Five of this Indenture or, if any such violation
has occurred, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, it being
understood that such accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly to
any Person for any failure to obtain knowledge of any such violation.
(c) (i) If any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee by registered or certified
mail or by facsimile transmission followed by hard copy by registered or
certified mail an Officers' Certificate specifying such event, notice or other
action and what action the Company has taken or proposes to take with respect
thereto within five Business Days of its occurrence.
SECTION 4.07. Compliance with Laws.
The Company shall comply, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to
comply, with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, orders and
restrictions of the United States of America, all states and municipalities
thereof, and of any governmental department, commission, board, regulatory
authority, bureau, agency and instrumentality of the foregoing, in respect of
the conduct of their respective businesses and the ownership of their respective
properties, except such as are being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings and except for such noncompliances as could not in the aggregate be
reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition
or results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
SECTION 4.08. Commission Reports.
(a) The Company shall file with the Trustee and, if such filings are
not made available by the Commission free of charge over the Internet, mail to
each Holder, within 15 days after filing with the Commission, copies of the
annual, quarterly and current reports (or copies of such portions of any of the
foregoing as the Commission may by rules and regulations prescribe) which it is
required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act.
(b) Notwithstanding that the Company is not required by law to remain
subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, it will
nonetheless continue to file with the Commission and deliver to the Trustee,
and, if such filings are not made
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available by the Commission free of charge over the Internet, to each Holder
such annual, quarterly and current reports which are specified in Section 13 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act. In addition, the Company shall, at its cost, deliver
to each Holder quarterly and annual reports substantially equivalent to those
which would be required under the Exchange Act.
(c) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the
Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.08 is for informational purposes only and the
Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any
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).
(d) The Company will, for so long as any Notes remain
outstanding, furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective
investors, upon request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
SECTION 4.09. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do
so) that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever
claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any
usury law or other law that would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying
all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Notes as contemplated
herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may
affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent
that it may lawfully do so) the Company hereby expressly waives all benefit or
advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder delay or impede
the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and
permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Restricted Payments.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to, make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted
Payment; provided, however, that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may
make Restricted Payments so long as at the time of the making of such Restricted
Payment and after giving effect thereto:
(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be
continuing as a consequence thereof;
(b) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted
Payment, the Company would have been permitted to incur $1.00 of
additional Debt pursuant to the terms of the first paragraph of Section
4.12 hereof; and
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(c) the aggregate amount expended by the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with all Restricted
Payments made subsequent to the Issue Date shall not exceed
the sum of, without duplication, (i) the Company's Cumulative
Credit (or, in the event such aggregate Cumulative Credit
shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit); (ii) 100% of
the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from any Person
(other than a Subsidiary of the Company) from the issuance and
sale subsequent to January 1, 2004 of Qualified Capital Stock
of the Company (excluding (A) Qualified Capital Stock made as
a distribution on any Capital Stock or as interest on any
Debt; (B) any such Net Cash Proceeds from issuances and sales
of Qualified Capital Stock, where the purchase is financed
directly or indirectly using funds borrowed from the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company and (C) any such Net Cash
Proceeds from issuances and sales of Qualified Capital Stock
to the extent such Net Cash Proceeds were used to redeem Notes
pursuant to paragraph 6(b) of the Notes); (iii) 100% of the
Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from the exercise of
options or warrants on Qualified Capital Stock of the Company
since January 1, 2004 (other than from a Subsidiary of the
Company); (iv) 100% of the Net Cash Proceeds received by the
Company from the conversion into Qualified Capital Stock of
convertible Debt or convertible Preferred Stock issued and
sold since January 1, 2004 (other than from a Subsidiary of
the Company); (v) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds of any
(a) sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments (which
Investment was made after January 1, 2004) made by the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (b) dividends,
whether liquidating or otherwise, from, or the sale of capital
stock of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or (c) dividends,
whether liquidating or otherwise, from Restricted Investments;
and (vi) $75.0 million.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this restriction will not
prevent (A) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
declaration if the dividend would have been permitted on the date of
declaration; (B) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
or be continuing or shall occur as a consequence thereof, the acquisition of
Capital Stock of the Company which is funded either by the exchange of shares of
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company or from the Net Cash Proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale for cash of shares of Qualified Capital Stock of
the Company (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) which amount shall not
then be included in (c)(ii) of the immediately preceding paragraph; (C) so long
as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing or shall
occur as a consequence thereof, the purchase for value of shares of Capital
Stock or warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock held by
directors, officers or employees of the Company upon death, disability,
retirement or termination of employment in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$3.0 million in any twelve-month period; (D) so long as no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred or be continuing or shall occur as a consequence
thereof, and immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
Company would have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt
pursuant to the terms of the first paragraph of Section 4.12, the commitment to
purchase or purchase from the
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Permitted Holders, of Capital Stock of the Company owned by any of them for an
aggregate purchase price of up to $75.0 million provided that (i) no more than
$25.0 million may be committed to be purchased, or purchased, prior to December
31, 2005 and (ii) no more than $25.0 million may be used to purchase Capital
Stock of Permitted Holders that are not ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Permitted Holders; provided,
however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries may, at any time commit to purchase Capital Stock from the
Permitted Holders so long as the agreement evidencing such commitment provides
that the purchase will occur at a time permitted by this clause (D) and only to
the extent such purchase is permitted by this clause (D) as of the proposed
purchase date; and (E) purchases (and commitments to so purchase) from the
Permitted Holders of Capital Stock of the Company with (and only to the extent
of) the net cash proceeds received from life insurance on Permitted Holders,
provided that the premiums for such insurance to the extent paid by the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary (but not the proceeds thereof) shall be deemed to
be Restricted Payments.
SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any
transaction (or series of related transactions) (each a "Transaction") with any
Affiliate of the Company or any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company,
including, without limitation, any sale, purchase, lease or loan or any other
direct or indirect payment, transfer or other disposition of assets, property or
services, unless (a) such Transaction is on terms no less favorable to the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could
be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an independent third
party (the "Fairness Condition") and (b) prior to effecting such Transaction,
the Company shall deliver to the Trustee (i) with respect to any Transaction
involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, an officers'
certificate certifying that a majority of the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors of the Company has approved such Transaction and has determined
that the terms of such Transaction satisfy the Fairness Condition and (ii) in
addition, with respect to any Transaction involving (x) aggregate consideration
in excess of $5.0 million in which there are no disinterested directors or (y)
aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, a written opinion from a
nationally recognized investment banking firm stating that the terms of such
Transaction satisfy the Fairness Condition or are fair to the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view. Clause (b)(ii)(y) shall
not apply to purchases of newsprint in the ordinary course of business by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from Affiliates of the Company or of its
Restricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision will not
apply to (A) any Transaction between (x) the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company, (y) Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company (provided that in the
case of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, no
affiliate of the Company is a direct or indirect investor in such Subsidiary
other than through the Company), or (z) the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and a Permitted Partnership,
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on the other hand, in the ordinary course of business, (B) the making of
Permitted Investments, (C) the making of Restricted Payments in accordance with
Section 4.10, (D) payments to MediaNews Services for payroll and benefits and
for up to $3.5 million per year in reimbursement of other actual cash expenses
paid by MediaNews Services relating to the operation of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries (or incurred on behalf of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries), (E) employee benefits, insurance (including directors and
officers insurance) and compensation, including, without limitation, bonuses,
retirement plans, equity plans, directors fees and stock options, paid to or
established for directors and officers of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and approved by the Board of
Directors (or any committee thereof) of the Company, (F) any Transaction with an
Affiliate to the extent that the only consideration paid by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary in such Transaction is shares of the Company's Common
Stock, and (G) Transactions pursuant to any contract or agreement in effect on
the Issue Date, as the same may be amended, modified or replaced from time to
time, so long as any such contract or agreement as so amended, modified or
replaced is, taken as a whole, no less favorable in any material respect to the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or to the holders of Notes than the
contract or agreement as in effect on the Issue Date. In connection with this
covenant, other than with respect to directors' and officers' insurance, any
determination regarding whether a director is "disinterested" will be made on
the basis of whether such director has, among other things, a personal stake in
the business or transactions requiring any such determination to be made.
SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Additional Debt.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, Issue any Debt, except that the Company and/or its
Restricted Subsidiaries may Issue Debt if (i) no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing at such time or shall occur as a result of
such issuance and (ii) at the time such Debt is so Issued and after giving
effect thereto and to the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the
Leverage Ratio of the Company shall not be greater than 6.75 to 1.
The limitations set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph will
not apply to: (i) the Initial Notes; (ii) Existing Debt; (iii) Debt under the
Credit Facility, to the extent that the aggregate amount of such Debt does not,
at any time, exceed $750.0 million, less the aggregate amount of Net Cash
Proceeds of Asset Sales that have been applied by the Company since the Issue
Date to the repayment of any term loans thereunder; (iv) Debt owing from or to
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided that any Debt owing from
the Company to its Restricted Subsidiaries is subordinated to the Notes; (v)
other Debt issued hereafter not to exceed in the aggregate $50.0 million at any
one time outstanding; (vi) Debt in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations and
Purchase Money Obligations not to exceed in the aggregate $50.0 million at any
one time outstanding; (vii) Acquired Debt; (viii) Debt incurred to renew,
refinance or extend any Debt described in either clause (i) or (ii) above (other
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than the Company's 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 to the extent
purchased or redeemed with the proceeds of the Initial Notes), incurred in
accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph or represented by any Notes
otherwise issued in compliance with this Indenture, provided that in the case of
Debt incurred to renew, refinance or extend any such Debt (other than Debt
incurred in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph), (a) the
aggregate principal amount of Debt so issued (or, if such Debt is issued at a
price less than the principal amount thereof, the original issue price) shall
not exceed the aggregate principal amount of the Debt being extended, renewed or
refinanced plus any premium, "make-whole" amounts and penalties actually paid on
the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced and all reasonable fees and
expenses payable in connection with such renewal, refinancing or extension and
(b) any Debt so issued shall not mature prior to the earlier of (x) the stated
maturity of the Debt being extended, renewed or replaced and (y) 91 days
following the stated maturity of the Notes and (ix) Debt under Hedging
Obligations; provided that (a) such Hedging Obligations are designed to protect
against fluctuations in interest or currency rates or commodity prices and (b)
in the case of any Hedging Obligations under clause (1) of the definition
thereof, (I) such Hedging Obligations relate to payment obligations on Debt
otherwise permitted to be incurred by this covenant, and (II) the notional
principal amount of such Hedging Obligations at the time incurred does not
exceed the amount of the Debt to which such Hedging Obligations relate.
For purposes of this covenant, the accretion of original issue
discount, the payment in kind of interest and dividends and the accrual of
interest and dividends shall not be deemed to be Issuances of such Debt (but the
accrual of any such amounts that constitute Debt shall be included for purposes
of determining the Leverage Ratio).
If an item of Debt meets the criteria of more than one of the
categories described in clauses (i) through (ix) above or is permitted to be
incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant and also meets the
criteria of one or more of the categories described in clauses (i) through (ix)
above, the Company may, in its sole discretion, classify such item of Debt in
any manner that complies with this covenant and may from time to time reclassify
such item of Debt in any manner in which such item could be incurred at the time
of such reclassification; provided that Debt outstanding on the Issue Date under
the Credit Facility (and any refinancings thereof) shall first be deemed to be
incurred under clause (iii) and may not be reclassified.
SECTION 4.13. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment
Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to (i) pay dividends or make
any other distributions on its Capital Stock or pay any Debt
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owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) make loans
or advances to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (iii)
transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company, except for encumbrances
or restrictions existing under or by reason of (A) applicable law, (B) the
Indenture, (C) agreements existing on the Issue Date, (D) the Credit Facility,
(E) customary non-assignment provisions of any lease or contract governing a
leasehold interest of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (F)
any instrument governing or evidencing Acquired Debt of a Person at the time of
such acquisition, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or
such Person's property or assets, so acquired, provided that such Debt, and such
encumbrance or restriction, is not incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such acquisition, (G) any encumbrances or restrictions
contained in any Debt governing any refinancings of the Debt or renewals of
other agreements referred to in clauses (C) or (F), provided that the
encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such refinancing agreement or
amendment, supplement, renewal or other modification are not materially less
favorable to the Holders than encumbrances and restrictions contained in such
agreements, (H) customary restrictions on such dividends, distributions, loans,
advances or transfers contained in agreements governing joint operating
agreements and joint ventures and shareholders agreements with minority
shareholders, (I) restrictions with respect to a Person that exist at the time
such Person is acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (except to
the extent put in place in connection with or in contemplation of such
acquisition), which restrictions are not applicable to any Person, or the
properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person or the property or
assets of the Person so acquired, (J) restrictions in agreements governing Debt
incurred after the Issue Date that are, taken as a whole, no less favorable in
any material respect to the Holders than restrictions contained in agreements
governing Debt in effect on the Issue Date, (K) customary restrictions on
transfer of assets subject to a sale agreement entered into in compliance with
the Indenture and (L) restrictions on assignment of assets arising from Liens on
such assets that are permitted under this Indenture.
SECTION 4.14. Limitation on Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
The Board of Directors of the Company may, if no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom,
designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if such
designation is at that time permitted by Section 4.10. The Board of Directors of
the Company may, if no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would result therefrom, designate an Unrestricted Subsidiary to be
a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that (i) any such redesignation
shall be deemed to be an incurrence as of the date of such redesignation by the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries of Debt, if any, of such redesignated
Subsidiary for purposes of Section 4.12; and (ii) unless such redesignated
Restricted Subsidiary shall not have any Debt outstanding (other than Debt which
would be permitted under Section 4.12), no such designation shall be permitted
if immediately after giving effect to such redesignation and the incurrence
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of any such Debt, the Company could not incur $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant
to the first paragraph of Section 4.12. Any such designation or redesignation by
the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by the
filing with the Trustee of a certified copy of the Board Resolution of the
Company's Board of Directors giving effect to such designation or redesignation
and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation or redesignation
complied with the foregoing conditions and setting forth in reasonable detail
the underlying calculations.
Subsidiaries that are not designated by the Board of Directors as
Restricted or Unrestricted Subsidiaries will be deemed to be Restricted
Subsidiaries. The designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall be deemed to include a designation of all of the Subsidiaries
of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as Unrestricted Subsidiaries. As of the Issue
Date, there are no Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.15. Limitation on Senior Subordinated Debt.
The Company will not, directly or indirectly, become liable,
contingently or otherwise, with respect to any Debt that is subordinated or
junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt of the Company and senior in right
of payment to the Notes.
SECTION 4.16. Change of Control.
(a) In the event of a Change of Control, the Company shall make an
offer to repurchase all or a portion of the outstanding Notes pursuant to the
offer described in paragraph (b) below (the "Change of Control Offer") at a
purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of repurchase.
(b) Prior to the repurchase of the Notes, the Company shall (i) repay
in full all Senior Debt the terms of which require repayment upon a Change of
Control or offer to repay in full all such Debt and to repay the Debt owed to
each holder of such Debt which has accepted such offer, or (ii) obtain the
requisite consents under such Senior Debt to permit the repurchase of the Notes
as provided below. The Company shall first comply with the covenant in the
preceding sentence before it shall repurchase Notes pursuant to the provisions
described in this Section 4.16. Within 10 Business Days after the date upon
which the Change of Control occurs (the "Change of Control Date") requiring the
Company to make a Change of Control Offer pursuant to this Section 4.16 and the
conditions set forth in the preceding sentence are satisfied, the Company shall
so notify the Trustee.
(c) The notice to the Holders shall contain all instructions and
materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender (or cause to be transferred
by book-entry) Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Within 20 Business
Days following any Change of Control Date, the Company shall send, by first
class mail, a notice to each Holder, with a copy
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to the Trustee, which notice shall govern the terms of the Change of Control
Offer. Such notice shall state:
(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to
this Section 4.16 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for
payment;
(2) the purchase price (including the amount of accrued
interest) and the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days
nor later than 45 days from the date such notice is mailed, other than
as may be required by law) (the "Change of Control Payment Date");
(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue
interest;
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in making payment
therefor, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of
Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to
a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Note with
the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse
of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in
the notice prior to the close of business on the Business Day
immediately prior to the Change of Control Payment Date;
(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election
if the Paying Agent receives, not later than five Business Days prior
to the Change of Control Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or
letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of
the Notes the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such
Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;
(7) that Holders whose Notes are purchased only in part will
be issued new Notes in a principal amount equal to the unpurchased
portion of the Notes surrendered; and
(8) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change
of Control.
On or before the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company
shall (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent U.S. Legal Tender
sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes so tendered and (iii) deliver
to the Trustee (or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, evidence satisfactory
to the Trustee of such Notes) Notes so accepted together with an Officers'
Certificate stating the Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the
Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to the Holders of Notes so
accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price, and the Trustee shall
promptly authenticate and mail to
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such Holders (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) new Notes equal in
principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. Any Notes
not so accepted shall be promptly mailed by the Company to the Holder thereof.
For purposes of this Section 4.16, the Trustee shall act as the Paying Agent.
Any amounts remaining after the purchase of Notes pursuant to a Change
of Control Offer shall be returned by the Trustee to the Company.
(d) The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws
or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this
Section 4.16. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with provisions of the covenant described hereunder, the
Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will
be deemed not to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.16 by virtue
thereof.
(e) The Company will 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 at
the same or a higher purchase price, at the same times and otherwise in
substantial compliance with the requirements applicable to a Change of Control
Offer otherwise required to be made by the Company and purchases all Notes
validly tendered and not withdrawn upon such Change of Control Offer.
(f) A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of
Control, and conditioned upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement
is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of
Control Offer. Notes repurchased by the Company pursuant to a Change of Control
Offer will have the status of Notes issued but not outstanding or will be
retired and cancelled, at the option of the Company. Notes purchased by a third
party pursuant to the preceding paragraph will have the status of Notes issued
and outstanding.
SECTION 4.17. Limitation on Sales of Assets.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit its Restricted Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, consummate any Asset Sale unless: (a) at least 75%
of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary shall be in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents, provided, that the
amount of (i) any liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Restricted
Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms
subordinated to the Notes or any guarantee thereof) that are assumed by the
transferee of any such assets shall be excluded from such calculation and (ii)
any notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted
Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted
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by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days of receipt thereof
into cash (to the extent of the cash received) shall be deemed, to the extent of
cash so received, to be cash for purposes of this provision; (b) the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary shall have received consideration in such Asset Sale
at least equal to the fair market value of the assets sold in such Asset Sale
(as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company); and (c)
such Asset Sale is approved in writing by the Board of Directors of the Company;
provided, however, that clause (a) above and the next paragraph shall not apply
to the extent an Asset Sale consists of the exchange of one or more newspapers,
Permitted Investments or assets or properties utilized in a Permitted Business
for one or more newspapers, Permitted Investments or assets or properties
utilized in a Permitted Business.
The Company will, and will cause each such Restricted Subsidiary to,
apply the Net Cash Proceeds from any such Asset Sale within 360 days of receipt
thereof to (i) reinvestment by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in a
Permitted Investment or property or assets to be employed in a Permitted
Business, (ii) the permanent repayment of Debt (including premium) of the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries that is held by a person other than a
Restricted Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, or (iii) the repurchase of
Notes tendered as described in the immediately succeeding paragraph. Any Net
Cash Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied as provided in clause (i) or
(ii) of the preceding sentence shall constitute "Excess Proceeds."
In the event the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have
received any Excess Proceeds, the Company will make an offer to all Holders to
purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes that may be purchased out of such
Excess Proceeds, at an offer price, in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the
outstanding principal amount thereof, plus the accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. To the extent that the
aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered pursuant to an offer to purchase is
less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company may use such excess for any purpose
not prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes
surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after applying any Net Cash Proceeds received
from Asset Sales in accordance with clauses (i) and (ii) of the immediately
preceding paragraph, Excess Proceeds are less than $10.0 million, the
application of such Excess Proceeds to repurchase the Notes may be deferred
until such time as such Excess Proceeds are at least equal to $10.0 million, at
which time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall, within 30 days,
apply all such Excess Proceeds to an offer to repurchase the Notes.
The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws
or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to the
covenant described hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any
securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section
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4.17, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and will be deemed not to have breached its obligations under this
Section 4.17 by virtue thereof.
SECTION 4.18. Limitation on Liens Securing Certain Debts.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Liens that secure
any Debt of the Company which is pari passu with or subordinate in right of
payment to the Notes unless the Notes are secured equally and ratably with such
Debt (but on a senior basis if such other Debt is subordinate to the Notes) as
long as such Debt is so secured. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amounts
deposited with any trustee or Person performing similar functions with respect
to any outstanding Debt in connection with the discharge or defeasance of such
Debt in a transaction that otherwise complies with this Indenture, which
deposited amounts are subject to the Lien of the Person with whom such amounts
have been deposited or the holders of the obligations thereunder, shall not be
deemed to be subject to a Lien prohibited by the Indenture as a result thereof.
SECTION 4.19. Limitation on Business.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than a Permitted Business (other
than maintaining any Restricted Investment made in accordance with the
Indenture), provided, however, that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
may continue the business of any Restricted Subsidiary acquired in accordance
with the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 4.20. Investment Company Act.
The Company will not take any action that would require it or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to register as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
ARTICLE FIVE
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
SECTION 5.01. When Company May Merge, Etc.
(a) The Company shall not, in a single transaction or through a series
of related transactions, consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell,
assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of its assets to, another Person or adopt any plan of liquidation, unless:
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(1) either (x) the Company shall be the survivor of such
merger or consolidation or (y) the surviving Person (the "Survivor") is
a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or trust
organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State
thereof or the District of Columbia;
(2) such Survivor shall expressly assume, by an indenture
supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee on or prior
to the consummation of such transaction, in a form satisfactory to the
Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Notes and this
Indenture;
(3) immediately after giving effect to such transaction
(including any Debt incurred or anticipated to be incurred in
connection with such transaction) on a pro forma basis as if such
transaction and the incurrence of any such Debt had occurred at the
beginning of the four-quarter period immediately preceding such
transaction, the Survivor or the Company, as the case may be, would
have been permitted to incur $1.00 of additional Debt in compliance
with Section 4.12;
(4) immediately after giving effect to such transaction
(including any Debt incurred or anticipated to be incurred in
connection with such transaction) no Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing;
(5) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger, transfer or adoption and such supplemental
indenture comply with this Article Five, that the Survivor (if other
than the Company) agrees to be bound hereby, and that all conditions
precedent herein provided relating to such transaction have been
satisfied.
(b) For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease,
assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of
transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or
more Subsidiaries of the Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed
to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of
the Company.
SECTION 5.02. Successor Corporation Substituted.
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any transfer of assets in
accordance with Section 5.01, the successor Person formed by such consolidation
or into which the Company is merged or to which such transfer is made shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor
Person had been named as the Company herein. When a successor corporation
assumes all of the obligations of the Company hereunder and under the Notes and
agrees to be bound hereby and thereby, the predecessor shall be released from
such obligations.
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ARTICLE SIX
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.
An "Event of Default" occurs if:
(1) the Company defaults in the payment of interest on any
Notes when the same becomes due and payable and such Default continues
for a period of 30 days (whether or not such payment shall be
prohibited by Article Ten);
(2) the Company defaults in the payment of the stated
principal of, or premium, if any, on any Note when and as the same
becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or
otherwise, or pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale
(whether or not such payment shall be prohibited by Article Ten);
(3) the Company fails to observe or perform (a) any covenant
or agreement contained in Section 4.10, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.17, 4.18 or
5.01 of this Indenture, or (b) any other covenant or agreement
contained in the Notes or this Indenture, and, in each case, the
Default continues for the period and after the notice specified below;
(4) failure to pay at final maturity (after any stated grace
period) the principal of and interest on one or more classes of Debt of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether such Debt is
outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred having,
individually or in the aggregate, an outstanding principal amount
exceeding $20.0 million or more or any Debt having, individually or in
the aggregate, an outstanding principal amount exceeding $20.0 million
is declared due and payable prior to the stated maturity;
(5) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an
aggregate amount in excess of $20.0 million are entered against the
Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and such judgments
remain undischarged and unstayed for a period of 60 days after such
judgment or judgments become final and nonappealable and after notice
specified below;
(6) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (A) admits in
writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due,
(B) commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law
with respect to itself, (C) consents to the entry of a judgment, decree
or order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding
under any Bankruptcy Law, (D) consents to the appointment of a
Custodian of it or for substantially all of its property, (E) consents
to or acquiesces in the institution
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of a bankruptcy or an insolvency proceeding against it, (F) makes a
general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or (G) takes any
corporate action to authorize or effect any of the foregoing; and
(7) a court of competent jurisdiction enters a judgment,
decree or order for relief in respect of the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy
Law, which shall (A) approve as properly filed a petition seeking
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition in respect of
the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, (B) appoint a Custodian of
the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for substantially all of
its property or (C) order the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs;
and such judgment, decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect
for a period of 60 consecutive days.
A Default under clause (3) above (other than in the case of
any Default under Section 5.01, which Default shall be an Event of Default with
the notice specified in this paragraph but without the passage of time specified
in this paragraph) is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the
Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes notify the Company and the Trustee of the Default, and the
Company does not cure the Default within (i) in the case of clause 3(a) above
(except in the case of Section 5.01 hereof), 30 days, and (ii) in the case of
clause 3(b) above, 45 days, in each case after receipt of the notice. The notice
must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice
is a "Notice of Default." Such notice shall be given by the Trustee if so
requested by the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding. A Default under clause (5) above shall be an Event of Default with
the notice specified in this paragraph but without the passage of time referred
to in this paragraph.
SECTION 6.02. Acceleration.
(a) If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default
specified in Section 6.01(6) or (7) with respect to the Company) occurs and is
continuing and has not been waived pursuant to Section 6.04, the Trustee may, by
notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding may, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee
specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a "notice of
acceleration", and the Trustee shall, upon the request of such Holders, declare
(a "Declaration") the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding,
together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the date of payment, to be
due and payable (the "Default Amount") and, upon any such declaration, the same
shall become immediately due and payable; provided, however, that in the event
there shall be any amounts outstanding under Designated Senior Debt, the Default
Amount shall not become due and payable until the earlier to occur of either (x)
an acceleration, or a failure to pay at final maturity, under Designated Senior
Debt, or (y) five Business Days after the notice of acceleration has been sent
to the Company and each of the Representatives under Designated Senior Debt (if
any) unless no Events of
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Default shall be then continuing; and provided, further, however, that the
Trustee shall be under no obligation to follow any request of any of the Holders
unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee, after request by the
Trustee, reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and
liabilities which may be incurred by it in compliance with such request, order
or direction.
(b) If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(6) or (7)
occurs with respect to the Company, the Default Amount shall ipso facto become
and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the
part of the Trustee or any Holder.
(c) Upon payment of the Default Amount all of the Company's
obligations under the Notes and this Indenture, other than obligations under
Section 7.07, shall terminate. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may rescind a
Declaration and its consequences if (i) the rescission would not conflict with
any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) all existing
Events of Default, other than the non-payment of the principal and interest on
the Notes which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have
been cured or waived, (iii) to the extent the payment of such interest is
lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal,
which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has
been paid, (iv) the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and
reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances and (v) in
the event of the cure or waiver of a Default or Event of Default of the type
described in Section 6.01(6) or (7), the Trustee shall have received an
Officers' Certificate and an opinion of Counsel that such Default has been cured
or waived. No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any
right consequent thereto.
SECTION 6.03. Other Remedies.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
may pursue any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the
payment of principal of or 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 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. No remedy is
exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative to the
extent permitted by law.
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SECTION 6.04. Waiver of Past Defaults.
Subject to Sections 6.07 and 9.02, the Holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee
may waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences, except a
Default with respect to a covenant or provision of this Indenture or the Notes
that could not be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
outstanding Note affected.
SECTION 6.05. Control by Majority.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or
power conferred on it including, without limitation, any remedies provided for
in Section 6.03. Subject to Section 7.01, however, the Trustee may refuse to
follow any direction that conflicts with any law or this Indenture that the
Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Holder, or
that may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided that the Trustee
may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent
with such direction.
SECTION 6.06. Limitation on Suits
A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this
Indenture or the Notes unless:
(1) such Holder gives to the Trustee notice of a continuing
Event of Default;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the
remedy;
(3) such Holder offers to the Trustee reasonable indemnity
against any loss, liability or expense to be incurred in compliance
with such request;
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 45
days after receipt of the request and the offer of satisfactory
indemnity; and
(5) during such 45-day period the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a
direction which, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with
the request.
A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of
another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over such other Holder.
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SECTION 6.07. Rights of Holders To Receive Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any
Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on a Note, on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such Note, 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 6.08. Collection Suit by Trustee.
If an Event of Default in payment of principal or interest specified in
clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may
recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the
Company for the whole amount of principal and accrued interest remaining unpaid,
together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of
such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each
case at the rate per annum borne by the Notes 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 6.09. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
The Trustee may 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, taxes,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the
Holders, allowed in any judicial proceedings relating to the Company or any
other obligor upon the Notes, any of their respective creditors or any of their
respective property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive
any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to
distribute the same, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceedings 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, taxes, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize
or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or
the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect
of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
SECTION 6.10. Priorities.
If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article Six, it
shall pay out the money in the following order:
First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;
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Second: if the Holders are forced to proceed against the
Company directly without the Trustee, to Holders for their collection
costs;
Third: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for
principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any
kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for
principal and interest, respectively; and
Fourth: to the Company or as a court of competent jurisdiction
may direct.
The Trustee, upon prior notice to the Company, may fix a
record date and payment date for any payment to Holders 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 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 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a
suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by a Holder or Holders of
more than 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE SEVEN
TRUSTEE
The Trustee hereby accepts the trust imposed upon it by this
Indenture and covenants and agrees to perform the same, as herein expressed.
SECTION 7.01. Duties of Trustee.
(a) If a Default or 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
thereof as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the
conduct of his own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of a Default or an Event of
Default:
(1) The Trustee need perform only those duties as are
specifically set forth in this Indenture and no covenants or
obligations shall be implied in this Indenture that are adverse to the
Trustee.
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(2) 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 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 be under a duty to examine
the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements
of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of
mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own
negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful
misconduct, except that:
(1) This paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b)
of this Section 7.01.
(2) The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment
made in good faith by a Trust Officer, unless it is proved that the
Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.
(3) 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 Sections 6.02 or 6.05.
(d) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee
to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in
the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is
not reasonably assured to it.
(e) whether or not therein expressly so provided, every
provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to
paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 7.01.
(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money
or assets received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the
Company. Assets held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other
assets except to the extent required by law.
SECTION 7.02. Rights of Trustee.
Subject to Section 7.01:
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(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in
acting or refraining from acting upon any document believed by it to be genuine
and to have been signed or 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 consult
with counsel of its selection (provided such counsel is reasonably acceptable to
the Company) and may require an Officers' Certificate or an opinion of Counsel,
which shall conform to Sections 11.04 and 11.05. The Trustee shall not be liable
for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the advice
of such counsel or on such certificate or opinion.
(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 that it takes or
omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its
rights or powers.
(e) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the
facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other
paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further
inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if
the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it
shall be entitled, upon reasonable notice to the Company, to examine the books,
records, and premises of 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.
(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the
rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or
direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture,
unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity
satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be
incurred by it in compliance with such request, order or direction.
(g) Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Company request or Company order and any resolution
of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.
(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or
Event of Default unless a Trust 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
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the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references
the notes and this Indenture.
(i) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the
Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established
prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may,
in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an
Officers' Certificate.
(j) 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 in respect of any taken, suffered
or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(k) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and
benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right
to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the
Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian
and other Person employed to act hereunder.
(l) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an
Officers' Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or
titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions
pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers' Certificate may be signed
by any person authorized to sign an Officers' Certificate, including
any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate
previously delivered and not superseded.
SECTION 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become
the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or its
Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent
may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections
7.10 and 7.11.
SECTION 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer.
The Trustee 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, and it shall not be responsible
for any statement in the Notes other than the Trustee's certificate of
authentication.
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SECTION 7.05. Notice of Default.
If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it
is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder notice of the
uncured Default or Event of Default within 90 days after such Default or Event
of Default occurs. Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in
payment of principal of, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the
notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good faith
determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the
Holders.
SECTION 7.06. Reports by Trustee to Holders.
Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following
the Issue Date, the Trustee shall, to the extent that any of the events
described in TIA Section 313(a) occurred within the previous twelve months, but
not otherwise, mail to each Holder a brief report dated as of such May 15 that
complies with TIA Section 313(a). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA
Sections 313(b) and 313(c).
A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be
mailed to the Company and filed with the Commission and each stock exchange, if
any, on which the Notes are listed.
The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee if the Notes become
listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.
SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity.
The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such
compensation as shall be agreed in writing between the Company and the Trustee
for its services. 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 upon request for all tax obligations imposed on the Trustee related to
this Indenture and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it.
Such expenses shall include the reasonable fees and expenses of the Trustee's
agents and counsel.
The Company shall indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor
Trustee and their respective agents, employees, stockholders and directors for,
and hold them harmless against, any and all loss, liability, damage, claim or
expense, including taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee)
incurred by them except for such actions to the extent caused by any negligence
or bad faith on their part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance
or administration of this trust including the reasonable costs and expenses of
defending themselves against any claim or liability in connection with the
exercise or performance of any of their rights, powers or duties hereunder. The
Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim asserted against the
Trustee for which it may seek indemnity.
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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, provided that counsel selected by
the Company shall be the sole counsel of record in any judicial or arbitral
proceeding. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its written
consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company need not
reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or liability to the extent
incurred by the Trustee through its negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section
7.07, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all assets or money
held or collected by the Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee, except assets or
money held in trust to pay principal of or interest on particular Notes.
When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an
Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(6) or (7) occurs, such expenses and
the compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination
of this Indenture and the registration or removal of the Trustee.
SECTION 7.08. Replacement of Trustee.
The Trustee may resign by so notifying the Company. The
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may remove
the Trustee by so notifying the Company and the Trustee and may appoint a
successor trustee. The Company may remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(3) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the
Trustee or its property; or
(4) 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 notify each Holder of
such event and 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 Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor
Trustee appointed by the Company.
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A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its
appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Immediately after that,
the retiring Trustee shall transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the
successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided in Section 7.07, 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. A successor Trustee shall mail notice of its succession to each
Holder.
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the
retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee (at the expense of
the Company), the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Trustee.
If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder may
petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and
the appointment of a successor Trustee.
Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section
7.08, the Company's obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the
benefit of the retiring Trustee.
SECTION 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.
If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers
all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another
corporation, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any
further act shall, if such resulting, surviving or transferee corporation is
otherwise eligible hereunder, be the successor Trustee.
SECTION 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.
This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the
requirement of TIA Sections 310(a)(1) and 310(a)(5). The Trustee (or in the case
of a corporation included in a bank holding company system, the related bank
holding company) shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least
$100,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of
condition. In addition, if the Trustee is a corporation included in a bank
holding company system, the Trustee, independently of such bank holding company,
shall meet the capital requirements of TIA Section 310(a)(2). The Trustee shall
comply with TIA Section 310(b); provided, however, that there shall be excluded
from the operation of TIA Section 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under
which other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in other
securities, of the Company are outstanding, if the requirements for such
exclusion set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(1) are met.
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SECTION 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding
any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has
resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.
ARTICLE EIGHT
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.01. Termination of Company's Obligations.
This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of
further effect (except that the Company's obligations under Sections 2.03, 2.06,
7.07, 8.04 and 8.05 shall survive the effect of this Article Eight until all
Notes have been cancelled) as to all outstanding Notes when the Company has paid
all sums payable by it under the Indenture and either:
(1) all the Notes that have been authenticated and delivered
(except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or
paid and Notes and money for the payment of which has been deposited in
trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter
repaid to the Company or discharged from this trust) have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or
(2) (a) all Notes not delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation otherwise have become due and payable or have been called
for redemption pursuant to Paragraph 6 of the Notes and the Company has
irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee trust
funds in trust in an amount of money sufficient to pay and discharge
the entire Indebtedness (including all principal and accrued interest)
on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation,
and
(b) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to
the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the
Notes at maturity or on the date of redemption, as the case may be.
In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers' Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction
and discharge have been complied with.
In addition, at the Company's option, either (a) the Company
shall be deemed to have been Discharged (as defined below) from its obligations
under the Indenture and the Notes ("legal defeasance"), except for the following
provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged
hereunder: (i) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to
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receive solely from the trust fund described in clause (1) below, payments in
respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when
such payments are due, (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to such Notes
under Article Two and Section 4.02 hereof, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts,
duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company's obligations in
connection therewith and (iv) this Article Eight, at any time after the
applicable conditions set forth below have been satisfied or (b) the Company
shall cease to be under any obligation to comply with any term, provision or
condition set forth in Sections 4.08, 4.10 through 4.20 and 5.01 ("covenant
defeasance") at any time after the applicable conditions set forth below have
been satisfied:
(1) The Company shall have deposited or caused to be deposited
irrevocably with the Trustee as trust funds in trust, specifically
pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
Holders of the Notes (i) money in an amount, or (ii) U.S. Legal Tender
or U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest
and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will
provide, not later than one business day before the due date of any
payment, money in an amount, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii),
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of
independent public accountants expressed in a written certification
thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge each installment
of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the outstanding Notes
to maturity or redemption, as the case may be; provided that no
deposits made pursuant to this Section 8.01(l) shall cause the Trustee
to have a conflicting interest as defined in and for purposes of the
TIA; provided, further, that no such deposit shall result in the
Company, the Trustee or the trust becoming or being deemed to be an
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940;
(2) No Event of Default or Default with respect to the Notes
shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or,
insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are
concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the
date of deposit;
(3) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion
of Counsel to the effect that the trust funds deposited pursuant to
clause (1) above will not be subject to any applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally;
(4) The Company shall have paid or duly provided for payment
of all amounts then due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.07 hereof;
(5) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such legal
defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or
violation of or constitute a Default under this Indenture,
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or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a
party or by which the Company is bound;
(6) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit is not required
to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended;
(7) in the case of legal defeasance, the Company delivers to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming 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 the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect
that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the
Holder will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of such legal 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 legal defeasance had not
occurred;
(8) in the case of covenant defeasance, the Company delivers
to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the Holder 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; and
(9) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent provided for relating to either the legal defeasance or the
covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, the
conditions set forth in the foregoing paragraphs (1)(iii), (2), (3), (5), (6)
and (7) need not be satisfied so long as, at the time the Company makes the
deposit described in paragraph (1), (i) no default under Section 6.01(l),
6.01(2), 6.01(3), 6.01(6) or 6.01(7) has occurred and is continuing on the date
of such deposit and after giving effect thereto and (ii) either (x) a notice of
redemption has been mailed pursuant to Section 3.03 providing for redemption of
all the Notes within 60 days after such mailing and the provisions of Article
Three with respect to such redemption shall have been complied with or (y) the
Stated Maturity of all of the Notes will occur within 30 days. If the conditions
of the preceding sentence are satisfied, the Company shall be deemed to have
exercised its covenant defeasance option.
Before or after a deposit, the Company may make arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Notes at a future date in
accordance with Article Three. The
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Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior
exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
"Discharged" means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire indebtedness represented by, and obligations under, the
Notes and to have satisfied all the obligations under this Indenture relating to
the Notes (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper
instruments acknowledging the same), except (i) the rights of the Holders of
Notes to receive, from the trust fund described in clause (1) above, payment of
the principal of and the interest on such Notes when such payments are due, (ii)
the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes under Article Two and
Section 4.02, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
Trustee hereunder and the Company's obligations in connection therewith and (iv)
this Article Eight.
SECTION 8.02. Acknowledgment of Discharge by Trustee.
Subject to Section 8.05, after (i) the conditions of Section 8.01 have
been satisfied, (ii) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
payable hereunder by the Company and (iii) the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an Opinion of Counsel, stating that all conditions precedent referred to
in clause (i) above relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture
have been complied with, the Trustee upon written request shall acknowledge in
writing the discharge of the Company's obligations under this Indenture except
for those surviving obligations specified in this Article Eight.
SECTION 8.03. Application of Trust Money.
The Trustee shall hold in trust, money, U.S. Legal Tender or U.S.
Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01. It shall
apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Legal Tender and U.S.
Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this
Indenture to the payment of principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the
Notes.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or
other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Legal Tender or U.S.
Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.01 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 outstanding Notes.
SECTION 8.04. Repayment to the Company.
The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Company any
money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains
unclaimed for one year; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent
may, at the expense of the Company, cause to be published once in a newspaper of
general circulation in ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
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▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ or mailed to each Holder, 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 publication or mailing, any unclaimed balance of such money
then remaining will be repaid to the Company. After payment to the Company,
Holders entitled to the money must look to the Company for payment as general
creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another Person
and all liability of the Trustee and Paying Agent with respect to such money
shall cease.
SECTION 8.05. Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money,
U.S. Legal Tender or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.01
by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any
court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, the Company's obligations under this Indenture and the Notes
shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to
Section 8.01 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to
apply all such money, U.S. Legal Tender or U.S. Government Obligations in
accordance with Section 8.01; provided, however, that if the Company has made
any payment of interest on or principal of any Notes because of 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, U.S. Legal
Tender or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE NINE
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
SECTION 9.01. Without Consent of Holders.
The Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the
Trustee, together, may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without
notice to or consent of any Holder:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to comply with Article Five;
(3) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in
place of certificated Notes;
(4) to comply with the requirements of the Commission or to
maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA;
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(5) to add guarantors or security for the Notes;
(6) to make any other change that does not adversely affect in
any material respect the rights of any Holders hereunder; or
(7) to amend Section 2.06 in any manner that does not
adversely affect the Holders;
provided that the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and
an Officers' Certificate, each stating that such amendment or supplement
complies with the provisions of this Section 9.01.
SECTION 9.02. With Consent of Holders.
(a) Subject to Section 6.07, the Company, when authorized by a
Board Resolution, and the Trustee, together, with the written consent of the
Holder or Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes, may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes, without
notice to any other Holders. Subject to Section 6.07, the Holder or Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may waive
compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes
without notice to any other Holder. No amendment, supplement or waiver,
including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04, shall, without the consent of each
Holder of each Note affected thereby:
(1) amend, modify or change the obligation of the Company to
make or consummate a Change of Control Offer or to offer to purchase
Notes using Excess Proceeds or waive any default in the performance of
the provisions of Sections 4.16 or 4.17 or definitions in respect
thereof, in each case after the relevant Change of Control or Asset
Sale occurs;
(2) change the Stated Maturity of any Note;
(3) reduce the amount, extend the due date or otherwise affect
the terms of any scheduled payment of interest on or principal of the
Notes;
(4) reduce any premium payable upon redemption of the Notes
pursuant to Section 6 of the Notes, change the date on which any Notes
are subject to redemption or otherwise alter the provisions with
respect to the redemption of the Notes;
(5) make any Note payable in money or currency other than that
stated in the Notes;
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(6) modify or change any provision of the Indenture or the
related definitions to affect the ranking of the Notes in a manner that
adversely affects the Holders;
(7) reduce the percentage of holders necessary to consent to
an amendment or waiver to the Indenture or the Notes;
(8) impair the rights of Holders to institute suit for
enforcement of any payment of principal or interest on the Notes after
the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after
the Redemption Date); or
(9) make any change to this Section 9.02.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under
this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment,
supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the
substance thereof.
(b) After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this
Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders 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 supplemental
indenture.
SECTION 9.03. Compliance with TIA.
Every amendment, waiver or supplement of this Indenture or the
Notes shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.
SECTION 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents.
Until an amendment, waiver or supplement becomes effective, a
consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder 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. Subject to the following paragraph, any such Holder or subsequent Holder
may revoke the consent as to his Note or portion of his Note by notice to the
Trustee or the Company received before the date on which the Trustee receives an
Officers' Certificate certifying that the Holders of the requisite principal
amount of Notes have consented (and not theretofore revoked such consent) to the
amendment, supplement or waiver.
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record
date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any
amendment, supplement or waiver, which record date shall be at least 30 days
prior to the first solicitation of such consent. If a record date is fixed, then
notwithstanding the last sentence of the immediately preceding
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paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly
designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to revoke any
consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders
after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more
than 90 days after such record date.
After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall
bind every Holder, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (1)
through (9) of Section 9.02, in which case, the amendment, supplement or waiver
shall bind only each Holder of a Note who has consented to it and every
subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as
the consenting Holder's Note; provided that any such waiver shall not impair or
affect the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest
on a Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to
bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective
dates without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the
Trustee may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The
Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note about the changed terms
and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so
determines, the Company in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee
shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any failure to make the appropriate notation or issue such new
Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
SECTION 9.06. Trustee To Sign Amendments, Etc.
The Trustee shall execute any amendment, supplement or waiver
authorized pursuant to this Article Nine; provided that the Trustee may, but
shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver
which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and, subject to Section
7.01 hereof, shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and
an Officers' Certificate each stating that the execution of any amendment,
supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article Nine is authorized or
permitted by this Indenture. Such Opinion of Counsel shall not be an expense of
the Trustee.
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ARTICLE TEN
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 10.01. Notes Subordinated to Senior Debt.
The Company covenants and agrees and the Trustee and each
Holder of the Notes, by its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees,
that all Notes shall be issued subject to the provisions of this Article Ten;
and the Trustee and each Person holding any Note, whether upon original issue or
upon transfer, assignment or exchange thereof, accepts and agrees that the
payment of all Obligations on the Notes by the Company shall, to the extent and
in the manner herein set forth, be subordinated and junior in right of payment
to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations in respect of the
existing and future Senior Debt; that the subordination is for the benefit of,
and shall be enforceable directly by, the holders of Senior Debt, and that each
holder of Senior Debt whether now outstanding or hereafter created, incurred,
assumed or guaranteed shall be deemed to have acquired Senior Debt in reliance
upon the covenants and provisions contained in this Indenture and the Notes.
SECTION 10.02. Liquidation; Dissolution; Bankruptcy.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors of the
Company upon any dissolution or winding up or total or partial liquidation or
reorganization of the Company whether voluntary or involuntary or in a
bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding
relating to the Company or its property, in an assignment for the benefit of
creditors or any marshalling of the Company's assets and liabilities:
(a) the holders of Senior Debt of the Company will first be
entitled to receive payment in full in cash of all Obligations due in
respect of such Senior Debt (including interest accruing after, or
which would accrue but for the occurrence of the commencement of, any
such proceeding, at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt
whether or not such interest is an allowable claim in any such
proceeding) before any payment or distribution is made on account of
any Obligations on the Notes, or for the acquisition of any of the
Notes for cash or property or otherwise; and
(b) until all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt of the
Company (as provided in clause (a) above) have been paid in full in
cash, any payment or distribution to which the Holders otherwise would
be entitled but for this Article Ten shall be made to the holders of
Senior Debt, except that Holders of the Notes may receive securities
that are subordinated at least to the same extent as the Notes to (a)
Senior Debt and (b) any securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt
("subordinated securities").
For purposes of this Article Ten, a payment or distribution
may consist of cash, Cash Equivalents, securities or other property, by set-off
or otherwise.
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The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company
into, another corporation or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company
following the conveyance or transfer of its properties and assets substantially
as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set forth in
Article Five hereof shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding up, liquidation
or reorganization for the purposes of this Section 10.02 if the Survivor agrees,
pursuant to a supplemental indenture, to comply with the conditions set forth in
Article Five hereof.
SECTION 10.03. Default on Senior Debt.
(a) Upon the final maturity of any Senior Debt by lapse of time,
acceleration or otherwise, all Senior Debt shall first be paid in full in cash
or Cash Equivalents, or such payment duly provided for in cash in a manner
satisfactory to the holders of such Senior Debt, before any payment or
distribution is made by the Company or any person acting on behalf of the
Company of any Obligations on the Notes.
(b) The Company may not make any payment upon or distribution in
respect of the Notes or acquire any of the Notes for cash or property or
otherwise (except in or for such subordinated securities) if (i) a default in
the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest or any other
Obligation with respect to Senior Debt occurs and is continuing beyond any
applicable period of grace (whether upon maturity, at a date fixed for
prepayment, as a result of acceleration or otherwise) (a "payment default") or
(ii) any other default occurs and is continuing (or if such an event of default
would occur upon any payment with respect to the Notes or would arise upon the
passage of time as a result of such payment) with respect to any Designated
Senior Debt that permits holders of the Designated Senior Debt as to which such
default relates to accelerate its maturity (a "nonpayment default") and, in
either case, the Trustee receives a notice of such non-payment default (a
"payment blockage notice") from the Representative of any such Designated Senior
Debt.
(c) Payments on the Notes may and shall be resumed (i) in the case of a
payment default, upon the date on which such default is cured or waived, and
(ii) in the case of a nonpayment default, upon the earlier of the date on which
such nonpayment default is cured or waived or 179 days after the date on which
the applicable payment blockage notice is received, unless the maturity of any
Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated (with respect to a non-payment
default such period of time shall be hereinafter referred to as a "payment
blockage period"). No payment blockage period may be commenced within 360 days
after receipt by the Trustee of any prior payment blockage notice. No nonpayment
default that existed or was continuing on the date of delivery of any payment
blockage notice to the Trustee shall be made the basis for a subsequent payment
blockage notice unless such default shall have been cured or waived for a period
of not less than 180 days and all scheduled payments of principal of, premium,
if any, and interest then due and payable on the Notes shall have been made.
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SECTION 10.04. No Suspension of Remedies.
Nothing contained in this Article Ten shall limit the right of the
Trustee or the Holders of Notes to take any action to accelerate the maturity of
the Notes pursuant to Section 6.02 hereof or to pursue any other rights or
remedies hereunder or under applicable law; provided, however, that all Senior
Debt of the Company then due and payable, or which thereafter is declared to be,
or shall otherwise become, due and payable, pursuant to its terms (whether by
acceleration or otherwise) shall first be paid in full in cash before the
Holders or the Trustee are entitled to receive any payment from the Company with
respect to any Obligations on the Notes. If payment of the Notes is accelerated
because of an Event of Default, the Company shall promptly notify holders of
Senior Debt of the acceleration.
SECTION 10.05. When Distributions Must Be Paid Over.
In the event that the Trustee or any Holder receives any payment of or
distribution in respect of any Obligations with respect to the Notes at a time
when a Trustee or such Holder has actual knowledge such payment is prohibited by
Section 10.02 or 10.03 hereof, such payment shall be held by the Trustee or such
Holder in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid forthwith over and
delivered, upon written request, to, the holders of Senior Debt as their
interests may appear or their agent or representative or the trustee under the
indenture or other agreement (if any) pursuant to which Senior Debt may have
been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for application to the
payment of all Obligations with respect to Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the
extent necessary to pay such Obligations in full in accordance with their terms,
after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the
holders of Senior Debt.
If a payment or distribution is made to the Trustee or any Holder that
because of this Article Ten should not have been made to it, the Trustee or such
Holder who receives the distribution, upon notice that such distribution should
not have been made, shall hold it in trust for the benefit of, and, upon written
request, pay it over to, the holders of Senior Debt as their interests may
appear, or their agent or representative or the trustee under the indenture or
other agreement (if any) pursuant to which Senior Debt may have been issued, as
their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of all
Obligations with respect to Senior Debt remaining unpaid to the extent necessary
to pay such Obligations in full in accordance with their terms, after giving
effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of Senior
Debt.
With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to
perform only such obligations on the part of the Trustee as are specifically set
forth in this Article Ten, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect
to the holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the
Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the
holders of Senior Debt, and shall not be liable to any such holders if the
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Trustee shall pay over or distribute to or on behalf of Holders or the Company
or any other person money or assets to which any holders of Senior Debt shall be
entitled by virtue of this Article Ten, except if such payment is made as a
result of the willful misconduct or negligence of the Trustee.
SECTION 10.06. Notice by Company.
The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying
Agent of any facts known to the Company that would cause a payment of any
Obligations with respect to the Notes to violate this Article Ten, but failure
to give such notice shall not affect the subordination of the Notes to the
Senior Debt provided in this Article Ten.
SECTION 10.07. Subrogation.
After all Senior Debt is paid in full in cash and until the
Notes are paid in full, Holders shall be subrogated (equally and ratably with
all other Debt pari passu with the Notes) to the rights of holders of Senior
Debt to receive distributions applicable to Senior Debt to the extent that
distributions otherwise payable to the Holders have been applied to the payment
of Senior Debt. A distribution made under this Article to holders of Senior Debt
which otherwise would have been made to Holders is not, as between the Company
and Holders, a payment by the Company on the Senior Debt.
SECTION 10.08. Relative Rights.
This Article Ten defines the relative rights of Holders and
holders of Senior Debt. Nothing in the Indenture shall:
(a) impair, as between the Company and Holders, the obligation
of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal
of and interest and other Obligations on the Notes in accordance with
their terms;
(b) affect the relative rights of Holders and creditors of the
Company other than their rights in relation to holders of Senior Debt;
or
(c) prevent the Trustee or any Holder from exercising its
available remedies upon a Default or Event of Default, subject to the
rights of holders and owners of Senior Debt to receive distributions
and payments otherwise payable to Holders.
If the Company fails because of this Article to pay principal
of or interest on a Note on the due date, the failure is still a Default or
Event of Default.
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SECTION 10.09. Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Company.
No right of any holder of Senior Debt to enforce the subordination of
the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be impaired by any act or failure
to act by the Company or by its failure to comply with this Indenture.
SECTION 10.10. Distribution or Notice to Representative.
Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of
Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their
Representative.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to
in this Article Ten, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely upon
any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction or upon any
certificate of such Representative or of the liquidating trustee or agent or
other person making any distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders for the
purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such
distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other Debt of the Company, the
amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed
thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Ten.
SECTION 10.11. Rights of Trustee and Paying Agent.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article Ten or any other
provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of
the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment or
distribution by the Trustee, or the taking of any action by the Trustee, and the
Trustee or Paying Agent may continue to make payments on the Notes unless a
Trust Officer of the Trustee shall have received at least five Business Days
prior to the date of such payment written notice of facts that would cause the
payment of any Obligations with respect to the Notes to violate this Article
Ten. Only the Company, a Representative or a holder of an issue of Senior Debt
that has no Representative may give the notice. In the event that the Trustee
determines in good faith that further evidence is required with respect to the
right of any person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or
distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such person to
furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount
of Senior Debt held by such person, the extent to which such person is entitled
to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to
the rights of such person under this Article, and if such evidence is not
furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment which it may be required to make
for the benefit of such person pursuant to the term of this Indenture pending
judicial determination as to the rights of such person to receive such payment.
Nothing in this Article Ten shall apply to amounts due to, or impair the claims
of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.07 hereof.
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The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior
Debt with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
SECTION 10.12. Authorization to Effect Subordination.
Each Holder by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the
Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article Ten, and appoints the
Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
SECTION 10.13. Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to
in this Article, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, and the
Holders of the Notes shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree entered
by any court of competent jurisdiction in which such insolvency, bankruptcy,
receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or similar
case or proceeding is pending, or a certificate of the Trustee in bankruptcy,
liquidating trustee, Custodian, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors,
agent or other person making such payment, or distribution, delivered to the
Trustee or to the Holders, for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled
to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Debt and
other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the
amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent
thereto or to this Article.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.01. TIA Controls.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies, or conflicts with
another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA,
the required provision shall control.
SECTION 11.02. Notices.
Any notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder
shall be in writing, and shall be sufficiently given if made by hand delivery,
by telecopier or registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, addressed as follows:
if to the Company:
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MediaNews Group, Inc.
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Facsimile No.: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇,
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
with copies to:
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ LLP
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Facsimile No.: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esq.
if to the Trustee:
The Bank of
New York
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Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
Each of the Company and the Trustee by written notice to each
other such Person may designate additional or different addresses for notices to
such Person. Any notice or communication to the Company or the Trustee shall be
deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally
delivered; when receipt is acknowledged, if faxed; and five (5) calendar days
after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (except
that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until
actually received by the addressee).
Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed
to him by first class mail or other equivalent means at his address as it
appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently
given to him if so mailed within the time prescribed.
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, it is duly
given whether or not the addressee receives it.
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SECTION 11.03. Communications by Holders with Other Holders.
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with
other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.
The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and any other Person shall have the
protection of TIA Section 312(c).
SECTION 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee
to take any action under this Indenture (other than the authentication of the
Initial Notes), the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers' Certificate, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Trustee, stating that, in the opinion of the
signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this
Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such
counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
SECTION 11.05. 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 the Officers'
Certificate required by Section 4.06, shall include:
(1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or
opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(2) 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;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has
made such examination or investigation as is reasonably necessary to
enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such
covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of each
such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
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SECTION 11.06. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules in accordance with the Trustee's
customary practices for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Paying Agent
or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.
SECTION 11.07. Legal Holidays.
A "Legal Holiday" used with respect to a particular place of payment is
a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in
New York,
New
York or at such place of payment are not required to be open. If a payment date
is a Legal Holiday at such place, payment may be made at such place on the next
succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the
intervening period.
SECTION 11.08. Governing Law.
THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE
AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF
CONFLICT OF LAWS. Each of the parties hereto agrees to submit to the
jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York in any action or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Indenture.
SECTION 11.09. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or
debt agreement of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Any such indenture,
loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.
SECTION 11.10. No Recourse Against Others.
A director, officer, employee, stockholder or incorporator, as such, of
the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company
under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by
reason of, such obligations or their creations. Each Holder by accepting a Note
waives and releases all such liability. Such waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of the Notes.
SECTION 11.11. Successors.
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes shall
bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind
its successors.
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SECTION 11.12. Duplicate Originals.
All parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each
signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together shall represent the
same agreement.
SECTION 11.13. Severability.
In case any one or more of the provisions in this Indenture or in the
Notes shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in any respect for any
reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every
other respect and of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected
or impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the provisions hereof shall
be enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.
SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, all as of the date first written above.
MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Treasurer
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee
By: /s/ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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Name: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President
EXHIBIT A
[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]
[Insert the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to
the provisions of the Indenture]
[Face of Note]
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CUSIP/CINS ____________
6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
No. ___ $__________
MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC.
promises to pay to
------------------------------------------------------------
or registered assigns,
the principal sum of
----------------------------------------------------------
Dollars on April 1, 2014.
Interest Payment Dates: January 1 and July 1
Record Dates: December 15 and June 15
Dated: [ ]
MEDIANEWS GROUP, INC.
By:
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Name:
Title:
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:
Dated:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Trustee
By:
------------------------------
Authorized Signatory
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[Back of Note]
6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them
in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
1. INTEREST. MediaNews Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at
6 3/8% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity. The Company will pay
interest semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 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 issuance; provided that 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. 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 at 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 (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 of twelve 30-day months.
2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Company will pay interest on the Notes
(except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes
at the close of business on the December 15 or June 15 next preceding the
Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled 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. The Notes will be payable
as to principal, premium, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the
Company maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New
York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check
mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders.
Such payment shall be in U.S. Legal Tender.
3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, The Bank of New York, 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.
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4. INDENTURE. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as
of January 26, 2004 ("Indenture") between the Company 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 Sections 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and
Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act 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. The Notes are obligations of the Company which may be issued in an
unlimited aggregate principal amount subject to compliance with the Indenture.
All Notes issued under the Indenture will be treated as a single series of
securities under the Indenture.
5. SUBORDINATION. The Notes are subordinated in right of payment, in
the manner and to the extent set forth in the Indenture, to the prior payment in
full in cash of all Senior Debt of the Company, whether outstanding on the Issue
Date or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed. Each Holder by his
acceptance hereof agrees to be bound by such provisions and authorizes and
expressly directs the Trustee, on his behalf, to take such action as may be
necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided for in the
Indenture and appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for such purposes.
6. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.
(a) Except as described below, the Notes are not redeemable before
October 1, 2008. Thereafter, the Company may redeem the Notes at its option, in
whole or in part at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of
the principal amount thereof) if redeemed during the twelve month period
commencing on October 1 of the year set forth below.
YEAR PERCENTAGE
---- ----------
2008...................................... 103.188%
2009...................................... 102.125%
2010...................................... 101.063%
2011 and thereafter....................... 100.000%
In addition, the Company must pay all accrued and unpaid interest on
the Notes redeemed to the applicable redemption date.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Notes may be redeemed from time to time on or prior to October 1,
2006, at the
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option of the Company, within 120 days of an Equity Offering with the net
proceeds of such offering at a redemption price equal to 106.375% of the
principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
the date of redemption (subject to the right of holders of record on relevant
record dates to receive interest due on relevant interest payment dates);
provided, that after giving effect to such redemption at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture on the
Issue Date remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to such
redemption.
As used herein, "Equity Offering" means the issuance and public or
private sale of Qualified Capital Stock of the Company resulting in gross
proceeds to the Company of at least $10.0 million.
(c) Except as set forth in the Indenture, from and after any Redemption
Date, if monies for the redemption of the Notes called for redemption shall have
been deposited with the Paying Agent for redemption on such Redemption Date,
then, unless the Company defaults in the payment of such Redemption Price, the
Notes called for redemption will cease to bear interest and only right of the
Holders of such Notes will be to receive the payment of the Redemption Price.
7. REPURCHASE AT OPTION Of HOLDER.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be
required to offer to purchase all of the outstanding Notes at a purchase price
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, thereon to the date of repurchase.
(b) The Company is, subject to certain conditions, obligated to make an
offer to purchase the Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase with certain net cash
proceeds of certain sales or other dispositions of assets in accordance with the
Indenture.
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 and the Trustee may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required
by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register
the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except
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for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company
need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days
before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record
date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
9. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note will be
treated as its owner for all purposes.
10. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions,
the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the written
consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes, and any existing Default or Event of Default or
noncompliance with any provision may be waived with the written consent of the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes. Without consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or
supplement the Indenture or the Notes to, among other things, cure any
ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, provide for uncertificated Notes in addition
to or in place of certificated Notes, comply with the TIA or the rules of the
Commission, change the transfer provisions of the Indenture in a manner not
adverse to any Holder in any material respect, comply with Article Five of the
Indenture or make any other change that does not adversely affect in any
material respect the rights of any Holder of a Note.
11. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Events of Default are set forth in the
Indenture. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may
declare all the Notes to be due and payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or
insolvency, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further
action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as
provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority
in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in
writing in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from
Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default
(except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or
interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all
of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences
under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the
payment of interest on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is required
to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with
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the Indenture, and the Company is required upon becoming aware of any Default or
Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default
or Event of Default.
12. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH 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.
13. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. A director, officer, employee,
incorporator or stockholder, of the Company, as such, shall not have any
liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes or the Indenture 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. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by
the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
15. 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).
16. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND
RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of
Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted
Definitive Notes may have certain rights set forth in a Registration Rights
Agreement.
17. 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.
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The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without
charge a copy of the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests
may be made to:
MediaNews Group, Inc.
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▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
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ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:
----------------------------------
(Insert assignee's legal name)
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(Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint
--------------------------------------------------------
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute
another to act for him.
Date:
-------------
Your Signature:
-----------------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on
the face of this Note)
Signature Guarantee*:
--------------------------
* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other
signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).
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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company
pursuant to Section 4.16 or 4.17 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box
below:
[ ] Section 4.16 [ ] Section 4.17
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.16 or 4.17 of the Indenture, state the amount you
elect to have purchased:
$
---------------
Date:
-------------
Your Signature:
-----------------------------
(Sign exactly as your name appears on
the face of this Note)
Tax Identification No.:
------------
Signature Guarantee*:
--------------------------
* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other
signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).
A-10
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 of this
decrease in increase in Global Note following Signature of authorized
Principal Amount Principal Amount such decrease officer of Trustee or
Date of Exchange of this Global Note of this Global Note (or increase) Note Custodian
---------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------
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EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
MediaNews Group, Inc.
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▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
[Registrar address block]
Re: 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of January 26, 2004
(the "Indenture"), between MediaNews Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as
issuer (the "Company"), and The Bank of New York, 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 THE 144A GLOBAL NOTE OR A DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A. The Transfer
is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the 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
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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 THE 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" (as defined in Rule
902(b) under the Securities Act) 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 or Rule 904 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 IAI 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-2
(b) [ ] such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a
subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) [ ] such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in
compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities
Act;
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 IAI 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 OF 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
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subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(b) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S. (i) The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903
or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the
transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable
blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial
interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the
restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend
printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes
and in the Indenture.
(c) [ ] CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO OTHER EXEMPTION. (i)
The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the
transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable
blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial
interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the
Indenture.
B-4
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:
Dated:
----------------------------
B-5
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
(a) [ ] a beneficial interest in the:
(i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP _________), or
(ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _________), or
(iii) [ ] IAI Global Note (CUSIP _________); or
(b) [ ] a Restricted Definitive Note.
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
[CHECK ONE]
(a) [ ] a beneficial interest in the:
(i) [ ] 144A Global Note (CUSIP _________), or
(ii) [ ] Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _________), or
(iii) [ ] IAI Global Note (CUSIP _________); or
(iv) [ ] Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP _________); or
(b) [ ] a Restricted Definitive Note; or
(c) [ ] an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
B-6
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
MediaNews Group, Inc.
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▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
[Registrar address block]
Re: 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
(CUSIP ____________)
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as January 26, 2004
(the "Indenture"), between MediaNews Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as
issuer (the "Company") and The Bank of New York, 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.
C-1
(b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED
GLOBAL NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of
the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being
acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has
been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the
Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities
Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the
Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(c) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO
BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL Note. In connection with the
Owner's Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest
is being acquired for the Owner's own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions
applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with
the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being
acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state
of the United States.
(d) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO
UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Owner's Exchange of a
Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby
certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's
own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance
with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and
pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on
transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the
Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable
blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN
RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES FOR RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS
IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES
(a) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED
GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE. In connection with the Exchange of
the Owner's beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted
Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that
the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner's own account
without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued
C-2
will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the
Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the
Indenture and the Securities Act.
(b) [ ] CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO
BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE. In connection with the Exchange
of the Owner's Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the
[CHECK ONE] 144A Global Note, Regulation S Global Note, IAI 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.
C-3
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:
Dated:
---------------------------
C-4
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
MediaNews Group, Inc.
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▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
[Registrar address block]
Re: 6 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of January 26, 2004
(the "Indenture"), between MediaNews Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as
issuer (the "Company"), and The Bank of New York, 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)
D-1
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 Transferor]
By:
---------------------------
Name:
Title:
Dated:
---------------------------
D-2
EXHIBIT E-1
FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE LEGEND
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE
GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL
OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(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.
E-1-1
EXHIBIT E-2
FORM OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT LEGEND
THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR
SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S.
PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1)
REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE
144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT), (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING
THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR (AS DEFINED IN RULE
501(a)(1), (2), (3), OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR"),
(2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THIS
SECURITY RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY OR
ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C)
INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER,
FURNISHES (OR HAS FURNISHED ON ITS BEHALF BY A U.S. BROKER-DEALER) TO THE
TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY (THE FORM OF WHICH
LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE FOR THIS SECURITY), (D) OUTSIDE THE
UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION
PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (F) IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
(AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE COMPANY SO REQUESTS), OR (G)
PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3)
AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY IS TRANSFERRED A
NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THIS
SECURITY, IF THE PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR, THE HOLDER MUST,
PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO THE TRUSTEE AND THE COMPANY SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY
REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING
E-2-1
MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS
"OFFSHORE TRANSACTION," "UNITED STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN
TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
E-2-2
EXHIBIT E-3
FORM OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL
NOTE LEGEND
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).
E-3-1