VRDP SHARES FEE AGREEMENT dated as of June 30, 2011 between BLACKROCK MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK QUALITY FUND, INC. as Issuer and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Liquidity Provider BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc. Series W-7 Variable Rate Demand...

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Exhibit 99.6

 

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dated as of

 

June 30, 2011

 

between

 

BLACKROCK MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK QUALITY FUND, INC.

as Issuer

 

and

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

as Liquidity Provider

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

			Page
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS			1
	SECTION 1.01.	Definitions.	1
	SECTION 1.02.	Incorporation of Certain Definitions by Reference.	17
ARTICLE II PURCHASE OBLIGATION			17
	SECTION 2.01.	Commitment to Purchase VRDP Shares; Fees.	17
	SECTION 2.02.	Extension of Scheduled Termination Date.	18
	SECTION 2.03.	Sale of VRDP Shares.	19
	SECTION 2.04.	Reduction of Available Commitment.	19
	SECTION 2.05.	Fees.	20
	SECTION 2.06.	Operating Expenses.	20
	SECTION 2.07.	No Deductions; Increased Costs.	21
ARTICLE III CLOSING DATE			23
	SECTION 3.01.	Conditions to Closing Date	23
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND			24
	SECTION 4.01.	Existence.	24
	SECTION 4.02.	Authorization; Contravention.	25
	SECTION 4.03.	Binding Effect.	25
	SECTION 4.04.	Financial Information.	25
	SECTION 4.05.	Litigation.	25
	SECTION 4.06.	Consents.	26
	SECTION 4.07.	Offering Memorandum.	26
	SECTION 4.08.	Incorporation of Representations and Warranties.	26
	SECTION 4.09.	Complete and Correct Information.	26
	SECTION 4.10.	1940 Act Registration.	27
	SECTION 4.11.	Effective Leverage Ratio; Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage.	27
	SECTION 4.12.	Investment Policies.	27
	SECTION 4.13.	Credit Quality.	27
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER			27
	SECTION 5.01.	Existence.	27
	SECTION 5.02.	Authorization; Contravention.	28
	SECTION 5.03.	Binding Effect.	28
	SECTION 5.04.	Financial Information.	28

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	SECTION 5.05.	Litigation.	28
	SECTION 5.06.	Consents.	28
	SECTION 5.07.	Offering Memorandum.	29
	SECTION 5.08.	Ranking.	29
	SECTION 5.09.	Related Party.	29
	SECTION 5.10.	Debt Rating.	29
ARTICLE VI COVENANTS OF THE FUND			29
	SECTION 6.01.	Information.	29
	SECTION 6.02.	No Amendment or Certain Other Actions Without Consent of the Liquidity Provider.	32
	SECTION 6.03.	Notices and Consents Regarding Remarketing Agent and the Tender and Paying Agent.	33
	SECTION 6.04.	Maintenance of Existence.	33
	SECTION 6.05.	Ratings.	33
	SECTION 6.06.	Tax Status of the Fund.	33
	SECTION 6.07.	Deposit Securities.	33
	SECTION 6.08.	Payment Obligations.	33
	SECTION 6.09.	Compliance With Law.	34
	SECTION 6.10.	Maintenance of Approvals: Filings, Etc.	34
	SECTION 6.11.	Inspection Rights.	34
	SECTION 6.12.	Permitted Liens.	34
	SECTION 6.13.	Litigation, Etc.	35
	SECTION 6.14.	1940 Act Registration.	35
	SECTION 6.15.	Purchase by Affiliates.	35
	SECTION 6.16.	Eligible Assets.	35
	SECTION 6.17.	Credit Quality.	35
	SECTION 6.18.	Leverage Ratio.	35
	SECTION 6.19.	Engagement of Remarketing Agent and Tender and Paying Agent.	36
	SECTION 6.20.	Use of Proceeds.	36
	SECTION 6.21.	Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption.	36
	SECTION 6.22.	Failed Remarketing Condition Liquidity Account.	37
	SECTION 6.23.	Maintenance of Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage.	39
	SECTION 6.24.	Issuance of Senior Securities.	39
	SECTION 6.25.	Satisfaction of Conditions to Closing Date.	40
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS OF THE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER			40
	SECTION 7.01.	Proceedings.	40
	SECTION 7.02.	Waiver.	40
	SECTION 7.03.	Payment Obligations.	41
	SECTION 7.04.	Compliance With Law.	41
	SECTION 7.05.	Maintenance of Approvals: Filings, Etc.	41
	SECTION 7.06.	No Amendment Without Consent of the Fund.	41

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	SECTION 7.07.	Additional Information.	41
	SECTION 7.08.	Obligation to Execute Related Documents.	42
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS			42
	SECTION 8.01.	Notices.	42
	SECTION 8.02.	No Waivers.	43
	SECTION 8.03.	Expenses and Indemnification.	44
	SECTION 8.04.	Amendments and Waivers.	46
	SECTION 8.05.	Successors and Assigns.	46
	SECTION 8.06.	Term of this Agreement.	46
	SECTION 8.07.	Governing Law.	47
	SECTION 8.08.	Waiver of Jury Trial.	47
	SECTION 8.09.	Counterparts.	48
	SECTION 8.10.	Beneficiaries.	48
	SECTION 8.11.	Entire Agreement.	48
	SECTION 8.12.	Inconsistency Between Documents.	48
	SECTION 8.13.	Regulatory Matters.	48
	SECTION 8.14.	Nonpetition Covenant.	48
	SECTION 8.15.	Confidentiality.	49

Schedule I	—	Description of VRDP Shares; Initial Remarketing Agent
Schedule II	—	Litigation
Exhibit A	—	Forms of Opinions of Counsel for the Fund and the Investment Adviser
Exhibit A-1	—	Form of Corporate Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ LLP
Exhibit A-2	—	Form of Tax Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ LLP
Exhibit A-3	—	Form of Opinion of Maryland Counsel to the Fund
Exhibit A-4	—	Form of In-House Counsel Opinion for the Investment Adviser
Exhibit A-5	—	Form of Negative Assurance Letter of Skadden, Arps, Slate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇ LLP
Exhibit B	—	Forms of Opinions of Counsel for the Liquidity Provider and the Remarketing Agent
Exhibit B-1	—	Form of Opinion of Ashurst LLP as counsel to the Liquidity Provider
Exhibit B-2	—	Form of Opinion of In-house Counsel with respect to bank regulatory matters
Exhibit B-3	—	Form of Opinion of Ashurst LLP as counsel to the Remarketing Agent
Exhibit C	—	Form of Opinion of Counsel for the Tender and Paying Agent
Exhibit D	—	Eligible Assets
Exhibit E	—	Form of Related Documents
Exhibit E-1	—	Form of VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement
Exhibit E-2	—	Form of VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement
Exhibit E-3	—	Form of Tender and Paying Agent Agreement
Exhibit E-4	—	Form of Placement Agreement
Exhibit E-5	—	Form of Articles Supplementary
Exhibit E-6	—	Form of VRDP Shares

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VRDP SHARES FEE AGREEMENT dated as of June 30, 2011, between BLACKROCK MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK QUALITY FUND, INC., a closed-end investment company organized as a Maryland corporation, as issuer (the “Fund”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, including its successors and assigns, as liquidity provider (the “Liquidity Provider”).

 

WHEREAS, the Fund has authorized the issuance of its Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares, as set forth on Schedule I hereto, which are subject to this Agreement (the “VRDP Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to enhance the liquidity of the VRDP Shares by providing for the right of Holders and Beneficial Owners (as defined below) to sell pursuant to the Articles Supplementary (as defined below) and the obligation of the Liquidity Provider to purchase VRDP Shares pursuant to the Purchase Obligation (as defined below);

 

WHEREAS, the original issuance and sale of the VRDP Shares by the Fund is conditioned upon, and subject to, the Purchase Obligation being in effect with respect to the VRDP Shares; and

 

WHEREAS, the Articles Supplementary provides that the Fund for the benefit of the Holders and Beneficial Owners of VRDP Shares shall (i) maintain a VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement (as defined below) providing a Purchase Obligation on an ongoing basis to the extent that the Fund can do so on a commercially reasonable basis, and (ii) provide Holders and Beneficial Owners with advance notice of any termination of the Purchase Obligation.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01.

Definitions.

 

The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

 

“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

“Agent Member” means a Person with an account at the Securities Depository that holds one or more VRDP Shares through the Securities Depository, directly or indirectly, for a Beneficial Owner and that will be authorized and instructed, directly or indirectly, by a Beneficial Owner to disclose information to the Remarketing Agent and the Tender and Paying Agent with respect to such Beneficial Owner.

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“Agreement” means this VRDP Shares Fee Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

“Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement” means any agreement with a successor liquidity provider replacing the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement (or any replacement therefor) upon its termination in accordance with its terms and containing a Purchase Obligation substantially similar to the Purchase Obligation therein, as determined by the Fund.

 

“AMPS” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.20.

 

“Applicable Rate” means the dividend rate per annum on any share of VRDP Shares for a Rate Period determined as set forth in Section 2(e)(i) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary or in the definition of “Maximum Rate,” as applicable.

 

“Articles Supplementary” means the Articles Supplementary Establishing and Fixing the Rights and Preferences of the VRDP Shares.

 

“Available Commitment” as of any day means, with respect to the VRDP Shares, the sum of the aggregate Liquidation Preference of the VRDP Shares then Outstanding plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends, whether or not earned or declared.

 

“Basic Maintenance Amount,” as of any Valuation Date, has the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.

 

“Beneficial Owner” means a Person in whose name VRDP Shares are recorded as beneficial owner of such VRDP Shares by the Securities Depository, an Agent Member or other securities intermediary on the records of such Securities Depository, Agent Member or securities intermediary, as the case may be, or such Person’s subrogee, including the Liquidity Provider to the extent it is at any time the Beneficial Owner of VRDP Shares (irrespective of any assignment or transfer by the Liquidity Provider of its voting rights).

 

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Fund or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

“Business Day” means a day (a) other than a day on which commercial banks in The City of New York, New York are required or authorized by law or executive order to close and (b) on which the New York Stock Exchange is not closed.

 

“Charter” means the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund, and all amendments thereto, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Maryland.

 

“Closing Date” means the Date of Original Issue of the VRDP Shares subject to the satisfaction of the conditions specified in Section 3.01.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

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“Common Shares” means the shares of common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Fund.

 

“Conditional Acceptance” means a conditional acceptance by the Liquidity Provider of an extension of the Scheduled Termination Date.

 

“Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

 

“Custodian” means a bank, as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the 1940 Act, that has the qualifications prescribed in paragraph 1 of Section 26(a) of the 1940 Act, or such other entity as shall be providing custodian services to the Fund as permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, and shall include, as appropriate, any similarly qualified sub‑custodian duly appointed by the Custodian.

 

“Date of Original Issue,” with respect to the VRDP Shares, means the date on which the Fund initially issued such VRDP Shares.

 

“Defeased Securities” means a security for which cash, cash equivalents or other eligible property has been pledged in an amount sufficient to make all required payments on such security to and including maturity, in accordance with the instrument governing the issuance of such security.

 

“Deposit Securities” means, as of any date, any United States dollar-denominated security or other investment of a type described below that either (i) is a demand obligation payable to the holder thereof on any Business Day or (ii) has a maturity date, mandatory redemption date or mandatory payment date, on its face or at the option of the holder, preceding the relevant payment date in respect of which such security or other investment has been deposited or set aside as a Deposit Security:

 

(1) cash or any cash equivalent;

 

(2) any U.S. Government Security;

 

(3) any Municipal Obligation that has a credit rating from at least one NRSRO that is the highest applicable rating generally ascribed by such NRSRO to Municipal Obligations with substantially similar terms as of the date of the Articles Supplementary (or such rating’s future equivalent), including (A) any such Municipal Obligation that has been pre-refunded by the issuer thereof with the proceeds of such refunding having been irrevocably deposited in trust or escrow for the repayment thereof and (B) any such fixed or variable rate Municipal Obligation that qualifies as an eligible security under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act;

 

(4) any investment in any money market fund registered under the 1940 Act that qualifies under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, or similar investment vehicle described in Rule 12d1-1(b)(2) under the 1940 Act, that invests principally in Municipal Obligations or U.S. Government Securities or any combination thereof; or

 

(5) any letter of credit from a bank or other financial institution that has a credit rating from at least one NRSRO that is the highest applicable rating generally ascribed by such NRSRO to bank deposits or short-term debt of similar banks or other financial institutions as of the date of the Articles Supplementary (or such rating’s future equivalent).

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“Derivative Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, forward swap transactions, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, futures contracts, repurchase transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

“Derivative Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Derivative Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Derivative Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Derivative Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the ▇▇▇▇-to-market value(s) for such Derivative Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Derivative Contracts (which may include the Liquidity Provider or an affiliate of the Liquidity Provider).

 

“Discounted Value” as of any Valuation Date, shall have the meaning set forth in the Rating Agency Guidelines.

 

“Dividend Payment Date” except as otherwise provided in Section 2(d) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary, means the date that is the first Business Day of each calendar month.

 

“Dividend Period,” with respect to VRDP Shares, means the period from, and including, the Date of Original Issue of VRDP Shares to, but excluding, the initial Dividend Payment Date for VRDP Shares and any period thereafter from, and including, one Dividend Payment Date for VRDP Shares to, but excluding, the next succeeding Dividend Payment Date for VRDP Shares.

 

“Effective Leverage Ratio” means the quotient of:

 

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divided by

 

“Effective Leverage Ratio Cure Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.18.

 

“Electronic Means” means email transmission, facsimile transmission or other similar electronic means of communication providing evidence of transmission (but excluding online communications systems covered by a separate agreement) acceptable to the sending party and the receiving party, in any case if operative as between any two parties, or, if not operative, by telephone (promptly confirmed by any other method set forth in this definition), which, in the case of notices to the Tender and Paying Agent, shall be sent by such means as set forth in Section 7.02 of the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement or as specified in the related notice.

 

“Eligible Assets” means the instruments listed on Exhibit D to this Agreement, as amended from time to time with the prior consent of the Liquidity Provider.

 

“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“Extraordinary Corporate Event” means as to the Liquidity Provider, (i) the consolidation, amalgamation with, or merger with or into or the transfer of all or substantially all of the Liquidity Provider’s assets to another entity, or (ii) the dissolution, for any reason, of the Liquidity Provider other than in connection with the consolidation, amalgamation with, or merger with or into another entity or the transfer of all or substantially all of the Liquidity Provider’s assets; provided, however, that with respect to (i) above, an Extraordinary Corporate Event does not include any of the listed occurrences where (x) the surviving entity, or transferee of all or substantially all of the Liquidity Provider’s assets (a) assumes all of the obligations of the Liquidity Provider under the terms of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement and (b) has (i) short-term debt ratings in one of the two highest rating categories from the Requisite NRSROs or (ii) such other short-term debt ratings, if any, as may be required for the VRDP Shares to satisfy the eligibility criteria under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act and (y) the Liquidity Provider has provided notice in writing to the Fund confirming the information described in (x) at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the applicable listed occurrence in (i) above.

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“Failed Remarketing Condition” means a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares or a Failed Remarketing Condition—Unpurchased VRDP Shares.

 

“Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares” means the Liquidity Provider acquires and continues to be the beneficial owner for federal income tax purposes of any VRDP Shares in connection with purchases made pursuant to the Purchase Obligation (whether as a result of an unsuccessful Remarketing or a Mandatory Purchase) on any Purchase Date including VRDP Shares the Liquidity Provider continues to be the beneficial owner of for federal income tax purposes after the expiration or termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

 

“Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption” means redemption by the Fund, at a redemption price equal to $100,000 per share plus accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to, but excluding, the date fixed by the Board for redemption, of VRDP Shares that the Liquidity Provider shall have acquired pursuant to the Purchase Obligation and continued to be the beneficial owner of for federal income tax purposes for a continuous period of six months during which such VRDP Shares are tendered for Remarketing on each Business Day in accordance with the Related Documents but cannot be successfully remarketed (i.e., a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares shall have occurred and be continuing for such period of time with respect to such VRDP Shares), determined by the Fund on a first-in, first-out basis, in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Section 6.21 of this Agreement and the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Failed Remarketing Condition—Unpurchased VRDP Shares” means that a Beneficial Owner (other than the Liquidity Provider or its affiliates) continues to hold VRDP Shares, that were subject to a Tender in accordance with the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, after any Purchase Date as a result of the failure by the Liquidity Provider for any reason to purchase such VRDP Shares pursuant to the Purchase Obligation (whether as a result of an unsuccessful Remarketing or a Mandatory Purchase) (“Unpurchased VRDP Shares”), until such time as all Outstanding Unpurchased VRDP Shares are (i) successfully remarketed pursuant to a Remarketing, (ii) purchased by the Liquidity Provider pursuant to the Purchase Obligation, or (iii) if not successfully remarketed pursuant to a Remarketing or purchased by the Liquidity Provider pursuant to the Purchase Obligation, the subject of a validly tendered Notice of Revocation (or any combination of the foregoing); and any Unpurchased VRDP Shares shall be deemed tendered for Remarketing until the earliest to occur of the foregoing events (i), (ii) or (iii) with respect to such Unpurchased VRDP Shares.

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“Final Notice of Purchase” means, in connection with an Optional Tender or a Mandatory Tender, a Notice of Purchase delivered by the Tender and Paying Agent to the Liquidity Provider (or directly to the Liquidity Provider by Beneficial Owners or their Agent Members, in the case of an Optional Tender, or Holders, in the case of a Mandatory Tender, if there is no Tender and Paying Agent or for any reason the Tender and Paying Agent does not perform its obligations) on the Purchase Date indicating the number of VRDP Shares to be purchased on such date pursuant to the Purchase Obligation, or, in connection with a Mandatory Purchase, the Mandatory Purchase Notice delivered by the Fund or the Tender and Paying Agent on behalf of the Fund.

 

“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, a part of the Fitch Group, which is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fimalac, S.A.

 

“Fitch Discount Factor” means the discount factors set forth in the Fitch Guidelines for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund’s assets in connection with Fitch ratings of the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund.

 

“Fitch Eligible Assets” means assets of the Fund set forth in the Fitch Guidelines as eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund’s assets in connection with Fitch ratings of the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund

 

“Fitch Guidelines” means the guidelines applicable to Fitch’s current ratings of the VRDP Shares, provided by Fitch in connection with Fitch’s ratings of shares of a Series of VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund (a copy of which is available on request of the Fund), in effect on the date hereof and as may be amended from time to time, provided, however that any such amendment will not be effective for thirty (30) days from the date that Fitch provides final notice of such amendment to the Fund

 

“Fund” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“Fund Insolvency Event” means that the Fund becomes a debtor under Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or becomes subject to insolvency or liquidation proceedings under any United States federal or state, or any other law.

 

“Holder” means a Person in whose name a VRDP Share is registered in the registration books of the Fund maintained by the Tender and Paying Agent.

 

The word “including” means “including without limitation.”

 

“Indemnified Persons” means, as applicable, the Fund and its affiliates and directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, representatives and control persons within the meaning of the Exchange Act, entitled to indemnification by the Liquidity Provider, or the Liquidity Provider and its affiliates and directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, representatives and control persons within the meaning of the Exchange Act, entitled to indemnification by the Fund, in each case, under Section 8.03.

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“Initial Rate Period” with respect to the VRDP Shares, means the period commencing on and including the Date of Original Issue thereof and ending on, and including, the next succeeding Wednesday, as set forth under "Designation" in the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Investment Adviser” means BlackRock Advisors LLC, or any successor company or entity.

 

“Legal Process” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

 

“Liquidation Preference,” with respect to a given number of VRDP Shares, means $100,000 times that number.

 

“Liquidity Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.22(a).

 

“Liquidity Account Investments” means Deposit Securities or any other security or investment owned by the Fund that is rated not less than A-/A3 or the equivalent rating (or any such rating’s future equivalent) by each NRSRO then rating such security or investment (or if rated by only one NRSRO, by such NRSRO) or, if no NRSRO is then rating such security, deemed to be, with the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, of an equivalent rating by the Investment Adviser on the Fund’s books and records.

 

“Liquidity Provider” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

“Liquidity Provider Information” means (i) the  information under the captions “Summary – Liquidity Provider” and “Liquidity Provider” in the Offering Memorandum and (ii) any information in the Remarketing Materials under the caption “Liquidity Provider”, which in each case has been furnished in writing by the Liquidity Provider or its affiliates for inclusion therein (including without limitation through incorporation by reference).

 

“Liquidity Provider Ratings Event” means the Liquidity Provider shall fail to maintain at any time (i) short-term debt ratings in one of the two highest ratings categories from the Requisite NRSROs or (ii) such other short-term debt ratings, if any, as may be required for the VRDP Shares to satisfy the eligibility criteria under Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

“Liquidity Provider Ratings Event Termination Date” means the date established by the Tender and Paying Agent, acting upon instructions of the Fund pursuant to the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement, for termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement upon the occurrence of a Liquidity Provider Ratings Event, which date shall be not less than 16 days nor more than 30 days following such Liquidity Provider Ratings Event.

 

“Liquidity Requirement” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.22(b).

 

“Managed Assets” means the Fund’s net assets, including assets attributable to any principal amount of any borrowings (including the issuance of commercial paper or notes) or preferred shares outstanding.  For the avoidance of doubt, assets attributable to borrowings includes the portion of the Fund’s assets in a tender option bond trust of which the Fund owns the residual interest (without regard to the value of the residual interest to avoid double counting).

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“Mandatory Purchase” means the mandatory purchase of Outstanding VRDP Shares by the Liquidity Provider pursuant to the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement in connection with a Mandatory Purchase Event.

 

“Mandatory Purchase Date” means the Purchase Date for a Mandatory Purchase in accordance with the Articles Supplementary and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

 

“Mandatory Purchase Event” means, (i) in connection with the termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement due to its expiration as of a Scheduled Termination Date, by the fifteenth day prior to any such Scheduled Termination Date, (a) the Liquidity Provider shall not have agreed to an extension or further extension of the Scheduled Termination Date to a date not earlier than 364 days from the Scheduled Termination Date of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement then in effect, and (b) the Fund shall not have obtained and delivered to the Tender and Paying Agent an Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement with a termination date not earlier than 364 days from the Scheduled Termination Date of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement being replaced, or (ii) in connection with the termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement due to a Liquidity Provider Ratings Event or Related Party Termination Event, by the fifteenth day prior to the Liquidity Provider Ratings Event Termination Date or Related Party Termination Date, as the case may be, the Fund shall not have obtained and delivered to the Tender and Paying Agent an Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement with a termination date not earlier than 364 days from the Liquidity Provider Ratings Event Termination Date or Related Party Termination Date, as the case may be, of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement being replaced.  The Mandatory Purchase Event shall be deemed to occur on such fifteenth day prior to any Scheduled Termination Date, Liquidity Provider Ratings Event Termination Date or Related Party Termination Date, as the case may be.

 

“Mandatory Purchase Notice” means, in connection with the Mandatory Purchase of VRDP Shares, a notice substantially in the form attached to the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement as Exhibit B, delivered by the Fund or the Tender and Paying Agent on behalf of the Fund to the Holders and the Liquidity Provider specifying a Mandatory Purchase Date.

 

“Mandatory Tender,” with respect to a Mandatory Tender Event, means the mandatory tender of all VRDP Shares by Holders for Remarketing, or, in the event (i) no Remarketing occurs on or before the Purchase Date or (ii) pursuant to an attempted Remarketing, VRDP Shares remain unsold and the Remarketing Agent does not purchase for its own account the unsold VRDP Shares tendered to the Tender and Paying Agent for Remarketing (provided, that the Remarketing Agent may seek to sell such VRDP Shares in a subsequent Remarketing prior to the Purchase Date), for purchase by the Liquidity Provider at the Purchase Price pursuant to Section 2 of Part II of the Articles Supplementary and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

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“Mandatory Tender Event” means (a) each failure by the Fund to make a scheduled payment of dividends on a Dividend Payment Date; (b) the occurrence of a Liquidity Provider Ratings Event (which shall constitute a single Mandatory Tender Event upon the occurrence of such Liquidity Provider Ratings Event, whether or not continuing and whether or not such Liquidity Provider Ratings Event also results in a Mandatory Purchase Event; provided that, following restoration of the short-term debt ratings to the requisite level, a subsequent Liquidity Provider Ratings Event shall constitute a new Mandatory Tender Event); (c) in the event of a failure by the Fund to pay the Liquidity Provider the applicable fee when due under the terms of this Agreement if the Liquidity Provider (in its sole discretion) thereafter provides written notice to the Fund that such failure to pay such fee constitutes a Mandatory Tender Event; (d) the eighth day prior to the scheduled date of the occurrence of an Extraordinary Corporate Event; (e) the Fund shall have obtained and delivered to the Tender and Paying Agent an Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement by the 15th day prior to the Scheduled Termination Date, Liquidity Provider Ratings Event Termination Date or Related Party Termination Date, as the case may be, of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement being replaced; (f) the Fund shall have provided a Notice of Proposed Special Rate Period in accordance with the Articles Supplementary; or (g) in the event of a breach by the Fund of its Effective Leverage Ratio covenant with the Liquidity Provider set forth in Section 6.18 of this Agreement and the failure to cure such breach within 60 days from the date of such breach (which 60-day period would include the Effective Leverage Ratio Cure Period), if the Liquidity Provider (in its sole discretion) thereafter provides written notice to the Fund and the Tender and Paying Agent that the failure to timely cure such breach constitutes a Mandatory Tender Event (subject to the Fund curing such breach prior to the delivery date of such notice from the Liquidity Provider).

 

“Mandatory Tender Notice” means, in connection with the Mandatory Tender of VRDP Shares, a notice, substantially in the form attached to the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement as Annex II, delivered by the Fund or the Tender and Paying Agent on behalf of the Fund to the Holders and the Liquidity Provider specifying a Mandatory Tender Event and Purchase Date.

 

“Market Value” of any asset of the Fund means the market value thereof determined by an independent third-party pricing service designated pursuant to the Fund’s valuation policies and procedures approved from time to time by the Board for use in connection with the determination of the Fund’s net asset value.  Market Value of any asset shall include any interest or dividends, as applicable, accrued thereon. The pricing service values portfolio securities at the mean between the quoted bid and asked price or the yield equivalent when quotations are readily available.  Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the pricing service using methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating; indications as to value from dealers; and general market conditions.  The pricing service may employ electronic data processing techniques or a matrix system, or both, to determine valuations.

 

“Maximum Rate” with respect to the VRDP Shares, has the meaning specified in the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage” means asset coverage, as defined in Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act as of the date hereof (excluding (1) from the denominator of such asset coverage test (i) any such senior securities for which the Fund has issued a Notice of Redemption and either has delivered Deposit Securities to the Tender and Paying Agent or otherwise has adequate Deposit Securities on hand and segregated on the books and records of the Custodian for the purpose of such redemption and (ii) the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares to be redeemed in accordance with Section 6.20 of this Agreement with the gross proceeds from the sale of the VRDP Shares, for which the Fund either has delivered Deposit Securities to the Tender and Paying Agent or otherwise has adequate Deposit Securities on hand and segregated on the books and records of the Custodian for the purpose of such redemption and (2) from the numerator of such asset coverage test, any Deposit Securities referred to in the previous clause (1)(i) and (ii)), with such changes thereafter as agreed with the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, of at least 200% or such higher percentage as required and specified in this Agreement, but, in any event, not more than 250%, with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund which are stock, including all Outstanding VRDP Shares (or, in each case, if higher, such other asset coverage as may in the future be specified in or under the 1940 Act as the minimum asset coverage for senior securities which are stock of a closed-end investment company as a condition of declaring dividends on its common shares or stock).

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“Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage Cure Date” with respect to the failure by the Fund to maintain the Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage (as required by the Articles Supplementary and this Agreement) as of the last Business Day of each month, means the tenth Business Day of the following month.

 

“Minimum Rate Period” means any Rate Period consisting of seven Rate Period Days, as adjusted to reflect any changes when the regular day that is a Rate Determination Date is not a Business Day.

 

“Moody’s” means ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ Investors Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors.

 

“Moody’s Discount Factor” means the discount factors set forth in the Moody’s Guidelines for use in calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund’s assets in connection with Moody’s ratings of the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund.

 

“Moody’s Eligible Assets” means assets of the Fund set forth in the Moody’s Guidelines as eligible for inclusion in calculating the Discounted Value of the Fund’s assets in connection with Moody’s ratings of the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund.

 

“Moody’s Guidelines” means the guidelines applicable to Moody’s current ratings of the VRDP Shares, provided by Moody's in connection with Moody’s ratings of shares of a Series of VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund (a copy of which is available on request of the Fund), in effect on the date hereof and as may be amended from time to time, provided, however that any such amendment will not be effective for thirty (30) days from the date that Moody's provides final notice of such amendment to the Fund.

 

 “Municipal Obligations” means Municipal Bonds as described in the Offering Memorandum.

 

“Notice of Purchase” means, as the context requires, a Preliminary Notice of Purchase or a Final Notice of Purchase, in each case, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A to the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

 

“Notice of Redemption” means any notice with respect to the redemption of VRDP Shares pursuant to paragraph (c) of Section 10 of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Notice of Revocation” means, in connection with the revocation by a Beneficial Owner or its Agent Member of its Notice of Tender, a notice, substantially in the form attached to the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement as Exhibit C, delivered by a Beneficial Owner or its Agent Member to the Tender and Paying Agent indicating an intention to revoke the tender of some or all of the VRDP Shares for sale on a Purchase Date pursuant to Section 1 of Part II of the Articles Supplementary.

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“Notice of Tender” means, in connection with an Optional Tender, a notice, substantially in the form attached to the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement as Exhibit A, delivered by a Beneficial Owner or its Agent Member to the Tender and Paying Agent indicating an intention to tender VRDP Shares for sale on a Purchase Date pursuant to Section 1 of Part II of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“NRSRO” means a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act, that is not an “affiliated person” (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) of the Fund or the Liquidity Provider, including, at the date hereof, Moody’s and Fitch.

 

“Offering Memorandum” means the Offering Memorandum of the Fund relating to the offering and sale of the VRDP Shares dated June 29, 2011, as amended, revised or supplemented from time to time, including in connection with any Remarketing, if applicable.

 

“Optional Tender” means any tender of VRDP Shares by a Beneficial Owner or its Agent Member to the Tender and Paying Agent, other than a Mandatory Tender, for Remarketing or, in the event (i) no Remarketing occurs on or before the Purchase Date, or (ii) pursuant to an attempted Remarketing, VRDP Shares remain unsold and the Remarketing Agent does not purchase for its own account the unsold VRDP Shares tendered to the Tender and Paying Agent for Remarketing (provided that the Remarketing Agent may seek to sell such VRDP Shares in a subsequent Remarketing prior to the Purchase Date), for purchase by the Liquidity Provider pursuant to Section 2 of Part II of the Articles Supplementary and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

 

The word “or” is used in its inclusive sense.

 

“Other Rating Agency” means each NRSRO, if any, other than ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ and Fitch, then providing a rating for the VRDP Shares pursuant to the request of the Fund.

 

“Other Rating Agency Guidelines” means the guidelines applicable to each Other Rating Agency's ratings of the VRDP Shares, provided by Other Rating Agency in connection with such Other Rating Agency’s ratings of shares of a Series of VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund (a copy of which is available on request of the Fund), as may be amended from time to time, provided, however that any such amendment will not be effective except as agreed between the Other Rating Agency and the Fund.

 

 “Outstanding” means, as of any date with respect to the VRDP Shares, the number of VRDP Shares theretofore issued by the Fund except, without duplication, (i) any VRDP Shares theretofore cancelled or delivered to the Tender and Paying Agent for cancellation or redemption by the Fund, (ii) any VRDP Shares with respect to which the Fund has given a Notice of Redemption and irrevocably deposited with the Tender and Paying Agent sufficient Deposit Securities to redeem such VRDP Shares, pursuant to Section 10 of Part I of the Articles Supplementary, (iii) any VRDP Shares as to which the Fund shall be a Beneficial Owner, and (iv) any VRDP Shares represented by any certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered by the Fund; provided, however, with respect to clause (ii), any such VRDP Shares will be deemed to be Outstanding for purposes of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement until redeemed by the Fund.

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“Person” means and includes an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated association, a joint venture or other entity or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

“Placement Agent” means BlackRock Investments, LLC.

 

“Placement Agreement” means the placement agreement, dated as of June 28, 2011, between the Fund and the Placement Agent with respect to the offering and sale of the VRDP Shares.

 

“Preferred Shares” means the preferred shares of the Fund, and includes the VRDP Shares.

 

“Purchase Date,” with respect to any purchase of VRDP Shares, means (i) in connection with an Optional Tender, the date specified in a Notice of Tender, which date shall be no earlier than the seventh day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) following delivery to the Tender and Paying Agent of the Notice of Tender, (ii) in connection with a Mandatory Tender, the date specified in the Mandatory Tender Notice (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day), subject to the immediately succeeding sentence below, or (iii) in connection with a Mandatory Purchase, the Mandatory Purchase Date specified in the Mandatory Purchase Notice (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day).  The Purchase Date in respect of a Mandatory Tender Event shall be not later than seven days following the date a Mandatory Tender Notice is sent to Holders by Electronic Means; provided, that: (A) the Purchase Date in connection with the failure of the Fund to pay the applicable fee to the Liquidity Provider may not be later than the last Business Day of the month such payment was due; (B) the Purchase Date in connection with the occurrence of an Extraordinary Corporate Event may not be later than the Business Day immediately preceding the occurrence of the Extraordinary Corporate Event (and, if no earlier Purchase Date is specified in a Mandatory Tender Notice with respect to such Extraordinary Corporate Event, the Business Day immediately preceding the occurrence of the Extraordinary Corporate Event shall be deemed to be the Purchase Date irrespective of the failure to have given or sent a Mandatory Tender Notice); (C) the Purchase Date in connection with the Fund obtaining an Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement may not be later than the Business Day immediately preceding the termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement and the effective date of such Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement (which may not be later than the termination date of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement); and (D) the Purchase Date in connection with a Notice of Proposed Special Rate Period may not be later than the first day of such proposed Special Rate Period.

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“Purchase Obligation” means the unconditional and irrevocable obligation of the Liquidity Provider during the term and pursuant to the terms of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement to purchase Outstanding VRDP Shares on any Purchase Date at the Purchase Price from Beneficial Owners, in the case of any Optional Tender, and Holders, in the case of any Mandatory Tender or any Mandatory Purchase, in each case following delivery of a Final Notice of Purchase with respect to such VRDP Shares.

 

“Purchase Price” means an amount equal to the Liquidation Preference of any VRDP Shares to be purchased on a Purchase Date, plus any accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared), if any, to but excluding, the relevant Purchase Date.

 

“Purchased VRDP Shares” means all VRDP Shares purchased by the Liquidity Provider pursuant to the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, so long as the Liquidity Provider continues to be the beneficial owner for federal income tax purposes of such VRDP Shares.

 

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

 

“Rate Determination Date” means, with respect to any series of VRDP Shares, the last day of a Rate Period for such series or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day; provided, however, that the next succeeding Rate Determination Date will be determined without regard to any prior extension of a Rate Determination Date to a Business Day.

 

“Rate Period” with respect to the VRDP Shares, means the Initial Rate Period and any Subsequent Rate Period, including any Special Rate Period.

 

“Rate Period Days” for any Rate Period, means the number of days that would constitute such Rate Period, but for the application of Section 2(d) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary or Section 4(b) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Rating Agency” means each of Fitch (if Fitch is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund), Moody’s (if ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund) and any Other Rating Agency (if such Other Rating Agency is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund).

 

“Rating Agency Guidelines” means Moody’s Guidelines (if ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund), Fitch Guidelines (if Fitch is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund) and any Other Rating Agency Guidelines (if such Other Rating Agency is then rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund).

 

“Redemption Date” means any date fixed for redemption in accordance with Section 10(c) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Redemption Price” means the applicable redemption price specified in Section 10(a) or 10(b) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Related Documents” means this Agreement, the Charter, the Articles Supplementary, the VRDP Shares, the Placement Agreement, the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement and the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement.

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“Related Party” means a related party for purposes of Section 267(b) or Section 707(b) of the Code, as such provisions may be amended from time to time.

 

“Related Party Termination Date” means the effective date of the termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement in accordance with its terms following the occurrence of a Related Party Termination Event.

 

“Related Party Termination Event” means the Liquidity Provider becoming a Related Party of the Fund other than through the acquisition of VRDP Shares pursuant to the terms of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement

 

“Remarketing” means the remarketing of VRDP Shares by the Remarketing Agent on behalf of the Beneficial Owners thereof pursuant to an Optional Tender or on behalf of the Holders thereof pursuant to a Mandatory Tender, as provided in the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement and the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Remarketing Agent” means, with respect to the VRDP Shares, the Person or Persons designated, with the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld) as Remarketing Agent for the VRDP Shares, initially as set forth in Schedule I hereto, and its or their permitted successors and assigns.

 

“Remarketing Materials” means (i) the Fund’s most recent annual report and, if available, subsequent semi-annual report, which shall be deemed to have been made available upon the electronic availability of any such document on a public website, (ii) the most recent annual and, if available, interim report of the Liquidity Provider, which shall be deemed to have been made available upon the electronic availability of any such document on a public website, (iii) such other publicly available information as the Fund or the Liquidity Provider or the Remarketing Agent, if applicable, may reasonably request from time to time, of the Liquidity Provider, the Fund or the Remarketing Agent, and such other documentation, representations, warranties and certifications as the Fund, the Liquidity Provider or the Remarketing Agent, if applicable, may reasonably request, it being understood that the Fund, the Liquidity Provider or the Remarketing Agent, if applicable, may, in its discretion, determine to deliver to purchasers and prospective purchasers, in connection with the offer and sale of VRDP Shares by the Liquidity Provider, a Remarketing Memorandum, and (iv) such other publicly available information necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Fund, the Liquidity Provider or the Remarketing Agent, if applicable, to amend or supplement the foregoing materials, in order that the foregoing materials will not include any untrue statements of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time made available to or delivered to a purchaser.

 

“Remarketing Memorandum” means the Offering Memorandum or any other written communication describing the Fund, the Liquidity Provider and/or the terms of the VRDP Shares and the Purchase Obligation, which has been approved by each party hereto in writing for use in connection with Remarketing prior to its use, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

 

“Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

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“Requisite NRSROs” means (i) any two NRSROs that have issued a rating with respect to a security or class of debt obligations of an issuer; or (ii) if only one NRSRO has issued a rating with respect to such security or class of debt obligations of an issuer at the time a purchaser Acquires (as such term is defined from time to time in Rule 2a-7 under the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) the security, that NRSRO.

 

“Scheduled Termination Date” means the date that is 364 days from (and including) the Closing Date, or any succeeding date to which the term of this Agreement is extended pursuant to Section 2.02.

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

“Securities Depository” means The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, and any substitute for or successor to such securities depository that shall maintain a book-entry system with respect to the VRDP Shares.

 

“Special Rate Period” with respect to the VRDP Shares, has the meaning specified in Section 4(a) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Special Redemption Provisions” has the meaning specified in Section 10(a)(i) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary.

 

“Subsequent Rate Period” with respect to the VRDP Shares, means the period from, and including, the first day following the Initial Rate Period of the VRDP Shares to, and including, the next Rate Determination Date for the VRDP Shares and any period thereafter from, and including, the first day following a Rate Determination Date for the VRDP Shares to, and including, the next succeeding Rate Determination Date for the VRDP Shares; provided, however, that if any Subsequent Rate Period is also a Special Rate Period, such term shall mean the period commencing on the first day of such Special Rate Period and ending on, and including, the last day of the last Dividend Period thereof; except for Special Rate Periods, each Subsequent Rate Period will be a Minimum Rate Period.

 

“Tender” means either a Mandatory Tender or an Optional Tender, as applicable.

 

“Tender and Paying Agent” means The Bank of New York Mellon or, with the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), any successor Person, which has entered into an agreement with the Fund to act in such capacity as the Fund’s tender agent, transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent, paying agent, redemption price disbursing agent and calculation agent in connection with the payment of regularly scheduled dividends with respect to VRDP Shares.

 

“Tender and Paying Agent Agreement” means the tender and paying agent agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011, by and between the Fund and the Tender and Paying Agent, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, or any similar agreement with a successor tender and paying agent.

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“Termination Event” means a termination of this Agreement (a) on a Scheduled Termination Date, as such date may be extended pursuant to the terms hereof, (b) following written notice provided by the Fund pursuant to Section 8.06(b) hereof following the occurrence of a Liquidity Provider Ratings Event at any time during the term hereof or (c) on a Related Party Termination Date.

 

“Transactions” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.15.

 

“U.S. Government Securities” means direct obligations of the United States or of its agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States and that, other than United States Treasury Bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and the full payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption.

 

“Valuation Date” means, for purposes of determining whether the Fund is maintaining the VRDP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount, each Friday that is a Business Day, or for any Friday that is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day, and the Date of Original Issue, commencing with the Date of Original Issue.

 

“VRDP Shares” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

 

“VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement” means the VRDP Shares purchase agreement, dated as of June 30, 2011, by and between the Liquidity Provider and the Tender and Paying Agent, as amended, modified or supplemented, or any Alternate VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement.

 

“VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement” means the VRDP Shares remarketing agreement with respect to the VRDP Shares, dated as of June 30, 2011, by and between the Fund and the Remarketing Agent, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

“written” or “in writing” means any form of written communication, including communication by means of telex, telecopier or electronic mail.

 

SECTION 1.02.

Incorporation of Certain Definitions by Reference.

 

Each capitalized term used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning provided therefor (including by incorporation by reference) in the Articles Supplementary.  Any day not referred to herein as a Business Day shall mean a calendar day.

 

ARTICLE II

PURCHASE OBLIGATION

 

SECTION 2.01.

Commitment to Purchase VRDP Shares; Fees.

 

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SECTION 2.02.

Extension of Scheduled Termination Date.

 

The Fund shall have the right, exercisable not more than 120 days nor less than 90 days prior to the Scheduled Termination Date, to request that the Liquidity Provider extend the term of such Scheduled Termination Date for an additional period of 364 days or, if mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, a period greater than 364 days, which request may be conditioned upon terms and conditions that are different from the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement then in effect.  The Liquidity Provider shall, no later than 30 days after receiving such request, notify the Fund and the Tender and Paying Agent of its acceptance or rejection of such request, which acceptance by the Liquidity Provider may be a Conditional Acceptance conditioned upon terms and conditions which are different from the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement then in effect or the terms and conditions proposed by the Fund in making an extension request.  If the Liquidity Provider fails to notify the Fund and the Tender and Paying Agent of its acceptance or rejection of the Fund’s request for extension within such 30-day period, such failure to respond shall constitute a rejection of such request.  If the Liquidity Provider provides a Conditional Acceptance, then the Fund shall have 30 days thereafter to notify the Liquidity Provider and the Tender and Paying Agent of its acceptance or rejection of the terms and conditions specified in the Liquidity Provider’s Conditional Acceptance.  The Fund’s failure to notify the Liquidity Provider and the Tender and Paying Agent within the 30-day period will be deemed a rejection of the terms and conditions specified in the Liquidity Provider’s Conditional Acceptance.  The Fund acknowledges and agrees that the Liquidity Provider may grant or deny any request for extension of the Scheduled Termination Date in its sole and absolute discretion.

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SECTION 2.03.

Sale of VRDP Shares.

 

 

 

SECTION 2.04.

Reduction of Available Commitment.

 

 

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SECTION 2.05.

Fees.

 

 

 

SECTION 2.06.

Operating Expenses.

 

The Fund shall pay amounts due to be paid by it hereunder (including any incidental expenses but not including redemption or dividend payments on the VRDP Shares) as operating expenses.

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SECTION 2.07.

No Deductions; Increased Costs.

 

 

 

(i)  imposes, modifies or deems applicable any reserve or deposit or similar requirements against any assets held by or in connection with the Liquidity Provider’s commitment to provide the Purchase Obligation or this Agreement; or

 

(ii)  imposes upon the Liquidity Provider any other condition with respect to Sums Payable Hereunder or amounts payable by the Liquidity Provider with respect to this Agreement or any other Related Document to which the Liquidity Provider is a party or its commitment to provide the Purchase Obligation; and the result of any of the foregoing is (x) to increase the cost to the Liquidity Provider of entering into or performing this Agreement or any other Related Document to which the Liquidity Provider is a party, making any payment pursuant to its Purchase Obligation or maintaining its commitment to provide the Purchase Obligation, (y) to reduce the amount of any Sums Payable Hereunder to the Liquidity Provider or (z) to require the Liquidity Provider to make any payment to a regulatory authority on or calculated by reference to the gross amount of any sum received by it, in each case by an amount which the Liquidity Provider deems material, then:

 

(1)  the Liquidity Provider shall promptly notify the Fund in writing of the happening of such event;

 

(2)  the Liquidity Provider shall promptly deliver to the Fund a certificate stating in reasonable detail the change which has occurred or the reserve requirements or other conditions which have been imposed on the Liquidity Provider or the request, direction or requirement with which it has complied, together with the date thereof, the amount of such increased cost, reduction or payment and the way in which such amount has been calculated; and

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(3)  the Fund shall within thirty (30) days after demand and the Fund’s receipt of the certificate described in subclause (2) above pay to the Liquidity Provider such an amount or amounts as will compensate the Liquidity Provider for such additional cost, reduction or payment as set forth on such certificate.

 

The reasonably detailed certificate of the Liquidity Provider prepared in good faith, signed by an authorized signatory of the Liquidity Provider, as to the additional amounts payable pursuant to this paragraph delivered to the Fund shall be conclusive and binding on the Fund absent manifest error of the amount thereof.  In the event any such amounts paid by the Fund are subsequently refunded to the Liquidity Provider by the authority imposing such costs, the Liquidity Provider will reimburse the Fund for such amounts to the extent they are refunded to the Liquidity Provider, but without interest; provided, however, that it is understood and agreed that the Liquidity Provider has no duty or obligation to contest the imposition of or seek the recovery of any such costs.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, no payment will be due under this subsection in respect of a cost arising solely out of the ownership of VRDP Shares after performance by the Liquidity Provider of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

 

For the avoidance of doubt, no payment will be due under this subsection in respect of a cost arising solely out of the ownership of VRDP Shares after performance by the Liquidity Provider of its obligations under this Agreement.

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ARTICLE III

CLOSING DATE

 

SECTION 3.01.

Conditions to Closing Date

It shall be a condition to the Closing Date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied or waived as of such date, and upon such satisfaction or waiver, this Agreement shall be effective:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE FUND

 

The representations and warranties set out in this Article IV are given hereunder by the Fund on the Closing Date (in respect of Section 4.01 to Section 4.06 (inclusive), Section 4.09 and Section 4.10) and as of the Closing Date and each date subsequent to the date thereof, except that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 4.07, Section 4.08, Section 4.11, Section 4.12 and Section 4.13 shall be given only on the Closing Date, and, in the case of Section 4.07, on each date subsequent to the Closing Date on which the Offering Memorandum is provided to Holders or potential Holders of VRDP Shares.

 

SECTION 4.01.

Existence.

 

The Fund is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland, with full right and power to issue the VRDP Shares and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each other Related Document.

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SECTION 4.02.

Authorization; Contravention.

 

The execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this Agreement and each other Related Document are within the Fund’s powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official and do not violate or contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law, charter, ordinance or regulation or of any material agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the Fund or result in the creation or imposition of any lien or encumbrance on any asset of the Fund, except for such violations or contraventions which would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, any of the VRDP Shares or any other Related Documents; provided, however, that the foregoing exception shall not apply to any violation or contravention of the Fund’s charter.

 

SECTION 4.03.

Binding Effect.

 

This Agreement, the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement and the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement, if executed and delivered on the date this representation is made, constitute valid and binding agreements of the Fund, or, if not yet executed and delivered, will, when executed and delivered, constitute valid and binding agreements of the Fund, in each case enforceable in accordance with their respective terms except as (i) the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability, it being understood that the enforceability of indemnification provisions may be subject to limitations imposed under applicable securities laws.  The VRDP Shares have been duly authorized and validly issued by the Fund, and, when the Fund receives the consideration therefore contemplated in the Offering Memorandum, will be fully paid and nonassessable and are free of any preemptive or similar rights.

 

SECTION 4.04.

Financial Information.

 

The financial statements of the Fund as of its most recent fiscal year-end, and the auditors’ report with respect thereto, copies of which have heretofore been furnished to the Liquidity Provider, present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Fund, at such date and for such period, and were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.  The audits of these statements were conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.  Since the date of the financial statements, no transaction or event has occurred and no change has occurred in the condition (financial or otherwise) or operations of the Fund which materially and adversely affect the issuance of any of the VRDP Shares or the Fund’s ability to pay when due or otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement, any of the VRDP Shares and the Related Documents.

 

SECTION 4.05.

Litigation.

 

Except as disclosed in the Offering Memorandum or in Schedule II hereto, no action, suit, proceeding or investigation is pending or (to the best knowledge of the Fund) overtly threatened in writing against the Fund in any court or before any governmental authority (i) in any way contesting or that, if decided adversely, would affect the validity of any other Related Document or this Agreement; or (ii) in which a final adverse decision would adversely affect provisions for or materially adversely affect the sources for payment of liquidation preference of or dividends on the VRDP Shares.

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SECTION 4.06.

Consents.

 

All consents, licenses, approvals, validations and authorizations of, and registrations, validations or declarations by or with, any court or any governmental agency or bureau required to be obtained in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability against the Fund of this Agreement and the other Related Documents (including the VRDP Shares) to which the Fund is or will be a party have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 4.07.

Offering Memorandum.

 

The Offering Memorandum, true copies of which will be or have been delivered to the Liquidity Provider on or before the date hereof, does not contain, and such Offering Memorandum (including any amendments or supplements prepared subsequent to its date) (a true copy of which, in each case, has been and shall be furnished to the Liquidity Provider prior to the distribution thereof) does not contain, and will not contain, an untrue statement of a material fact and such Offering Memorandum does not omit, and will not omit, to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which made, not misleading, except no representation is made as to Liquidity Provider Information furnished in writing by the Liquidity Provider or its affiliates for inclusion therein.

 

SECTION 4.08.

Incorporation of Representations and Warranties.

 

The Fund hereby makes to the Liquidity Provider the same representations and warranties as were made by it in the Placement Agreement as of the date or dates indicated therein, which representations and warranties, together with the related definitions of terms contained therein, are hereby incorporated by reference with the same effect as if each and every such representation and warranty and definition were set forth herein in its entirety.

 

SECTION 4.09.

Complete and Correct Information.

 

All information, reports and other papers and data with respect to the Fund furnished to the Liquidity Provider were, at the time the same were so furnished, complete and correct in all material respects. Any financial, budget and other projections furnished to the Liquidity Provider were prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were fair and reasonable in light of conditions existing at the time of delivery of such financial, budget or other projections, and represented, and as of the date of this representation, represent, the Fund’s best estimate of the Fund’s future financial performance.  No fact is known to the Fund that materially and adversely affects or in the future may (so far as it can reasonably foresee) materially and adversely affect the VRDP Shares, or the Fund’s ability to pay when due its obligations under this Agreement, any of the VRDP Shares and the other Related Documents that has not been set forth in the Offering Memorandum referenced in Section 4.07 hereof or in the financial information and other documents referred to in this Section 4.09 or in such information, reports, papers and data or otherwise disclosed in writing to the Liquidity Provider.  The documents furnished and written statements made by the Fund in connection with the negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement and the other Related Documents do not contain untrue statements of material facts or omit to state material facts necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

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SECTION 4.10.

1940 Act Registration.

 

The Fund is duly registered as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act and such registration is in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 4.11.

Effective Leverage Ratio; Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage.

 

As of the Closing Date, the Fund is in compliance with the Effective Leverage Ratio and the Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage.

 

SECTION 4.12.

Investment Policies.

 

As of the Closing Date, the Fund owns only Eligible Assets.

 

SECTION 4.13.

Credit Quality.

 

The Fund has invested its Managed Assets primarily in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, were rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or were unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Investment Adviser.

 

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER

 

The representations and warranties set out in this Article V are given hereunder by the Liquidity Provider on the Closing Date, except with respect to the representation and warranty set forth in Section 5.07 which shall be given on the Closing Date and as of the date of the Offering Memorandum prepared in connection with the initial offering of VRDP Shares.

 

SECTION 5.01.

Existence.

 

The Liquidity Provider is a national banking association duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States.  The Liquidity Provider has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation.

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SECTION 5.02.

Authorization; Contravention.

 

The execution, delivery and performance by the Liquidity Provider of this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation, are within the Liquidity Provider’s powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official and do not violate or contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law, charter, ordinance or regulation.

 

SECTION 5.03.

Binding Effect.

 

Each of this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation, constitutes, in the case of this Agreement, a valid and binding agreement of the Liquidity Provider, and, in the case of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation, will, when executed and delivered, constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Liquidity Provider, in each case, enforceable in accordance with its terms except as (i) the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability, it being understood that the enforceability of indemnification provisions may be subject to limitations imposed under applicable securities laws.

 

SECTION 5.04.

Financial Information.

 

The publicly available portions of the Liquidity Provider’s most recent Call Report, and any amendments and supplements thereto, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Liquidity Provider and its subsidiaries as of the date of such report.  Since the date of the most recent such Call Report, no transaction or event has occurred and no change has occurred in the condition (financial or otherwise) or operations of the Liquidity Provider that would materially and adversely affect its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation.

 

SECTION 5.05.

Litigation.

 

Except as disclosed in the Offering Memorandum or in a schedule delivered to the Fund prior to the Closing Date, no filed action, suit, proceeding or any commenced investigation actually known to the Liquidity Provider is pending against the Liquidity Provider in any court or before any governmental authority in any way contesting or that a reasonably expected adverse decision would affect the validity of this Agreement or the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation.

 

SECTION 5.06.

Consents.

 

All consents, licenses, approvals, validations and authorizations of, and registrations, validations or declarations by or with, any court or any regulatory, supervisory or governmental agency or bureau required to be obtained in connection with the performance of the Liquidity Provider or the execution, delivery by, or the validity or enforceability against, the Liquidity Provider of this Agreement and the other Related Documents to which the Liquidity Provider is a party have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

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SECTION 5.07.

Offering Memorandum.

 

The Liquidity Provider Information does not contain, and will not contain, an untrue statement of material fact and the Liquidity Provider Information does not omit, and will not omit, to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

SECTION 5.08.

Ranking.

 

The obligations of the Liquidity Provider under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement rank pari passu with all other senior unsecured obligations of the Liquidity Provider (other than any such obligations preferred by statute or by operation of law).

 

SECTION 5.09.

Related Party.

 

The Liquidity Provider is not related to the Fund within the meaning of Section 267(b) or Section 707(b) of the Code.

 

SECTION 5.10.

Debt Rating.

 

The Liquidity Provider has a short-term debt ratings of “P-1” from ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ and “F1+” from Fitch.

 

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS OF THE FUND

 

The Fund agrees that, so long as there is any Purchase Obligation under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement or any amount payable hereunder or under any VRDP Shares remains outstanding:

 

SECTION 6.01.

Information.

 

Without limitation of the other provisions of this Agreement, the Fund will deliver, or cause the Tender and Paying Agent to deliver, to the Liquidity Provider:

 

 

 

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SECTION 6.02.

No Amendment or Certain Other Actions Without Consent of the Liquidity Provider.

 

Without the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, the Fund will not agree or consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or repeal of any Related Document to which it is a party (or to which its consent is required because such Related Document constitutes an organizational document of the Fund or otherwise) or provision therein, nor waive any provision thereof.  In addition, the Fund will not, without the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, designate or approve of: (i) the designation of any Special Rate Period pursuant to Section 4(a) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (ii) any change to the Dividend Payment Dates or Dividend Periods in respect of any Minimum Rate Periods pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (iii) any change to the definition of Applicable Rate, Applicable Spread or Maximum Rate, as each is defined in the Definitions section of the Articles Supplementary; (iv) any change to the Dividend Payment Dates in respect of any Special Rate Period consisting of more than seven Rate Period Days pursuant to Section 2(d)(ii) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (v) the authorization, creation or issuance of any class or series of shares ranking prior to or on a parity with the VRDP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding  up of the affairs of the Fund, or the authorization, creation or issuance of additional shares of any series of VRDP Shares in accordance with Section 5(c)(i)(a) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (vi) unless the VRDP Shares are redeemed in full prior to the conversion, the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company pursuant to Section 5(c)(ii)(A) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (vii) any plan of reorganization of the Fund pursuant to Section 5(c)(ii)(B) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (viii) the inclusion of Special Redemption Provisions in the Notice of Special Rate Period as described in Section 10(a)(ii) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (ix) the modification of the procedures for redemption as described in Section 10(j) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (x) any amendment to the Articles Supplementary in connection with the issuance of additional VRDP Shares or the issuance of an additional series of VRDP Shares pursuant to Section 13(a) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary; (xi) the selection of one or more Other Rating Agencies, which prior written consent shall be determined in the Liquidity Provider's good faith discretion; (xii) any change to the Fund's investment objectives, as described in the Offering Memorandum, requiring the approval of the holders of a "majority of the Outstanding" (as defined in the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) Common Shares and VRDP Shares, voting as a separate class, which prior written consent shall be determined in the Liquidity Provider's good faith discretion; or (xiii) the appointment of a LIBOR Dealer (as defined in the Definitions section of the Articles Supplementary) from time to time.

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SECTION 6.03.

Notices and Consents Regarding Remarketing Agent and the Tender and Paying Agent.

 

The Fund shall not, without the Liquidity Provider’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), appoint any Person other than the Person defined herein as the Tender and Paying Agent to perform the duties of the Tender and Paying Agent or the Person identified in Schedule I to perform the duties of the Remarketing Agent, in each case in respect of the VRDP Shares.  In addition, the Fund shall require in the Remarketing Agreement that the Remarketing Agent will notify the Liquidity Provider within one (1) Business Day by telephone or Electronic Means, if, at any time, the Remarketing Agent owns any VRDP Shares.

 

SECTION 6.04.

Maintenance of Existence.

 

The Fund shall continue to maintain its existence as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland, with full right and power to issue the VRDP Shares and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each other Related Document.

 

SECTION 6.05.

Ratings.

 

The Fund will use its best efforts to maintain a long-term credit rating of the VRDP Shares of Aaa by ▇▇▇▇▇’▇ and a long-term issue credit rating of the VRDP Shares of AAA by Fitch (or the highest equivalent ratings category for preferred stock furnished by at least two Rating Agencies).

 

SECTION 6.06.

Tax Status of the Fund.

 

The Fund will qualify as a Regulated Investment Company within the meaning of Section 851(a) of the Code and the dividends made with respect to the VRDP Shares will qualify as tax exempt dividends to the extent designated by the Fund.

 

SECTION 6.07.

Deposit Securities.

 

Except as otherwise provided with respect to a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption in Section 6.21 below, if a Notice of Redemption of VRDP Shares has been provided in accordance with the Articles Supplementary, the Fund shall have available Deposit Securities or shall deposit with the Tender and Paying Agent, on the day such Notice of Redemption is provided to Holders, an aggregate amount of Deposit Securities with a Market Value sufficient to redeem the VRDP Shares that are the subject of such notice as provided in the Articles Supplementary.

 

SECTION 6.08.

Payment Obligations.

 

The Fund shall promptly pay or cause to be paid all amounts payable by it hereunder and under the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement and the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement, according to the terms hereof or thereof, shall take such actions as may be necessary to include all payments hereunder which are subject to appropriation in its budget and make full appropriations related thereto, and shall duly perform each of its obligations under this Agreement, the Tender and Paying Agent Agreement and the VRDP Shares Remarketing Agreement.  All payments of any sums due hereunder shall be made in the amounts required hereunder without any reduction or setoff, notwithstanding the assertion of any right of recoupment or setoff or of any counterclaim by the Fund.

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SECTION 6.09.

Compliance With Law.

 

The Fund shall comply with all laws, ordinances, orders, rules and regulations that may be applicable to it if the failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to pay when due and otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement, any of the VRDP Shares, and the other Related Documents.

 

SECTION 6.10.

Maintenance of Approvals: Filings, Etc.

 

The Fund shall at all times maintain in effect, renew and comply with all the terms and conditions of all consents, filings, licenses, approvals and authorizations as may be necessary under any applicable law or regulation for its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Related Documents to which it is a party, except to the extent not doing so would not have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to pay when due and otherwise perform its obligations under this Agreement, any of the VRDP Shares or any other Related Documents.

 

SECTION 6.11.

Inspection Rights.

 

The Fund shall, at any reasonable time and from time to time, upon at least five (5) Business Days advance written notice provided to the Fund, permit the Liquidity Provider or any agents or representatives thereof, at the Fund’s expense, to examine the records and books of account related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, to visit its properties and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with any of its officers and independent accountants, provided, however, that the Fund shall not be required to pay for more than two inspections per fiscal year.  The Fund will not withhold its authorization for its independent accountants to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with the Liquidity Provider.

 

SECTION 6.12.

Permitted Liens.

 

The Fund shall not create or incur or suffer to be incurred or to exist any lien on any other funds, accounts or other property held under the Charter, except (a) as permitted by the Charter or liens arising by operation of law for taxes, assessments or similar governmental charges or levies and liens arising in the ordinary course of business by operation of law and not securing indebtedness, in each case that (x) are not yet due and payable or (y) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Fund has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and (b) except for any lien of the Custodian with respect to the payment of its fees or repayment for its advances, any lien that may be incurred in connection with the Fund’s use of tender option bonds, futures and forward start swaps and other derivative transactions, and any lien that may be incurred in connection with the Fund’s use of alternative forms of leverage for purposes of redeeming all of the Outstanding VRDP Shares, provided that the Fund delivers all of the proceeds raised from the alternative leverage to the Tender and Paying Agent for investment in Deposit Securities for the purpose of redeeming the VRDP Shares, issues a notice of redemption for the VRDP Shares on the day it receives such cash and redeems such VRDP Shares as soon as practicable in accordance with the terms of the Articles Supplementary.

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SECTION 6.13.

Litigation, Etc.

 

The Fund shall give prompt notice in writing to the Liquidity Provider of any litigation, administrative proceeding or business development which, if adversely determined, may materially adversely affect its business, properties or affairs and reasonably would impair the ability of the Fund to perform its obligations as set forth hereunder or under any of the Related Documents to which it is a party.

 

SECTION 6.14.

1940 Act Registration.

 

The Fund shall maintain its valid registration as a registered closed-end company under the 1940 Act in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 6.15.

Purchase by Affiliates.

 

The Fund shall not permit or cause to be permitted the Investment Adviser, affiliated persons of the Investment Adviser (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) (other than the Fund, in the case of a purchase of VRDP Shares which are to be cancelled within 10 days of purchase by the Fund), and Persons over which the Investment Adviser, or affiliated persons (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇) of the Investment Adviser, exercise discretionary investment or voting authority (other than the Fund, in the case of a purchase of VRDP Shares which are to be cancelled within 10 days of purchase by the Fund), to purchase VRDP Shares without the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, and any such purchases without such consent shall be void ab initio.

 

SECTION 6.16.

Eligible Assets.

 

The Fund shall make investments only in Eligible Assets in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and the investment policies set forth in the Offering Memorandum.

 

SECTION 6.17.

Credit Quality.

 

Unless the Fund receives the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider (such consent to be determined in the Liquidity Provider’s good faith discretion), the Fund will invest its Managed Assets primarily in investment grade securities that, at the time of investment, are rated within the four highest grades (Baa or BBB or better) by at least one NRSRO or are unrated but judged to be of comparable quality by the Investment Adviser.

 

SECTION 6.18.

Leverage Ratio.

 

Unless the Fund receives the prior written consent of the Liquidity Provider, the Fund’s Effective Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 45%; provided, however in the event that the Fund’s Effective Leverage Ratio exceeds 45% (i) solely by reason of fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio securities, in such event and to the extent the Effective Leverage Ratio exceeds 46% and (ii) in any event other than an event described in the immediately preceding clause (i), the Fund shall cause its Effective Leverage Ratio to be 45% or lower within ten (10) Business Days (“Effective Leverage Ratio Cure Period”).

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SECTION 6.19.

Engagement of Remarketing Agent and Tender and Paying Agent.

 

The Fund will use its best efforts to engage at all times a Remarketing Agent that is a nationally recognized securities dealer with expertise in remarketing adjustable rate securities and a Tender and Paying Agent, as provided in Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.20.

Use of Proceeds.

 

The Fund shall use the gross proceeds from the sale of the VRDP Shares to redeem the Fund’s outstanding auction market preferred shares (“AMPS”).  The Fund shall give a notice of redemption of the Fund’s outstanding AMPS within two Business Days following the Closing Date, or, if such date is impracticable pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund’s outstanding AMPS, the earliest practicable date following the Closing Date pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund’s outstanding AMPS, for redemption of the AMPS at the earliest practicable date pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund’s outstanding AMPS, which date shall not be greater than 60 days from the Closing Date.  If the foregoing requirements of the prior sentence are not complied with within 60 days of the Closing Date, the Fund shall redeem out of funds legally available therefore and otherwise in accordance with state law, the VRDP Shares as promptly as possible and pay the make-whole amount due as set forth in Section 2.05(b) and this Agreement and the other Related Documents to which the Liquidity Provider is a party to shall be terminated subject to the survival of any provision specified therein.

 

SECTION 6.21.

Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption.

 

If the Liquidity Provider acquires any VRDP Shares pursuant to the Purchase Obligation and continues to be the beneficial owner for federal income tax purposes of such Purchased VRDP Shares for a continuous period of six months during which such Purchased VRDP Shares are tendered for Remarketing on each Business Day in accordance with the Related Documents but cannot be successfully remarketed (i.e., a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares shall have occurred and be continuing for such period of time with respect to such Purchased VRDP Shares), the Fund shall effect a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption out of funds legally available for the redemption of the Purchased VRDP Shares that are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition--Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption and in accordance with any other applicable law restrictions that apply to redemptions of stock; provided, that, as of the date of redemption: (i) to the extent any VRDP Shares are Outstanding and held by Persons other than the Liquidity Provider, the Purchase Obligation of the Liquidity Provider whose VRDP Shares are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption (i.e., Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign) remains in effect to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign; and (ii) to the extent (a) any VRDP Shares are Outstanding and held by Persons other than the Liquidity Provider and (b) the Purchase Obligation of the Liquidity Provider whose VRDP Shares are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption (i.e., Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign) remains in effect to the extent required by, and in accordance with, the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign, the Liquidity Provider whose VRDP Shares are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition— Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption (i.e., Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign) shall have made written affirmation to the Fund not later than the Business Day immediately preceding the Redemption Date to the effect that the Liquidity Provider is in compliance with the Purchase Obligation in accordance with its terms.  Notwithstanding the foregoing proviso, any failure or delay by the Liquidity Provider whose VRDP Shares are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition— Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption (i.e., Bank of America, N.A., or any successor or permitted assign) to deliver the affirmation referred to in the foregoing proviso shall not relieve the Fund of its obligation to effectuate a Failed Remarketing Condition— Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption and shall only result in a delay by the Fund to effectuate a Failed Remarketing Condition— Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption until one (1) Business Day following the date that such Liquidity Provider delivers such affirmation.  The six-month holding period for Purchased VRDP Shares acquired and continuously held as a result of a continuing Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares will be determined by the Fund on a first-in, first-out basis.

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The Fund shall effect a Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption on the Redemption Date fixed by the Fund therefor, which date will not be later than three Business Days after the expiration of the six-month period, except that if the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of all of the required number of Purchased VRDP Shares which are subject to the Failed Remarketing Condition—Purchased VRDP Shares Redemption or the Fund otherwise is unable as a result of applicable law restrictions that apply to redemptions of stock, in each case, as certified in writing by the Fund, to effect such redemption on or prior to three Business Days after the expiration of the six-month period, the Fund will redeem those Purchased VRDP Shares which it was unable to redeem on the earliest practicable date on which it is able to effect such redemption out of legally available funds and in accordance with applicable law restrictions that apply to redemptions of stock.

 

In order to further the purposes of IRS Private Letter Ruling 112002-11, notwithstanding anything expressed or implied to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing outside of this Section 6.21 or Section 6.23 shall confer upon the Liquidity Provider any rights to a redemption of Purchased VRDP Shares (other than the rights provided to Holders under the Articles Supplementary).

 

SECTION 6.22.

Failed Remarketing Condition Liquidity Account.

 

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Number of Days* Preceding the Six-Month Anniversary of the Liquidity Provider’s Purchase		Value of Deposit Securities as Percentage of Liquidation Preference
150		20%
120		40%
90		60%
60		80%
30		100%
*Or if such day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day

 

 

 

SECTION 6.23.

Maintenance of Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage.

 

The Fund shall maintain Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage of 225% or, if it does not cure a failure to maintain the Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage by the Minimum VRDP Shares Asset Coverage Cure Date, the Fund shall immediately commence a redemption of VRDP Shares, as provided in Section 10(b)(i) of Part I of the Articles Supplementary, out of funds legally available for the redemption of VRDP Shares and in accordance with any other applicable law restrictions that apply to redemptions of stock.

 

SECTION 6.24.

Issuance of Senior Securities.

 

For so long as any VRDP Shares are Outstanding, the Fund shall not issue or suffer to exist any other “senior security” (as defined in the 1940 Act as of the date hereof or, in the event such definition shall be amended, with such changes to the definition thereof as consented to by the Liquidity Provider) of the Fund, except as may be otherwise mutually agreed upon by the Fund and the Liquidity Provider or that may be issued in connection with the Fund’s redemption of all of the Outstanding VRDP Shares, provided that the Fund delivers all of the proceeds raised from such issuance to the Tender and Paying Agent for investment in Deposit Securities for the purpose of redeeming the VRDP Shares, issues a notice of redemption for the VRDP Shares on the day it receives such cash and redeems such VRDP Shares as soon as practicable in accordance with the terms of the Articles Supplementary.

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SECTION 6.25.

Satisfaction of Conditions to Closing Date.

 

The Fund shall use commercially reasonable efforts to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 3.01; provided, however, that nothing shall limit the Board from acting in accordance with their fiduciary duties with respect to any determination whether to issue VRDP Shares or otherwise.

 

ARTICLE VII

COVENANTS OF THE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER

 

The Liquidity Provider agrees that, from the Closing Date, so long as there is any commitment under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement or any amount payable under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement or under any VRDP Shares remains outstanding:

 

SECTION 7.01.

Proceedings.

 

The Liquidity Provider will deliver to the Fund as promptly as practicable notice of any filed action, suit or proceeding or any commenced investigation actually known to the Liquidity Provider, including any that is pending against the Liquidity Provider in any court or before any governmental authority (i) in any way contesting or affecting the validity of this Agreement or the VRDP Share Purchase Agreement, including without limitation, the Purchase Obligation; or (ii) in which a reasonably expected final adverse decision would have the effect of making the Liquidity Provider unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the Purchase Obligation.

 

SECTION 7.02.

Waiver.

 

In the event of a termination of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement as a result of a Termination Event, the Liquidity Provider agrees to waive its right with respect to Purchased VRDP Shares to exercise the Purchase Obligation provided by any subsequent Liquidity Provider; provided, however, that any Purchased VRDP Shares that are subsequently sold by the Liquidity Provider in a successful Remarketing shall at the time of such sale and thereafter have the full benefit of the Purchase Obligation of any subsequent Liquidity Provider; and, provided, further, that any Purchase Obligation of a subsequent Liquidity Provider with respect to the Purchased VRDP Shares shall be on parity with the Purchase Obligation of such Liquidity Provider with respect to all other Outstanding VRDP Shares.

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SECTION 7.03.

Payment Obligations.

 

The Liquidity Provider shall promptly pay or cause to be paid all amounts payable by it under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement according to the terms thereof.  The obligation of the Liquidity Provider under the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement shall be unconditional and irrevocable in accordance with the provisions thereof, without regard to, without limitation, any failure of the representations, warranties, agreements or performance of the Tender and Paying Agent set forth therein or of the Fund set forth or incorporated by reference in this Agreement or in any Related Documents.

 

SECTION 7.04.

Compliance With Law.

 

The Liquidity Provider shall comply with all laws, ordinances, orders, rules and regulations that may be applicable to it if the failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on the Liquidity Provider’s ability to perform when due the Purchase Obligation or its other obligations under the Related Documents.

 

SECTION 7.05.

Maintenance of Approvals: Filings, Etc.

 

The Liquidity Provider shall at all times maintain in effect, renew and comply with all the terms and conditions of all consents, filings, licenses, approvals and authorizations as may be necessary under any applicable law or regulation for its execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Related Documents.

 

SECTION 7.06.

No Amendment Without Consent of the Fund.

 

Without the prior written consent of the Fund, the Liquidity Provider will not agree or consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or repeal of the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement, nor waive any provision thereof.

 

SECTION 7.07.

Additional Information.

 

The Liquidity Provider will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Fund:

 

(a) as promptly as practicable after the preparation thereof, each publicly available financial statement prepared with respect to the Liquidity Provider, which delivery shall be deemed to have been made upon electronic availability to the public of any such document;

 

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable upon the request of the Fund, any Remarketing Materials required of the Liquidity Provider pursuant to Section 2.03(b); and

 

(c) as promptly as practicable after the purchase of VRDP Shares pursuant to a Failed Remarketing Condition or the sale of such Purchased VRDP Shares, written notice thereof (which notice shall also be provided to the Remarketing Agent in the case of any such sale other than through a Remarketing), specifying, as applicable, the commencement or conclusion of the Failed Remarketing Condition, the date of purchase or sale and number of VRDP Shares purchased or sold;

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provided, however, that any failure of the Liquidity Provider to deliver any of the foregoing notices shall not relieve the Fund of its obligation to adjust the Applicable Rate to the Maximum Rate and to pay any amounts due on the Purchased VRDP Shares.

 

If at any time the Liquidity Provider’s bank holding company is not furnishing information to the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in order to preserve the exemption for resales and transfers under Rule 144A, the Liquidity Provider shall furnish, or cause to be furnished, to Holders and Beneficial Owners of VRDP Shares and prospective purchasers of VRDP Shares, upon request, information with respect to the Liquidity Provider satisfying the requirements of subsection (d)(4) of Rule 144A.

 

SECTION 7.08.

Obligation to Execute Related Documents.

 

The Liquidity Provider shall execute each of the Related Documents to which it is a party if, on the Closing Date, to the extent (a) such Related Documents have been delivered to the Liquidity Provider (i) in the forms attached hereto as Exhibit E or (ii) with such changes as agreed to by the Liquidity Provider in its sole discretion in good faith and (b) the conditions specified in Sections 3.01 have been satisfied.

 

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 8.01.

Notices.

 

All notices, requests and other communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopy, electronic mail or similar writing), except in the case of notices and other communications permitted to be given by telephone, and shall be given to such party at its address or telecopy number or email address set forth below or such other address or telecopy number or email address as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties.  Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by mail, upon receipt, or (ii) if given by any other means, when delivered at the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the Liquidity Provider under Section 6.01 shall not be effective until received in writing; except as otherwise specified, notices under Section 6.01 may be given by telephone to the Liquidity Provider at the telephone numbers listed below (or such other telephone numbers as may be designated by the Liquidity Provider, by written notice to the Fund, to receive such notice), immediately confirmed in writing, including by fax or electronic mail.  The notice address for each party is specified below:

 

BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc.

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Attention: Accounting Custody

Telephone: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Telecopy: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Email: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇

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One Bryant Park

1111 Avenue of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇^▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇

Attention:  ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇

Telephone:  (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ / (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Telecopy:  (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇

Email:  ▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇; ▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇;

Account with bank:

BANK OF AMERICA, NEW YORK

ABA:  ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇

FOR:  BANK OF AMERICA CHARLOTTE GLOBAL DERIVATIVE SETTLEMENTS

Acct #:  6550219386

Ref:  BlackRock VRDP Transactions

SECTION 8.02.

No Waivers.

 

 

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SECTION 8.03.

Expenses and Indemnification.

 

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Each party further agrees that it will not, without the prior written consent of the other party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Person is an actual or potential party to such claim, action, suit or proceeding) unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of each other Indemnified Person from all liability and obligations arising therefrom.  The Fund further agrees that neither the Liquidity Provider, nor any of its affiliates, nor any directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, representatives or control persons of the Liquidity Provider or any of its affiliates shall have any liability to the Fund arising out of or in connection with the proposed transactions giving rise to or contemplated by this Agreement except for such liability for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses to the extent they have resulted from the Liquidity Provider’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.  No party shall be responsible or liable to the other party or any other person for consequential, special or punitive damages which may be alleged as a result of this Agreement.

 

 

SECTION 8.04.

Amendments and Waivers.

 

Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by the Fund and the Liquidity Provider.

 

SECTION 8.05.

Successors and Assigns.

 

The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  Neither party hereto may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party.  Any assignment without such prior written consent shall be void.

 

SECTION 8.06.

Term of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 8.07.

Governing Law.

 

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles that would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY SUBMIT TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL AND NEW YORK STATE COURTS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DISPUTE RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

SECTION 8.08.

Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

The Fund and the Liquidity Provider hereby waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties hereto against the other on any matters whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement.

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SECTION 8.09.

Counterparts.

 

This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

 

SECTION 8.10.

Beneficiaries.

 

This Agreement is not intended and shall not be construed to confer upon any Person other than the parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns any rights or remedies hereunder.

 

SECTION 8.11.

Entire Agreement.

 

This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the matters set forth herein and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

SECTION 8.12.

Inconsistency Between Documents.

 

In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Articles Supplementary, including with respect to the taking of any action or the consent required for any such action, this Agreement shall govern.

 

SECTION 8.13.

Regulatory Matters.

 

Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that it shall not be a condition precedent to the Purchase Obligation that any seller of VRDP Shares demonstrate or account for any loss.

 

SECTION 8.14.

Nonpetition Covenant.

 

Notwithstanding any prior termination of this Agreement, Bank of America, N.A., solely in its capacity as Liquidity Provider, hereby covenants and agrees that it shall not, prior to the date which is one year and one day after the redemption and the payment in full of the VRDP Shares and all accumulated dividends, petition or otherwise invoke the process of any court or government authority for the purpose of commencing a case against the Fund under any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of the Fund or any substantial part of the property of the Fund; provided, however, that nothing in this provision shall preclude, or be deemed to stop, the Liquidity Provider from taking any action prior to the expiration of the aforementioned one year and one day period in (x) any case or proceeding voluntarily filed or commenced by the Fund, (y) any involuntary insolvency proceeding filed or commenced against the Fund by a Person other than the Liquidity Provider, or (z) with respect to its rights or preferences as a Beneficial Owner or Holder of VRDP Shares.

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SECTION 8.15.

Confidentiality.

 

All information, whether oral, written, via computer disk or electronic media or otherwise, to which it is given access or is made available to it by the other party (including by such other party’s agents and representatives) in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Related Document is referred to as “Confidential Information”.  Confidential Information shall include, without limitation, all technology,  processes, trade secrets, contracts, proprietary information, portfolio information, historical and projected financial information, operating data and organizational cost structures, strategic or management plans, customer information and customer lists, whether received before or after the date hereof.  Confidential Information shall also include information of or relating to any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of a party.

 

Each party agrees to hold all Confidential Information in confidence, that it will not disclose any Confidential Information to any person, other than directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives (including those of a legal nature) (collectively, the “Representatives”) who have a need to know such information in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Related Document (the “Transactions”), and that it will not use any such Confidential Information for purposes other than in connection with the Transactions.  For the avoidance of doubt, any Ratings Agency rating the VRDP Shares at the request of the Fund shall not be deemed to be a Representative for purposes of this Section 8.15 and will not be subject to the obligations of this Section 8.15.  Each party agrees to inform its Representatives of the confidential and valuable nature of the Confidential Information and of its obligations under this Section 8.15.  Each party shall be responsible and liable for any breach of this Section 8.15 by its Representatives.  Each party agrees to use reasonable care and implement reasonable controls, but in all events at least the same degree of care and controls that it uses to protect its own confidential and proprietary information of similar importance, to prevent the unauthorized use, disclosure or availability of Confidential Information.

 

It is understood and agreed that no information shall be within the protection of this Section 8.15 where such information: (a) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of either party or its Representatives, (b) is authorized to be released by the disclosing party, (c) is rightly obtained from a third party, who, to the receiving party’s knowledge, is not under obligation of confidentiality, (d) is required to be disclosed as a matter of law or legal process or (e) is made available to any regulatory body.  Furthermore, the obligations of confidentiality set out in this Section 8.15 shall not extend to Confidential Information that is disclosed to Holders or Beneficial Owners or potential Holders or Beneficial Owners, in each case in their capacity as such, in the Remarketing Memorandum or the Remarketing Materials, in notices to Holders or Beneficial Owners pursuant to one or more of the Related Documents or pursuant to the Fund’s or the Liquidity Provider’s informational obligations under Rule 144A(d)(4) or other reporting obligation of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

In the event that either party to this Agreement or any of its Representatives become legally compelled (by deposition, interrogatory, request for documents, subpoena, regulatory request or demand, civil investigative demand or similar process ("Legal Process")) to disclose any of the Confidential Information, such party may disclose such Confidential Information to the extent legally required; provided, however, that the Liquidity Provider shall, to the extent permitted by law, rule and regulation and reasonably practicable, notify the Fund prior to such disclosure by the Liquidity Provider so that the Fund may seek, at the Fund's expense, a protective order or other appropriate remedy; provided, further, that the Liquidity Provider will have no liability to the Fund for failure to provide such notice.  In the absence of such protective order, other remedy or waiver by the Fund, the Liquidity Provider may disclose such Confidential Information to the extent legally required.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, either party and its affiliates may disclose Confidential Information, without notice to the other party, to any governmental agency, regulatory authority or self-regulatory authority (including, without limitation, bank and securities examiners) having or claiming to have authority to regulate or oversee any aspect of the party's business or that of its affiliates in connection with the exercise of such authority or claimed authority.  Nothing herein shall require a party to fail to honor any Legal Process on a timely basis.

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In the event that this Agreement is terminated, or at any time upon request, each party agrees to return promptly or destroy all copies of the Confidential Information without retaining any copies thereof and to destroy all copies of any analyses, compilations, studies or other documents prepared by it or for its use containing or reflecting any Confidential Information.  Provided however each party will be permitted to retain all or any portion or the Confidential Information to comply with its governing laws, regulations or internal policies.  Such Confidential Information shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Section 8.15.

 

Inasmuch as any breach of this Section 8.15 may result in immediate and irreparable injury, it is recognized and agreed that each party shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, in addition to all other remedies available at law.  Further, all obligations, rights and remedies hereunder shall survive any return or destruction of the Confidential Information and any termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that all obligations, rights and remedies hereunder shall survive the termination of this Agreement and remain in full force and effect for one (1) year after the termination of this Agreement.

 

It is further understood and agreed that no failure or delay by either party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Section 8.15 shall operate as a waiver hereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege under this Section 8.15.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

	BLACKROCK MUNIHOLDINGS NEW YORK QUALITY FUND, INC.
	By:	/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
		Name:  ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
		Title:  Vice President
	BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
	By:	/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
		Name:   ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
		Title:  Authorized Signatory

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SCHEDULE I

 

Description of VRDP Shares:	2,436 Series W-7 Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares, par value $0.10 per share, with a liquidation preference of $100,000 per share.
Initial Remarketing Agent:	▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lynch, Pierce, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇ Incorporated

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SCHEDULE II

 

LITIGATION

 

[On File]

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORMS OF OPINIONS OF COUNSEL FOR THE FUND

AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

[On File]

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EXHIBIT B

 

FORMS OF OPINIONS OF COUNSEL FOR THE LIQUIDITY PROVIDER

AND THE REMARKETING AGENT

[On File]

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EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR

THE TENDER AND PAYING AGENT

[On File]

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EXHIBIT D

ELIGIBLE ASSETS

On the Closing Date and at all times thereafter that the VRDP Shares Purchase Agreement is outstanding:

 

1.	All assets in the Fund consist of “Eligible Assets”, defined to consist only of the following as of the time of investment:

 

A.

Debt obligations

 

i.

Debt obligations issued by a State, the District of Columbia or political subdivision thereof, including, but not limited to, limited obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and obligations that satisfy the requirements of Section 142(b)(1) of the Code issued by or on behalf of one or more States, or any public agency or authority of any State, or political subdivision of a State.

 

ii.

Debt obligations issued by a U.S. Territory or political subdivision thereof, including limited obligation bonds, revenue bonds, and obligations that satisfy the requirements of section 142(b)(1) of the Code issued by or on behalf of one or more U.S. Territories, or any public agency or authority of any U.S. Territory, or political subdivision of a U.S. Territory, which are rated in one of the four highest rating categories (“investment grade”) by two or more NRSROs, or by one NRSRO if rated by only one NRSRO, or by one NRSRO, in the case of debt obligations that are Defeased Securities, or are determined by the Investment Adviser in good faith application of its internal credit rating standards to be the credit equivalent of investment grade.

 

iii.

Debt obligations of the United States.

 

iv.

Debt obligations issued, insured, or guaranteed by a department or an agency of the U.S. Government, if the obligation, insurance, or guarantee commits the full faith and credit of the United States for the repayment of the obligation.

 

v.

Debt obligations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority guaranteed by the Secretary of Transportation under Section 9 of the National Capital Transportation Act of 1969.

 

vi.

Debt obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks.

 

vii.

Debt obligations, participations or other instruments of or issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Government National Mortgage Association.

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viii.

Debt obligations which are or ever have been sold by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation pursuant to sections 305 or 306 of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act.

 

ix.

Debt obligations of any agency named in 12 U.S.C. § 24(Seventh) as eligible to issue obligations that a national bank may underwrite, deal in, purchase and sell for the bank’s own account, including qualified Canadian government obligations.

 

x.

Debt obligations of issuers other than those specified in (i) through (ix) above that are rated in one of the three highest rating categories by two or more NRSROs, or by one NRSRO if the security has been rated by only one NRSRO and that are “marketable.”  For these purposes, an obligation is “marketable” if:

 

•

it is registered under the Securities Act;

 

•

it is offered and sold pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 144A; 17 CFR 230.144A; or

 

•

it can be sold with reasonable promptness at a price that corresponds reasonably to its fair value.

 

xi.

Certificates or other securities evidencing ownership interests in a municipal bond trust structure (generally referred to as a tender option bond structure) that invests in (a) debt obligations of the types described in (i) or (ii) above or (b) depository receipts reflecting ownership interests in accounts holding debt obligations of the types described in (i) or (ii) above which with respect to both “a” and “b” are rated, or credit enhanced by a third party that is rated, in one of the three highest rating categories by two or more NRSROs, or by one NRSRO if such debt obligations or depository receipts or third party credit enhancement providers have been rated by only one NRSRO.

 

An asset shall not lose its status as an Eligible Asset solely by virtue of the fact that:

 

•

it provides for repayment of principal and interest in any form including fixed and floating rate, zero interest, capital appreciation, discount, leases, and payment in kind; or

 

•

it is for long-term or short-term financing purposes.

 

B.

Derivatives

 

i.

Interest rate derivatives;

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ii.

Swaps, futures, forwards, structured noted, options and swaptions related to Eligible Assets or on an index related to Eligible Assets; or

 

iii.

Credit default swaps.

 

C.

Other Assets

 

i.

Shares of other investment companies (open- or closed-end funds and ETFs) that invest at least 80% of their assets in debt obligations rated at least "BBB-" and "Baa3", so long as such investments in the aggregate do not constitute more than 5% of the Fund's Managed Assets as of the time of investment.

 

ii.

Cash.

 

iii.

Repurchase agreements on assets described in A above.

 

iv.

Taxable fixed-income securities, for the purpose of acquiring control of an issuer whose municipal bonds (a) the Fund already owns and (b) have deteriorated or are expected shortly to deteriorate that such investment should enable the Fund to better maximize its existing investment in such issuer, provided that the Fund may invest no more than 0.5% of its Managed Assets in such securities.

 

D.

Other assets, upon written agreement of the Liquidity Provider that such assets are eligible for purchase by the Fund.

 

2.

The Investment Adviser will provide the following information at the Closing Date (for purposes of the information to be provided at the Closing Date, such information shall be as of a date no earlier than two days prior to the Closing Date), and within 10 days after the end of every calendar quarter thereafter for every debt security in the fund:

 

i.

The identity of each portfolio holding (including the name of the issuer and obligor and the security and CUSIP Number);

 

ii.

The par value for each portfolio holding; and

 

iii.

The identity of any portfolio holding that is in payment default.

 

3.

The Fund will purchase Eligible Assets (primarily Municipal Securities) for its portfolio based upon the Investment Adviser’s assessment of an asset’s relative value in terms of current yield, price, credit quality, and future prospects; and will monitor the continued creditworthiness of its portfolio investments and analyze economic, political and demographic trends affecting the markets for such assets.

 

4.	The Investment Adviser has instituted policies and procedures that it believes are sufficient to ensure that the Fund and it comply with the representations, warranties and covenants contained in this subsection of the Agreement.

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5.

The Fund will, upon request, provide the Liquidity Provider and its internal and external auditors and inspectors as the Liquidity Provider may from time to time designate, with all reasonable assistance and access to information and records of the Fund relevant to the Fund’s compliance with and performance of the representations, warranties and covenants terms of this subsection of the Agreement, but only for the purposes of internal and external audit.

 

6.	No Eligible Asset described in Paragraph 1(A) above that is held by the Fund was in payment default at the time of it was acquired by the Fund.

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EXHIBIT E

 

FORM OF RELATED DOCUMENTS

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EXHIBIT E-1

 

FORM OF VRDP SHARES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

[See Exhibit 99.4]

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EXHIBIT E-2

 

FORM OF VRDP SHARES REMARKETING AGREEMENT

 

[See Exhibit 99.11]

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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇-▇

 

FORM OF TENDER AND PAYING AGENT AGREEMENT

 

[On File]

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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇-▇

FORM OF PLACEMENT AGREEMENT

 

[On File]

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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇-▇

 

FORM OF ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY

 

[On File]

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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇-▇

 

FORM OF VRDP SHARES

 

[On File]

 

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