<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934
For the quarterly period ended: August 2, 1997
------------------------------------------------
Commission File Number: 0-17586
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STAPLES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 04-2896127
- ------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
One Research Drive, Westborough, MA 01581
----------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office and zip code)
508-370-8500
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
The registrant had 163,778,780 shares of Common Stock, par value $.0006,
outstanding as of August 29, 1997.
<PAGE> 2
FORM 10-Q
STAPLES, INC.
AUGUST 2, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
Page
----
Consolidated Balance Sheets ........................................ 3
Consolidated Statements of Income .................................. 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .............................. 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......................... 6-7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations .......................... 8-12
Part II ............................................................ 13-14
Signature .......................................................... 15
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STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<CAPTION>
August 2,
1997 February 1,
(Unaudited) 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................... $ 99,170 $ 98,143
Short-term investments ......................................... 2,169 7,986
Merchandise inventories ........................................ 1,012,623 813,661
Receivables, net ............................................... 173,812 167,072
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ...................... 68,395 64,486
---------- ----------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS ....................................... 1,356,169 1,151,348
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land and buildings ............................................ 91,446 73,070
Leasehold improvements ........................................ 265,907 231,604
Equipment ..................................................... 226,375 197,258
Furniture and fixtures ........................................ 146,603 111,967
---------- ----------
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT ............................... 730,331 613,899
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization ................ 221,696 171,042
---------- ----------
NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT ................................. 508,635 442,857
OTHER ASSETS:
Lease acquisition costs, net of amortization .................. 45,071 42,552
Investment in affiliates ...................................... 0 40,542
Goodwill, net of amortization ................................. 140,526 81,306
Other ......................................................... 37,691 29,147
---------- ----------
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS ......................................... 223,288 193,547
---------- ----------
$2,088,092 $1,787,752
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable .............................................. $ 549,731 $ 421,051
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities ................ 204,542 174,284
Debt maturing within one year ................................. 40,799 7,220
---------- ----------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES .................................. 795,072 602,555
LONG-TERM DEBT ...................................................... 159,696 91,342
OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS ......................................... 35,422 32,169
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES .............................................. 300,000 300,000
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value-authorized
5,000,000 shares; no shares issued ............................ 0 0
Common stock, $.0006 par value-authorized
500,000,000 shares; issued
163,640,376 shares at August 2, 1997 and
162,277,375 shares at February 1, 1997 ........................ 100 98
Additional paid-in capital .................................... 525,409 508,868
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments ........... (3,842) (128)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on short-term investments .............. 7 11
Retained earnings ............................................. 276,392 253,183
Less: 39,433 shares of treasury stock, at cost ................ (346) (346)
Minority interest ............................................. 182 0
---------- ----------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ................................. 797,902 761,686
---------- ----------
$2,088,092 $1,787,752
========== ==========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 26 Weeks Ended
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
August 2, August 3, August 2, August 3,
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales .......................................... $ 1,061,867 $ 808,056 $ 2,216,861 $ 1,724,856
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs ......... 806,355 616,985 1,692,594 1,325,212
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
GROSS PROFIT ............................... 255,512 191,071 524,267 399,644
Operating expenses:
Operating and selling ........................ 168,364 125,401 353,158 272,098
Pre-opening .................................. 2,316 3,302 5,178 5,090
General and administrative ................... 44,596 28,851 80,608 59,480
Amortization of goodwill ..................... 1,049 576 1,621 1,136
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES ................... 216,325 158,130 440,565 337,804
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
OPERATING INCOME ........................... 39,187 32,941 83,702 61,840
Other income (expense):
Interest and other expense, net .............. (6,217) (5,165) (10,436) (9,193)
Merger-related costs ......................... (9,103) 0 (29,665) 0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) ............... (15,320) (5,165) (40,101) (9,193)
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN LOSS OF
AFFILIATES AND INCOME TAXES .............. 23,867 27,776 43,601 52,647
Equity in gain/(loss) of affiliates ............ 0 (4,028) (5,953) (7,742)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ................. 23,867 23,748 37,648 44,905
Income tax expense ............................. 9,120 9,143 14,495 17,288
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST ........ 14,747 14,605 23,153 27,617
Minority interest .......................... 56 0 56 0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME ................................. $ 14,803 $ 14,605 $ 23,209 $ 27,617
============ ============ ============ ============
Net income per common share .................... $ 0.09 $ 0.09 $ 0.14 $ 0.17
============ ============ ============ ============
Number of shares used in computing net
income per common share .................... 168,688,530 166,407,289 168,427,454 165,922,915
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
26 Weeks Ended
---------------------------------
August 2, August 3,
1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income ................................................................. $ 23,209 $ 27,617
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/
(used in) operating activities:
Minority interest ....................................................... (56) 0
Depreciation and amortization ........................................... 42,086 34,093
Equity in loss of affiliates ............................................ 5,953 7,742
Net increase in deferred tax assets ..................................... (10,665) (19,712)
(Increase)/decrease in assets:
Merchandise inventories ............................................... (140,973) (119,763)
Receivables ........................................................... 2,835 (68,637)
Prepaid expenses and other assets ..................................... (1,171) (8,359)
Increase in accounts payable, accrued
expenses and other current liabilities ................................ 130,784 107,648
Increase in other long-term obligations ................................. 3,418 5,378
--------- ---------
32,211 (61,610)
--------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ........................ 55,420 (33,993)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property and equipment ...................................... (77,219) (94,599)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments ............... 5,817 10,144
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired ............................ (77,808) 0
Investment in affiliates ................................................... (1,606) (11,887)
Acquisition of lease rights ................................................ (2,402) (3,922)
Other ...................................................................... 1,910 1,578
--------- ---------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ...................................... (151,308) (98,686)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of capital stock ........................................ 11,563 10,726
Proceeds from borrowings ................................................... 762,698 112,496
Payments on borrowings ..................................................... (676,619) (43,480)
--------- ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES .................................. 97,642 79,742
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash .................................... (727) (3)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ........................... 1,027 (52,940)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ............................... 98,143 98,130
--------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD ..................................... $ 99,170 $ 45,190
========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
- --------------------------------
The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Staples, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). All
intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the
instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do
not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, such interim statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position
and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements
should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements
and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April
25, 1997 for the year ended February 1, 1997.
Note 2 - Computation of Earnings Per Share
- ------------------------------------------
Average common and common equivalent shares used in computing earnings per share
include approximately 5,535,000 and 6,554,000 shares for the quarters ended
August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996, respectively, as a result of applying the
treasury stock method to outstanding stock options.
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
128, "Earnings per Share" ("Statement 128"), which must be adopted in the fourth
quarter ending January 31, 1998. At that time, the Company will change the
method currently used to compute earnings per share and restate all prior
periods. Under the new requirements for calculating primary earnings per share,
the dilutive effect of stock options will be excluded. The impact of Statement
128 on the calculation of primary and fully diluted earnings per share for the
second quarter ending August 2, 1997 and August 3, 1996 is not expected to be
material.
Note 3 - Acquisitions
- ---------------------
On May 6, 1997 and May 7, 1997, the Company acquired from Kingfisher PLC its
interests in Staples UK and MAXI-Papier-Markt-GmbH ("Maxi"). As a result of the
acquisitions, the Company's ownership interest of Staples UK increased to 100%
and its ownership of Maxi increased to approximately 93%. Staples UK and Maxi
operate a chain of office products superstores in the UK and Germany,
respectively. The cash purchase price of approximately $57 million was generated
through additional borrowings under the Company's existing revolving credit and
term loan facility. The transactions were accounted for in accordance with the
purchase method of accounting and accordingly, the results of operations of
Staples UK and Maxi have been included in the Company's consolidated financial
statements from May 6, 1997 and May 7, 1997, respectively. Unaudited pro forma
net income and earnings per share presents the combined results of operations as
if the acquisitions happened as of the beginning of fiscal year 1997 and
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1996. Unaudited pro forma net income is $19,548,000 and earnings per share is
$0.12 and $22,884,000 and $0.14 for the six months ended August 2, 1997 and
August 3, 1996, respectively. The excess of the purchase price has been recorded
as goodwill and is being amortized on a straight line basis over 40 years.
Note 4 - Recent Developments
- ----------------------------
On July 2, 1997, after an unfavorable ruling by the United States District
Court, Staples announced that it had terminated its Agreement and Plan of Merger
with Office Depot, Inc. ("Office Depot").
The Company charged to expense in the three and six months ended August 2, 1997,
merger costs of $9,103,000 and $29,665,000, respectively. These costs relate
primarily to legal, accounting, transaction related costs, such as filing fees,
and consulting fees incurred in connection with the proposed merger with Office
Depot. Excluding the merger costs, earnings per share would have been $0.12 and
$0.25 for the three and six months ended August 2, 1997, respectively.
Note 5 - Subsequent Event
- -------------------------
On August 12, 1997, the Company issued $200,000,000 of senior notes (the
"Notes") maturing on August 15, 2007 with an interest rate of 7.125% payable
semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year commencing on February
15, 1998. The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Company
and are not redeemable by the Company prior to their stated maturity.
Note 6 - New Accounting Pronouncements
- --------------------------------------
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("Statement 130") and Statement No. 131,
"Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("Statement
131") effective fiscal year 1998. Statement 130 requires comprehensive income
items recorded in stockholders' equity to be shown in a separate financial
statement. Statement 131 supersedes FASB Statement No. 14, "Financial Reporting
for Segments of a Business Enterprise". It establishes standards for the way
that public companies report selected information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires that those companies report selected
information about segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders.
The Company has not determined the effects, if any, that Statement 130 and
Statement 131 will have on the consolidated financial statements.
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STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
SALES. Sales increased 31% to $1,061,867,000 in the quarter ended August 2, 1997
from $808,056,000 in the quarter ended August 3, 1996 and increased 29% to
$2,216,861,000 for the six months ended August 2, 1997 compared to
$1,724,856,000 for the six months ended August 3, 1996. This growth is
attributable to an increase in the number of open stores, increased sales in
existing stores and in the delivery and contract stationer segments, and the
consolidation of the sales of Staples UK and Maxi. Comparable store and delivery
hub sales for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 increased 11% over the quarter
ended August 3, 1996, and increased 10% for the six months ended August 2, 1997
versus the six months ended August 3, 1996. Comparable sales in the contract
stationer segment increased 14% for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 versus the
quarter ended August 3, 1996 and increased 13% for the six months ended August
2, 1997 versus the six months ended August 3, 1996. The Company had 682 stores
open as of August 2, 1997 compared to 511 stores as of August 3, 1996 and 557
stores open as of February 1, 1997; this total includes 27 stores opened during
the three months ended August 2, 1997 and 70 stores opened and one store closed
during the six months ended August 2, 1997; 56 stores were acquired in the UK
and Germany as a result of the acquisitions of Staples UK and Maxi,
respectively, in the three months ended August 2, 1997.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.1% and 23.6% for the
three and six months ended August 2, 1997 as compared to 23.6% and 23.2% for the
same periods in the prior year. The increase in gross profit rate for the three
and six months ended August 2, 1997 was primarily due to improved margins in the
retail and delivery business segments due to lower product costs from vendors as
a result of increased purchase discounts and changes in product mix as well as
the leveraging of distribution center and delivery costs over a larger sales
base. This was partially offset by decreases in the margin rates in the retail
store segment, due to price reductions as well as an increase in the sales of
computer CPU's (which generate a lower margin rate than other categories) from
6.1% and 7.3% of sales to 6.3% and 7.4% of sales for the three and six months
ended August 3, 1996 and August 2, 1997, respectively.
OPERATING AND SELLING EXPENSES. Operating and selling expenses, which consist of
payroll, advertising and other store operating costs, increased as a percentage
of sales in the three and six months ended August 2, 1997 to 15.9%, as compared
to 15.5% and 15.8% for the same periods in the prior year. The increase is
primarily due to the acquisitions of Staples UK and Maxi, which have higher
costs as a percentage of sales, as well as increased store labor and costs
incurred for the Company's store remodel program in which significant
investments have been made in store layouts and signing to improve shopability
and to enhance customer service. This increase was partially offset by increased
leveraging of fixed store payroll expenses and other fixed store operating costs
as store sales have increased.
Staples UK and Maxi store expenses are higher as a result of their earlier stage
of development. While most store expenses vary proportionately with sales, there
is a fixed cost component. Because new stores typically generate lower sales
than the Company average, the fixed cost component results in higher store
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operating and selling expenses as a percentage of sales in these stores during
their start-up period. During periods when new store openings as a percentage of
the base are higher, store operating and selling expenses as a percentage of
sales may increase. In addition, as the store base matures, the fixed cost
component of operating expenses is leveraged over an increased level of sales,
resulting in a decrease in store operating and selling expenses as a percentage
of sales.
PRE-OPENING EXPENSES. Pre-opening expenses relating to new store openings, which
consist primarily of salaries, supplies, marketing and occupancy costs, are
expensed by the Company as incurred and therefore fluctuate from period to
period depending on the timing and number of new store openings. Pre-opening
expenses averaged $86,000 and $74,000 per store for the three and six months
ended August 2, 1997, respectively, as compared to $85,000 and $74,000 per store
for the same periods in the prior year.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. General and administrative expenses for the
three and six months ended August 2, 1997 increased as a percentage of sales to
4.2% and 3.6%, respectively, as compared to 3.6% and 3.4% for the same periods
in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the acquisitions of
Staples UK and Maxi, which have higher costs as a percentage of sales; as their
store base matures overhead expenses should decrease as a percentage of sales.
This was partially offset by the Company's ability to increase sales without
proportionately increasing overhead expenses in its core retail business. In
addition, the Company has made investments in the Company's information systems
staffing and infrastructure, which the Company believes will reduce costs as a
percentage of sales in future years.
INTEREST AND OTHER EXPENSE, NET. Net interest and other expense for the three
and six months ended August 2, 1997 was $6,217,000 and $10,436,000 as compared
to $5,165,000 and $9,193,000 for the same periods in the prior year. The
interest expense relates primarily to increased borrowings which funded the
increase in store inventories related to new store openings, expanded product
assortment, and improvements in in-stock levels; the acquisition of fixed assets
for new stores opened and remodeled; and continued investments in the
information systems and distribution center infrastructure.
MERGER-RELATED COSTS. The Company charged to expense in the three and six months
ended August 2, 1997 certain non-recurring costs consisting primarily of legal,
accounting, transaction related costs, such as filing fees, and consulting fees
incurred in connection with the proposed merger with Office Depot, Inc.
EQUITY IN LOSS OF AFFILIATES. The Company's equity in loss of affiliates was
$5,953,000 for the six months ended August 2, 1997 as compared to $4,028,000 and
$7,742,000 for the three and six months ended August 3, 1996. The Company
recorded no equity in loss of affiliates for the three months ended August 2,
1997. This is due to the acquisition of Staples UK and Maxi on May 6, 1997 and
May 7, 1997, in which the Company acquired from Kingfisher PLC its interests in
the two European joint ventures. As a result of the acquisitions, the Company's
ownership interest of Staples UK increased to 100% and its ownership of Maxi
increased to approximately 93%. The transactions were accounted for as purchases
and the consolidated results of these entities are reflected in the Company's
financial statements for the three months ended August 2, 1997. Prior to the
acquisitions, Staples UK and Maxi were accounted for under the equity method
which resulted in the Company's share of losses from operations being included
in Equity in Loss of Affiliates. As of August 2, 1997, Staples UK and Maxi
operated 40 and 16 stores, respectively.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------
During the six months ended August 2, 1997, cash and cash equivalents increased
by $1,027,000. The principal sources of cash consisted of cash provided by
financing activities of $97,642,000, which primarily represents an increase in
the borrowings under the existing revolving credit and term loan facility and
cash provided by operations of $55,420,000. The borrowings were primarily for
the acquisitions of Staples UK and Maxi for a total of $57,000,000 on May 6 and
7, 1997, respectively. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses
financed the increase in merchandise inventory related to new store openings and
expanded product assortments, while the remaining cash was generated from
operations. This was offset by cash used in investing activities of
$151,308,000, which includes capital expenditures of $77,219,000 primarily
incurred in connection with the opening of 70 new stores and cash used in the
acquisition of Staples UK and Maxi, net of cash acquired, of $77,808,000.
The Company expects to open approximately 60 stores in the last two quarters of
fiscal 1997. Management estimates that the Company's cash requirements,
including pre-opening expenses, leasehold improvements and fixtures (net of
store inventory financed under vendor trade terms), will be approximately
$1,400,000 for each new store (excluding the cost of any acquisitions of lease
rights). Accordingly, the Company expects to use in excess of $84,000,000 for
store openings during this period. In addition, the Company plans to continue to
make investments in information systems, distribution centers and store remodels
to improve operational efficiencies and customer service, and may expend
additional funds to acquire businesses or lease rights from tenants occupying
retail space that is suitable for a Staples store. The Company expects to meet
these cash requirements through a combination of available cash, operating cash
flow and borrowings from its existing revolving line of credit.
The Company issued $200,000,000 of senior notes (the "Notes") on August 12, 1997
with an interest rate of 7.125% payable semi-annually on February 15 and August
15 of each year commencing on February 15, 1998. Net proceeds of approximately
$198,000,000 from the sale of the Company's Notes will be used for repayment of
indebtedness under the Company's revolving credit agreement and for general
working capital purposes, including the financing of new store openings,
distribution facilities and corporate offices.
The Company also maintains a revolving credit facility, effective through July
2001, with a syndicate of banks which provides up to $350,000,000 of borrowings.
This agreement, among other conditions, contains certain restrictive covenants
including net worth maintenance, minimum interest coverage and limitations on
indebtedness, sales of assets, and dividends. As of August 2, 1997, borrowings
pursuant to the revolving credit facility totaled $149,895,000. Total cash,
short-term investments and available revolving credit amounts totaled
$337,400,000 as of August 2, 1997.
The Company expects that its current cash and cash equivalents and funds
available under its revolving credit and term loan facility will be sufficient
to fund its planned store openings and other recurring operational cash needs
for the next twelve to eighteen months. The Company is continually evaluating
financing possibilities, and it may seek to raise additional funds through any
one or a combination of public or private debt or equity-related offerings,
dependent upon market conditions, or through additional commercial bank debt
arrangements.
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FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
- ------------------------
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains a number of forward-looking
statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the
Company's results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the
following:
The Company operates in a highly competitive marketplace, in which it competes
with a variety of retailers, dealers and distributors. The Company competes in
most of its geographic markets with other high-volume office supply chains that
are similar in concept to the Company in terms of store format, pricing strategy
and product selection, such as Office Depot and OfficeMax. The Company also
competes with independent dealers, contract stationers, mail order stationers,
warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers, consumer electronics retailers, computer
superstores and manufacturers, and other discount retailers. Some of the
Company's current and potential competitors in the office products industry are
larger than the Company and have substantially greater financial resources. No
assurance can be given that competition will not have an adverse effect on the
Company's business.
An important part of the Company's business plan is an aggressive store growth
strategy. The Company opened 115 stores in the United States and Canada in
fiscal 1996 and plans to open approximately 130 new stores in fiscal 1997. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify and lease
favorable store sites, hire and train employees, and adapt its management and
operational systems to the extent necessary to fulfill its expansion plans. The
failure to open new stores in accordance with its growth plans could have a
material adverse impact on the Company's future sales and profits. Moreover, the
Company's expansion strategy is based in part on the continued addition of new
stores to its store network in existing markets to take advantage of economies
of scale in marketing, distribution and supervision costs; however, this can
result in the "cannibalization" of sales of existing stores. In addition, there
can be no assurance that the new stores opened by the Company will achieve sales
or profit levels commensurate with those of the Company's existing stores.
The Company has experienced and may experience in the future fluctuations in its
quarterly operating results. Moreover, there can be no assurance that Staples
will continue to realize the earnings growth experienced over recent years, or
that earnings in any particular quarter will not fall short of either a prior
fiscal quarter or investors' expectations. Factors such as the number of new
store openings (pre-opening expenses are expensed as incurred, and newer stores
are less profitable than mature stores), the extent to which new stores
"cannibalize" sales of existing stores, the mix of products sold, pricing
actions of competitors, the level of advertising and promotional expenses,
seasonality, and one-time charges associated with acquisitions or other events
could contribute to this quarterly variability. In addition, the Company's
expense levels are based in part on expectations of future sales levels, and a
shortfall in expected sales could therefore result in a disproportionate
decrease in the Company's net income.
The Company's business, including sales, number of stores and number of
employees, has grown dramatically over the past several years. In addition, the
Company has consummated a number of significant acquisitions in the last few
years, and may make additional acquisitions in the future. This internal growth,
together with the acquisitions made by the Company, have placed significant
demand on the management and operational systems of the Company. To manage its
growth effectively, the Company will be required to continue to upgrade its
operational and financial systems, expand its management team and increase and
manage its employee base.
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The Company has a presence in international markets through its recently
acquired joint ventures in Germany and the United Kingdom, and may seek to
expand into other international markets in the future. The Company's operations
in foreign markets are subject to risks similar to those affecting its North
American stores, in addition to a number of risks inherent in foreign
operations, including local customs and competitive conditions, and foreign
currency fluctuations. Staples' foreign operations are currently unprofitable,
and there can be no assurance that they will become profitable.
The Company currently expects that its current cash and cash equivalents and
funds available under its revolving credit and term loan facility will be
sufficient to fund its planned store openings and other operating cash needs for
the next twelve to eighteen months. However, there can be no assurance that the
Company will not require additional sources of financing prior to such time, as
a result of unanticipated cash needs or opportunities, an expanded growth
strategy or disappointing operating results. There also can be no assurance that
the additional funds required by the Company, whether within the next eighteen
months or thereafter, will be available to the Company on satisfactory terms.
Page 12
<PAGE> 13
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
Items 1-3, 5 - Not applicable.
- ------------------------------
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------
At the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting") held on June 18,
1997, the following matters were acted upon by the stockholders of the Company:
1. The approval of the issuance of shares of Common Stock, $.0006 per
share, of the Company (the "Common Stock"), pursuant to the Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of September 4, 1996, as amended on January
17, 1997 and May 27, 1997 (as amended, the "Merger Agreement"), among
the Company, Marlin Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Marlin"), and Office Depot,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Office Depot"), pursuant to which, among
other things, (a) Marlin would be merged with and into Office Depot,
which would be the surviving corporation, and Office Depot would become
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and (b) each outstanding share
of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Office Depot would be
converted into the right to receive 1.14 shares of Common Stock.
2. The approval of an amendment to the Company's 1992 Equity Incentive
Plan increasing the number of shares issuable thereunder from
21,600,000 to 39,000,000.
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the
Special Meeting was 162,084,342. The results of the voting on each of the
matters presented to the stockholders at the Special Meeting are presented
below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares of Common Stock Represented By
-----------------------------------------------
Votes Votes Broker
Matter For Against Abstentions Non-Votes
------ ----------- ------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1. Approval of Issuance
of Common Stock
pursuant to the Merger
Agreement 124,036,485 823,114 421,266 N/A
2. Approval of Amendment
to 1992 Equity Incentive
Plan 84,118,027 40,514,025 648,813 N/A
</TABLE>
A description of the matters voted on by the stockholders is contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, which is on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Page 13
<PAGE> 14
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
- ------------------------------------------
A. Exhibits
10.1 Indentures dated as of August 12, 1997 between Staples, Inc. and
The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee, regarding Senior Debt
Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities.
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
B. Reports on Form 8-K.
The Company filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the fiscal
quarter ended August 2, 1997.
1. Report on Form 8-K dated May 27, 1997, reporting Amendment No. 2 dated
as of May 27, 1997 to Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 4,
1996 by and among Staples, Inc., Marlin Acquisition Corp., and Office
Depot, Inc.
2. Report on Form 8-K dated June 26, 1997, reporting June 26, 1997
agreement between Staples, Inc. and Office Depot, Inc. that neither
party would exercise its right to terminate the Agreement and Plan of
Merger prior to July 15, 1997 without written consent of the other
party.
3. Report on Form 8-K dated July 2, 1997, reporting the Termination
Agreement between Staples, Inc. and Office Depot, Inc.
Page 14
<PAGE> 15
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: September 12, 1997 /s/ John J. Mahoney
------------------ ------------------------------
John J. Mahoney
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Page 15
<PAGE> 1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAPLES, INC.
TO
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
Trustee
--------------
INDENTURE
Dated as of August 12, 1997
--------------
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
Staples, Inc.
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO SECTIONS 310 THROUGH 318,
INCLUSIVE, OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:
TRUST INDENTURE
ACT SECTION INDENTURE SECTION
sec. 310(a)(1) .................................. 609
(a)(2) .................................. 609
(a)(3) .................................. Not Applicable
(a)(4) .................................. Not Applicable
(b) .................................. 608
610
sec. 311(a) .................................. 613
(b) .................................. 613
sec. 312(a) .................................. 701
702
(b) .................................. 702
(c) .................................. 702
sec. 313(a) .................................. 703
(b) .................................. 703
(c) .................................. 703
(d) .................................. 703
sec. 314(a) .................................. 704
(a)(4) .................................. 101
1004
(b) .................................. Not Applicable
(c)(1) .................................. 102
(c)(2) .................................. 102
(c)(3) .................................. Not Applicable
(d) .................................. Not Applicable
(e) .................................. 102
sec. 315(a) .................................. 601
(b) .................................. 602
(c) .................................. 601
(d) .................................. 601
(e) .................................. 514
sec. 316(a) .................................. 101
(a)(1)(A) .................................. 502
512
(a)(1)(B) ................................. 513
(a)(2) .................................. Not Applicable
(b) .................................. 508
(c) .................................. 104
sec. 317(a)(1) ................................. 503
(a)(2) .................................. 504
(b) .................................. 1003
sec. 318(a) .................................. 107
- -------------------
NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a
part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----------
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY.........................................1
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.......................................1
Act.......................................................2
Affiliate, control........................................2
Attributable Value........................................2
Authenticating Agent......................................2
Board of Directors........................................2
Board Resolution..........................................2
Business Day..............................................2
Commission................................................3
Company...................................................3
Company Request...........................................3
Company Order.............................................3
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets..........................3
Corporate Trust Office....................................3
corporation...............................................3
Covenant Defeasance.......................................3
Defaulted Interest........................................3
Defeasance................................................3
Depositary................................................3
Event of Default..........................................3
Exchange Act..............................................3
Expiration Date...........................................4
Global Security...........................................4
Holder....................................................4
Indebtedness..............................................4
Indenture.................................................4
interest..................................................4
Interest Payment Date.....................................4
Investment Company Act....................................4
Lien......................................................4
Maturity..................................................4
Net Available Proceeds....................................5
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 4
PAGE
----
Notice of Default.........................................5
Officers' Certificate.....................................5
Opinion of Counsel........................................5
Original Issue Discount Security..........................5
Outstanding...............................................6
Paying Agent..............................................7
Person....................................................7
Place of Payment..........................................7
Predecessor Security......................................7
Principal Property........................................7
Principal Subsidiary......................................7
Redemption Date...........................................7
Redemption Price..........................................7
Regular Record Date.......................................7
Responsible Officer.......................................7
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction...........................8
Securities................................................8
Securities Act............................................8
Security Register and Security Registrar..................8
Special Record Date.......................................8
Stated Maturity...........................................8
Subsidiary................................................8
Trust Indenture Act.......................................8
Trustee...................................................8
U.S. Government Obligation................................9
Vice President............................................9
Voting Stock .............................................9
Wholly Owned .............................................9
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions..............9
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee............9
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates....................10
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company............12
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver........................13
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act................13
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.........13
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns...........................13
SECTION 110. Separability Clause..............................14
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture............................14
SECTION 112. Governing Law....................................14
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 5
PAGE
----
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays...................................14
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally..................................14
SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.........................15
SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security......................17
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.............22
SECTION 205. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication..22
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.............22
SECTION 302. Denominations....................................25
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating...25
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.............................27
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and
Exchange.........................................27
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and
Stolen Securities................................29
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved...30
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners............................31
SECTION 309. Cancellation.....................................31
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest..........................32
SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers....................................32
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture..........32
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.......................33
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default................................33
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and
Annulment .......................................35
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee...........................36
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.................37
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession
of Securities....................................38
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected...................38
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits..............................38
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive
Principal, Premium and Interest..................39
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies...............39
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 6
PAGE
----
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative...................39
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.....................40
SECTION 512. Control by Holders...............................40
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults..........................40
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs............................41
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws..........41
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities..............41
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults...............................42
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee........................42
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Securities.......................................43
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities..............................43
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust..............................44
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement...................44
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests............................44
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility..........45
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment
of Successor.....................................45
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...........46
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or
Succession to Business...........................48
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against
Company .........................................48
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent..............48
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
Addresses of Holders.............................50
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications
to Holders.......................................50
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee...............................51
SECTION 704. Reports by Company...............................51
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on
Certain Terms....................................51
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted............................52
SECTION 803. Subsidiary Guarantees............................53
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 7
PAGE
----
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of
Holders ........................................53
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of
Holders.........................................54
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures............55
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures...............55
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.............56
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures .....................................56
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest......56
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.................56
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to be Held
in Trust .......................................57
SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.............58
SECTION 1005. Existence.......................................58
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.......................58
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims...............59
SECTION 1008. Limitation on Liens.............................59
SECTION 1009. Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions....................................60
SECTION 1010. Waiver of Certain Covenants.....................61
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article........................62
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee...........62
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be
Redeemed .......................................62
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption............................63
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.....................64
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date...........64
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.....................64
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article........................65
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments
with Securities.................................65
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.......65
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 8
PAGE
----
SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance.............................66
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge........................66
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.............................67
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance .....................................67
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government
Obligations to be Held in Trust;
Miscellaneous Provisions........................69
SECTION 1306. Reinstatement...................................70
- -------------------
NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 9
INDENTURE, dated as of August 12, 1997, between STAPLES, INC., a corporation
duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein
called the "Company"), having its principal office at One Research Drive,
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a banking
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York,
as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture
to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes
or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), to be
issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities
by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate
benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided
or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them
in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;
(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture
Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to
them therein;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings
assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally
accepted
<PAGE> 10
accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted
hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at
the date of such computation;
(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article"
or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this
Indenture; and
(5) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or other subdivision.
"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in
Section 104.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "con"
when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Person which is a registered investment advisor
or an Affiliate thereof and which owns 15% or less of the outstanding voting
stock of the Company will not be deemed to control the Company.
"Attributable Value" in respect of any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
means, as of the time of determination, the lesser of (i) the sale price of the
Principal Property so leased multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is
the remaining portion of the base term of the lease included in such Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction and the denominator of which is the base term of such
lease, and (ii) the total obligation (discounted to present value at the highest
rate of interest specified by the terms of any series of Securities then
Outstanding compounded semi-annually) of the lessee for rental payments (other
than amounts required to be paid on account of property taxes as well as
maintenance, repairs, insurance, water rates and other items which do not
constitute payments for property rights) during the remaining portion of the
base term of the lease included in such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.
"Authenticating Agent" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant
to Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one
or more series.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or
any duly authorized committee of that board.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board
of
<PAGE> 11
Directors (or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors) and to be
in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the
Trustee.
"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which
banking institutions in that Place of Payment or the Federal Reserve Banks are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time
constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the
execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the
duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body
performing such duties at such time.
"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of
this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean
such successor Person.
"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed
in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of
the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant
Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the
Trustee.
"Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of the Company means the aggregate amount
of assets (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items) after
deducting therefrom (a) all current liabilities (excluding any indebtedness for
money borrowed having a maturity of less than 12 months from the date of the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company but which by its terms is
renewable or extendable beyond 12 months from such date at the option of the
borrower) and (b) all goodwill, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount
and expense and any other like intangibles, all as set forth on the most recent
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and computed in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
"Corporate Trust Officer" means the principal office of the Trustee in The
City of New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business
shall be administered.
"Corporation" means a corporation, limited liability company, association,
company, partnership, joint-stock company or business trust.
"Convenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1303.
"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.
-3-
<PAGE> 12
"Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1302.
"Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for
such Securities as contemplated by Section 301.
"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute
successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 104.
"Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the
Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 204 (or such
legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities).
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the
Security Register.
"Indebtedness" of any Person means (without duplication), with respect to
any Person, (i) every obligation of such Person for money borrowed, (ii) every
obligation of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar
instruments, (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to
letters of credit, bankers' acceptances or similar facilities issued for the
account of such Person and (iv) every obligation of the type referred to in
clauses (i) through (iii) of another Person the payment of which such Person has
guaranteed or is responsible or liable for, directly or indirectly, as obligor,
guarantor or otherwise (but only, in the case of clause (iv), to the extent such
Person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable for such obligations).
"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from
time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental
hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for
all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern
this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term
"Indenture" shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities
established as contemplated by Section 301.
"interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security
which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable
after Maturity.
"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the
Stated Maturity of an instalment of interest on such Security.
"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any
-4-
<PAGE> 13
statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Lien" means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed
of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, lien,
encumbrance, or other security arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on
or with respect to such property or assets (including any conditional sale or
other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as
any of the foregoing).
"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which
the principal of such Security or an instalment of principal becomes due and
payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Net Available Proceeds" from any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction by any
Person means cash or readily marketable cash equivalents received (including by
way of sale or discounting of a note, installment receivable or other
receivable, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of
assumption by the acquiree of Indebtedness or obligations relating to the
properties or assets that are the subject of such Sale and Lease-Back
Transaction or received in any other noncash form) therefrom by such Person, net
of (i) all legal, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees
and expenses incurred and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local
taxes required to be accrued as a liability as a consequence of such Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction; (ii) all payments made by such Person or its
Subsidiaries on any Indebtedness which is secured in whole or in part by any
such properties and assets in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or with
respect to any such properties and assets or which must, by the terms of such
Lien, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Sale and Lease-Back
Transaction or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Sale
and Lease-Back Transaction; and (iii) all distributions and other payments made
to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries of such Person or joint ventures as
a result of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for
purposes of clause (ii) of Section 1009 hereof the amount of Net Available
Proceeds to be applied to any acquisition of Principal Properties or retirement
of Securities or other Indebtedness shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
sum of (A) an amount equal to the redemption price with respect to such
Securities delivered within 180 days after the effective date of such Sales and
Lease-Back Transaction to the Trustee for retirement and cancellation and (B)
the principal amount, plus any premium or fee paid in connection with a
redemption in accordance with the terms, of such other Indebtedness voluntarily
retired by the Company within such 180-day period, excluding in each case
retirements pursuant to mandatory sinking fund or prepayment provisions and
payments at maturity.
"Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in
Section 501(4) or 501(5).
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
Board, a
-5-
<PAGE> 14
Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by the
Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of
the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an
Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal
executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
"Option of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel
for the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an
amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date
of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture, except:
(1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee
or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;
(2) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary
amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent
(other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the
Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of
such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice
of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision
therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to
Section 1302; and
(4) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange
for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered
pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which
there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that
such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such
Securities are valid obligations of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue
Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of
the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon
acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B)
if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the
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<PAGE> 15
Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such
Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as
specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount
of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units
which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent,
determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section
301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security
described in Clause (A) or (B) above, of the amount determined as provided in
such Clause), and (D) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon
the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, only
Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may
be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that
the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.
"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the
Company.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series,
means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on
the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by
Section 301.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the
same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
"Principal Property" means any real property or any permanent improvement
thereon owned by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries including, without
limitation, any office, store, warehouse, manufacturing facility or plant or any
portion thereof, and any equipment located at or comprising a part of any such
property, having a net book value, as of the date of determination, in excess of
1% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets of the Company.
"Principal Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary which owns any Principal
Property.
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"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date
on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as
contemplated by Section 301.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer of the Trustee with direct responsibility for the administration of this
Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter,
any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" of any Person means an arrangement with
any lender or investor or to which such lender or investor is a party providing
for the leasing by such Person of any Principal Property that, more than 12
months after (i) the completion of the acquisition, construction, development or
improvement of such Principal Property or (ii) the placing in operation of such
Principal Property or of such Principal Property as so constructed, developed or
improved, has been or is being sold, conveyed, transferred or otherwise disposed
of by such Person to such lender or investor or to any Person to whom funds have
been or are to be advanced by such lender on the security of such Principal
Property. The term of such arrangement, as of any date (the "measurement date"),
shall end on the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under
such arrangement on or prior to the first date after the measurement date on
which such arrangement may be terminated by the lessee, at its sole option,
without payment of a penalty.
"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture
and more particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under
this Indenture.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor
thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Security Register" and Security Registrar have the respective meanings
specified in Section 305.
"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date
fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
"State Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any instalment
of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such
Security as the
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fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such instalment of
principal or interest is due and payable.
"Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting
stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or a Person or
by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company or that Person, or by the
Company or a Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company or that
Person. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times
or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of
any contingency.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at
the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in
the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust
Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of
this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or
include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is
more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of
any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
"U.S. Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 1304.
"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee,
means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or
words added before or after the title "vice president".
"Voting Stock" means, with respect to any corporation, securities of any
class or classes, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of
contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or
Persons performing similar functions) of such corporation.
"Wholly Owned" means, when used in connection with any Subsidiary, a
Subsidiary of which all of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock
(except shares required as directors' qualifying shares) are owned by the
Company and/or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions
Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any
action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust
Indenture Act. Each such
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certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an Officers' Certificate,
if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an Opinion of Counsel, if to be
given by counsel, and shall comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture
Act and any other requirements set forth in this Indenture.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or
covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in
Section 1004) shall include,
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion
has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating
thereto;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made
such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an
informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been
complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual,
such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, insofar as
it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the
information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the
Company, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or opinion or
representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
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<PAGE> 19
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken
by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this
Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and
the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or
writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a
certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take
acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument
or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by
a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such
certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his
authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing,
or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any
other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the
same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of
transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of
anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in
reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such
Security.
The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining
the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or
take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken
by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a
record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with
respect to, the giving or making of
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<PAGE> 20
any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph.
If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding
Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders,
shall be entitled to take the relevant action, whether or not such Holders
remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be
effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date
by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such
series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to
prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a
record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the
record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person
be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed
to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal
amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action
is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the
Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the
proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the
Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in
the manner set forth in Section 106.
The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining
the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the
giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of
acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute
proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in
Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any
record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding
Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be
entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or
not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such
action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable
Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding
Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall
be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any
action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this
paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with
no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders
of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant
series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set
pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause
notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable
Expiration Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of
Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party
hereto which sets such record date may designate any day as the "Expiration
Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or
later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the
proposed new Expiration Date is
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given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Securities of
the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106, on or prior to the
existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect
to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto which set such
record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after
such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its
right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th
day after the applicable record date.
Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any
action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to
all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly
appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with
regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be
made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for
every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or
with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trustee
Administration Department.
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for
every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in
writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to
it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of
this instrument to the attention of the Chief Financial Officer, with a copy
to be sent to Staples, Inc., 100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701,
Attention: General Counsel, or at any other address previously furnished in
writing to the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected
by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later
than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any),
prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is
given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any
notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the
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<PAGE> 22
sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture
provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the
Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and
such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders
shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition
precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of
any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such
notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute
a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act
If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of
the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and
govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of
this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act
which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to
apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its
successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 110. Separability Clause
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall
give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder
and the Holders,
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<PAGE> 23
any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this
Indenture.
SECTION 112. Governing Law
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated
Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment,
then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities
(other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such
provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal
(and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date,
but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment
with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or
Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity.
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth
in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to
a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each
case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other
variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such
letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or
endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any
securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by
action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of
such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company
Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such
Securities.
The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on
steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined
by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of
such Securities.
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<PAGE> 24
SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security
[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations
thereunder.]
STAPLES, INC.
.............................................................
No. ......... $ ........
Staples, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person
under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby
promises to pay to ..............................................., or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ......................................
Dollars on ........................................... [if the Security is to
bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- , and to pay interest thereon from
............. or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest
has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on ............ and
............ in each year, commencing ........., at the rate of ....% per annum,
until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [if applicable,
insert -- , provided that any principal and premium, and any such instalment of
interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of ...% per annum (to
the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from
the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for
payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand]. The interest so payable,
and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as
provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business
on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the ....... or
....... (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such
Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided
for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date
and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special
Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the
Company, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series
not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time
in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and
upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided
in said Indenture].
[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The
principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a
default in payment of principal
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<PAGE> 25
upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the
overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of
....% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be
legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or
made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall
be payable on demand. [Any such interest on overdue principal or premium which
is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of ......% per annum (to
the extent that the payment of such interest on interest shall be legally
enforceable), from the date of such demand until the amount so demanded is paid
or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue interest shall be payable
on demand.]]
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert
- -- any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of
the Company maintained for that purpose in ............, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert -- ;
provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be
made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such
address shall appear in the Security Register].
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.
Dated:
STAPLES, INC.
By......................................
Attest:
..............................
SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
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<PAGE> 26
(herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series
under an Indenture, dated as of ............... , 1997 (herein called the
"Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
(herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under
the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of
the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder
of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms
upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This
Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [if applicable,
insert -- , limited in aggregate principal amount to $...........].
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to
redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert --
(1) on ........... in any year commencing with the year ...... and ending with
the year ...... through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a
Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if
applicable, insert -- on or after .........., ....], as a whole or in part, at
the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as
percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on
or before ..............., ...%, and if REDEEMED] during the 12-month period
beginning ............. of the years indicated,
Year Redemption Year Redemption
- ---- Price ---- Price
---------- -----------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to .....% of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether
through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to
the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or
prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities,
or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the
relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the
Indenture.]
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to
redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on ............ in
any year commencing with the year .... and ending with the year .... through
operation of the sinking fund
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<PAGE> 27
for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the
sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the
table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert -- on or after
............], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the
Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking
fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table
below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning ............ of the
years indicated,
Year Redemption Price Redemption Price For
- ---- For Redemption Redemption Otherwise
Through Operation Than Through Operation
of the of the Sinking Fund
Sinking Fund ----------------------
-----------------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to .....% of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the
sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but
interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption
Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more
Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant
Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]
[If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may
not, prior to ............., redeem any Securities of this series as
contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph
as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application,
directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the
Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of
less than .....% per annum.]
[If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the
redemption on ............ in each year beginning with the year ....... and
ending with the year ...... of [if applicable, insert -- not less than
$.......... ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $......... aggregate
principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series
acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable,
insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent
[if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to
be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they
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become due].]
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series do not provide for
any sinking fund payments.]
[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the
event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities
of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be
issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]
[If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or] [certain
restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in
each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]
[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an
Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be
continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due
and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Upon
payment (i) of the principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on
any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's
obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and
interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]
[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an
Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be
continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the
amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable
and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each
case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally
enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the
principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series
shall terminate.]
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of principal amount of the
Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture
also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in
principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on
behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by
the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past
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defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver
by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder
and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the
registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof,
whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of
this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect
to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any
other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the
Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the
Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written
request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of
Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee
shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with
such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 90
days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing
shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the
enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon
on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of
the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest
on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency,
herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or
agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and
interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the
Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly
authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series
and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $....... and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount
of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized
denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or
exchange,
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but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or
other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
The Indenture and this Security shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities
evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A
SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE
THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
SECTION 205. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication
The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the
following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
As Trustee
By.......................
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Authorized Officer
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be
established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303,
set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or
established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance
of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the
Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the
series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except
for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of,
or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to
Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which,
pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and
delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be
payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular
Record Date for such interest;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series
is payable;
(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear
interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue,
the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the
Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date;
(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest
on any Securities of the series shall be payable;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed,
in
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whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board
Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the
Securities shall be evidenced;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any
Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions
or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which,
the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any
Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part,
pursuant to such obligation;
(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,
the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(10) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any
Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or
pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(11) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the
currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any
premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the
manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United
States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of
"Outstanding" in Section 101;
(12) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the
series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof,
in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which
such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency
units in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities
as to which such election is made shall be payable, the periods within which
and the terms and conditions upon which such election is to be made and the
amount so payable (or the manner in which such amount shall be determined;
(13) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the
principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;
(14) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any
Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates
prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the
principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose
thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be
due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which
shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity
(or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the
principal amount shall be determined);
(15) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any
specified part,
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shall not be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section 1303 or both such
Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any
election by the Company to defease such Securities shall be evidenced;
(16) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such
case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any
legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition
to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 204 and any circumstances in
addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph
of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or
in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in
whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than
the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;
(17) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any
Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the
requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof
due and payable pursuant to Section 502;
(18) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten
which applies to Securities of the series;
(19) any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities;
and
(20) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent
with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as
to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the
Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or
determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to
above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant
to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
SECTION 302. Denominations
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form
without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as
contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination
with respect to the
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Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of
the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President, one of its Vice
Presidents, its Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, under its corporate seal
reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be
manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who
were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this
Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance
with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the
form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or
pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301,
in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities
under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be
entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in
relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,
(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to
Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to
Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions
specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally
binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
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If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be
required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities
pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner
which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding
paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one
time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers' Certificate otherwise
required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel
otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the
authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered
at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security
of such series to be issued.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein
executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any
Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security
has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder
but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such
Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all
purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been
authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company
may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed
or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the
tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with
such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as
the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause
definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay.
After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of
such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the
office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without
charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more
temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and
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the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more
definitive Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of
like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary
Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other
office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes
collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such
reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the
registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby
appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and
transfers of Securities as herein provided.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at
the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the
name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of
the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate
principal amount.
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for
other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like
tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be
exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered
for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to
receive.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for
exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed,
or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or
his attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange
of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges
pursuant to Section 304,
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906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are
to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register
the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and
specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any
such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of
or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except
the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.
The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to
Global Securities:
(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be
registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security
or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or
custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single
Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global
Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and
no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the
name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a
nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that
it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security
or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
(B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with
respect to such Global Security or (C) there shall exist such circumstances,
if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for
this purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other
Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in
exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in
such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.
(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer
of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion
thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 906 or 1107 or
otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be,
a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person
other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
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SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a
new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and
bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to
their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii)
such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and
any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the
Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security
of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number
not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or
is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead
of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may
require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the
extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or
payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved
Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to
any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid
to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
for such interest.
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Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein
called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder
on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and
such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each
case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the
Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special
Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed
in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of
the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of
such series, the date of the proposed payment and the Special Record Date,
and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of
money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such
Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee
for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when
deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. The Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest shall be not more than 15 days
and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not
less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the
proposed payment. The Trustee , in the name and at the expense of the
Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted
Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of
Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor
having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons
in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such
Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following
Clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the
Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with
the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be
listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after
notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant
to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the
Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered
under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in
lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and
unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
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SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security
for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and
(subject to Section 307) any interest on such Security and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.
SECTION 309. Cancellation
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer
or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered
to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be
promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder
which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to
the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company
has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly
cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in
exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as
expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the
Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary
procedures unless otherwise directed by a Company Order.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities
of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers
The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices
of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may
state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers
either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a
redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification
numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected
by any defect in or omission of such numbers.
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ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with
respect to any series of Securities (except as to any surviving rights of
registration of transfer or exchange of such series of Securities herein
expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall
execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture as to such series of Securities, when
(1) either
(A) all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered
(other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and
which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii)
Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been
deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and
thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided
in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one
year, or
(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the
purpose money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of such
deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to
the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
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(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable
hereunder by the Company; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided
for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been
complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of
the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall
have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of
this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last
paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and
applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and
interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default
"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any
series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such
Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected
by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or
any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body),
unless such event is either inapplicable to that particular series of Securities
or has been specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental
indenture or Board Resolution creating such series of Securities:
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series
when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period
of 30 days; or
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(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any
Security of that series at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by
the terms of a Security of that series; or
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of
the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in
whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically
dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for
the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance
of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given,
by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the
Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such
default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice
is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(5) a default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company (including a default with
respect to Securities of any series other than that series) or under any
mortgage, indenture or instrument (including this Indenture) under which there
may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness
for money borrowed by the Company, whether such indebtedness now exists or
shall hereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in indebtedness
in an amount in excess of U.S. $25,000,000 becoming declared due and payable
prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable,
without such indebtedness having been discharged, or such acceleration having
been rescinded or annulled, within a period of 30 days after there shall have
been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or
to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice
specifying such default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness
to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled, and
stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; provided,
however, that, subject to the provisions of Sections 601 and 602, the Trustee
shall not be deemed to have knowledge of such default unless either (A) a
Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge of such default
or (B) the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the
Company, from any Holder, from the holder of any such indebtedness or from the
trustee under any such mortgage, indenture or other instrument; or
(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree
or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the
Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition
seeking reorganization,
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arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under
any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver,
liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the
Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up
or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order
for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a
period of 60 consecutive days; or
(7) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under
any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a
bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order
for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding
under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency
case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or
consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State
law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment
of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any
substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to
pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action
by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that
series.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section
501(6) or 501(7)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time
Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the
Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of that series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that
series (or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount
Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be
specified by the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice
in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any
such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become
immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6)
or 501 (7) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding
occurs, the principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any
Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion
of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms
thereof) shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the
part of the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.
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At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for
payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this
Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the
Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to
pay
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that
series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed
therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon
overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such
Securities, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section
607;
and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other
than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have
become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or
waived as provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee
The Company covenants that if
(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such
interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30
days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any,
on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders
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of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on Securities of such
series for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent that
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue
principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates
prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of
the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee
under Section 607.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and
is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce
its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such
appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to
protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any
covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other
obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall
be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to
take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to
have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In
particular, the Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or
other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the
same; and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator
or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized
by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to
pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however,
that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a
trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or
other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may
be
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prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the
Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any
such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as
trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision
for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to
the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the
Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied
in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case
of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or
interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the
payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607;
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of
and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the
benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or
priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such
Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively; and
THIRD: Any remaining amounts shall be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute
any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for
the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder,
unless
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to
institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as
Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with
such
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request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and
offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to
the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such
Holders.
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and
Interest
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307)
interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such
Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall
not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any
right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or
to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in
such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section
306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to
the Holders is
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intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and
remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to
every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law
or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy
hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or
employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to
exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any
such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to
the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often
as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may
be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of
such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with
this Indenture or involve the Trustee in personal liability or be unjustly
prejudicial to the Holders of Securities of such series not taking part in
such direction, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which
is not inconsistent with such direction.
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the
Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such
series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium
or interest on any Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding
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Security of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture,
or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by
it as Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an
undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such
party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture
Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be
deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an
assessment in any suit instituted by the Trustee or any Holder or group of
Holders holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the
outstanding Securities of a series to which the suit relates or in any suit
initiated by a Holder for the enforcement of the payment of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Securities then due and payable.
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it
will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or
take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever
enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants
or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law
and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any
power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of
every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the
Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this
Indenture shall
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require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder,
or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable
grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against
such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein
expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct
or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be
subject to the provisions of this Section.
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the
Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such
default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided,
however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section
501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders
shall be given until at least 90 days after the occurrence thereof and provided
further that, except in the case of any defaults of the character specified in
clauses (1), (2) and (3) of Section 501, the Trustee may refrain from giving any
notice of default to the Holders of Securities if the Trustee in good faith
considers it in the interests of such Holders to so refrain. For the purpose of
this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or
lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to
Securities of such series.
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee
Subject to the provisions of Section 601:
(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note,
other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any
resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a
Board Resolution;
(3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem
it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering
or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein
specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely
upon an Officers' Certificate;
(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such
counsel
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or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder
in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights
or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of
the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered
to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request
or direction;
(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts
or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture,
note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the
Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation
into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall
determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled
to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by
agent or attorney;
(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform
any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and
the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the
part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(8) the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any default (as
defined in Section 602) or any Event of Default with respect to the Securities
of any series unless either (a) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall
have actual knowledge of such default or Event of Default or (b) written
notice of such default or Event of Default shall have been given to the
Trustee by the Company or any other obligor on such securities or by any
Holder of such Securities; and
(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or
omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the
discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's
certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company,
and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor
any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the
Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
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SECTION 605. May Hold Securities
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security
Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections
608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would
have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security
Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no
liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise
agreed in writing with the Company.
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement
The Company agrees
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all
services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by
any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee
upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances
incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this
Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense,
disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith;
and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss,
liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the
trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests
If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the
meaning of the
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Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign,
to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of,
the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act,
the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of
being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one
series.
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SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility
There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for
Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is
eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, has a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office
in The City of New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at
least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or
examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent
permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such
Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in
its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee
with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in
the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor
Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable
requirements of Section 611.
The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or
more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument
of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been
delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series.
The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any
series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the
Company.
If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request
therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a
Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail
to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder,
or
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(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a
bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be
appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or
of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or
liquidation,
then, in any such case, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months
may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court
of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all
Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if
a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to
the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall
promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities
of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may
be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series
and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the
Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable
requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal
or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series
delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance
with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the
successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or
the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least
six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series.
The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of
Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice
shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to
all
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Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge
and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting
such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring
Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further
act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts
and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the
successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges,
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the
rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to
the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring
Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more
series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each
successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such
provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to
vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the
retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which
the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee
is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as
shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers,
trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that
or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue
to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the
provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such
Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from
any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon
the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided
therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series
to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of
the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those
series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any
and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to
such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the
first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
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No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such
acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this
Article.
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with.
which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated,
but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect
as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against
the Company (or any such other obligor).
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to
one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of
the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue
and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or
pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to
the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is
made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the
Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be
deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be
acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and
subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such
Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition
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at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or
examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital
and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined
capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so
published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall
resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an
Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible
under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate
the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of
resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of such
appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of Securities
of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve. Any
successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder
shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor
hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent.
No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the
provisions of this Section.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time
reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to
this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in
addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative
certificate of authentication in the following form:
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This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
As Trustee
By......................,
As Authenticating Agent
By......................,
Authorized Officer
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
(1) semi-annually, not later than January 1 and July 1 in each year, a list,
in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses
of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the preceding December 15 or
June 15, as the case may be, and
(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30
days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar
form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such
list is furnished;
provided, however, that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Security
Registrar for Securities of any series, no such list need be furnished with
respect to the Securities of such series.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, the
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names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to
the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders
received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may
destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a
new list so furnished.
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to
their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding
rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust
Indenture Act.
Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with
the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any
agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of
information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee
and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust
Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to
Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any
Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company
will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.
SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to
Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries
thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and
in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information,
documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within
15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
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The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to any Person (other than to one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the
Company), and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or
merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person
or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which
the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer,
or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an
entirety shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or
trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall
expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered
to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual
payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities
and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the
part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any
indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a
result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such
Subsidiary at the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event
which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of
Default, shall have happened and be continuing;
(3) if, as a result of any such consolidation or merger or such conveyance,
transfer or lease, properties or assets of the Company would become subject to
a mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance which would
not be permitted by this Indenture, the Company or such successor Person, as
the case may be, shall take such steps as shall be necessary effectively to
secure the Securities equally and ratably with (or prior to) all indebtedness
secured thereby; and
(4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance,
transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection
with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article
and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such
transaction have been complied with.
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into,
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any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section
801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company
is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed
to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the
Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person
had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a
lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants
under this Indenture and the Securities.
SECTION 803. Subsidiary Guarantees.
If the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, to one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company, then the
Company shall (a) cause such Wholly Owned Subsidiary or Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a
supplemental indenture, which supplemental indenture shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which such Wholly
Owned Subsidiary or Wholly Owned Subsidiaries shall unconditionally guarantee
all of the Company's payment obligations under this Indenture and the Securities
on the terms set forth in such supplemental indenture, and which guarantee shall
provide that (i) if one or more of such Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, thereafter conveys, transfers
or leases properties and assets which, if owned by the Company, would constitute
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis), such conveyance, transfer or
lease shall be deemed to be a conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety for purposes of (x)
Section 801 (if such conveyance, transfer or lease is to any Person other than
one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company) or (y) Section 803 (if
such conveyance, transfer or lease is solely to one or more Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries of the Company) and (ii) such guarantee shall be released and
discharged in full if and when all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Voting Stock of the Wholly Owned Subsidiary are sold, directly or indirectly, by
the Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company to any Person
(other than the Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company), (b)
deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee that such supplemental indenture has been duly executed and delivered by
each subsidiary guarantor, and (c) comply, and cause such Wholly Owned
Subsidiary to comply, with any applicable securities laws.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
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SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board
Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into
one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the
assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in
the Securities; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of
all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the
benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are
expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to
surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders
of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default
are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that
such additional Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the
benefit of such series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such
extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of
Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and
with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of
Securities in uncertificated form; or
(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture
in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such
addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of
any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and
entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the
Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become
effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to secure the Securities pursuant to the requirements of Section 1008 or
otherwise; or
(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted
by Sections 201 and 301; or
(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to
add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary
to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by
more than one Trustee,
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pursuant to the requirements of Section 611; or
(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to
make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under
this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (9) shall
not, as evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel, adversely affect the interests of
the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect.
Upon Company Request, accompanied by a Board Resolution authorizing the
execution of any such supplemental indenture, and subject to and upon receipt by
the Trustee of the documents described in Section 903 hereof, the Trustee shall
join with the Company in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized
or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained.
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the
Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of
each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any instalment of
principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount
thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue
Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502,
or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of a Holder of any
Security, or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment
of any sinking fund or analogous obligation, or change any Place of Payment
where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or,
in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such
supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any
waiver (of
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compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults
hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section
1010, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other
provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent
of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided,
however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any
Holder with respect to changes in the references to "the Trustee" and
concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1010, or the deletion of this
proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(8).
A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other
provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the
benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the
rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant
or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this
Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in
addition to the documents required by Section 102, an Opinion of Counsel stating
that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by
this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any
such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this
Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
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Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform
to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of
any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required
by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium
and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of
the Securities and this Indenture.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of
Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented
or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered
for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or
upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture
may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the
location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices
or
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agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or
surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such
designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in
any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency
in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The
Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation
or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or
agency.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to
any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal
of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate
and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum
sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due
until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to
act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of
Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium
or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum
sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust
Indenture Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will
promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other
than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which
such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of
this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the
continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the
Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the
Securities of that series, or any Event of Default, upon the written request of
the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying
Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction
and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company
Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by
the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the
same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such
Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such
Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such
money.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by
the
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Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest
on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such
principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the
Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged
from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an
unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and
all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust
money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon
cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being
required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to
be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily
published on each Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and
that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from
the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining
will be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers'
Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof
the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of
grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be
in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of
which they may have knowledge.
SECTION 1005. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights
(charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of
Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable
in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its
business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good
condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment
and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may
be necessary so that the business
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carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted
at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the
Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such
properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable
in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before
the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental
charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income,
profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims
for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien
upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability
or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
SECTION 1008. Limitation on Liens.
The Company will not, and will not permit any Principal Subsidiary to,
create or suffer to exist any Lien to secure any Indebtedness of the Company or
any Subsidiary upon any Principal Property, or upon shares of capital stock or
evidences of Indebtedness issued by any Principal Subsidiary and owned by the
Company or any Principal Subsidiary, whether owned at the date of this Indenture
or thereafter acquired, without making, or causing such Principal Subsidiary to
make, effective provision to secure all of the Securities from time to time
Outstanding by such Lien, equally and ratably with any and all other
Indebtedness thereby secured, so long as such Indebtedness shall be so secured.
The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Indebtedness secured by Liens
existing on the date of this Indenture or to any of the following:
(1) Liens on any property existing at the time of the acquisition thereof;
(2) Liens on property of a corporation existing at the time such corporation
is merged into, consolidated with or acquired by the Company or a Principal
Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the
properties of such corporation (or a division thereof) as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety to the Company or a Principal Subsidiary,
provided that such Lien as a result of such merger, consolidation,
acquisition, sale, lease or other disposition is not extended to property
owned by the Company or such Principal Subsidiary immediately prior thereto;
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(3) Liens on property of a corporation existing at the time such corporation
becomes a Principal Subsidiary;
(4) Liens securing Indebtedness of a Principal Subsidiary to the Company or
to another Principal Subsidiary;
(5) Liens to secure all or part of the cost of acquisition, construction,
development or improvement of the underlying property, or to secure
Indebtedness incurred to provide funds for any such purpose (including
purchase money security interest or money mortgage on real or personal
property), provided that the commitment of the creditor to extend the credit
secured by any such Liens shall have been obtained not later than twenty-four
months after the later of (a) the completion of the acquisition, construction,
development or improvement of such property or (b) the placing in operation of
such property or of such property as so construed, developed or improved;
(6) Liens on any property created, assumed or otherwise brought into
existence in contemplation of the sale or other disposition of the underlying
property, whether directly or indirectly, by way of share disposition or
otherwise; provided that the Company must have disposed of such property
within 180 days from the creation of such Liens and any Indebtedness secured
by such Liens shall be without recourse to the Company or any Subsidiary;
(7) Liens in favor of the United States of America or any State thereof, or
any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, to
secure partial, progress, advance or other payments;
(8) Liens to secure Indebtedness on any Principal Property of joint ventures
which constitute Principal Subsidiaries in which the Company or a Principal
Subsidiary has an interest, to the extent such Liens are on property or assets
of, or equity interests in, such joint ventures; and
(9) any extension, renewal or replacement or refunding of any Lien existing
on the date of the Indenture or referred to in clauses (1) to (3) or (5);
provided, however, that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby
and not otherwise authorized by clauses (1) to (3) or (5), shall not exceed
the principal amount of Indebtedness, plus any premium or fee payable in
connection with any such extension, renewal, replacement, or refunding, so
secured at the time such extension, renewal, replacement or refunding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Principal Subsidiaries
may create or suffer to exist Liens which would otherwise be prohibited by this
Section 1008 securing Indebtedness in an aggregate amount which, together with
all outstanding Attributable Value of all Sale and Lease-Back Transactions
permitted by the last paragraph of Section 1009 and all Indebtedness secured by
Liens permitted
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pursuant to this paragraph, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Tangible
Assets of the Company.
SECTION 1009. Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions.
The Company will not, nor will it permit any Principal Subsidiary to, enter
into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction with respect to any Principal Property
(except for (x) a transaction providing for a lease for a term, including any
renewal thereof, of not more than three years, by the end of which term it is
intended that the use of such Principal Property by the lessee will be
discontinued, (y) a transaction between the Company and a Principal Subsidiary
or between Principal Subsidiaries, and (z) a transaction between the Company or
a Principal Subsidiary and a joint venture in which the Company or a Principal
Subsidiary has an interest), unless either (i) the Company or such Principal
Subsidiary would be entitled pursuant to Section 1008 to issue, assume or
guarantee Indebtedness secured by a Lien on such Principal Property without
equally and ratably securing the Securities or (ii) the Company or such
Principal Subsidiary shall apply or cause to be applied within 180 days after
the effective date of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, an amount equal to
the Net Available Proceeds therefrom to (A) the acquisition of one or more
Principal Properties or (B) to the retirement of Securities or the repayment of
other Indebtedness of the Company or a Principal Subsidiary (other than such
Indebtedness owned by the Company or a Principal Subsidiary) which, in the case
of such Indebtedness of the Company, is not subordinate and junior in right of
payment to the prior payment of the Securities, provided, however, that any such
retirement of Securities shall be in accordance with Article Eleven and any
other terms and provisions of this Indenture and the Securities applicable to
optional redemption of Securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company or any Principal Subsidiary may
enter into a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction which would otherwise be prohibited
by this Section 1009 to the extent that the Attributable Value thereof, together
with all indebtedness secured by Liens permitted pursuant to the last paragraph
of Section 1008 and the Attributable Value of all other Sale and Lease-Back
Transactions permitted by this paragraph, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated
Net Tangible Assets of the Company.
SECTION 1010. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities
of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series,
omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition
set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(18), 901(2) or 901(7)
for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in any of Section 801(3) or
Sections 1006 to 1009, inclusive, if before the time for such compliance the
Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of such series shall, by Act of such Holders,
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either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with
such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect
such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and,
until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the
duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall
remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity
shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities) in accordance with
this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a
Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301
for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of
less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption
affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to
the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the
principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable,
of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of
Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption
provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the
Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing
compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all
the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or
unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular
Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series
not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem
fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a
portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that
the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security
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shall be in an authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum
authorized denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of
such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption
affects only a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall
be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee,
from the Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not
previously called for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities
selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for
partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect
to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to
be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the
unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an
authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized
denomination) for such Security.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires,
all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the
case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion
of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to
each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the
Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of
more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in
the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts)
of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the
Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be
redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and
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payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that
interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,
(5) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for
payment of the Redemption Price, and
(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the
Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of
money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption
Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities
which are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be
redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption
Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such
Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for
redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the
Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the
Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is
on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the
provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear
interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the
Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
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Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a
Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the
Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney
duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service
charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of
any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal
amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of
the Security so surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for
the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of
any Securities is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and
any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such
Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If
provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund
payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking
fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by
the terms of such Securities.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than
any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities
of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company
pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted
optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each
case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect
to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of
such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such
Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been
previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and
credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified
in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the
sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced
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accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any
Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such
Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if
any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if
any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to
Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so
delivered. Not less than 30 days prior to each such sinking fund payment date,
the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund
payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the
redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company
in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the
redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner
stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 1302 or
Section 1303 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case
may be, (unless such Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be,
are designated pursuant to Section 301 as not being defeasible pursuant to such
Section 1302 or 1303, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided
pursuant to Section 301) upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in
this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in
another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section
applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the
Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with
respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and after the date the
conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called
"Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Defeasance means that the Company shall be
deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such
Securities and to have satisfied all its other
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obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities
are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute
proper instruments acknowledging the same), subject to the following which shall
survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (1) the rights of
Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in
Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of
the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities when payments
are due, (2) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under
Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties
and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4) this Article. Subject to
compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise its option (if any) to
have this Section applied to any Securities notwithstanding the prior exercise
of its option (if any) to have Section 1303 applied to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section
applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1)
the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 801(3),
Sections 1006 through 1009, inclusive, and any covenants provided pursuant to
Section 301(18), 901(2) or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such
Securities and (2) the occurrence of any event specified in Sections 501(4)
(with respect to any of Section 801(3), Sections 1006 through 1009, inclusive,
and any such covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(18), 901(2) or 901(7)),
501(5) and 501(8) shall be deemed not to be or result in an Event of Default, in
each case with respect to such Securities as provided in this Section on and
after the date the conditions set forth in Section 1304 are satisfied
(hereinafter called "Covenant Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Covenant
Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities, the Company may omit to
comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or
limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to the extent so specified
in the case of Section 501(4)), whether directly or indirectly by reason of any
reference elsewhere herein to any such Section or by reason of any reference in
any such Section to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the
remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 1302 or
Section 1303 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:
(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited
with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements
contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this
Article applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making
the following payments, specifically
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pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefits of the Holders
of such Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations
which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect
thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day
before the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination
thereof, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification
thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be
applied by the Trustee (or any such other qualifying trustee) to pay and
discharge, the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities on
the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, "U.S. Government Obligation"
means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation of the United States
of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States
of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith
and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case
(i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer
thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in
Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any U.S.
Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x) above and held by such
bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect
to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government
Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required
by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount
payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by
the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific
payment of principal or interest evidenced by such depositary receipt.
(2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities
or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company
has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue
Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a
change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to
the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the
Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income
tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and discharge to be
effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be
the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not to occur.
(3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities
or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders
of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected
with respect to such Securities and will be
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subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would be the case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance
were not to occur.
(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate
to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the
same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a
result of such deposit.
(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would
become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other
Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit
or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(6) and (7), at any
time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being
understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such
90th day).
(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to
have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act
(assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).
(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument
to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust
arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered
under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
(9) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate
and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with
respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in
Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with
the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and
Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to
collectively as the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any
Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with
the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either
directly or through any such Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its
own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such
Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect
-72-
<PAGE> 81
of principal and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not
be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or
other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations
deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in
respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for
the account of the Holders of Outstanding Securities.
Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall
deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money
or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 with
respect to any Securities which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm
of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then
be required to be deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as
the case may be, with respect to such Securities.
SECTION 1306. Reinstatement
If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in
accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any
order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining
or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this
Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or
released pursuant to Section 1302 or 1303 shall be revived and reinstated as
though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such
Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply
all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1305 with respect to such Securities
in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes
any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security
following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated
to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment
from the money so held in trust.
-----------------------------
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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<PAGE> 82
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be
duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
STAPLES, INC.
By______________________________________
[Seal]
Attest:
- ----------------------------
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By______________________________________
[Seal]
Attest:
- ----------------------------
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<PAGE> 83
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF _________ )
On the ___ day of ____________, 1997, before me personally came
_________________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose
and say that he/she is ___________________________ of Staples, Inc., one of the
corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that
he/she knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he/she signed his/her name
thereto by like authority.
-------------------------------
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On the ___ day of ____________, 1997, before me personally came
_________________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose
and say that he/she is a Trust Officer of The Chase Manhattan Bank, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that
he/she knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he/she signed his/her name
thereto by like authority.
-------------------------------
<PAGE> 84
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAPLES, INC.
TO
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
Trustee
--------------
INDENTURE
Dated as of August 12, 1997
--------------
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 85
Staples, Inc.
CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THIS INDENTURE RELATING TO SECTIONS 310 THROUGH 318,
INCLUSIVE, OF THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939:
TRUST INDENTURE
ACT SECTION INDENTURE SECTION
sec. 310(a)(1) .................................. 609
(a)(2) .................................. 609
(a)(3) .................................. Not Applicable
(a)(4) .................................. Not Applicable
(b) .................................. 608
610
sec. 311(a) .................................. 613
(b) .................................. 613
sec. 312(a) .................................. 701
702
(b) .................................. 702
(c) .................................. 702
sec. 313(a) .................................. 703
(b) .................................. 703
(c) .................................. 703
(d) .................................. 703
sec. 314(a) .................................. 704
(a)(4) .................................. 101
1004
(b) .................................. Not Applicable
(c)(1) .................................. 102
(c)(2) .................................. 102
(c)(3) .................................. Not Applicable
(d) .................................. Not Applicable
(e) .................................. 102
sec. 315(a) .................................. 601
(b) .................................. 602
(c) .................................. 601
(d) .................................. 601
(e) .................................. 514
sec. 316(a) .................................. 101
(a)(1)(A) .................................. 502
512
(a)(1)(B) .................................. 513
(a)(2) .................................. Not Applicable
(b) .................................. 508
(c) .................................. 104
sec. 317(a)(1) ................................. 503
(a)(2) .................................. 504
(b) .................................. 1003
sec. 318(a) .................................. 107
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NOTE: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a
part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 86
TABLE OF CONTENTS
----------
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY.........................................1
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.......................................1
Act.......................................................2
Affiliate control.........................................2
Authenticating Agent......................................2
Board of Directors........................................2
Board Resolution..........................................2
Business Day..............................................2
Commission................................................2
Company...................................................2
Company Request...........................................2
Company Order.............................................2
Corporate Trust Office....................................3
corporation...............................................3
Covenant Defeasance.......................................3
Defaulted Interest........................................3
Defeasance................................................3
Depositary................................................3
Event of Default..........................................3
Exchange Act..............................................3
Expiration Date...........................................3
Global Security...........................................3
Holder....................................................3
Indenture.................................................3
interest..................................................3
Interest Payment Date.....................................4
Investment Company Act....................................4
Maturity..................................................4
Notice of Default.........................................4
Officers' Certificate.....................................4
Opinion of Counsel........................................4
Original Issue Discount Security..........................4
Outstanding...............................................4
Paying Agent..............................................5
Person....................................................5
Place of Payment..........................................5
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 87
Predecessor Security......................................5
Redemption Date...........................................6
Redemption Price..........................................6
Regular Record Date.......................................6
Responsible Officer.......................................6
Securities................................................6
Securities Act............................................6
Security Register and Security Registrar..................6
Senior Indebtedness.......................................6
Special Record Date.......................................7
Stated Maturity...........................................7
Subsidiary................................................7
Trust Indenture Act.......................................7
Trustee...................................................7
U.S. Government Obligation................................7
Vice President............................................7
Voting Stock..............................................8
Wholly Owned..............................................8
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions..............8
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee............8
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.....................9
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company............11
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver........................11
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act................12
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.........12
SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns...........................12
SECTION 110. Separability Clause..............................12
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture............................12
SECTION 112. Governing Law....................................12
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays...................................13
ARTICLE TWO
SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally..................................13
SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.........................14
SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security......................15
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.............20
SECTION 205. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication..20
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.............21
SECTION 302. Denominations....................................23
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating...24
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 88
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.............................25
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and
Exchange.........................................26
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen
Securities.......................................27
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved...28
SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners............................29
SECTION 309. Cancellation.....................................30
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest..........................30
SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers....................................30
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture..........30
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.......................32
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default................................32
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and
Annulment .......................................34
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee...........................35
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.................35
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession
of Securities....................................36
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected...................36
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits..............................37
SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive
Principal, Premium and Interest..................37
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies...............38
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative...................38
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.....................38
SECTION 512. Control by Holders...............................38
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults..........................39
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs............................39
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws..........39
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities..............40
SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults...............................40
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee........................40
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Securities.......................................42
SECTION 605. May Hold Securities..............................42
SECTION 606. Money Held in Trust..............................42
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement...................42
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests............................43
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 89
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility..........43
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of
Successor........................................43
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor...........45
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or
Succession to Business...........................46
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against
Company..........................................46
SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent..............46
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and
Addresses of Holders.............................48
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications
to Holders.......................................48
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee...............................49
SECTION 704. Reports by Company...............................49
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on
Certain Terms....................................49
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted............................50
SECTION 803. Subsidiary Guarantees............................51
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 90
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of
Holders .........................................51
SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of
Holders..........................................52
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.............53
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures................53
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act..............54
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures.......................................54
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest......54
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.................54
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to be Held in
Trust ..........................................55
SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.............56
SECTION 1005. Existence.......................................56
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.......................56
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims...............57
SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants.....................57
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article........................57
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee...........57
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be
Redeemed .......................................58
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption............................59
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.....................59
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date...........59
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.....................60
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 91
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article........................60
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with
Securities......................................61
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.......61
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or
Covenant Defeasance.............................61
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge........................62
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.............................62
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant
Defeasance .....................................63
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government
Obligations to be Held in Trust;
Miscellaneous Provisions........................65
SECTION 1306. Reinstatement...................................65
ARTICLE FOURTEEN
SUBORDINATION
SECTION 1401. Securities Subordinated to Senior
Indebtedness....................................67
SECTION 1402. No Payments in Certain Circumstances;
Payment Over of Proceeds Upon Dissolution, Etc..67
SECTION 1403. Notice to Trustee of Specified Events;
Reliance on Certificate of Liquidating Agent....69
SECTION 1404. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination ............69
SECTION 1405. Trustee Not Charged with Knowledge of
Prohibition ....................................70
SECTION 1406. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior.....70
SECTION 1407. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior
Indebtedness;...................................70
SECTION 1408. Article Applicable to Paying Agents ............71
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NOTE: This table of contents shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be
a part of the Indenture.
<PAGE> 92
INDENTURE, dated as of August 12, 1997, between STAPLES, INC., a corporation
duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein
called the "Company"), having its principal office at One Research Drive,
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a banking
corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York,
as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee").
RECITALS OF THE COMPANY
The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture
to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes
or other evidences of indebtedness (herein called the "Securities"), to be
issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.
All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the
Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities
by the Holders thereof, it is mutually agreed, for the equal and proportionate
benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of series thereof, as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS
OF GENERAL APPLICATION
SECTION 101. Definitions.
For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided
or unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them
in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;
(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture
Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to
them therein;
(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings
assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally
accepted
<PAGE> 93
accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted
hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at
the date of such computation;
(4) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an "Article"
or a "Section" refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this
Indenture; and
(5) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other words of
similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular
Article, Section or other subdivision.
"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in
Section 104.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "con"
when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
"controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Person which is a registered investment advisor
or an Affiliate thereof and which owns 15% or less of the outstanding voting
stock of the Company will not be deemed to control the Company.
"Authenticating" means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to
Section 614 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or
more series.
"Board of Directors" means either the board of directors of the Company or
any duly authorized committee of that board.
"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board
of Directors (or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors) and to be
in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the
Trustee.
"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which
banking institutions in that Place of Payment or the Federal Reserve Banks are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, from time to time
constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the
execution of this instrument such Commission is not existing and performing the
duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body
performing such duties at such time.
<PAGE> 94
"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of
this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean
such successor Person.
"Company Request" or "Company Order" means a written request or order signed
in the name of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, its Vice Chairman of
the Board, its President or a Vice President, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant
Treasurer, its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the
Trustee.
"Corporate Trust Officer" means the principal office of the Trustee in The
City of New York at which at any particular time its corporate trust business
shall be administered.
"corporation" means a corporation, limited liability company, association,
company, partnership, joint-stock company or business trust.
"Covenant Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1303.
"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.
"Defeasance" has the meaning specified in Section 1302.
"Depositary" means, with respect to Securities of any series issuable in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act that is designated to act as Depositary for
such Securities as contemplated by Section 301.
"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any statute
successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Expiration Date" has the meaning specified in Section 104.
"Global Security" means a Security that evidences all or part of the
Securities of any series and bears the legend set forth in Section 204 (or such
legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities).
"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the
Security Register.
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<PAGE> 95
"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from
time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental
hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof, including, for
all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern
this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively. The term
"Indenture" shall also include the terms of particular series of Securities
established as contemplated by Section 301.
"interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security
which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable
after Maturity.
"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the
Stated Maturity of an instalment of interest on such Security.
"Investment Company Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and any
statute successor thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which
the principal of such Security or an instalment of principal becomes due and
payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.
"Notice of Default" means a written notice of the kind specified in Section
501(4) or 501(5).
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the
Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President, and by
the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee. One of the officers signing an
Officers' Certificate given pursuant to Section 1004 shall be the principal
executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel
for the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
"Orginal Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an
amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.
"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as of the date
of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under
this Inden-
-4-
<PAGE> 96
ture, except:
(1) Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation;
(2) Securities for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary
amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent
(other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the
Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of
such Securities; provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice
of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision
therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;
(3) Securities as to which Defeasance has been effected pursuant to
Section 1302; and
(4) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange
for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered
pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which
there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that
such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such
Securities are valid obligations of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other
action hereunder as of any date, (A) the principal amount of an Original Issue
Discount Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount of
the principal thereof which would be due and payable as of such date upon
acceleration of the Maturity thereof to such date pursuant to Section 502, (B)
if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a
Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall
be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as
contemplated by Section 301, (C) the principal amount of a Security denominated
in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be
Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in
the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of
such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in Clause (A) or (B)
above, of the amount determined as provided in such Clause), and (D) Securities
owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate
of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to
be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be
protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or other action, only
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<PAGE> 97
Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows to be so owned shall
be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may
be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the
Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that
the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any
Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.
"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the
principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities on behalf of the
Company.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series,
means the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest on
the Securities of that series are payable as specified as contemplated by
Section 301.
"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous
Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such
particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security
authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the
same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.
"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.
"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed,
means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.
"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date
on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as
contemplated by Section 301.
"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any
officer of the Trustee with direct responsibility for the administration of this
Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter,
any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of
and familiarity with the particular subject.
"Securities" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture
and more
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<PAGE> 98
particularly means any Securities authenticated and delivered under this
Indenture.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 and any statute successor
thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.
"Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the respective meanings
specified in Section 305.
"Senior Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness of the Company, including
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such indebtedness whether
outstanding on the date of this Indenture or thereafter created, (i) for
borrowed money, (ii) for money borrowed by others and guaranteed, directly or
indirectly, by the Company, (iii) constituting purchase money indebtedness for
the payment of which the Company is directly or contingently liable, (iv)
constituting reimbursement obligations under bank letters of credit, (v) under
interest rate and currency swaps, caps, floors, collars or similar agreements or
arrangements intended to protect the Company against fluctuations in interest or
currency exchange rates, or (vi) under any lease of any real or personal
property, whether outstanding on the date of execution of this Indenture or
thereafter created, incurred or assumed, which obligations are capitalized on
the books of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, unless, in any such case, by the terms of the instrument creating or
evidencing such indebtedness it is provided that such indebtedness is not
superior in right of payment to the Securities or to other indebtedness which is
pari passu with, or subordinated to, the Securities, and (b) any modifications,
refundings, deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such Senior Indebtedness,
or securities, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in exchange for
such Senior Indebtedness. As used in the preceding sentence, the term "purchase
money indebtedness" shall mean indebtedness evidenced by a note, debenture, bond
or other similar instrument (whether or not secured by any lien or other
security interest) given in connection with the acquisition of any business,
properties or assets of any kind acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary;
provided, however, that without limiting the generality of the foregoing, such
term shall not include any conditional sale contract or any account payable or
any other indebtedness created or assumed by the Company in the ordinary course
of business in connection with the obtaining of inventories or services.
"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date
fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.
"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any instalment
of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such
Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such
instalment of principal or interest is due and payable.
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"Subsidiary" means a corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting
stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or a Person or
by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company or that Person, or by the
Company or a Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company or that
Person. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors, whether at all times
or only so long as no senior class of stock has such voting power by reason of
any contingency.
"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at
the date as of which this instrument was executed; provided, however, that in
the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after such date, "Trust
Indenture Act" means, to the extent required by any such amendment, the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 as so amended.
"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of
this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the
applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or
include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is
more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of
any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.
"U.S. Government Obligation" has the meaning specified in Section 1304.
"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee,
means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or
words added before or after the title "vice president".
"Voting Stock" means, with respect to any corporation, securities of any
class or classes, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of
contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or
Persons performing similar functions) of such corporation.
"Wholly Owned" means, when used in connection with any Subsidiary, a
Subsidiary of which all of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock
(except shares required as directors' qualifying shares) are owned by the
Company and/or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.
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Upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any
action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the
Trustee such certificates and opinions as may be required under the Trust
Indenture Act. Each such certificate or opinion shall be given in the form of an
Officers' Certificate, if to be given by an officer of the Company, or an
Opinion of Counsel, if to be given by counsel, and shall comply with the
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and any other requirements set forth in
this Indenture.
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or
covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in
Section 1004) shall include,
(1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion
has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating
thereto;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or
investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made
such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an
informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been
complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual,
such condition or covenant has been complied with.
SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all
such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such
Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one
such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one
or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based,
insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or
representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of
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counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a
certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the
Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in
the possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows that the certificate or
opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.
SECTION 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken
by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of
substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly
appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such
action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered
to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such
instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced
thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing
such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of
a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this
Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and
the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.
The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or
writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a
certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take
acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument
or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by
a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such
certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his
authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing,
or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any
other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.
The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the
same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of
transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of
anything done, omitted or suffered to
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be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not
notation of such action is made upon such Security.
The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining
the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to give, make or
take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken
by Holders of Securities of such series, provided that the Company may not set a
record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with
respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or
direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant
to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series
on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take the
relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record
date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on
or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal
amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in
this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new
record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set
pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall
automatically and with no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect),
and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any
action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding
Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly
after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own
expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders
and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to
each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in
Section 106.
The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining
the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to join in the
giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of
acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute
proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in
Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any
record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding
Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be
entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or
not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such
action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable
Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding
Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall
be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any
action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this
paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with
no action by any Person be cancelled and of no effect), and nothing in this
paragraph
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shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the
requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on
the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to
this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company's expense, shall cause notice of
such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration
Date to be given to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of
the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.
With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party
hereto which sets such record date may designate any day as the "Expiration
Date" and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or
later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the
proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and
to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in
Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date
is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section,
the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially
designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with
respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided
in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be
later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.
Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any
action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to
all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly
appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with
regard to all or any part of such principal amount.
SECTION 105. Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or
Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be
made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for
every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or
with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporate Trustee
Administration Department.
(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for
every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in
writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to
it at the address of
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its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument to
the attention of the Chief Financial Officer, with a copy to be sent to
Staples, Inc., 100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Framingham, MA 01701, Attention:
General Counsel, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to
the Trustee by the Company.
SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver.
Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided)
if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder affected
by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later
than the latest date (if any), and not earlier than the earliest date (if any),
prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Holders is
given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any
notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such
notice with respect to other Holders. Where this Indenture provides for notice
in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to
receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be
the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with
the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity
of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of
any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such
notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute
a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.
SECTION 107. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of
the Trust Indenture Act which is required under such Act to be a part of and
govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of
this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act
which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to
apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.
SECTION 108. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
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SECTION 109. Successors and Assigns.
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its
successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
SECTION 110. Separability Clause.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities shall be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
SECTION 111. Benefits of Indenture.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall
give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors
hereunder, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders, any benefit or
any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.
SECTION 112. Governing Law.
This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 113. Legal Holidays.
In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated
Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment,
then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities
(other than a provision of any Security which specifically states that such
provision shall apply in lieu of this Section)) payment of interest or principal
(and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date,
but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment
with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or
Redemption Date, or at the Stated Maturity.
ARTICLE TWO
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SECURITY FORMS
SECTION 201. Forms Generally.
The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth
in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to
a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each
case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other
variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such
letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or
endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any
securities exchange or Depositary therefor or as may, consistently herewith, be
determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their
execution thereof. If the form of Securities of any series is established by
action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of
such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company
Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such
Securities.
The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on
steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined
by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of
such Securities.
SECTION 202. Form of Face of Security.
[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations
thereunder.]
STAPLES, INC.
....................................................
No. ......... $ ........
Staples, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of
Delaware (herein called the "Company", which term includes any successor Person
under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby
promises to pay to ..............................................., or
registered assigns, the principal sum of ......................................
Dollars on ........................................... [if the Security is to
bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- , and to pay interest thereon from
............. or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest
has been
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<PAGE> 107
paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on ............ and
............ in each year, commencing ........., at the rate of ....% per annum,
until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [if applicable,
insert -- , provided that any principal and premium, and any such instalment of
interest, which is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of ...% per annum (to
the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from
the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for
payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand]. The interest so payable,
and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as
provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security
(or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business
on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the ....... or
....... (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such
Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided
for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date
and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special
Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the
Company, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series
not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time
in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and
upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided
in said Indenture].
[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert -- The
principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a
default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated
Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall
bear interest at the rate of ....% per annum (to the extent that the payment of
such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due
until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue
principal or premium shall be payable on demand. [Any such interest on overdue
principal or premium which is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate
of ......% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest on
interest shall be legally enforceable), from the date of such demand until the
amount so demanded is paid or made available for payment. Interest on any
overdue interest shall be payable on demand.]]
Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert
- -- any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of
the Company maintained for that purpose in ............, in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal
tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert -- ;
provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be
made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled
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<PAGE> 108
thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register].
Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set
forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes
have the same effect as if set forth at this place.
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security
shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or
obligatory for any purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.
Dated:
STAPLES, INC.
By.................................
Attest:
..................................
SECTION 203. Form of Reverse of Security.
This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
(herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series
under an Indenture, dated as of ............... , 1997 (herein called the
"Indenture", which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such
instrument), between the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
(herein called the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under
the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of
the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder
of the Company, the Trustee, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and the Holders
of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be,
authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on
the face hereof [if applicable, insert -- , limited in aggregate principal
amount to $...........].
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to
redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, [if applicable, insert --
(1) on ........... in
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<PAGE> 109
any year commencing with the year ...... and ending with the year ...... through
operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to
100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert -- on
or after .........., ....], as a whole or in part, at the election of the
Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the
principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert -- on or before
..............., ...%, and if REDEEMED] during the 12-month period beginning
............. of the years indicated,
Year Redemption Year Redemption
- ---- Price ---- Price
---------- -----------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to .....% of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert -- (whether
through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to
the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or
prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities,
or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the
relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the
Indenture.]
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series are subject to
redemption upon not less than 30 days' notice by mail, (1) on ............ in
any year commencing with the year .... and ending with the year .... through
operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for
redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of
the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if
applicable, insert -- on or after ............], as a whole or in part, at the
election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than
through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal
amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period
beginning ............ of the years indicated,
Year Redemption Price Redemption Price For
- ---- For Redemption Redemption Otherwise
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<PAGE> 110
Through Operation Than Through Operation
of the of the Sinking Fund
Sinking Fund ----------------------
-----------------
and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to .....% of the principal amount,
together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the
sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but
interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption
Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more
Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant
Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]
[If applicable, insert -- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may
not, prior to ............., redeem any Securities of this series as
contemplated by [if applicable, insert -- Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph
as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application,
directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the
Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of
less than .....% per annum.]
[If applicable, insert -- The sinking fund for this series provides for the
redemption on ............ in each year beginning with the year ....... and
ending with the year ...... of [if applicable, insert -- not less than
$.......... ("mandatory sinking fund") and not more than] $......... aggregate
principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series
acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable,
insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent
[if applicable, insert -- mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to
be made [if applicable, insert -- , in the inverse order in which they become
due].]
[If applicable, insert -- The Securities of this series do not provide for
any sinking fund payments.]
[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert -- In the
event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities
of this series and
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<PAGE> 111
of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of
the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]
The indebtedness evidenced by this Security is, to the extent and in the
manner provided in the Indenture, subordinate in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, and this Security is
issued subject to such provisions of the Indenture with respect thereto. Each
Holder of this Security, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound
by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee on his behalf to take
such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination
so provided and (c) appoints the Trustee his attorney-in-fact for any and all
such purposes.
[If applicable, insert -- The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance
at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or] [certain
restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in
each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]
[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an
Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be
continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due
and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Upon
payment (i) of the principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on
any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the
payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company's
obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and
interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]
[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert -- If an
Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be
continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be
declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the
Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to -- insert formula for determining the
amount. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable
and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each
case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally
enforceable), all of the Company's obligations in respect of the payment of the
principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series
shall terminate.]
The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the
Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be
affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders
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of not less than a majority of principal amount of the Securities at the time
Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains
provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount
of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the
Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company
with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the
Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all
future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration
of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not
notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.
As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of
this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect
to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any
other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the
Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the
Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount
of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written
request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of
Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee
shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of
Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with
such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 90
days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing
shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the
enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon
on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.
No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of
the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest
on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency,
herein prescribed.
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register,
upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or
agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and
interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a
written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the
Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly
authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series
and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate
principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
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The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $....... and any integral multiple thereof. As
provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth,
Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount
of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized
denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.
No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or
exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any
tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the
Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
The Indenture and this Security shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 204. Form of Legend for Global Securities.
Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities
evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE
HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A
NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A
SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE
THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
SECTION 205. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the
following
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form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
As Trustee
By......................
Authorized Officer
ARTICLE THREE
THE SECURITIES
SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.
The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be
established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303,
set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or
established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance
of Securities of any series,
(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the
Securities of the series from Securities of any other series);
(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the
series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except
for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of,
or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to
Section 304, 305, 306, 906 or 1107 and except for any Securities which,
pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and
delivered hereunder);
(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be
payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular
Record Date for such
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interest;
(4) the date or dates on which the principal of any Securities of the series
is payable;
(5) the rate or rates at which any Securities of the series shall bear
interest, if any, the date or dates from which any such interest shall accrue,
the Interest Payment Dates on which any such interest shall be payable and the
Regular Record Date for any such interest payable on any Interest Payment
Date;
(6) the place or places where the principal of and any premium and interest
on any Securities of the series shall be payable;
(7) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the
terms and conditions upon which any Securities of the series may be redeemed,
in whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a
Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem
the Securities shall be evidenced;
(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase any
Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions
or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which,
the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which any
Securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part,
pursuant to such obligation;
(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof,
the denominations in which any Securities of the series shall be issuable;
(10) if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on any
Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or
pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;
(11) if other than the currency of the United States of America, the
currency, currencies or currency units in which the principal of or any
premium or interest on any Securities of the series shall be payable and the
manner of determining the equivalent thereof in the currency of the United
States of America for any purpose, including for purposes of the definition of
"Outstanding" in Section 101;
(12) if the principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities of the
series is to be payable, at the election of the Company or the Holder thereof,
in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which
such Securities are stated to be payable, the currency, currencies or currency
units in which the
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principal of or any premium or interest on such Securities as to which such
election is made shall be payable, the periods within which and the terms and
conditions upon which such election is to be made and the amount so payable
(or the manner in which such amount shall be determined;
(13) if other than the entire principal amount thereof, the portion of the
principal amount of any Securities of the series which shall be payable upon
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;
(14) if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of any
Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates
prior to the Stated Maturity, the amount which shall be deemed to be the
principal amount of such Securities as of any such date for any purpose
thereunder or hereunder, including the principal amount thereof which shall be
due and payable upon any Maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which
shall be deemed to be Outstanding as of any date prior to the Stated Maturity
(or, in any such case, the manner in which such amount deemed to be the
principal amount shall be determined);
(15) if applicable, that the Securities of the series, in whole or any
specified part, shall not be defeasible pursuant to Section 1302 or Section
1303 or both such Sections and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the
manner in which any election by the Company to defease such Securities shall
be evidenced;
(16) if applicable, that any Securities of the series shall be issuable in
whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and, in such
case, the respective Depositaries for such Global Securities, the form of any
legend or legends which shall be borne by any such Global Security in addition
to or in lieu of that set forth in Section 204 and any circumstances in
addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Clause (2) of the last paragraph
of Section 305 in which any such Global Security may be exchanged in whole or
in part for Securities registered, and any transfer of such Global Security in
whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than
the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof;
(17) any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any
Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the
requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof
due and payable pursuant to Section 502;
(18) any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article Ten
which applies to Securities of the series;
(19) any restriction or condition on the transferability of the Securities;
and
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(20) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent
with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(5)).
All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as
to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the
Board Resolution referred to above and (subject to Section 303) set forth, or
determined in the manner provided, in the Officers' Certificate referred to
above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.
If any of the terms of the series are established by action taken pursuant
to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be
certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers'
Certificate setting forth the terms of the series.
The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to Senior
Indebtedness as provided in Article Fourteen.
SECTION 302. Denominations.
The Securities of each series shall be issuable only in registered form
without coupons and only in such denominations as shall be specified as
contemplated by Section 301. In the absence of any such specified denomination
with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series
shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of
the Board, its Vice Chairman of the Board, its President, one of its Vice
Presidents, its Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, under its corporate seal
reproduced thereon attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant
Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be
manual or facsimile.
Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who
were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company,
notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such
offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not
hold such offices at the date of such Securities.
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At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this
Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the
Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the
authentication and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance
with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the
form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or
pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301,
in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities
under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be
entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in
relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,
(1) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to
Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201, that such form has been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to
Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301, that such terms have been
established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and
(3) that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions
specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally
binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with their terms,
subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization,
moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting
creditors' rights and to general equity principles.
If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be
required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities
pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner
which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding
paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one
time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Officers' Certificate otherwise
required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel
otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the
authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered
at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security
of such series to be issued.
Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
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No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be
valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a
certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein
executed by the Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any
Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security
has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder
but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such
Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all
purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been
authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the
benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 304. Temporary Securities.
Pending the preparation of definitive Securities of any series, the Company
may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver,
temporary Securities which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed
or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the
tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with
such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as
the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their
execution of such Securities.
If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause
definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay.
After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary
Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of
such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the
office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without
charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more
temporary Securities of any series, the Company shall execute and the Trustee
shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor one or more definitive
Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor
and aggregate principal amount. Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of
any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this
Indenture as definitive Securities of such series and tenor.
SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.
The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other
office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes
collectively referred to as the
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"Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may
prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of
transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar"
for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein
provided.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of a series at
the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the
name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Securities of
the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate
principal amount.
At the option of the Holder, Securities of any series may be exchanged for
other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of like
tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be
exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered
for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to
receive.
All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of
Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same
debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities
surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for
exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed,
or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or
his attorney duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange
of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges
pursuant to Section 304, 906 or 1107 not involving any transfer.
If the Securities of any series (or of any series and specified tenor) are
to be redeemed in part, the Company shall not be required (A) to issue, register
the transfer of or exchange any Securities of that series (or of that series and
specified tenor, as the case may be) during a period beginning at the opening of
business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of any
such Securities selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing, or (B) to register the transfer of
or exchange any Security so selected for
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redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security
being redeemed in part.
The provisions of Clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4) below shall apply only to
Global Securities:
(1) Each Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be
registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security
or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or
custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single
Security for all purposes of this Indenture.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, no Global
Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for Securities registered, and
no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be registered, in the
name of any Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a
nominee thereof unless (A) such Depositary (i) has notified the Company that
it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security
or (ii) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act,
(B) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with
respect to such Global Security or (C) there shall exist such circumstances,
if any, in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing as have been specified for
this purpose as contemplated by Section 301.
(3) Subject to Clause (2) above, any exchange of a Global Security for other
Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in
exchange for a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in
such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.
(4) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer
of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion
thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 906 or 1107 or
otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be,
a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person
other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.
SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a
new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and
bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.
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If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to
their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii)
such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and
any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the
Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security
of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number
not contemporaneously outstanding.
In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or
is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead
of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.
Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may
require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including
the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.
Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of
any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional
contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or
stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be
entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with
any and all other Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.
The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the
extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or
payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.
SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.
Except as otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to
any series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid
to the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor
Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date
for such interest.
Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein
called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder
on the relevant Regular
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Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest
may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause
(1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the
Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special
Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed
in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of
the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of
such series, the date of the proposed payment and the Special Record Date,
and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of
money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such
Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee
for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when
deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to
such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. The Special Record Date
for the payment of such Defaulted Interest shall be not more than 15 days
and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not
less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the
proposed payment. The Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the
Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted
Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be given to each Holder of
Securities of such series in the manner set forth in Section 106, not less
than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor
having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons
in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective
Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such
Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following
Clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the
Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with
the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be
listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after
notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant
to this Clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the
Trustee.
Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Security delivered
under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in
lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and
unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.
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SECTION 308. Persons Deemed Owners.
Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security
for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and any premium and
(subject to Section 307) any interest on such Security and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be
affected by notice to the contrary.
SECTION 309. Cancellation.
All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer
or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered
to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be
promptly cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder
which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to
the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company
has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly
cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in
exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided in this Section, except as
expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities held by the
Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary
procedures unless otherwise directed by a Company Order.
SECTION 310. Computation of Interest.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities
of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
SECTION 311. CUSIP Numbers.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then
generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices
of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may
state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers
either as printed on the
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Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may
be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities,
and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of
such numbers.
ARTICLE FOUR
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.
This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with
respect to any series of Securities (except as to any surviving rights of
registration of transfer or exchange of such series of Securities herein
expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall
execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this
Indenture as to such series of Securities when
(1) either
(A) all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered
(other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and
which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii)
Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been
deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and
thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided
in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all such Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation
(i) have become due and payable, or
(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one
year, or
(iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,
and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or
caused to
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be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose money
in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such
Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for
principal and any premium and interest to the date of such deposit (in the
case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Stated
Maturity or Redemption Date, as the case may be;
(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable
hereunder by the Company; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided
for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been
complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of
the Company to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money shall
have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of Clause (1) of
this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 402 and the last
paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.
SECTION 402. Application of Trust Money.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and
applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal and any premium and
interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
ARTICLE FIVE
REMEDIES
SECTION 501. Events of Default.
"Event of Default", wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any
series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such
Event of Default and whether it shall be occasioned by the provisions of Article
Fourteen or be
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voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any
judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any
administrative or governmental body), unless such event is either inapplicable
to that particular series of Securities or has been specifically deleted or
modified in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture or Board Resolution
creating such series of Securities:
(1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series
when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period
of 30 days; or
(2) default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any
Security of that series at its Maturity; or
(3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by
the terms of a Security of that series; or
(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of
the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in
whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically
dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for
the benefit of series of Securities other than that series), and continuance
of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given,
by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the
Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice specifying such
default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice
is a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or
(5) a default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company (including a default with
respect to Securities of any series other than that series) or under any
mortgage, indenture or instrument (including this Indenture) under which there
may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness
for money borrowed by the Company, whether such indebtedness now exists or
shall hereafter be created, which default shall have resulted in indebtedness
in an amount in excess of U.S. $25,000,000 becoming declared due and payable
prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable,
without such indebtedness having been discharged, or such acceleration having
been rescinded or annulled, within a period of 30 days after there shall have
been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or
to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 10% in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series a written notice
specifying such default and requiring the Company to cause such indebtedness
to be discharged or cause such acceleration to be rescinded or annulled, and
stating that such notice is
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a "Notice of Default" hereunder; provided, however, that, subject to the
provisions of Sections 601 and 602, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of such default unless either (A) a Responsible Officer of the
Trustee shall have actual knowledge of such default or (B) the Trustee shall
have received written notice thereof from the Company, from any Holder, from
the holder of any such indebtedness or from the trustee under any such
mortgage, indenture or other instrument; or
(6) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree
or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or
proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the
Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition
seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in
respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or
appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator
or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its
property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the
continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or
order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(7) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under
any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a
bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order
for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding
under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency
case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or
consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable Federal or State
law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment
of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee,
trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any
substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to
pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action
by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or
(8) any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of that
series.
SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section
501(6)
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or 501(7)) with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding
occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of
not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series may declare the principal amount of all the Securities of that series
(or, if any Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities,
such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by
the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to
the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such
declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately
due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(6) or 501 (7)
with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs, the
principal amount of all the Securities of that series (or, if any Securities of
that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the
principal amount of such Securities as may be specified by the terms thereof)
shall automatically, and without any declaration or other action on the part of
the Trustee or any Holder, become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to
Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for
payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this
Article provided, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the
Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if
(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to
pay
(A) all overdue interest on all Securities of that series,
(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that
series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of
acceleration and any interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed
therefor in such Securities,
(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon
overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such
Securities, and
(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its
agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section
607;
and
(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other
than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series which have
become due
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solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as
provided in Section 513.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.
SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.
The Company covenants that if
(1) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such
interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30
days, or
(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any,
on) any Security at the Maturity thereof,
the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the
Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on Securities
of such series for principal and any premium and interest and, to the extent
that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any
overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates
prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further
amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of
the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee
under Section 607.
If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and
is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce
its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such
appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to
protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any
covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power
granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of any judicial proceeding relative to the Company (or any other
obligor upon the Securities), its property or its creditors, the Trustee shall
be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to
take any and all
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actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the
Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the
Trustee shall be authorized to collect and receive any moneys or other property
payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and any
custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other
similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee
shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to
the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.
No provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities
or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Trustee to vote in
respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding; provided, however,
that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a
trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors' or
other similar committee.
SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities may
be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the
Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any
such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as
trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision
for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and
advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to
the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the
Securities in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied
in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case
of the distribution of such money on account of principal or any premium or
interest, upon presentation of the Securities and the notation thereon of the
payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607;
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SECOND: Subject to Article Fourteen, to the payment of the amounts then due
and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in
respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected,
ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts
due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest,
respectively; and
THIRD: Any remaining amounts shall be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits.
No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute
any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for
the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder,
unless
(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;
(2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to
institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as
Trustee hereunder;
(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with
such request;
(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and
offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to
the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such
Holders.
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SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and
Interest.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any
Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive
payment of the principal of and any premium and (subject to Section 307)
interest on such Security on the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such
Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall
not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any
right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or
to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in
such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored
severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter
all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though
no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section
306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to
the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every
right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any
right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent
assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to
exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any
such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to
the Trustee or to the Holders
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may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by
the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
SECTION 512. Control by Holders.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of
such series, provided that
(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with
this Indenture or involve the Trustee in personal liability or be unjustly
prejudicial to the Holders of Securities of such series not taking part in
such direction, and
(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which
is not inconsistent with such direction.
SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the
Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such
series and its consequences, except a default
(1) in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any
Security of such series, or
(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Security of such series affected.
Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of
Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose
of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other
default or impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 514. Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture,
or in
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any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as
Trustee, a court may require any party litigant in such suit to file an
undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and may assess costs against any such
party litigant, in the manner and to the extent provided in the Trust Indenture
Act; provided that neither this Section nor the Trust Indenture Act shall be
deemed to authorize any court to require such an undertaking or to make such an
assessment in any suit instituted by the Trustee or any Holder or group of
Holders holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the
outstanding Securities of a series to which the suit relates or in any suit
initiated by a Holder for the enforcement of the payment of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any Securities then due and payable.
SECTION 515. Waiver of Usury, Stay or Extension Laws.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it
will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or
take the benefit or advantage of, any usury, stay or extension law wherever
enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants
or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may
lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law
and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any
power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of
every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE SIX
THE TRUSTEE
SECTION 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by the
Trust Indenture Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this
Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder,
or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable
grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against
such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein
expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct
or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be
subject to the provisions of this Section.
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SECTION 602. Notice of Defaults.
If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the
Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such
default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act; provided,
however, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section
501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders
shall be given until at least 90 days after the occurrence thereof and provided
further that, except in the case of any defaults of the character specified in
clauses (1), (2) and (3) of Section 501, the Trustee may refrain from giving any
notice of default to the Holders of Securities if the Trustee in good faith
considers it in the interest of such Holders to so refrain. For the purpose of
this Section, the term "default" means any event which is, or after notice or
lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to
Securities of such series.
SECTION 603. Certain Rights of Trustee.
Subject to the provisions of Section 601:
(1) the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion,
report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note,
other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, and any
resolution of the Board of Directors shall be sufficiently evidenced by a
Board Resolution;
(3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem
it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering
or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein
specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely
upon an Officers' Certificate;
(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such
counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and
protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder
in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights
or
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powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of
the Holders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered
to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request
or direction;
(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts
or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument,
opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture,
note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the
Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation
into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall
determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled
to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by
agent or attorney;
(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform
any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and
the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the
part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;
(8) the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any default (as
defined in Section 602) or Event of Default with respect to the Securities of
any series unless either (a) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have
actual knowledge of such default or Event of Default or (b) written notice of
such default or Event of Default shall have been given to the Trustee by the
Company or any other obligor on such securities or by any Holder of such
Securities; and
(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or
omitted by it in good faith and believe by it to be authorized or within the
discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
SECTION 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.
The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's
certificates of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company,
and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility
for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity
or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor
any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the
Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.
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SECTION 605. May Hold Securities.
The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security
Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other
capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections
608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would
have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security
Registrar or such other agent.
SfECTION 606. Money Held in Trust.
Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from
other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no
liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise
agreed in writing with the Company.
SECTION 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.
The Company agrees
(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all
services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by
any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express
trust);
(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee
upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances
incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this
Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and
disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense,
disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith;
and
(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss,
liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part,
arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the
trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending
itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.
SECTION 608. Conflicting Interests.
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If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the
meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such
interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to
the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent
permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting
interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to
Securities of more than one series.
SECTION 609. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.
There shall at all times be one (and only one) Trustee hereunder with
respect to the Securities of each series, which may be Trustee hereunder for
Securities of one or more other series. Each Trustee shall be a Person that is
eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, has a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and has its Corporate Trust Office
in The City of New York. If any such Person publishes reports of condition at
least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or
examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section and to the extent
permitted by the Trust Indenture Act, the combined capital and surplus of such
Person shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in
its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee
with respect to the Securities of any series shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in
the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
SECTION 610. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.
No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor
Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of
appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable
requirements of Section 611.
The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or
more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument
of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 shall not have been
delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of
resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series.
The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any
series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the
Company.
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If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 608 after written request
therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a
Security for at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 and shall fail
to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder,
or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a
bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be
appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or
of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or
liquidation,
then, in any such case, (A) the Company by a Board Resolution may remove the
Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (B) subject to Section 514, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months
may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court
of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all
Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.
If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if
a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to
the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall
promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities
of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may
be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series
and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the
Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable
requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal
or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with
respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders
of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series
delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so
appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance
with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the
successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect
to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or
the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any
Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least
six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee
with respect to the Securities of such series.
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The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the
Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series to all Holders of
Securities of such series in the manner provided in Section 106. Each notice
shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.
SECTION 611. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to
all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute,
acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument
accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the
retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any
further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights,
powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the
Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of
its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor
Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly
assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money
held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.
In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to
the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring
Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more
series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each
successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such
provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to
vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the
retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which
the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee
is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as
shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers,
trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that
or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue
to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the
provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such
Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from
any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon
the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
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removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided
therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series
to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of
the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those
series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.
Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any
and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to
such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in the
first or second preceding paragraph, as the case may be.
No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such
acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this
Article.
SECTION 612. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with
which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any
corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business
of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such
corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article,
without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of
any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated,
but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger,
conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect
as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.
SECTION 613. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any
other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the
provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against
the Company (or any such other obligor).
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SECTION 614. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.
The Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to
one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of
the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series issued upon original issue
and upon exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or
pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to
the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is
made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the
Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of authentication, such reference shall be
deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an
Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be
acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof
or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating
Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and
subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such
Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant
to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then
for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.
Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or
converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting
from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent
shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or
corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an
Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible
under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further
act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.
An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice
thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate
the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such
Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of
resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating
Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give notice of
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such appointment in the manner provided in Section 106 to all Holders of
Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will
serve. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment
hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its
predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an
Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed
unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.
The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time
reasonable compensation for its services under this Section.
If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made pursuant to
this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in
addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternative
certificate of authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture.
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
As Trustee
By......................,
As Authenticating Agent
By.......................
Authorized Officer
ARTICLE SEVEN
HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
SECTION 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.
The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee
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(1) semi-annually, not later than January 1 and July 1 in each year, a list,
in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses
of the Holders of Securities of each series as of the preceding December 15 or
June 15, as the case may be, and
(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30
days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar
form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such
list is furnished;
provided, however, that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Security
Registrar for Securities of any series, no such list need be furnished with
respect to the Securities of such series.
SECTION 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.
The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent
list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and
addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security
Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in
Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to
their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding
rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust
Indenture Act.
Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with
the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any
agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of
information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust
Indenture Act.
SECTION 703. Reports by Trustee.
The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee
and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust
Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.
A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to
Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any
Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company
will notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange.
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SECTION 704. Reports by Company.
The Company shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, and transmit to
Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries
thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and
in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information,
documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within
15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission.
ARTICLE EIGHT
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or
convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety
to any Person (other than to one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the
Company), and the Company shall not permit any Person to consolidate with or
merge into the Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:
(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Person
or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, the Person formed by such consolidation or into which
the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer,
or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an
entirety shall be a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or
trust, shall be organized and validly existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall
expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered
to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual
payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Securities
and the performance or observance of every covenant of this Indenture on the
part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and treating any
indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Company or any Subsidiary as a
result of
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such transaction as having been incurred by the Company or such Subsidiary at
the time of such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have
happened and be continuing; and
(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance,
transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection
with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with this Article
and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such
transaction have been complied with.
SECTION 802. Successor Substituted.
Upon any consolidation of the Company with, or merger of the Company into,
any other Person or any conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section
801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company
is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed
to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the
Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person
had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter, except in the case of a
lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants
under this Indenture and the Securities.
SECTION 803. Subsidiary Guarantees.
If the Company conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, to one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company, then the
Company shall (a) cause such Wholly Owned Subsidiary or Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a
supplemental indenture, which supplemental indenture shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, pursuant to which such Wholly
Owned Subsidiary or Wholly Owned Subsidiaries shall unconditionally guarantee
all of the Company's payment obligations under this Indenture and the Securities
on the terms set forth in such supplemental indenture, and which guarantee shall
provide that (i) if one or more of such Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, thereafter conveys, transfers
or leases properties and assets which, if owned by the Company, would constitute
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis), such conveyance, transfer or
lease
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shall be deemed to be a conveyance, transfer or lease by the Company of its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety for purposes of (x) Section
801 (if such conveyance, transfer or lease is to any Person other than one or
more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company) or (y) Section 803 (if such
conveyance, transfer or lease is solely to one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
of the Company) and (ii) such guarantee shall be released and discharged in full
if and when all of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the
Wholly Owned Subsidiary are sold, directly or indirectly, by the Company or
another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company to any Person (other than the
Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company) and (iii) such
guarantee shall be subordinate to any guarantee granted by such subsidiary
guarantor in respect to Senior Indebtedness of the Company or indebtedness of
such Wholly Owned Subsidiary which is of the type contemplated by the definition
of Senior Indebtedness, (b) deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee that such supplemental indenture has been
duly executed and delivered by each subsidiary guarantor, and (c) comply, and
cause such Wholly Owned Subsidiary to comply, with any applicable securities
laws.
ARTICLE NINE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board
Resolution, and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into
one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee,
for any of the following purposes:
(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the
assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in
the Securities; or
(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of
all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the
benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are
expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to
surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or
(3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of the Holders
of all or any series of Securities (and if such additional Events of Default
are to be for the
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benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such additional
Events of Default are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such
series); or
(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such
extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of
Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and
with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of
Securities in uncertificated form; or
(5) to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture
in respect of one or more series of Securities, provided that any such
addition, change or elimination (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security of
any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and
entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (ii) modify the rights of the
Holder of any such Security with respect to such provision or (B) shall become
effective only when there is no such Security Outstanding; or
(6) to secure the Securities; or
(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted
by Sections 201 and 301; or
(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a
successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to
add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary
to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by
more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611; or
(9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to
make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under
this Indenture, provided that such action pursuant to this Clause (9) shall
not, as evidenced by an Opinion of Counsel, adversely affect the interests of
the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect.
Upon Company Request, accompanied by a Board Resolution authorizing the
execution of any such supplemental indenture, and subject to and upon receipt by
the Trustee of the documents described in Section 903 hereof, the Trustee shall
join with the Company in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized
or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate
agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained.
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SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by such
supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the
Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may
enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the
Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however,
that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of
each Outstanding Security affected thereby,
(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any instalment of
principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount
thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the
redemption thereof, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue
Discount Security or any other Security which would be due and payable upon a
declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502,
or adversely affect any right of repayment at the option of a Holder of any
Security, or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment
of any sinking fund or analogous obligation, or change any Place of Payment
where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or,
in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date), or modify the
provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of the
Securities in a manner adverse to the Holders, or
(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities
of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such
supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any
waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain
defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture, or
(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513 or Section
1008, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other
provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent
of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided,
however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any
Holder with respect to changes in the references to "the Trustee" and
concomitant changes in this Section and Section 1008, or the deletion of this
proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611 and 901(8).
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A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other
provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the
benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the
rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant
or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this
Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to
approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall
be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any
supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of
the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive,
and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in
addition to the documents required by Section 102, an Opinion of Counsel stating
that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by
this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any
such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this
Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental
indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder
of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder
shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform
to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act.
SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.
Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of
any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required
by the
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Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter
provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine,
new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the
Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and
executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in
exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.
ARTICLE TEN
COVENANTS
SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.
The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of and any premium
and interest on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of
the Securities and this Indenture.
SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of
Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented
or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered
for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or
upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture
may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the
location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any
time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or
shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust
Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices
or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or
surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such
designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in
any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency
in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The
Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation
or rescission and of any change in the
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location of any such other office or agency.
SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to be Held in Trust.
If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to
any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal
of or any premium or interest on any of the Securities of that series, segregate
and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum
sufficient to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due
until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein
provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to
act.
Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of
Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of or any premium
or interest on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum
sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held as provided by the Trust
Indenture Act, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will
promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.
The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other
than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which
such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of
this Section, that such Paying Agent will (1) comply with the provisions of the
Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and (2) during the
continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the
Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the
Securities of that series, or any Event of Default, upon the written request of
the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying
Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series.
The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction
and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company
Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by
the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the
same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such
Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such
Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such
money.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by
the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of or any premium or
interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years
after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be
paid to the Company on
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Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such
trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general
creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the
Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability
of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however,
that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such
repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in a
newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each
Business Day and of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date
specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such
publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid
to the Company.
SECTION 1004. Statement by Officers as to Default.
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, an Officers'
Certificate, stating whether or not to the best knowledge of the signers thereof
the Company is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms,
provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of
grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Company shall be
in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of
which they may have knowledge.
SECTION 1005. Existence.
Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights
(charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of
Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable
in the conduct of the business of the Company and that the loss thereof is not
disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1006. Maintenance of Properties.
The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its
business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good
condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment
and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements,
betterments and improvements
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thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the
business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously
conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall
prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of
such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company,
desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and
not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.
SECTION 1007. Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company will pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before
the same shall become delinquent, (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental
charges levied or imposed upon the Company or any Subsidiary or upon the income,
profits or property of the Company or any Subsidiary, and (2) all lawful claims
for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien
upon the property of the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that the
Company shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability
or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants.
Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities
of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series,
omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition
set forth in any covenant provided pursuant to Section 301(18), 901(2) or 901(7)
for the benefit of the Holders of such series or in any of Sections 1006 and
1007, if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act
of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally
waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver
shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent
so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the
obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such
term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
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SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article.
Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity
shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities) in accordance with
this Article.
SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.
The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a
Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301
for such Securities. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of
less than all the Securities of any series (including any such redemption
affecting only a single Security), the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to
the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be
satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date, of the
principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, if applicable,
of the tenor of the Securities to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of
Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption
provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the
Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing
compliance with such restriction.
SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.
If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all
the Securities of such series and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed or
unless such redemption affects only a single Security), the particular
Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series
not previously called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem
fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of a
portion of the principal amount of any Security of such series, provided that
the unredeemed portion of the principal amount of any Security shall be in an
authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized
denomination) for such Security. If less than all the Securities of such series
and of a specified tenor are to be redeemed (unless such redemption affects only
a single Security), the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected
not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the
Outstanding Securities of such series and specified tenor not previously called
for redemption in accordance with the preceding sentence.
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The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities
selected for redemption as aforesaid and, in case of any Securities selected for
partial redemption as aforesaid, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
The provisions of the two preceding paragraphs shall not apply with respect
to any redemption affecting only a single Security, whether such Security is to
be redeemed in whole or in part. In the case of any such redemption in part, the
unredeemed portion of the principal amount of the Security shall be in an
authorized denomination (which shall not be less than the minimum authorized
denomination) for such Security.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires,
all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the
case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion
of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.
SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption.
Notice of redemption shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to
each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at his address appearing in the
Security Register.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(1) the Redemption Date,
(2) the Redemption Price,
(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of
more than a single Security are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in
the case of partial redemption of any such Securities, the principal amounts)
of the particular Securities to be redeemed and, if less than all the
Outstanding Securities of any series consisting of a single Security are to be
redeemed, the principal amount of the particular Security to be redeemed,
(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and
payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that
interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,
(5) the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for
payment of the Redemption Price, and
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(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case.
Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the
Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company and shall be irrevocable.
SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.
On or prior to any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the
Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying
Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of
money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption
Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities
which are to be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be
redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption
Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall
default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such
Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for
redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the
Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest to the
Redemption Date; provided, however, that, unless otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is
on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the
provisions of Section 307.
If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender
thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear
interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the
Security.
SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.
Any Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a
Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement
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by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and
the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate
and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new
Security or Securities of the same series and of like tenor, of any authorized
denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to
and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so
surrendered.
ARTICLE TWELVE
SINKING FUNDS
SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for
the retirement of Securities of any series except as otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of
any Securities is herein referred to as a "mandatory sinking fund payment", and
any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of such
Securities is herein referred to as an "optional sinking fund payment". If
provided for by the terms of any Securities, the cash amount of any sinking fund
payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking
fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities as provided for by
the terms of such Securities.
SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.
The Company (1) may deliver Outstanding Securities of a series (other than
any previously called for redemption) and (2) may apply as a credit Securities
of a series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company
pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted
optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, in each
case in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect
to any Securities of such series required to be made pursuant to the terms of
such Securities as and to the extent provided for by the terms of such
Securities; provided that the Securities to be so credited have not been
previously so credited. The Securities to be so credited shall be received and
credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price, as specified
in the Securities so to be redeemed, for redemption through operation of the
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sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced
accordingly.
SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.
Not less than 45 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any
Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for such
Securities pursuant to the terms of such Securities, the portion thereof, if
any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if
any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities pursuant to
Section 1202 and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so
delivered. Not less than 30 days prior to each such sinking fund payment date,
the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund
payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the
redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company
in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the
redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner
stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 1301. Company's Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 1302 or
Section 1303 applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case
may be, (unless such Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be,
are designated pursuant to Section 301 as not being defeasible pursuant to such
Section 1302 or 1303, in accordance with any applicable requirements provided
pursuant to Section 301) upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in
this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in
another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301 for such Securities.
SECTION 1302. Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section
applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the
Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations, and the
provisions of Article
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Fourteen shall cease to be effective, with respect to such Securities as
provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in
Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Defeasance"). For this purpose,
such Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and
discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Securities and to have
satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture
insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the
Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), subject to
the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged
hereunder: (1) the rights of Holders of such Securities to receive, solely from
the trust fund described in Section 1304 and as more fully set forth in such
Section, payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on
such Securities when payments are due, (2) the Company's obligations with
respect to such Securities under Sections 304, 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, (3) the
rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and (4)
this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article, the Company may exercise
its option (if any) to have this Section applied to any Securities
notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option (if any) to have Section 1303
applied to such Securities.
SECTION 1303. Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company's exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section
applied to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be, (1)
the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 801(3),
Sections 1006 and 1007, covenants provided pursuant to Section 301(18), 901(2)
or 901(7) for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (2) the occurrence
of any event specified in Sections 501(4) (with respect to any of Section
801(3), Sections 1006 and 1007, and any such covenants provided pursuant to
Section 301(18), 901(2) or 901(7)), 501(5) and 501(8) shall be deemed not to be
or result in an Event of Default and (3) the provisions of Article Fourteen
shall cease to be effective, in each case with respect to such Securities as
provided in this Section on and after the date the conditions set forth in
Section 1304 are satisfied (hereinafter called "Covenant Defeasance"). For this
purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to such Securities,
the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of
any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified Section (to
the extent so specified in the case of Section 501(4)) or Article Fourteen,
whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to
any such Section or Article or by reason of any reference in any such Section or
Article to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the
remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.
SECTION 1304. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
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The following shall be the conditions to the application of Section 1302 or
Section 1303 to any Securities or any series of Securities, as the case may be:
(1) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited
with the Trustee (or another trustee which satisfies the requirements
contemplated by Section 609 and agrees to comply with the provisions of this
Article applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making
the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated
solely to, the benefits of the Holders of such Securities, (A) money in an
amount, or (B) U.S. Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment
of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms
will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money
in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient, in the
opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants
expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay
and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or any such other
qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of and any premium and
interest on such Securities on the respective Stated Maturities, in accordance
with the terms of this Indenture and such Securities. As used herein, "U.S.
Government Obligation" means (x) any security which is (i) a direct obligation
of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and
credit of the United States of America is pledged or (ii) an obligation of a
Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality
of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally
guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of
America, which, in either case (i) or (ii), is not callable or redeemable at
the option of the issuer thereof, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a
bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with
respect to any U.S. Government Obligation which is specified in Clause (x)
above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary
receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest
on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided
that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any
deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt
from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government
Obligation or the specific payment of principal or interest evidenced by such
depositary receipt.
(2) In the event of an election to have Section 1302 apply to any Securities
or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company
has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue
Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this instrument, there has been a
change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to
the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall
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confirm that, the Holders of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss
for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, Defeasance and
discharge to be effected with respect to such Securities and will be subject
to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would be the case if such deposit, Defeasance and discharge were not
to occur.
(3) In the event of an election to have Section 1303 apply to any Securities
or any series of Securities, as the case may be, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders
of such Securities will not recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected
with respect to such Securities and will be subject to Federal income tax on
the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the
case if such deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur.
(4) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate
to the effect that neither such Securities nor any other Securities of the
same series, if then listed on any securities exchange, will be delisted as a
result of such deposit.
(5) No event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would
become, an Event of Default with respect to such Securities or any other
Securities shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit
or, with regard to any such event specified in Sections 501(6) and (7), at any
time on or prior to the 90th day after the date of such deposit (it being
understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such
90th day).
(6) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to
have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act
(assuming all Securities are in default within the meaning of such Act).
(7) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument
to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.
(8) Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the trust
arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act unless such trust shall be registered
under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder.
(9) At the time of such deposit, (A) no default in the payment of any
principal of or premium or interest on any Senior Indebtedness shall have
occurred and be continuing, (B) no event of default with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness shall
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have resulted in such Senior Indebtedness becoming, and continuing to be, due
and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and
payable (unless payment of such Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly
provided for), (C) no other event of default with respect to any Senior
Indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing permitting (after notice or
lapse of time or both) the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or a trustee
on behalf of such holders) to declare such Senior Indebtedness due and payable
prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable and
(D) no Event of Default would result from the making of such deposit.
(10) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent with respect to such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been
complied with.
SECTION 1305. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to be Held in
Trust; Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money
and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with
the Trustee or other qualifying trustee (solely for purposes of this Section and
Section 1306, the Trustee and any such other trustee are referred to
collectively as the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 1304 in respect of any
Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with
the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either
directly or through any such Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its
own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such
Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal
and any premium and interest, but money so held in trust need not be segregated
from other funds except to the extent required by law. Money and U.S. Government
Obligations so held in trust shall not be subject to the provisions of Article
Fourteen.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or
other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations
deposited pursuant to Section 1304 or the principal and interest received in
respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for
the account of the Holders of Outstanding Securities.
Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall
deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money
or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 1304 with
respect to any Securities which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm
of independent public
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accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the
Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be
deposited to effect the Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be,
with respect to such Securities.
SECTION 1306. Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in
accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any
order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining
or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this
Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or
released pursuant to Section 1302 or 1303 shall be revived and reinstated as
though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such
Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply
all money held in trust pursuant to Section 1305 with respect to such Securities
in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes
any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security
following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated
to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment
from the money so held in trust.
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ARTICLE FOURTEEN
SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES
SECTION 1401. Securities Subordinated to Senior Indebtedness.
The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security, by his
acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that, to the extent and in
the manner hereinafter set forth in this Article, the indebtedness represented
by the Securities and the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest on each and all of the Securities are hereby expressly subordinated and
subject in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior
Indebtedness.
SECTION 1402. No Payments in Certain Circumstances; Payment Over of Proceeds
Upon Dissolution, Etc.
No payment on account of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or
redemption, repurchase or defeasance of, the Securities shall be made if, at the
time of such payment or immediately after giving effect thereto: (i) there shall
exist a default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, sinking funds
or interest (including a default under any purchase or redemption obligations)
with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, or (ii) there shall have occurred an
event of default (other than a default in the payment of principal, premium, if
any, sinking funds or interest) with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, as
defined therein or in the instrument under which the same is outstanding,
permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof and written
notice of such occurrence shall have been given to the Company and to the
Trustee under this Indenture by the holder or holders of such Senior
Indebtedness and such event of default shall not have been cured or waived or
shall not have ceased to exist. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may
make, and the Trustee may receive and shall apply, any payment in respect of the
Securities (for principal, premium, if any, or interest or repurchase) if such
payment was made prior to the occurrence of any of the contingencies specified
in clauses (i) and (ii) above. In addition, nothing in this paragraph shall
prevent the Company from making, or the Trustee from receiving or applying, any
payment in connection with the redemption of Securities if the first publication
of notice of such redemption (whether by mail or otherwise in accordance with
this Indenture) has been made prior to the occurrence of any of the
contingencies specified in clauses (i) and (ii) above.
Upon (i) any acceleration of the principal amount due on the Securities or
(ii) any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or
character, whether in cash, property or securities, to creditors upon any
dissolution or winding up or total or
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partial liquidation or reorganization of the Company, whether voluntary or
involuntary or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other proceedings, all
principal of, premium, if any, sinking fund and interest due or to become due
upon all Senior Indebtedness (including (i) interest thereon accruing after the
commencement of any such proceedings whether or not a claim is allowed under
applicable bankruptcy laws and (ii) fees and other amounts payable pursuant to
the terms of such Senior Indebtedness) shall first be paid in full, or payment
thereof provided for in money or money's worth in accordance with its terms,
before any payment is made on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, or repurchase of, the indebtedness evidenced by the Securities, and
upon any such dissolution or winding up or liquidation or reorganization any
payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character,
whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders of the Securities
or the Trustee under this Indenture would be entitled, except for the provisions
hereof, shall be paid by the Company or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy,
liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution,
or by the Holders of the Securities or by the Trustee under this Indenture if
received by them or it, as the case may be, directly to the holders of Senior
Indebtedness (pro rata to each such holder on the basis of the respective
amounts of Senior Indebtedness held by such holder) or their representatives, to
the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full, in money or money's
worth, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to or for
the holders of Senior Indebtedness, before any payment or distribution is made
to the Holders of the Securities or to the Trustee under this Indenture.
In the event that, contrary to the foregoing, any payment or distribution of
assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or
securities, shall be received by the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities
before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full or provision made for such
payment, in accordance with its terms, such payment or distribution shall be
held in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered to, the
holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives,
or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any
instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness have been issued, as
their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of all
Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid to the extent necessary to pay all such
Senior Indebtedness in full in accordance with its terms, after giving effect to
any concurrent payment or distribution to or for the holders of such Senior
Indebtedness.
Subject to final payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, the Holders of
the Securities (together with the holders of any other indebtedness of the
Company which is subordinated in right of payment to the payment in full of all
Senior Indebtedness, which is not subordinated in right of payment to the
Securities and which by its terms grants such right of subrogation to the
holders thereof) shall be subrogated to the rights
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<PAGE> 168
of the holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of
assets of the Company made on the Senior Indebtedness until the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on, or repurchase of, the Securities shall be paid
in full; and, for the purposes of such subrogation, no payments or distributions
to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of any cash, property or securities to
which the Holders of the Securities or the Trustee would be entitled except for
the provisions of this Article, and no payment over pursuant to the provisions
of this Article to the holders of Senior Indebtedness by the Holders of the
Securities or the Trustee, shall, as between the Company, its creditors other
than the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and the Holders of Securities, be
deemed to be a payment by the Company to the holders of or on account of Senior
Indebtedness it being understood that the provisions of this Article are and are
intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders
of the Securities, on the one hand, and the holders of Senior Indebtedness, on
the other hand.
SECTION 1403. Notice to Trustee of Specified Events; Reliance on Certificate of
Liquidating Agent.
The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any
insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding in respect of the Company, of any
proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the
Company (whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy), of the declaration
of any Security as due and payable before its expressed maturity, and of any
event which pursuant to Section 1402 would prevent payment by the Company on
account of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, or repurchase,
redemption or defeasance of, the Securities. The Trustee, subject to the
provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled to assume that no such event has
occurred unless the Company, or a holder of Senior Indebtedness, or any trustee
therefor, has given such notice.
Upon any distribution of assets of the Company or payment by or on behalf of
the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee and the Holders of the
Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree of a court of
competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in
Section 1402 are pending, and the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section
601, and the Holders of the Securities shall be entitled to rely upon a
certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making any
distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders of the Securities for the purpose
of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the
holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the
amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed
thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article. In the event
that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that further evidence is required
with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to
participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to
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<PAGE> 169
this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness
held by such Person, as to the extent to which such Person is entitled to
participate in such payment or distribution, and as to other facts pertinent to
the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not
furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial
determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
SECTION 1404. Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.
The Holder of each Security by his acceptance thereof authorizes and directs
the Trustee in his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate
to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article and
appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.
SECTION 1405. Trustee Not Charged with Knowledge of Prohibition.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article or any other provision of
this Indenture, but subject to the provisions of Section 601 as between the
Holders of Securities and the Trustee, neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent
shall be charged with knowledge of any facts which would prohibit the making of
any payment of moneys to or by the Trustee or any such Paying Agent, unless and
until the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall have received written notice
thereof at its Corporate Trust Office from the Company or any holder of Senior
Indebtedness or the trustee or representative of any holder of such Senior
Indebtedness on his behalf; and, prior to the receipt of any such written
notice, the Trustee and any such Paying Agent shall be entitled to assume that
no such facts exist. If the Trustee or Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall
not have received, at least three Business Days prior to the date upon which by
the terms hereof any such moneys may become payable for any purpose (including,
without limitation, the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or the
interest on any Security) with respect to such moneys, the notice provided for
in this Section, then, anything herein contained to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Trustee and such Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall
have full power and authority to receive such moneys and to apply the same to
the purpose for which they were received and shall not be affected by any notice
to the contrary which may be received by it within three Business Days prior to
such date.
SECTION 1406. Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness.
The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of
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<PAGE> 170
Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in
good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Securities or to the
Company or to any other Person cash, property or securities to which any holders
of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article or otherwise.
With respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness, the Trustee undertakes
to perform or to observe only such of its covenants or obligations as are
specifically set forth in this Article and no implied covenants or obligations
with respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be read into this Indenture
against the Trustee.
SECTION 1407. Rights of Trustee as Holder of Senior Indebtedness; Preservation
of Trustee's Rights.
The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all the rights
set forth in this Article with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at
any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior
Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of
its rights as such holder.
Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the
Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.
SECTION 1408. Article Applicable to Paying Agents.
In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been
appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as
used in this Article shall in such case (unless the context otherwise requires)
be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning
as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this
Article in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that
Sections 1405, 1406 and 1407 shall not apply to the Company or any Affiliate of
the Company if it or such Affiliate acts as Paying Agent.
-----------------------------
This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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<PAGE> 171
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly
executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
STAPLES, INC.
By_________________________________
[Seal]
Attest:
- ----------------------------
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
By_________________________________
[Seal]
Attest:
- ----------------------------
-80-
<PAGE> 172
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF ____________ )
On the ___ day of ____________, 1997, before me personally came
_________________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose
and say that he/she is ___________________________ of Staples, Inc., one of the
corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that
he/she knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he/she signed his/her name
thereto by like authority.
-------------------------------
STATE OF NEW YORK )
) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
On the ___ day of ____________, 1997, before me personally came
_________________________, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose
and say that he/she is a Trust Officer of The Chase Manhattan Bank, one of the
corporations described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that
he/she knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the
Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he/she signed his/her name
thereto by like authority.
-------------------------------
-81-
<PAGE> 1
STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDARIES
EXHIBIT 12.1
STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED 6 MONTHS ENDED
1/30/93 1/29/94 1/28/95 2/3/96 2/1/97 8/3/96 8/2/97
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated pre-tax income prior to $31,218 $32,352 $63,905 $119,845 $173,041 $44,905 $37,648
extraordinary items
Interest portion of rental expense 13,058 16,529 23,569 31,538 40,815 20,241 25,786
Net interest expense, including amortization
of deferred issuance costs 5,092 7,093 11,037 31,353 53,458 25,591 14,428
Less: interest capitalized (611) (34) (440)
--------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Earnings $49,368 $55,974 $98,511 $182,736 $266,703 $90,703 $77,422
=================================================== ==================
Interest portion of rental expense $13,058 $16,529 $23,569 $ 31,538 $ 40,815 $20,241 $25,786
Net interest expense, including amortization
of deferred issuance costs 5,092 7,093 11,037 31,353 53,458 25,591 14,428
--------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Fixed Charges $18,150 $23,622 $34,606 $ 62,891 $ 94,273 $45,832 $40,214
=================================================== ==================
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 2.72 2.37 2.85 2.91 2.83 1.98 1.93
=================================================== ==================
</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF STAPLES, INC. FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 1997
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> AUG-02-1997
<CASH> 99,170
<SECURITIES> 2,169
<RECEIVABLES> 177,493
<ALLOWANCES> 3,681
<INVENTORY> 1,012,623
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 1,356,169
<PP&E> 730,331
<DEPRECIATION> 221,696
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,088,092
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 795,072
<BONDS> 459,696
0
0
<COMMON> 100
<OTHER-SE> 797,802
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,088,092
<SALES> 2,216,861
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 2,216,861
<CGS> 1,692,594
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,045,752
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 123,025
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 10,436
<INCOME-PRETAX> 37,648
<INCOME-TAX> 14,495
<INCOME-BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST> 23,153
<MINORITY INTEREST> 56
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 23,209
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 23,209
<EPS-PRIMARY> .14
<EPS-DILUTED> .14
</TABLE>
