<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 4, 1998, OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _______________ TO
_______________.
Commission file number: 1-4682
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Tennessee 22-1326940
(STATE OF INCORPORATION) (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
8155 T&B Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38125
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
(901) 252-8000
(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 [ ]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock - $0.10 Par Value Outstanding Shares at November 11, 1998
(TITLE OF EACH CLASS) 56,757,978
<PAGE>
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 4, December 28,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
ASSETS (Unaudited) (Audited)
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,530 $ 45,225
Marketable securities 60,830 52,382
Receivables, net 364,627 293,722
Inventories:
Finished goods 165,275 157,136
Work-in-process 81,399 67,726
Raw materials 172,973 177,739
------------ ------------
419,647 402,601
Deferred income taxes 70,528 43,452
Prepaid expenses 13,226 9,090
------------ ------------
Total Current Assets 954,388 846,472
Property, plant and equipment 1,125,448 1,082,309
Less accumulated depreciation 542,347 508,257
------------ ------------
Property, plant and equipment - net 583,101 574,052
Intangible assets - net 558,560 506,225
Investments in unconsolidated companies 139,701 127,706
Other assets 42,698 39,833
------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $2,278,448 $2,094,288
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term bank borrowings $ 53,100 $ 37,383
Current maturities of long-term debt 4,200 5,256
Accounts payable 221,574 226,542
Accrued liabilities 177,023 142,974
Income taxes 48,498 45,678
Dividends payable 15,846 15,401
------------ ------------
Total Current Liabilities 520,241 473,234
Long-term debt 659,773 503,077
Other long-term liabilities 90,264 92,206
Deferred income taxes 20,219 26,467
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shareholders' Equity:
<S> <C> <C>
Common stock 5,674 317,143
Additional paid-in capital 320,870 -
Retained earnings 680,247 689,280
Accumulated other comprehensive income (13,451) (2,198)
Unearned compensation ( 5,389) (4,921)
------------ ------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 987,951 999,304
------------ ------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $2,278,448 $2,094,288
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
Note: Amounts have been restated to include the July 2, 1998 acquisition of
Telecommunications Devices, Inc., accounted for as a pooling of
interests.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
<PAGE>
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------------- ----------------------
Oct. 4, Sept. 28, Oct. 4, Sept. 28,
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $539,945 $553,956 $1,637,919 $1,684,396
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales 408,092 384,844 1,171,598 1,176,332
Marketing, general and
administrative 101,110 83,929 274,920 263,406
Research and development 11,113 12,848 35,828 39,982
Amortization of intangibles 4,117 4,285 12,613 12,907
Provision for restructured
operations 62,096 - 62,096 -
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
586,528 485,906 1,557,055 1,492,627
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from operations (46,583) 68,050 80,864 191,769
Income from unconsolidated
companies 5,243 3,591 19,895 9,956
Other expense - net (11,355) (12,039) (40,817) (36,291)
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes (52,695) 59,602 59,942 165,434
Income taxes (15,227) 17,370 18,564 51,307
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $(37,468) $ 42,232 $ 41,378 $ 114,127
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.66) $ 0.75 $ 0.73 $ 2.04
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted $ (0.66) $ 0.74 $ 0.73 $ 2.02
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Average shares outstanding:
Basic 56,732 56,413 56,650 56,091
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted 56,896 56,883 57,006 56,475
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cash dividends declared
per share 0.28 0.28 0.84 0.84
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
-------- --------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
Note: Amounts have been restated to include the July 2, 1998 acquisition of
Telecommunications Devices, Inc., accounted for as a pooling of
interests.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
Oct. 4, Sept. 28,
1998 1997
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings $ 41,378 $ 114,127
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization 71,935 72,244
Provision for restructured operations 62,096 -
Accrued provision for special charges 46,393 -
Income from unconsolidated companies (19,895) (9,956)
Deferred income taxes (33,624) 11,531
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables (65,546) (65,257)
Inventories (46,176) (11,785)
Accounts payable ( 7,836) (10,492)
Accrued liabilities (17,088) (42,151)
Income taxes payable ( 520) (10,208)
Other ( 2,605) 5,017
---------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 28,512 53,070
---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of businesses (75,249) (19,326)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (96,822) (86,919)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment 5,267 5,799
Marketable securities acquired ( 27,598) (63,805)
Proceeds from matured marketable securities 19,371 30,584
---------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (175,031) (133,667)
---------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in borrowings with
original maturities less than 90 days 16,335 16,791
Proceeds from long-term debt and other
borrowings 174,894 164,050
Repayment of long-term debt and other
borrowings (19,223) (120,682)
Stock options exercised 5,678 19,826
Cash dividends paid (49,966) ( 47,267)
---------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 127,718 32,718
---------- -----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (894) ( 3,217)
---------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (19,695) (51,096)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 45,225 127,180
---------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 25,530 $ 76,084
---------- -----------
---------- -----------
</TABLE>
Note: Amounts have been restated to include the July 2, 1998 acquisition of
Telecommunications Devices, Inc., accounted for as a pooling of
interests.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
<PAGE>
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
In the opinion of Management, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring
accruals) necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position as of
October 4, 1998 and December 28, 1997, and the results of operations and cash
flows for the periods ended October 4, 1998 and September 28, 1997.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should
be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included
in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 28, 1997. The results of operations for the periods ended October 4,
1998 and September 28, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of the operating
results for the full year.
2. EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")
Basic EPS for each period are computed by dividing net earnings by the
weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
period. Diluted EPS for each period are computed by dividing net earnings by
the sum of (1) the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the
period and (2) the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options
using the treasury stock method.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
per share computations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
---------------------- -----------------------
Oct. 4, Sept. 28, Oct. 4, Sept. 28,
(In thousands except per share data) 1998 1997 1998 1997
--------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) $(37,468) $42,232 $41,378 $114,127
--------- --------- -------- ---------
Average shares outstanding 56,732 56,413 56,650 56,091
--------- --------- -------- ---------
Basic EPS $ (0.66) $ 0.75 $ 0.73 $ 2.04
--------- --------- -------- ---------
--------- --------- -------- ---------
Average shares outstanding 56,732 56,413 56,650 56,091
Plus assumed exercise of
stock options 164 470 356 384
--------- --------- -------- ---------
56,896 56,883 57,006 56,475
--------- --------- -------- ---------
Diluted EPS $ (0.66) $ 0.74 $ 0.73 $ 2.02
--------- --------- -------- ---------
--------- --------- -------- ---------
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
3. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Total comprehensive income and its components are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
----------------------- ----------------------
Oct. 4, Sept. 28, Oct. 4, Sept. 28,
(In thousands) 1998 1997 1998 1997
---------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net earnings (loss) $(37,468) $42,232 $41,378 $114,127
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (3,723) (4,596) (11,506) (14,162)
Unrealized holding gains
on securities 136 281 253 141
---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Comprehensive income (loss) $(41,055) $37,917 $30,125 $100,106
---------- ---------- -------- ---------
---------- ---------- -------- ---------
</TABLE>
4. ACQUISITIONS
The Corporation completed eight acquisitions during the first nine months
of 1998 for total consideration of approximately $140 million consisting of
cash and shares of the company's common stock. Seven of the acquisitions were
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and one was treated as a
pooling of interests. In conjunction with the pooling of interests, the
company's financial statements have been restated to include the results of the
acquired entity for all periods presented except for dividends per share, which
reflect the company's historical per share amounts.
5. RESTRUCTURING AND SPECIAL CHARGES
In July, 1998, the Corporation began implementing expense reduction
programs and accelerated plant and product line relocations to lower-cost
regions. In conjunction with these actions, the Corporation recorded
restructuring and special charges totaling $108.5 million in the third quarter
of 1998 and incurred additional project expenses of $4.3 million. The
restructuring and special charges included the costs of closing several
facilities, terminating employees at those locations, downsizing administrative
functions, writing down idle facilities and provisions for inventory
obsolescence. In conjunction with the relocation of manufacturing jobs from
higher-cost areas to lower-cost locations, there will be a net reduction of
approximately 400 jobs, including administrative positions at plants and
corporate headquarters. The charges were recorded in the statement of earnings
as follows: cost of sales, $30.3 million; marketing, general and
administrative, $16.1 million; and provision for restructured operations, $62.1
million. The $62.1 million recorded as provision for restructured operations
in the statement of earnings includes a $36.4 million provision for cash
expenditures, primarily for severance benefits and employee termination costs,
and $25.7 million for non-cash losses due to the disposal of property and
equipment associated with the closing of facilities. The company expects to
complete restructuring actions by year-end 1999.
7
<PAGE>
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On October 7, 1998, Thomas & Betts announced that it had entered into a
definitive agreement to acquire Ocal, Inc. for approximately $20 million in
cash. Ocal manufactures PVC-coated conduit and components for use in corrosive
industrial environments. Subject to the necessary government approvals, the
transaction is expected to close in early January 1999.
On November 5, 1998 the Corporation acquired Kaufel Group Ltd.
Approximately 99.5% of all the outstanding Class A and Class B Subordinate
Voting shares of Kaufel stock were tendered pursuant to the company's offer.
The aggregate price including the assumption of outstanding debt was
approximately $160 million. Kaufel is an international company specializing in
the design, manufacture and distribution of emergency and other lighting
products and systems for the industrial and commercial markets. The
transaction, which will be accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting, will be recorded during November 1998.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Thomas & Betts Corporation's results for the third quarter 1998 included a
special charge provision and project expenses primarily related to the
company's previously announced cost reduction program. The pretax special
charges provision of $108.5 million provided for closing several facilities,
terminating employees at those locations, downsizing administrative functions
and writing down idle facilities. In addition to the special charges, Thomas
& Betts incurred $4.3 million of project expenses as it began implementing its
cost reduction plans during the quarter. Together, those expenses had a
negative after-tax impact of $80.1 million, or $1.41 per share on third-quarter
1998 net earnings. Actions to date netted the company $2.3 million of after-
tax savings in the quarter. Including the provision and project expenses,
Thomas & Betts reported a net loss for the third quarter of $37.5 million, or
$0.66 per share. Excluding the provision and project expenses, Thomas & Betts
had net earnings of $42.6 million, or $0.75 per share on a diluted basis.
Those results compare with third-quarter 1997 net earnings of $42.2 million and
diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.74. As a result of the special charges,
the company reported net earnings of $41.4 million for the first nine months of
1998 compared with net earnings of $114.1 million in the same period of 1997.
Diluted EPS were $0.73 versus 1997's $2.02 per share.
Thomas & Betts expects to complete its cost-reduction projects by year-end
1999. Based on its projected implementation schedule, the company anticipates
a net pretax benefit from the cost reduction program in 1999 of $26 million,
and expects to achieve annual pretax savings of at least $67 million thereafter
based on full implementation of all current plans. Cost reduction actions are
aimed at reducing manufacturing and administrative costs primarily by
consolidating operations and relocating product lines to lower-cost facilities.
Thomas & Betts began its accelerated cost-reduction program after announcing
those plans in late July, and enjoyed savings from those actions in the third
quarter. The company believes that these plans should create a more
competitive cost structure regardless of market conditions.
8
<PAGE>
The deconsolidation of certain lines of automotive business, which were
contributed at year-end 1997 to the Exemplar/Thomas & Betts Electrical Systems
(ET&B) joint venture, reduced reported net sales for the third quarter by $21.4
million year-over-year. In addition to the deconsolidation, the previously
announced, planned phase-out of a large automotive platform that accounted for
$1.8 million of sales in 1997 and $3.6 million of foreign currency shifts
negatively impacted third-quarter sales. Adjusting to exclude the impact of
those items, third-quarter sales increased 2.4% and nine-month sales rose 3.1%
from the respective 1997 periods. Net sales of $539.9 million, including those
same three items, were 2.5% lower than 1997's third-quarter sales of $554
million. Through nine months, 1998 net sales totaled $1,637.9 million, 2.8%
below prior-year sales of $1,684.4 due to the events listed above.
The Corporation will adopt the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," at year-end 1998. Implementation of SFAS
No. 131 will not impact the consolidated financial position or results of
operations. Under SFAS No. 131, the Corporation's businesses will be grouped
into segments that are somewhat different from those reported under the
previous accounting standard. To assist users of its financial information,
the Corporation is including voluntary disclosure of sales for the reportable
segments expected to be used under SFAS No. 131.
The following are net sales by proposed segments (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended % Change
----------------------------- Increase/
Oct. 4, 1998 Sept. 28, 1997 (Decrease)
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales
Electrical $261,950 $249,449 5.0 %
Electronic OEM 151,294 181,312 (16.6)%
Communications 63,646 59,794 6.4 %
Other 63,055 63,401 (0.5)%
---------- ---------- ---------
Total $539,945 $553,956 (2.5)%
Nine Months Ended % Change
----------------------------- Increase/
Oct. 4, 1998 Sept. 28, 1997 (Decrease)
---------- ---------- ---------
Net Sales
Electrical $ 775,833 $ 732,768 5.9 %
Electronic OEM 483,092 561,752 (14.0)%
Communications 201,771 203,562 (0.9)%
Other 177,223 186,314 (4.9)%
---------- ---------- ---------
Total $1,637,919 $1,684,396 (2.8)%
</TABLE>
Sales of the Electrical segment, which includes sales of a broad package
of electrical connectors, components and accessories--primarily fasteners,
fittings, connectors, boxes and covers, metal framing, grounding and lighting--
to worldwide customers in industrial, commercial and utility markets, increased
5% to $262 million for the quarter. Weakening of the Canadian dollar lowered
sales of this segment by 1.3% for the quarter. Solid demand in utility end
markets, moderate improvement in sales to industrial customers and sales from
acquisitions completed earlier in the
9
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year accounted for the segment's increase. For the first nine months of
1998, Electrical sales grew 5.9% compared with the same 1997 period.
Third-quarter sales of the Electronic OEM segment were 3.8% lower than
the 1997 period if results are adjusted for sales contributed to the ET&B
joint venture and sales related to the phased-out automotive platform.
Manufacturer and distributor inventory adjustments and related pricing
pressures depressed sales in the quarter, but higher volumes of mobile
communications battery pack products offset some of the decline. On a
reported basis, third-quarter Electronic OEM sales were $151.3 million, 16.6%
below 1997's level. Through nine months, reported Electronic OEM sales were
14% below the year-earlier period. The Electronic OEM segment manufactures
and markets electronic connectors and components for use in high-speed
professional electronics, mobile communications and automotive applications
involving miniaturization, surface-mounts, electro-magnetic interference and
multiplexing.
Sales of the Communications segment rose 6.4%, to $63.6 million, from
1997's levels, as dramatic increases in shipments of telecommunications and
data communications products more than compensated for soft demand from cable
television customers. Data communications volume benefited from increased
sales in Asia, while sales to domestic and international telecommunications
markets grew on demand for new and innovative products. The Communications
segment manufactures and sells a package of drop-line hardware, connectors,
fasteners, fiber optics, grounding and accessories for use in cable
television, telecommunications and data communications network applications.
Year-to-date, Communications segment sales totaled $201.8 million, 0.9% below
the same period of 1997.
Other sales in the third quarter totaled $63.1 million, equal to 1997's
level, as higher sales of steel structures offset lower volumes of heating
products. Through nine months, other sales declined 4.9% to $177.2 million.
If the special charges and project expenses are excluded from
third-quarter results, gross margin improved year over year as a result of
the company's cost-reduction efforts. The adjusted third-quarter 1998 gross
margin was 30.8%, compared with 1997's 30.5%. Including the special charges
and project expenses, the third-quarter 1998 gross margin was 24.4%.
Third-quarter 1998's adjusted operating margin was even with 1997's 12.3%
margin, but a negative 8.6% including the special charges and project
expenses.
Earnings from operations in 1998 are not easily comparable to those of
1997 because of the reclassification of earnings from sales contributed to
the ET&B joint venture and due to the special charge provision and related
project expenses. A year-over-year comparison of the sum of earnings from
operations before special charges and project expenses combined with income
from unconsolidated companies provides comparability because it captures the
earnings from sales contributed to the ET&B joint venture in both years.
Without adjusting to compensate for the reclassification, third-quarter and
year-to-date 1998 earnings from operations before special charges and project
expenses decreased 3% and increased 1%, to $66.2 million and $193.7 million,
respectively, from prior-year periods. The comparable sum of earnings from
operations and income from unconsolidated companies for those same periods
was unchanged and rose 6% year-over-year, to $71.5 million and $213.6
million, respectively.
10
<PAGE>
Third-quarter income from unconsolidated companies rose 46% from the
prior year as a result of the inclusion of the ET&B joint venture earnings
and continued strong equity income from the company's investment in
unconsolidated companies.
Thomas & Betts now anticipates its tax rate for the full year to be
slightly less than 30%, better than 1997's 30.5% full-year rate. Management
expects a tax rate no higher than 29% for the fourth quarter and 29% for the
next several years, in the absence of an acquisition or divestiture with
significantly different tax attributes. The company is enjoying the full
benefits of tax planning initiatives implemented during 1997 and some
additional actions taken this year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating activities during the first nine months of 1998 generated $29
million in net cash. Accounts receivable increased from year-end 1997
primarily as a result of sales volume increases and acquisitions. Inventory
levels were higher than year-end levels to accommodate both higher sales
volumes and new product introductions and to provide additional safety stock
as the company moved product lines among plants to lower manufacturing costs
as part of the cost-reduction efforts initiated in the third quarter.
Capital expenditures through nine months totaled $96.8 million, an
increase of 11.4% versus the same period of 1997. In part, the higher
spending was due to incremental spending on enhanced information systems.
Dividends paid during the first nine months of 1998 totaled $50 million for
dividends declared in the fourth quarter of 1997 and in the first and second
quarters of 1998.
As of October 4, 1998, marketable securities, cash and equivalents
totaled $86.4 million, compared with $97.6 million as of December 28, 1997.
The company had $44 million of commercial paper outstanding as of October 4,
1998, which was backed by $500 million of revolving credit facilities with a
group of domestic and foreign banks.
Thomas & Betts has access to over $260 million of funds under
uncommitted credit lines with a variety of banks. Uncommitted borrowings
under those lines totaled $129 million on October 4, 1998. Additionally, the
company has a number of smaller committed and uncommitted credit facilities
to provide funding for its international operations.
Total long-term debt increased approximately $172 million since December
28, 1997 due primarily to acquisition-related debt and additional working
capital requirements. Management believes that its financial resources are
sufficient to meet financing needs for the foreseeable future.
OTHER EVENTS
While worldwide economic conditions are difficult, the company continues
to focus on strategic objectives and progress on many fronts. During the
quarter, Thomas & Betts announced two acquisitions that support those
strategic objectives and made great strides with new products that are adding
to current earnings and will benefit future results. On September 3, 1998,
Thomas & Betts acquired the manufacturing assets of the cable television
(CATV) trap and filter business of Pico Products, Inc.,
11
<PAGE>
which broadened the product lines available to CATV customers. On July 30,
1998, the company acquired the assets of Emery Fixtures, Inc., a small
designer and manufacturer of custom-designed decorative light fixtures and
poles.
On October 7, 1998, Thomas & Betts announced that it had entered into a
definitive agreement to acquire Ocal, Inc. for approximately $20 million in
cash. Ocal manufactures PVC-coated conduit and components for use in corrosive
industrial environments. Subject to the necessary government approvals, the
transaction is expected to close in early January 1999.
On November 5, 1998, the company acquired Kaufel Group Ltd., a Canadian-
based designer, manufacturer and distributor of emergency and other lighting
products and systems for industrial and commercial uses. With 75% of sales
outside of the U.S., that acquisition furthered the company's strategic thrust
to increase foreign sales and added to the company's extensive product offering
to electrical markets.
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." Statement
No. 133 will require the recognition at fair value of all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under certain
conditions, a derivative can be designated as a hedge allowing the deferral of
fair value gains or losses until the offsetting gains or losses on the hedged
item are recognized. Statement No. 133 is effective for the first quarter of
2000. At times Thomas & Betts enters into derivative instruments to hedge
risks associated with foreign-currency and commodity fluctuations. Although
the company has not completed its final evaluation of the effects of the new
statement, it does not currently believe that adoption will have a material
effect on its future results of operations or financial position.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year-2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. As a result, any of
Thomas & Betts' computer programs that have time-sensitive software may
recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. That
could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of
operations, including among other things, a temporary inability to process
orders, prepare invoices or engage in similar normal business activities.
In 1997, the company began a worldwide technology upgrade of its order-
entry and financial reporting computer systems. As part of that project,
Thomas & Betts has completed an assessment of its Year-2000 issue and is
modifying or replacing portions of its software so that its computer systems
will function properly with respect to dates in the year 2000 and thereafter.
Management believes that with modifications and replacement of existing
software, the Year-2000 issue can be mitigated. However, if such modifications
and replacements are not made, or are not completed in time, the Year-2000
issue could have a material impact on the company's operations.
Thomas & Betts' plan to resolve the Year-2000 issue involves four
12
<PAGE>
phases: assessment, remediation, testing and implementation. To date, the
company has completed its assessment of all material computer systems that
could be affected by the Year-2000 issue. The completed assessment indicated
that many of the company's significant information technology systems could
be affected. The assessment also indicated that software used in certain
manufacturing equipment is also at risk. If not resolved on a timely basis,
those systems could hamper the company's ability to manufacture and ship
product from which the company derives a significant portion of its revenues.
To date, Thomas & Betts is 70% complete on the remediation phase for all
material systems and expects to complete software programming and replacement
no later than July 1, 1999. After completing the reprogramming and
replacement of software, the company's plans call for testing and
implementing its information technology systems. To date, the company has
completed 70% of its testing and has implemented 60% of its remediated
systems. Thomas & Betts expects to complete the testing phase by July 1,
1999, with all remediated systems fully implemented by September 1, 1999.
With respect to operating equipment, Thomas & Betts has completed an
assessment of equipment that could be affected by the Year 2000 Issue. The
company is 80% complete in the remediation phase of the resolution process.
Testing of this equipment is currently 60% complete. Once testing is
complete, the operating equipment will be ready for immediate use. The
company expects to complete its remediation efforts by July 1, 1999. Testing
and implementation of affected equipment is expected to be completed by
September 1, 1999.
Thomas & Betts has surveyed its important suppliers and vendors, either
by mail or telephone, to assess their Year-2000 readiness. To date, the
company is not aware of any problems that would materially impact results of
operations. However, the company has no means of ensuring that those
suppliers and vendors will be Year-2000 ready. The inability of those
parties to complete their Year-2000 resolution process would likely have
material impact on the company.
Thomas & Betts is utilizing both internal and external resources to
reprogram or replace, test and implement the software and operating equipment
for Year-2000 modifications. As part of the previously mentioned worldwide
technology upgrade that began in 1997, the company has been and is installing
new systems with greatly enhanced functionality that will also solve
potential Year-2000 problems in those areas. In addition, Management
anticipates that its costs to modify existing software for Year-2000
compliance will be approximately $2 million and to date, the company has
spent approximately 50% of this amount on Year-2000 issues.
Thomas & Betts plans to complete Year-2000 modifications are based on
management's best estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous
assumptions of future events, including the continued availability of certain
resources and other factors. Estimates on the status of completion and the
expected completion dates are based on hours expended to date compared to
total expected hours. However, there can be no guarantee that those
estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated. Specific factors that might cause such material
differences include, but are not limited to, the availability and cost of
personnel training in this area, the ability to locate and correct all
relevant computer codes and similar uncertainties.
Thomas & Betts has not developed a comprehensive contingency plan to
address situations that may result if the company is unable to achieve
13
<PAGE>
Year-2000 readiness of its critical operations. However, the company has a
contingency plan which covers the critical order processing and distribution
systems. A more comprehensive plan will be developed if it becomes clear
that the company is not going to achieve its scheduled compliance objectives.
EURO CONVERSION
On January 1, 1999, 11 of the 15 member countries of the European Union
are scheduled to establish fixed conversion rates between their existing
sovereign currencies and the euro. The participating countries have agreed
to adopt the euro as their common legal currency on that date.
Thomas & Betts is assessing the potential impact to the company that may
result from the euro conversion. In addition to tax and accounting
considerations, the company is assessing the potential impact from the euro
conversion in a number of areas, including the following: (1) the technical
challenges to adapt information technology and other systems to accommodate
euro-denominated transactions; (2) the competitive impact of cross-border
price transparency, which may make it more difficult for businesses to charge
different prices for the same products on a country-by-country basis; (3) the
impact on currency exchange costs and currency exchange rate risk; and (4)
the impact on existing contracts.
The company cannot yet predict the anticipated impact of the euro
conversion on its operations.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
On August 14, 1998, the Corporation filed a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 to register $600 million of the Corporation's debt
securities, common stock and preferred stock. It is anticipated that
any proceeds from the sale of any of the securities registered in this
filing will be added to the general funds of the Corporation and used
for general corporate purposes.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a) FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Form 10-Q and in written and oral
statements made by the Corporation may constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The
words "believe," "expect" and "anticipate" and similar expressions
identify forward-looking statements.
14
<PAGE>
Although these statements reflect the Corporation's current views
with respect to future events and financial performance, they are
subject to many uncertainties and factors relating to the
Corporation's operations and business environment which may cause
the actual results of the Corporation to be materially different
from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements.
Examples of such uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
changes in customer demand for various products of the Corporation
that could affect its overall product mix, margins, plant utilization
levels and asset valuations; economic slowdown in the U.S. (contrary
to the company's expectations of favorable economic conditions
throughout 1998 and 1999) or economic slowdowns in the Corporation's
major offshore markets, including Canada, Western Europe (particularly
Germany and the U.K.) and Japan; effects of significant changes in
monetary and fiscal policies in the U.S. and abroad which could result
in currency fluctuations, including fluctuations in the Canadian
dollar, German mark, Japanese yen, Swiss franc and U.K. pound;
inflationary pressures which could raise interest rates and
consequently the Corporation's cost of funds; unforeseen difficulties
in completing identified restructuring actions initiated in 1996
in connection with the Augat merger and cost-reduction actions
initiated in the third quarter of 1998, including disposal of idle
facilities, geographic shifts of production locations and closure of
redundant administrative facilities; unforeseen problems in the
Corporation's computer systems and from third parties with whom the
Corporation deals in business transactions, specifically those related
to "Year 2000" date-recognition ability in time-sensitive software;
availability and pricing of commodities and materials needed
for production of the Corporation's products, including steel, copper,
zinc, aluminum, gold and plastic resins; increased downward pressure
on selling prices for the Corporation's products; unforeseen
difficulties arising from the integration of acquired businesses with
the Corporation's operations; undiscovered liabilities arising from
future acquisitions of businesses; changes in financial results of,
or possibly the relationships with, the Corporation's joint ventures
and other equity investments in Taiwan, Japan, Belgium and the U.S.;
changes in environmental regulations and policies that could impact
projections of remediation expenses; significant changes in
governmental policies domestically and abroad that could create trade
restrictions, patent enforcement issues, adverse tax rate changes and
changes in tax treatment of such items as tax credits, withholding
taxes, transfer pricing and other income and expense recognition for
tax purposes, including changes in taxation on income generated in
Puerto Rico.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this form:
(10.1) Credit Agreement dated July 1, 1998 between registrant and a
group of banks.
(10.2) Credit Agreement dated July 1, 1998 between registrant and a
group of banks.
15
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(27.1) Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
(27.2) Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On July 30, 1998, the company filed a current report on Form 8-K,
Items 5 and 7, announcing the company's financial results for the
second fiscal quarter and announcing a special charge provision to be
recorded in its third fiscal quarter.
16
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THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
SIGNATURES
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.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
(Registrant)
DATE: November 17, 1998 /s/Fred R. Jones
----------------- -------------------------------------------
Fred R. Jones
Vice President-Finance and Treasurer
DATE: November 17, 1998 /s/Jerry Kronenberg
----------------- --------------------------------------------
Jerry Kronenberg
Vice President-General Counsel and Secretary
17
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CONFORMED COPY
$300,000,000
FIVE-YEAR
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
JULY 1, 1998
among
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
THE BANKS PARTY HERETO
and
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
AS AGENT
---------------
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
ARRANGER
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND
SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.,
CO-AGENTS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
<C> <S> <C>
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS......................................................................1
SECTION 1.02. ACCOUNTING TERMS AND DETERMINATIONS.............................................14
SECTION 1.03. TYPES OF BORROWINGS.............................................................15
ARTICLE 2 THE CREDITS
SECTION 2.01. COMMITMENTS TO LEND.............................................................15
SECTION 2.02. NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING...................................................15
SECTION 2.03. MONEY MARKET BORROWINGS.........................................................16
SECTION 2.04. NOTICE TO BANKS; FUNDING OF LOANS...............................................20
SECTION 2.05. NOTES...........................................................................21
SECTION 2.06. MATURITY OF LOANS...............................................................21
SECTION 2.07. INTEREST RATES..................................................................22
SECTION 2.08. METHOD OF ELECTING INTEREST RATES...............................................24
SECTION 2.09. FACILITY FEES...................................................................26
SECTION 2.10. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS.........................................27
SECTION 2.11. OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS............................................................27
SECTION 2.12. GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS...............................................27
SECTION 2.13. FUNDING LOSSES..................................................................28
SECTION 2.14. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES................................................29
SECTION 2.15. REGULATION D COMPENSATION.......................................................29
SECTION 2.16. OPTIONAL INCREASE IN COMMITMENTS................................................29
ARTICLE 3 CONDITIONS
SECTION 3.01. EFFECTIVENESS...................................................................31
SECTION 3.02. BORROWINGS......................................................................32
ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 4.01. CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER...................................................32
SECTION 4.02. CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; NO
CONTRAVENTION..................................................................33
<PAGE>
SECTION 4.03. BINDING EFFECT..................................................................33
SECTION 4.04. FINANCIAL INFORMATION...........................................................33
SECTION 4.05. LITIGATION......................................................................34
SECTION 4.06. COMPLIANCE WITH ERISA...........................................................34
SECTION 4.07. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS...........................................................34
SECTION 4.08. TAXES .........................................................................34
SECTION 4.09. SUBSIDIARIES....................................................................35
SECTION 4.10. NO REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON BORROWING.........................................35
SECTION 4.11. FULL DISCLOSURE.................................................................35
SECTION 4.12. YEAR 2000.......................................................................35
ARTICLE 5 COVENANTS
SECTION 5.01. INFORMATION.....................................................................36
SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF TAXES................................................................38
SECTION 5.03. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY; INSURANCE..............................................38
SECTION 5.04. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTENCE................................38
SECTION 5.05. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS............................................................39
SECTION 5.06. INSPECTION OF PROPERTY, BOOKS AND RECORDS.......................................39
SECTION 5.07. OPERATING CASH FLOW RATIO.......................................................39
SECTION 5.08. DEBT .........................................................................39
SECTION 5.09. NEGATIVE PLEDGE.................................................................39
SECTION 5.10. CONSOLIDATIONS, MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS.....................................40
SECTION 5.11. USE OF PROCEEDS.................................................................41
SECTION 5.12. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES....................................................41
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT...............................................................42
SECTION 6.02. NOTICE OF DEFAULT...............................................................44
ARTICLE 7 THE AGENT AND CO-AGENTS
SECTION 7.01. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION...................................................44
SECTION 7.02. AGENT AND AFFILIATES............................................................44
SECTION 7.03. ACTION BY AGENT.................................................................45
SECTION 7.04. CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS.......................................................45
SECTION 7.05. LIABILITY OF AGENT..............................................................45
SECTION 7.06. INDEMNIFICATION.................................................................45
SECTION 7.07. CREDIT DECISION.................................................................46
<PAGE>
SECTION 7.08. SUCCESSOR AGENT.................................................................46
SECTION 7.09. AGENT'S FEE.....................................................................46
SECTION 7.10. CO-AGENTS.......................................................................46
ARTICLE 8 CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
SECTION 8.01. BASIS FOR DETERMINING INTEREST RATE INADEQUATE OR UNFAIR........................47
SECTION 8.02. ILLEGALITY......................................................................47
SECTION 8.03. INCREASED COST AND REDUCED RETURN...............................................48
SECTION 8.04. TAXES .........................................................................50
SECTION 8.05. BASE RATE LOANS SUBSTITUTED FOR AFFECTED FIXED RATE LOANS.......................52
SECTION 8.06. SUBSTITUTION OF BANK............................................................52
ARTICLE 9 MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01. NOTICES.........................................................................52
SECTION 9.02. NO WAIVERS......................................................................53
SECTION 9.03. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION.......................................................53
SECTION 9.04. SET-OFFS........................................................................53
SECTION 9.05. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS..........................................................54
SECTION 9.06. SUCCESSORS; PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS......................................55
SECTION 9.07. DESIGNATED LENDERS..............................................................56
SECTION 9.08. NO RELIANCE ON MARGIN STOCK.....................................................58
SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.......................................58
SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS........................................58
SECTION 9.11. CONFIDENTIALITY.................................................................58
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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<S> <C>
</TABLE>
iv
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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<S> <C>
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
PRICING SCHEDULE
EXHIBIT A - Note
EXHIBIT B - Money Market Quote Request
EXHIBIT C - Invitation for Money Market Quotes
EXHIBIT D - Money Market Quote
EXHIBIT E - Opinion of Counsel for the Borrower
EXHIBIT F - Opinion of Special Counsel for the Agent
EXHIBIT G - Assignment and Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT H - Designation Agreement
</TABLE>
v
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FIVE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of July 1, 1998 among THOMAS & BETTS
CORPORATION, the BANKS party hereto and MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW
YORK, as Agent.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS. The following terms, as used herein, have the
following meanings:
"ABSOLUTE RATE AUCTION" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes
setting forth Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.03.
"ACQUISITION RELATED SPECIAL CHARGES" means charges to income related
specifically to acquisitions accounted for during the relevant period,
including such items as (i) transaction costs, including fees of investment
bankers, accounting fees, costs of appraisals, legal fees, loan syndication
fees, debt refinancing and extinguishment costs, printing, filing fees,
environmental assessment fees, change of control payments, hedging costs and
due diligence costs, (ii) changes to accruals of the acquired company for
such reserves as warranty, workers compensation, environmental, litigation,
excess and obsolete inventory, idle assets, sales returns and allowances,
retirement plans, retiree medical liability and the like and (iii) planned
restructuring actions of the acquired company for such items as plant or
product line relocation, plant closure, consolidation of manufacturing
facilities with those of the Borrower or another Subsidiary of Borrower,
consolidation of sales and administrative offices with those of the Borrower
or another Subsidiary of the Borrower and the like. Other special charges not
related to the acquisition shall be specifically excluded from this
definition, including costs and accruals for restructuring or accrual charges
of the Borrower for its operations other than those related to the
acquisition.
"ADJUSTED CD RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE" means, with respect to each Bank, an
administrative questionnaire in the form prepared by the Agent, completed by
such Bank and returned to the Agent (with a copy to the Borrower).
<PAGE>
"AFFILIATE" means (i) any Person that directly, or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, controls the Borrower (a "CONTROLLING
PERSON") or (ii) any Person (other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary) which
is controlled by or is under common control with a Controlling Person. As
used herein, the term "CONTROL" means possession, directly or indirectly, of
the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
"AGENT" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York in its capacity
as agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors in such capacity.
"APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICE" means, with respect to any Bank, (i) in the
case of its Domestic Loans, its Domestic Lending Office, (ii) in the case of
its Euro-Dollar Loans, its Euro-Dollar Lending Office and (iii) in the case
of its Money Market Loans, its Money Market Lending Office.
"ASSESSMENT RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"ASSIGNEE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(c).
"BANK" means (i) each bank listed on the Commitment Schedule, (ii) each
Assignee which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c), (iii) each Person
which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.16 and (iv) their respective
successors.
"BASE RATE" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the higher of
(i) the Prime Rate for such day and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the
Federal Funds Rate for such day.
"BASE RATE LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of
Interest Rate Election or the provisions of Section 2.08(a) or Article 8.
"BORROWER" means Thomas & Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation,
and its successors.
"BORROWER'S 1997 FORM 10-K" means the Borrower's annual report on Form
10-K for 1997, as filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act.
"BORROWER'S LATEST FORM 10-Q" means the Borrower's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 5, 1998, as filed with the SEC pursuant
to the Exchange Act.
"BORROWING" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03.
2
<PAGE>
"CD BASE RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"CD LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at a CD Rate
pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of
Interest Rate Election.
"CD MARGIN" means a rate per annum determined in accordance with the
Pricing Schedule.
"CD RATE" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to Section
2.07(b) on the basis of an Adjusted CD Rate.
"CD REFERENCE BANKS" means Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., and Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York.
"CO-AGENT" means each of Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., in its capacity as a Co-Agent
in respect of this Agreement.
"COMMITMENT" means (i) with respect to each Bank listed on the
Commitment Schedule, the amount set forth opposite such Bank's name on the
Commitment Schedule and (ii) with respect to any Assignee or other Person
which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 2.16 or 9.06(c), the amount of the
transferor Bank's Commitment assigned to it pursuant to Section 9.06(c), in
each case as such amount may be changed from time to time pursuant to Section
2.10, 2.16 or 9.06(c); PROVIDED that, if the context so requires, the term
"COMMITMENT" means the obligation of a Bank to extend credit up to such
amount to the Borrower hereunder.
"COMMITMENT SCHEDULE" means the Commitment Schedule attached hereto.
"COMMITTED LOAN" means a loan made by a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01;
PROVIDED that, if any such loan or loans (or portions thereof) are combined
or subdivided pursuant to a Notice of Interest Rate Election, the term
"Committed Loan" shall refer to the combined principal amount resulting from
such combination or to each of the separate principal amounts resulting from
such subdivision, as the case may be.
"CONSOLIDATED DEBT" means, at any date, the Debt of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis as of such date.
3
<PAGE>
"CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" means at any date the consolidated
stockholders' equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
determined as of such date.
"CONSOLIDATED OPERATING CASH FLOW" means, for any fiscal quarter, the
sum of the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries for such fiscal quarter plus, to the extent deducted in
determining such consolidated net income for such fiscal quarter,
depreciation and amortization; PROVIDED that Consolidated Operating Cash Flow
for any period shall be adjusted to eliminate the effect of any Acquisition
Related Special Charges during such period.
"CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY" means, at any date, any Subsidiary or other
entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the Borrower
in its consolidated financial statements if such statements were prepared as
of such date.
"CONSOLIDATED TOTAL CAPITAL" means at any date Consolidated Debt plus
Consolidated Net Worth, each determined as of such date.
"CREDIT EXPOSURE" means, with respect to any Bank at any time, (i) the
amount of its Commitment (whether used or unused) at such time or (ii) if the
Commitments have terminated in their entirety, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of its Loans at such time.
"DEBT" of any Person means, at any date, without duplication, (i) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
(iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of
property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary
course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee which are
capitalized in accordance with GAAP, (v) all Debt secured by a Lien on any
asset of such Person, whether or not such Debt is otherwise an obligation of
such Person, and (vi) all Debt of others Guaranteed by such Person; PROVIDED
that in determining the amount of any item of Debt of such Person pursuant to
this clause (vi), the amount of such Debt shall be equal to the lesser of (x)
the amount of Debt of others that is Guaranteed and (y) the amount of such
Guarantee.
"DEFAULT" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
4
<PAGE>
"DESIGNATED LENDER" means, with respect to any Designating Bank, an
Eligible Designee designated by it pursuant to Section 9.07(a) as a
Designated Lender for purposes of this Agreement.
"DESIGNATING BANK" means, with respect to each Designated Lender, the
Bank that designated such Designated Lender pursuant to Section 9.07(a).
"DOMESTIC BUSINESS DAY" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by
law to close.
"DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its office located at
its address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (or identified in
its Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office) or such
other office as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic Lending
Office by notice to the Borrower and the Agent; PROVIDED that any Bank may so
designate separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate Loans, on the
one hand, and its CD Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references
herein to the Domestic Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer
to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.
"DOMESTIC LOANS" means CD Loans or Base Rate Loans or both.
"DOMESTIC RESERVE PERCENTAGE" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.07(b).
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date this Agreement becomes effective in
accordance with Section 3.01.
"ELIGIBLE DESIGNEE" means a special purpose corporation that (i) is
organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (ii) is
engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in
the ordinary course of its business and (iii) issues (or the parent of which
issues) commercial paper rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P
or P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any and all federal, state, local and foreign
statutes, laws, judicial decisions, regulations, ordinances, rules,
judgments, orders, decrees, injunctions, permits, concessions, grants,
franchises, licenses, agreements and other governmental restrictions relating
to the environment or the effect of the environment on human health or to
emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, Hazardous
Substances or wastes into the environment, including (without limitation)
ambient air, surface water, ground water or land, or otherwise
5
<PAGE>
relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants,
Hazardous Substances or wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or any successor statute.
"ERISA GROUP" means the Borrower, any Subsidiary and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
Internal Revenue Code.
"EURO-DOLLAR BUSINESS DAY" means any Domestic Business Day on which
commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in
dollar deposits) in London.
"EURO-DOLLAR LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its office, branch
or affiliate located at its address set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire (or identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as its
Euro-Dollar Lending Office) or such other office, branch or affiliate of such
Bank as it may hereafter designate as its Euro-Dollar Lending Office by
notice to the Borrower and the Agent.
"EURO-DOLLAR LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at a
Euro-Dollar Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or
Notice of Interest Rate Election.
"EURO-DOLLAR MARGIN" means a rate per annum determined in accordance
with the Pricing Schedule.
"EURO-DOLLAR RATE" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to
Section 2.07(c) on the basis of a London Interbank Offered Rate.
"EURO-DOLLAR REFERENCE BANKS" means the principal London offices of Bank
of America National Trust and Savings Association, Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
N.A. and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York.
"EURO-DOLLAR RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means, for any day, that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion dollars
in respect of "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or in respect of any other category
of
6
<PAGE>
liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate
on Euro-Dollar Loans is determined or any category of extensions of credit or
other assets which includes loans by a non-United States office of any Bank
to United States residents).
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time.
"FEDERAL FUNDS RATE" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted
average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of
the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Domestic Business
Day next succeeding such day, PROVIDED that (i) if such day is not a Domestic
Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such
transactions on the next preceding Domestic Business Day as so published on
the next succeeding Domestic Business Day and (ii) if no such rate is so
published on such next succeeding Domestic Business Day, the Federal Funds
Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York on such day on such transactions as determined by the
Agent.
"FIXED RATE LOANS" means CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market
Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Base Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or any combination of the foregoing.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from
time to time, applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in
by the Borrower's independent public accountants) with the most recent
audited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks.
"GROUP OF LOANS" means, at any time, a group of Loans consisting of (i)
all Committed Loans which are Base Rate Loans at such time, (ii) all
Euro-Dollar Loans having the same Interest Period at such time or (iii) all
CD Loans having the same Interest Period at such time, PROVIDED that, if a
Committed Loan of any particular Bank is converted to or made as a Base Rate
Loan pursuant to Article 8, such Loan shall be included in the same Group or
Groups of Loans from time to time as it would have been in if it had not been
so converted or made.
"GUARANTEE" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise,
of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any
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other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i)
to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment
of) such Debt (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by
virtue of an agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or
services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or
otherwise), (ii) to reimburse a bank for amounts drawn under a letter of
credit for the purpose of paying such Debt or (iii) entered into for the
purpose of assuring in any other manner the holder of such Debt of the
payment thereof or to protect such holder against loss in respect thereof (in
whole or in part), PROVIDED that the term "Guarantee" shall not include
endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
The term "GUARANTEE" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
"HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means any toxic, radioactive, caustic or
otherwise hazardous substance, including petroleum, its derivatives and
by-products and other hydrocarbons, or any substance having any constituent
elements displaying any of the foregoing characteristics.
"INDEMNITEE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
"INTEREST PERIOD" means: (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan, the
period commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice
of Borrowing or on the date specified in an applicable Notice of Interest
Rate Election and ending (i) one, two, three or six months thereafter or (ii)
if each Bank shall have consented to the election by the Borrower of a longer
period, which consent may be withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion,
such longer period, in each case, as the Borrower may elect in such notice;
PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in
another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the
next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;
(b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar Business
Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period)
shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last Euro-Dollar Business
Day of a calendar month; and
(c) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;
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(2) with respect to each CD Loan, the period commencing on the date of
borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or on the date
specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate Election and ending (i)
30, 60, 90 or 180 days thereafter or (ii) if each Bank shall have consented
to the election by the Borrower of a longer period, which consent may be
withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion, such longer period, in each
case, as the Borrower may elect in such notice; PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day; and
(b) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date;
(3) with respect to each Money Market LIBOR Loan, the period commencing
on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing and
ending such whole number of months thereafter as the Borrower may elect in
accordance with Section 2.03; PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in
another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the
next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;
(b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar Business
Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period)
shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last Euro-Dollar Business
Day of a calendar month; and
(c) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date; and
(4) with respect to each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan, the period
commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of
Borrowing and ending such number of days thereafter (but not less than 7
days) as the Borrower may elect in accordance with Section 2.03; PROVIDED
that:
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(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day; and
(b) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date.
"INTERNAL REVENUE CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or any successor statute.
"INVESTMENT" means any investment in any Person, whether by means of
share purchase, capital contribution, loan, time deposit or otherwise (other
than demand deposits).
"LIBOR AUCTION" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes setting
forth Money Market Margins based on the London Interbank Offered Rate
pursuant to Section 2.03.
"LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such
asset. For purposes hereof, the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to
own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the
interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital
lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset; PROVIDED
that any transaction (including, without limitation, any sale of accounts
receivable) which is treated as a sale of assets under GAAP shall be so
treated hereunder and any asset which is so sold shall not be deemed subject
to a Lien. It is understood that a contractual grant of a right of set-off
does not create a Lien in the absence of an agreement to maintain a balance
against which such right may be exercised.
"LOAN" means a Committed Loan or a Money Market Loan and "LOANS" means
Committed Loans or Money Market Loans or any combination of the foregoing.
"LONDON INTERBANK OFFERED RATE" means, for any Interest Period, (i) the
rate for deposits in Dollars for a period of time comparable to such Interest
Period which appears on the Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M. (London time)
two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period or
(ii) if the rate set forth in (i) does not appear on the Telerate Page 3750,
the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%) of
the respective rates per annum at which deposits in Dollars are offered to
each of the Reference Banks in the London interbank market at approximately
11:00 A.M. (London time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the first day
of such Interest Period
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in an amount approximately equal to the Reference Amount for a period of time
comparable to such Interest Period. As used in this definition, the term
"REFERENCE AMOUNT" shall mean (a) for purposes of determining the rate
applicable to a Euro-Dollar Loan, the principal amount of the Euro-Dollar
Loan of such Reference Bank to which such rate is to apply and (b) for
purposes of determining the rate applicable to a Money Market LIBOR Loan, the
principal amount of the Money Market LIBOR Borrowing to which such rate is to
apply.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means a material adverse effect on (i) the
business, financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Borrower
to perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, or (iii) the
validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any Note or the rights or
remedies of the Agent or the Banks hereunder and thereunder.
"MATERIAL DEBT" means Debt (other than the Notes) of the Borrower and/or
one or more of its Significant Subsidiaries, arising in one or more related
or unrelated transactions, in an outstanding aggregate principal amount
exceeding $20,000,000.
"MATERIAL PLAN" means, at any time, a Plan or Plans having aggregate
Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $20,000,000.
"MONEY MARKET ABSOLUTE RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.03(d).
"MONEY MARKET ABSOLUTE RATE LOAN" means a loan made or to be made by a
Bank pursuant to an Absolute Rate Auction.
"MONEY MARKET LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic
Lending Office or such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it
may hereafter designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the
Borrower and the Agent; PROVIDED that any Bank may from time to time by
notice to the Borrower and the Agent designate separate Money Market Lending
Offices for its Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand, and its Money
Market Absolute Rate Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references
herein to the Money Market Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to
refer to either or both of such offices, as the context may require.
"MONEY MARKET LIBOR LOAN" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to a LIBOR Auction (including any such loan bearing interest at the
Base Rate pursuant to Section 8.01).
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"MONEY MARKET LOAN" means a Money Market LIBOR Loan or a Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan.
"MONEY MARKET MARGIN" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(d)(ii)(C).
"MONEY MARKET QUOTE" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money Market Loan
in accordance with Section 2.03.
"MOODY'S" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
"MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the
ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or
has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these
purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such
five year period.
"NOTES" means promissory notes of the Borrower, substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the Borrower's obligation to repay the Loans,
and "NOTE" means any one of such promissory notes issued hereunder.
"NOTICE OF BORROWING" means a Notice of Committed Borrowing (as defined in
Section 2.02) or a Notice of Money Market Borrowing (as defined in
Section 2.03(f)).
"NOTICE OF INTEREST RATE ELECTION" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.08.
"PARENT" means, with respect to any Bank, any Person controlling such Bank.
"PARTICIPANT" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.
"PERSON" means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a
partnership, an association, a trust or any other entity or organization,
including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality
thereof.
"PLAN" means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and
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either (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA Group
for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (ii) has at any time within
the preceding five years been maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which
was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which
was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.
"PRICING SCHEDULE" means the Pricing Schedule attached hereto.
"PRIME RATE" means the rate of interest publicly announced by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York in New York City from time to time as its
Prime Rate.
"PRIOR AGREEMENT" means the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995
among the Borrower, the banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent for such banks, as amended to the
Effective Date.
"QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATES" means each April 15, July 15, October 15 and
January 15.
"REFERENCE BANKS" means the CD Reference Banks or the Euro-Dollar Reference
Banks, as the context may require, and "REFERENCE BANK" means any one of such
Reference Banks.
"REGULATION U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.
"REQUIRED BANKS" means, at any time, Banks having more than 50% in
aggregate amount of the Credit Exposures at such time.
"REVOLVING CREDIT PERIOD" means the period from and including the Effective
Date to but not including the Termination Date.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary which would constitute a
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" of the Borrower under Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated by the SEC.
"SUBSIDIARY" means, as to any Person, any corporation or other entity of
which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to
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elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person. Unless
otherwise specified, "Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Borrower.
"TERMINATION DATE" means June 30, 2003, or, if such day is not a
Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.
"TOTAL BORROWED FUNDS" means, at any date, the aggregate principal amount
of Debt of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries of the type referred
to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) of the definition thereof, determined on a
consolidated basis as of such date.
"UNFUNDED LIABILITIES" means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the
amount (if any) by which (i) the value of all benefit liabilities under such
Plan, determined on a plan termination basis using the assumptions prescribed by
the PBGC for purposes of Section 4044 of ERISA, exceeds (ii) the fair market
value of all Plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title IV of ERISA
(excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as of the then
most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such
excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA Group to the
PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.
"UNITED STATES" means the United States of America.
SECTION 1.02. ACCOUNTING TERMS AND DETERMINATIONS. Unless otherwise
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP;
PROVIDED that, if the Borrower notifies the Agent that the Borrower wishes to
amend any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change in GAAP (or if
the Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Banks wish to amend any
provision hereof for such purpose), then such provision shall be applied on the
basis of GAAP in effect immediately before the relevant change in GAAP became
effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such provision is amended in
a manner satisfactory to the Borrower and the Required Banks.
SECTION 1.03. TYPES OF BORROWINGS. The term "BORROWING" denotes (i) the
aggregation of Loans made or to be made to the Borrower by one or more Banks
pursuant to Article 2 on the same day, all of which Loans are of the same type
(subject to Article 8) and, except in the case of Base Rate Loans, have the same
initial Interest Period or (ii) if the context so requires, the borrowing of
such Loans. Borrowings are classified for purposes hereof either (i) by
reference to the pricing of Loans comprising such Borrowing (E.G., a
"Euro-Dollar Borrowing" is
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a Borrowing comprised of Euro-Dollar Loans) or (ii) by reference to the
provisions of Article 2 under which participation therein is determined
(I.E., a "Committed Borrowing" is a Borrowing under Section 2.01 in which all
Banks participate in proportion to their Commitments, while a "Money Market
Borrowing" is a Borrowing under Section 2.03 in which one or more Banks
participate on the basis of their bids).
ARTICLE 2
THE CREDITS
SECTION 2.01. COMMITMENTS TO LEND. Each Bank severally agrees, on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make loans to the Borrower
pursuant to this Section from time to time during the Revolving Credit Period;
PROVIDED that, immediately after each such loan is made, (i) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of such Bank's Committed Loans shall not exceed its
Commitment and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all the Loans
shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments. Each Borrowing under
this Section shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or any
larger multiple of $1,000,000 (except that any such Borrowing may be in the
aggregate amount available within the limitations in the foregoing proviso) and
shall be made from the several Banks ratably in proportion to their respective
Commitments. Within the foregoing limits, the Borrower may borrow under this
Section, prepay Loans to the extent permitted by Section 2.11 and reborrow at
any time during the Revolving Credit Period under this Section.
SECTION 2.02. NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING. The Borrower shall give
the Agent notice (a "NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING") not later than 10:30 A.M.
(New York City time) on (x) the date of each Base Rate Borrowing, (y) the second
Domestic Business Day before each CD Borrowing and (z) the third Euro-Dollar
Business Day before each Euro-Dollar Borrowing, specifying:
(a) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business
Day in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business Day in
the case of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing;
(b) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;
(c) whether the Loans comprising such Borrowing are to bear interest
initially at the Base Rate, a CD Rate or a Euro-Dollar Rate; and
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(d) in the case of a CD Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Borrowing, the
duration of the initial Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the
provisions of the definition of Interest Period.
SECTION 2.03. MONEY MARKET BORROWINGS. (a) THE MONEY MARKET OPTION. In
addition to Committed Borrowings pursuant to Section 2.01, the Borrower may, as
set forth in this Section, request the Banks to make offers to make Money Market
Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Credit Period. The
Banks may, but shall have no obligation to, make such offers and the Borrower
may, but shall have no obligation to, accept any such offers in the manner set
forth in this Section.
(b) MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST. When the Borrower wishes to request offers
to make Money Market Loans under this Section, it shall transmit to the Agent by
telex or facsimile a Money Market Quote Request substantially in the form of
Exhibit B hereto so as to be received not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York City
time) on (x) the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day before the date of Borrowing
proposed therein, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the Domestic Business
Day next preceding the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of an
Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such other time or date as the
Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and shall have notified to the
Banks not later than the date of the Money Market Quote Request for the first
LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which such change is to be effective)
specifying:
(i) the proposed date of Borrowing, which shall be a Euro-Dollar
Business Day in the case of a LIBOR Auction or a Domestic Business Day in
the case of an Absolute Rate Auction,
(ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
$10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,
(iii) the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto, subject
to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period, and
(iv) whether the Money Market Quotes requested are to set forth a
Money Market Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate.
The Borrower may request offers to make Money Market Loans for more than one
Interest Period in a single Money Market Quote Request. No Money Market Quote
Request shall be given within five Euro-Dollar Business Days (or such other
number of days as
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the Borrower and the Agent may agree) of any other Money Market Quote Request.
(c) INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES. Promptly after receiving a Money
Market Quote Request, the Agent shall send to the Banks by telex or facsimile an
Invitation for Money Market Quotes substantially in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, which shall constitute an invitation by the Borrower to each Bank to
submit Money Market Quotes offering to make the Money Market Loans to which such
Money Market Quote Request relates in accordance with this Section.
(d) SUBMISSION AND CONTENTS OF MONEY MARKET QUOTES. (i) Each Bank may
submit a Money Market Quote containing an offer or offers to make Money Market
Loans in response to any Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Each Money Market
Quote must comply with the requirements of this Section 2.03(d) and must be
submitted to the Agent by telex or facsimile at its address specified in or
pursuant to Section 9.01 not later than (x) 4:00 P.M. (New York City time) on
the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day before the proposed date of Borrowing, in
the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) 9:30 A.M. (New York City time) on the
proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in
either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have
mutually agreed and shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of
the Money Market Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate
Auction for which such change is to be effective); PROVIDED that Money Market
Quotes submitted by the Agent (or any affiliate of the Agent) in the capacity of
a Bank may be submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Agent or such
affiliate notifies the Borrower of the terms of the offer or offers contained
therein not later than (x) one hour before the deadline for the other Banks, in
the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) 15 minutes before the deadline for the other
Banks, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction. Subject to Articles 3 and 6, any
Money Market Quote so made shall not be revocable except with the written
consent of the Agent given on the instructions of the Borrower.
(ii) Each Money Market Quote shall be substantially in the form of
Exhibit D hereto and shall in any case specify:
(A) the proposed date of Borrowing,
(B) the principal amount of the Money Market Loan for which each
such offer is being made, which principal amount (w) may be greater
than or less than the Commitment of the quoting Bank, (x) must be
$5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,
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(y) may not exceed the principal amount of Money Market Loans for
which offers were requested and (z) may be subject to an aggregate
limitation as to the principal amount of Money Market Loans for
which offers being made by such quoting Bank may be accepted,
(C) in the case of a LIBOR Auction, the margin above or below the
applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (the "MONEY MARKET MARGIN")
offered for each such Money Market Loan, expressed as a percentage
(specified to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) to be added to or subtracted
from such base rate,
(D) in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the rate of interest
per annum (specified to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) (the "MONEY MARKET
ABSOLUTE RATE") offered for each such Money Market Loan, and
(E) the identity of the quoting Bank.
A Money Market Quote may set forth up to five separate offers by the quoting
Bank with respect to each Interest Period specified in the related Invitation
for Money Market Quotes.
(iii) Any Money Market Quote shall be disregarded if it:
(A) is not substantially in conformity with Exhibit D hereto or
does not specify all of the information required by
subsection 2.03(d)(ii) above;
(B) contains qualifying, conditional or similar language;
(C) proposes terms other than or in addition to those set forth
in the applicable Invitation for Money Market Quotes; or
(D) arrives after the time set forth in subsection 2.03(d)(i).
(e) NOTICE TO BORROWER. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower of the
terms of (i) any Money Market Quote submitted by a Bank that is in accordance
with Section 2.03(d) and (ii) any Money Market Quote that amends, modifies or is
otherwise inconsistent with a previous Money Market Quote submitted by such Bank
with respect to the same Money Market Quote Request. Any such subsequent Money
Market Quote shall be disregarded by the Agent unless such subsequent Money
Market Quote is submitted solely to correct a
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manifest error in such former Money Market Quote. The Agent's notice to the
Borrower shall specify (A) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market
Loans for which offers have been received for each Interest Period specified
in the related Money Market Quote Request, (B) the respective principal
amounts and Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case
may be, so offered and (C) if applicable, limitations on the aggregate
principal amount of Money Market Loans for which offers in any single Money
Market Quote may be accepted.
(f) ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE BY BORROWER. Not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York
City time) on (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the proposed date of
Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the proposed date of Borrowing,
in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such other time or
date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and shall have
notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market Quote Request
for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which such change is to
be effective), the Borrower shall notify the Agent of its acceptance or
non-acceptance of the offers so notified to it pursuant to Section 2.03(e). In
the case of acceptance, such notice (a "NOTICE OF MONEY MARKET BORROWING") shall
specify the aggregate principal amount of offers for each Interest Period that
are accepted. The Borrower may accept any Money Market Quote in whole or in
part; PROVIDED that:
(i) the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing
may not exceed the applicable amount set forth in the related Money
Market Quote Request;
(ii) the principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing must be
$10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000;
(iii) acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of
ascending Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the
case may be;
(iv) the Borrower may not accept any offer that is described in
subsection 2.03(d)(iii) or that otherwise fails to comply with the
requirements of this Agreement; and
(v) immediately after such Money Market Borrowing is made, the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans shall not exceed
the aggregate amount of the Commitments.
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(g) ALLOCATION BY AGENT. If offers are made by two or more Banks with the
same Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be,
for a greater aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect of which
such offers are accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal amount
of Money Market Loans in respect of which such offers are accepted shall be
allocated by the Agent among such Banks as nearly as possible (in multiples of
$1,000,000, as the Agent may deem appropriate) in proportion to the aggregate
principal amounts of such offers. Determinations by the Agent of the amounts of
Money Market Loans shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
SECTION 2.04. NOTICE TO BANKS; FUNDING OF LOANS. (a) Promptly after
receiving a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall notify each Bank of the
contents thereof and of such Bank's share (if any) of such Borrowing and such
Notice of Borrowing shall not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.
(b) Not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date of each
Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall make available its share of
such Borrowing, in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York
City, to the Agent at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01.
Unless the Agent determines that any applicable condition specified in Article 3
has not been satisfied, the Agent will make the funds so received from the Banks
available to the Borrower at the Agent's aforesaid address.
(c) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank before the
date of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available to the Agent
such Bank's share of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Bank has
made such share available to the Agent on the date of such Borrowing in
accordance with Section 2.04(b) and the Agent may, in reliance upon such
assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding
amount. If and to the extent that such Bank shall not have so made such share
available to the Agent, such Bank and the Borrower severally agree to repay
to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with
interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to
the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) if
such amount is repaid by the Borrower, a rate per annum equal to the higher
of the Federal Funds Rate and the interest rate applicable to such Borrowing
pursuant to Section 2.07 and (ii) if such amount is repaid by such Bank, the
Federal Funds Rate. If such Bank shall repay to the Agent such corresponding
amount, the Borrower shall not be required to repay such amount and the
amount so repaid by such Bank shall constitute such Bank's Loan included in
such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.
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SECTION 2.05. NOTES. (a) The Borrower's obligation to repay the Loans of
each Bank shall be evidenced by a single Note payable to the order of such Bank
for the account of its Applicable Lending Office in an amount equal to the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Bank's Loans.
(b) Each Bank may, by notice to the Borrower and the Agent, request that
the Borrower's obligation to repay such Bank's Loans of a particular type be
evidenced by a separate Note in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of such Loans. Each such Note shall be in substantially the
form of Exhibit A hereto with appropriate modifications to reflect the fact that
it relates solely to Loans of the relevant type. Each reference in this
Agreement to the "Note" of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to and include any
or all of such Notes, as the context may require.
(c) Promptly after it receives each Bank's Note pursuant to
Section 3.01(a), the Agent shall forward such Note to such Bank. Each Bank
shall record the date, amount and type of each Loan made by it and the date
and amount of each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect
thereto, and may, if such Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or
enforcement of its Note, endorse on the schedule forming a part thereof
appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing information with respect to
each such Loan then outstanding; PROVIDED that a Bank's failure to make (or
any error in making) any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the
Borrower's obligations hereunder or under the Notes. Each Bank is hereby
irrevocably authorized by the Borrower so to endorse its Note and to attach
to and make a part of its Note a continuation of any such schedule as and
when required.
SECTION 2.06. MATURITY OF LOANS. (a) Each Committed Loan shall mature, and
the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together with interest
accrued thereon), on the Termination Date.
(b) Each Money Market Loan included in any Money Market Borrowing shall
mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together with
interest accrued thereon), on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to
such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. INTEREST RATES. (a) Each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest
on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the date such
Loan is made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate
for such day. Such interest shall be payable quarterly in arrears on each
Quarterly Payment Date. Any overdue principal of or interest on any Base Rate
Loan shall
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bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such day.
(b) Each CD Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, for each day during each Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate
per annum equal to the sum of the CD Margin for such day plus the Adjusted CD
Rate applicable to such Interest Period; PROVIDED that if any CD Loan shall, as
a result of clause (2)(b) of the definition of Interest Period, have an Interest
Period of less than 30 days, such CD Loan shall bear interest for each day
during such Interest Period at the Base Rate for such day. Such interest shall
be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such
Interest Period is longer than 90 days, at intervals of 90 days after the first
day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on any CD Loan shall bear
interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum equal
to the sum of 2% plus the higher of (i) the Base Rate for such day and (ii) the
sum of the CD Margin for such day plus the Adjusted CD Rate applicable to such
Loan on the day before such payment was due.
The "ADJUSTED CD RATE" applicable to any Interest Period means a rate per
annum determined pursuant to the following formula:
[CDBR]*
ACDR = ---------- +AR
[1.00-DRP]
ACDR = Adjusted CD Rate
CDBR = CD Base Rate
DRP = Domestic Reserve Percentage
AR = Assessment Rate
* The amount in brackets being rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher
1/100 of 1%
The "CD BASE RATE" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate of
interest determined by the Agent to be the average (rounded upward, if
necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the prevailing rates per annum bid
at 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as practicable) on the
first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York certificate of deposit
dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face value from each CD
Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount comparable to the
principal amount of the CD Loan of such CD Reference Bank to which such Interest
Period applies and having a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.
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"DOMESTIC RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means for any day that percentage (expressed
as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the
maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any basic,
supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of the Federal Reserve
System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion dollars in respect
of new non-personal time deposits in dollars in New York City having a maturity
comparable to the related Interest Period and in an amount of $100,000 or more.
The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective
date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.
"ASSESSMENT RATE" means for any day the annual assessment rate in effect
on such day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund
classified as adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or
a comparable successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of
12 C.F.R. Section 327.4(a) (or any successor provision) to the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or
such successor's) insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in
the United States. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on
and as of the effective date of any change in the Assessment Rate.
(c) Each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal
amount thereof, for each day during each Interest Period applicable thereto, at
a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Euro-Dollar Margin for such day plus
the London Interbank Offered Rate applicable to such Interest Period. Such
interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and,
if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three
months after the first day thereof.
(d) Any overdue principal of or interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear
interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum equal
to the higher of (i) the sum of 2% plus the Euro-Dollar Margin for such day plus
the London Interbank Offered Rate applicable to such Loan on the day before such
payment was due and (ii) the sum of 2% plus the Euro-Dollar Margin for such day
plus a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded upward, if
necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) by dividing (x) the average (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%) of the respective rates per
annum at which one day (or, if such amount due remains unpaid more than three
Euro-Dollar Business Days, then for such other period of time not longer than
three months as the Agent may select) deposits in dollars in an amount
approximately equal to such overdue payment due to each of the Euro-Dollar
Reference Banks are offered to such Euro-Dollar Reference Bank in the London
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interbank market for the applicable period determined as provided above by
(y) 1.00 minus the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage (or, if the circumstances
described in clause 8.01(a) or 8.01(b) shall exist, at a rate per annum equal
to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such day).
(e) Subject to Section 8.01, each Money Market LIBOR Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the London
Interbank Offered Rate for such Interest Period (determined in accordance
with Section 2.07(c) as if the related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing were a
Committed Euro-Dollar Borrowing) plus (or minus) the Money Market Margin
quoted by the Bank making such Loan. Each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan
shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the
Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the Money
Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making such Loan. Such interest shall
be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if such
Interest Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three months
after the first day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on any
Money Market Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until
paid at a rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such
day.
(f) The Agent shall determine each interest rate applicable to the Loans
hereunder. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the participating
Banks of each rate of interest so determined, and its determination thereof
shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
(g) Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Agent as contemplated by this Section. If any Reference Bank
does not furnish a timely quotation, the Agent shall determine the relevant
interest rate on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished by the
remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of such quotations is available on
a timely basis, the provisions of Section 8.01 shall apply.
SECTION 2.08. METHOD OF ELECTING INTEREST RATES. (a) The Loans included in
each Committed Borrowing shall bear interest initially at the type of rate
specified by the Borrower in the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing.
Thereafter, the Borrower may from time to time elect to change or continue the
type of interest rate borne by each Group of Loans (subject to Section 2.08(d)
and the provisions of Article 8), as follows:
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(i) if such Loans are Base Rate Loans, the Borrower may elect to
convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic Business Day or to
Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar Business Day;
(ii) if such Loans are CD Loans, the Borrower may elect to
convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business Day
or convert such Loans to Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar
Business Day or continue such Loans as CD Loans for an additional
Interest Period, subject to Section 2.13 if any such conversion is
effective on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period
applicable to such Loans; and
(iii) if such Loans are Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower may elect
to convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic Business
Day or convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Euro-Dollar Business
Day or elect to continue such Loans as Euro-Dollar Loans for an
additional Interest Period, subject to Section 2.13 if any such
conversion is effective on any day other than the last day of an
Interest Period applicable to such Loans.
Each such election shall be made by delivering a notice (a "NOTICE OF INTEREST
RATE ELECTION") to the Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York City time) on
the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the conversion or continuation
selected in such notice is to be effective (unless the relevant Loans are to be
converted from Domestic Loans of one type to Domestic Loans of the other type or
are CD Loans to be continued as CD Loans for an additional Interest Period, in
which case such notice shall be delivered to the Agent not later than 10:30 A.M.
(New York City time) on the second Domestic Business Day before such conversion
or continuation is to be effective). A Notice of Interest Rate Election may, if
it so specifies, apply to only a portion of the aggregate principal amount of
the relevant Group of Loans; PROVIDED that (i) such portion is allocated ratably
among the Loans comprising such Group and (ii) the portion to which such Notice
applies, and the remaining portion to which it does not apply, are each at least
$10,000,000 (unless such portion is comprised of Base Rate Loans). If no such
notice is timely received before the end of an Interest Period for any Group of
CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected that
such Group of Loans be converted to Base Rate Loans at the end of such Interest
Period.
(b) Each Notice of Interest Rate Election shall specify:
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(i) the Group of Loans (or portion thereof) to which such notice
applies;
(ii) the date on which the conversion or continuation selected in
such notice is to be effective, which shall comply with the applicable
clause of Section 2.08(a) above;
(iii) if the Loans comprising such Group are to be converted, the
new type of Loans and, if the Loans resulting from such conversion are
to be CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the duration of the next
succeeding Interest Period applicable thereto; and
(iv) if such Loans are to be continued as CD Loans or Euro-Dollar
Loans for an additional Interest Period, the duration of such
additional Interest Period.
Each Interest Period specified in a Notice of Interest Rate Election shall
comply with the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.
(c) Promptly after receiving a Notice of Interest Rate Election from the
Borrower pursuant to Section 2.08(a) above, the Agent shall notify each Bank of
the contents thereof and such notice shall not thereafter be revocable by the
Borrower.
(d) The Borrower shall not be entitled to elect to convert any Committed
Loans to, or continue any Committed Loans for an additional Interest Period as,
CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans if (i) the aggregate principal amount of any Group
of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans created or continued as a result of such
election would be less than $10,000,000 or (ii) a Default shall have occurred
and be continuing when the Borrower delivers notice of such election to the
Agent.
(e) If any Committed Loan is converted to a different type of Loan, the
Borrower shall pay, on the date of such conversion, the interest accrued to such
date on the principal amount being converted.
(f) A conversion or continuation pursuant to this Section 2.08 is not a
Borrowing.
SECTION 2.09. FACILITY FEES. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the
account of the Banks ratably in proportion to their Credit Exposures, a facility
fee calculated for each day at the Facility Fee Rate for such day (determined in
accordance with the Pricing Schedule) on the aggregate amount of the Credit
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Exposures on such day. Such facility fee shall accrue for each day from and
including the Effective Date to but excluding the day on which the Credit
Exposures are reduced to zero. Fees accrued for the account of the Banks under
this Section shall be payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment
Date and on the day on which the Commitments terminate in their entirety (and,
if later, on the day on which the Credit Exposures are reduced to zero).
SECTION 2.10. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. (a) The Borrower
may, upon at least three Domestic Business Days' notice to the Agent,
(i) terminate the Commitments at any time, if no Loans are outstanding at
such time, or (ii) ratably reduce from time to time by an aggregate amount of
$10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000, the aggregate amount of the
Commitments in excess of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
Loans. Promptly after receiving a notice pursuant to this subsection, the
Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof.
(b) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate in their
entirety on the Termination Date.
SECTION 2.11. OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS. (a) Subject in the case of Fixed Rate
Loans to Section 2.13, the Borrower may (i) upon at least one Domestic Business
Day's notice to the Agent, prepay the Group of Base Rate Loans (or any Money
Market Borrowing bearing interest at the Base Rate pursuant to Section 8.01),
(ii) upon at least two Domestic Business Days' notice to the Agent, prepay any
Group of CD Loans or (iii) upon at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days' notice
to the Agent, prepay any Group of Euro-Dollar Loans, in each case in whole at
any time, or from time to time in part in amounts aggregating $10,000,000 or any
larger multiple of $1,000,000, by paying the principal amount to be prepaid
together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment. Each such
optional prepayment shall be applied to prepay ratably the Loans of the several
Banks included in such Group of Loans (or such Money Market Borrowing).
(b) Except as provided in Section 2.11(a) above, the Borrower may not
prepay all or any portion of the principal amount of any Money Market Loan
before the maturity thereof.
(c) Promptly after receiving a notice of prepayment pursuant to this
Section, the Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such
Bank's ratable share (if any) of such prepayment, and such notice shall not
thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.
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SECTION 2.12. GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS. (a) The Borrower shall
make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and of fees
hereunder not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date when due,
in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City, to the Agent
at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01. The Agent will promptly
distribute to each Bank its ratable share of each such payment received by the
Agent for the account of the Banks. Whenever any payment of principal of, or
interest on, the Domestic Loans or any payment of fees shall be due on a day
which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be
extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business Day. Whenever any payment of
principal of, or interest on, the Euro-Dollar Loans shall be due on a day which
is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be
extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar
Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the date for payment
thereof shall be the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day. Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Money Market Loans shall be due on
a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment thereof
shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day. If the date
for any payment of principal is extended by operation of law or otherwise,
interest thereon shall be payable for such extended time.
(b) Unless the Borrower notifies the Agent before the date on which any
payment is due to the Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such
payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in
full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance on such
assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due date an amount
equal to the amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent that the Borrower
shall not have so made such payment, each Bank shall repay to the Agent
forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank together with interest
thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Bank
until the date such Bank repays such amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds
Rate.
SECTION 2.13. FUNDING LOSSES. If the Borrower makes any payment of
principal with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan or any Fixed Rate Loan is
converted to a different type of Loan (whether such payment or conversion is
pursuant to Article 2, 6 or 8 or otherwise) on any day other than the last day
of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or the last day of an applicable
period fixed pursuant to Section 2.07(d), or if the Borrower fails to borrow,
prepay, convert or continue any Fixed Rate Loan after notice has been given to
any Bank in accordance with Section 2.04(a), 2.08(c) or 2.11(c), the Borrower
shall reimburse each Bank within 15 days after demand for any resulting loss or
expense incurred by it (or by an existing or prospective Participant in the
related Loan), including
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(without limitation) any loss incurred in obtaining, liquidating or employing
deposits from third parties, but excluding loss of margin for the period
after such payment or conversion or failure to borrow, prepay, convert or
continue; PROVIDED that such Bank shall have delivered to the Borrower a
certificate as to the amount of such loss or expense, which certificate shall
be conclusive in the absence of clearly demonstrable error.
SECTION 2.14. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. Interest based on the Prime
Rate hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days
in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days elapsed (including the
first day but excluding the last day). All other interest and fees shall be
computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of
days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
SECTION 2.15. REGULATION D COMPENSATION. If and so long as a reserve
requirement of the type described in the definition of "Euro-Dollar Reserve
Percentage" is prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (or any successor), each Bank subject to such requirement may require the
Borrower to pay, contemporaneously with each payment of interest on each of such
Bank's Euro-Dollar Loans, additional interest on such Euro-Dollar Loan at a rate
per annum determined by such Bank up to but not exceeding the excess of (i) (A)
the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate divided by (B) one MINUS the
Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage over (ii) the applicable London Interbank Offered
Rate. Any Bank wishing to require payment of such additional interest (x) shall
so notify the Borrower and the Agent, in which case such additional interest on
the Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank shall be payable to such Bank at the place
indicated in such notice with respect to each Interest Period commencing at
least three Euro-Dollar Business Days after such Bank gives such notice and
(y) shall notify the Borrower at least five Euro-Dollar Business Days before
each date on which interest is payable on the Euro-Dollar Loans of the amount
then due it under this Section. It is understood that (x) no additional
interest is payable under this Section in respect of Euro-Dollar Loans not
paid when due and (y) amounts claimed by any Bank under this Section shall be
based on an assumed level of reserves maintained by it which is consistent
with such Bank's good faith estimate of the actual level at which the related
reserves are required to be maintained by it over time.
SECTION 2.16. OPTIONAL INCREASE IN COMMITMENTS. (a) At any time (but not
more than twice in any calendar year), if no Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, the Borrower may, upon at least 30 days' notice to the Agent
(which shall promptly provide a copy of such notice to the Banks), propose to
increase the aggregate amount of the Commitments by an amount which (i) is not
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less than $10,000,000 and (ii) when combined with the aggregate amount by
which the Commitments have theretofore been increased pursuant to this
Section 2.16, does not exceed $100,000,000 (the amount of any such increase,
the "INCREASED COMMITMENTS"). Each Bank party to this Agreement at such time
shall have the right (but no obligation), for a period of 15 days following
receipt of such notice to elect by notice to the Borrower and the Agent to
increase its Commitment by a principal amount which bears the same ratio to
the Increased Commitments as its then Commitment bears to the aggregate
Commitments then existing. Any Bank not responding within 15 days of receipt
of such notice shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.
(b) If any Bank party to this Agreement shall not elect to increase its
Commitment pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section, the Borrower may, within
10 days of the Banks' response, designate one or more of the existing Banks or
other financial institutions acceptable to the Agent and the Borrower (which
consent of the Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld) which at the time agree
to (i) in the case of any such Person that is an existing Bank, increase its
Commitment and (ii) in the case of any other such Person (an "ADDITIONAL BANK"),
become a party to this Agreement. The sum of the increases in the Commitments of
the existing Banks pursuant to this subsection (b) plus the Commitments of the
Additional Banks shall not in the aggregate exceed the unsubscribed amount of
the Increased Commitments.
(c) An increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments pursuant to this
Section 2.16 shall become effective upon the receipt by the Agent of (i) an
agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent signed by the
Borrower, by each Additional Bank and by each other Bank whose Commitment is to
be increased, setting forth the new Commitments of such Banks and setting forth
the agreement of each Additional Bank to become a party to this Agreement and to
be bound by all the terms and provisions hereof and (ii) such evidence of
appropriate corporate authorization on the part of the Borrower with respect to
the Increased Commitments and such opinions of counsel for the Borrower with
respect to the Increased Commitments as the Agent may reasonably request.
(d) Upon any increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments pursuant
to this Section 2.16 that is not pro rata among all Banks, within five Domestic
Business Days, in the case of any Group of Base Rate Loans then outstanding, and
at the end of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto, in the case
of any Group of Euro-Dollar Loans or CD Loans then outstanding, the Borrower
shall prepay such Group in its entirety and, to the extent the Borrower elects
to do so and subject to the conditions specified in Article 3, the Borrower
shall reborrow Committed Loans from the Banks in proportion to their respective
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Commitments after giving effect to such increase, until such time as all
outstanding Committed Loans are held by the Banks in such proportion.
ARTICLE 3
CONDITIONS
SECTION 3.01. EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement shall become effective on the
date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied (or waived
in accordance with Section 9.05):
(a) receipt by the Agent of counterparts hereof signed by each of the
parties hereto (or, in the case of any party as to which an executed counterpart
shall not have been received, receipt by the Agent in form satisfactory to it of
telegraphic, telex or other written confirmation from such party of execution of
a counterpart hereof by such party);
(b) receipt by the Agent for the account of each Bank of a duly executed
Note dated on or before the Effective Date complying with the provisions of
Section 2.05;
(c) receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy,
special counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1
hereto, and of an opinion of Jerry Kronenberg, counsel for the Borrower,
substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 hereto;
(d) receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell, special
counsel for the Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto;
(e) receipt by the Agent of all documents it may reasonably request
relating to the existence of the Borrower, the corporate authority for and the
validity of this Agreement and the Notes, and any other matters relevant hereto,
all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and
(f) receipt by the Agent of evidence satisfactory to it of the payment of
all principal of and interest on loans outstanding under the Prior Agreement
(other than any "MONEY MARKET LOANS" outstanding under the Prior Agreement and
held by Banks party to this Agreement, which shall remain outstanding with the
same terms as to amount, interest and maturity established pursuant to the Prior
Agreement but which shall for purposes of this Agreement be deemed to be
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Money Market Loans made hereunder), together with facility fees thereunder
accrued to the Effective Date and all other amounts payable thereunder;
PROVIDED that this Agreement shall not become effective or be binding on any
party hereto unless all of the foregoing conditions are satisfied not later
than July 10, 1998. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the
Banks of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding
on all parties hereto. The Borrower and each of the Banks which is a party to
the Prior Agreement, comprising the "REQUIRED BANKS" as defined in the Prior
Agreement, hereby agree that the commitments of the banks under the Prior
Agreement shall terminate on and as of the Effective Date, without further
action by any party to the Prior Agreement.
SECTION 3.02. BORROWINGS. The obligation of any Bank to make a Loan on
the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:
(a) receipt by the Agent of a Notice of Borrowing as required by
Section 2.02 or 2.03, as the case may be;
(b) the fact that, immediately after such Borrowing, the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Loans will not exceed the aggregate
amount of the Commitments;
(c) the fact that, immediately before and after such Borrowing, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
(d) the fact that the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in this Agreement shall be true on and as of the date of such
Borrowing.
Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty
by the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts specified in
clauses 3.02(b), 3.02(c) and 3.02(d) of this Section.
ARTICLE 4
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower represents and warrants that:
SECTION 4.1. CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER. The Borrower is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the
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laws of Tennessee, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.
SECTION 4.02. CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; NO
CONTRAVENTION. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of
this Agreement and the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers, have
been duly authorized by proper corporate action on the part of the Borrower,
require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body,
agency or official (other than as may be required of any particular Bank) and
do not contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower or of the charter or by-laws of the
Borrower, any instrument or agreement evidencing or governing Debt of the
Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or of any other material
agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding
upon the Borrower or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any
asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.03. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Borrower and the Notes, when executed and delivered
in accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and subject to the availability of equitable
remedies if equitable remedies are sought.
SECTION 4.04. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
(a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of December 28, 1997 and the related consolidated statements
of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the fiscal year then
ended, reported on by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, and set forth in the Borrower's
1997 Form 10-K, a copy of which has been made available to each of the Banks,
fairly present, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles,
the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for such fiscal year.
(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of April 5, 1998 and the related unaudited
consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for
the three months then ended, set forth in the Borrower's Latest Form 10-Q, a
copy of which has been made available to each of the Banks, fairly present,
in conformity
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with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis consistent
with the financial statements referred to in subsection 4.04(a) of this
Section, the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of
operations and cash flows for such three month period (subject to normal
year-end adjustments).
(c) Since April 5, 1998, there has been no material adverse change in
the business, financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
SECTION 4.05. LITIGATION. There is no action, suit or proceeding pending
against, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against or affecting,
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
governmental body, agency or official which could reasonably be expected to
materially adversely affect the business, consolidated financial position or
consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries or which in any manner draws into question the validity of this
Agreement or the Notes.
SECTION 4.06. COMPLIANCE WITH ERISA. Each member of the ERISA Group has
fulfilled its obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and
the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan and is in compliance in
all material respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and
the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan. No member of the ERISA
Group has (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section
412 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan, (ii) failed to make
any contribution or payment to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in respect
of any Benefit Arrangement, or made any amendment to any Plan or Benefit
Arrangement, which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien
or the posting of a bond or other security under ERISA or the Internal
Revenue Code or (iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other
than a liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA within
the preceding five years.
SECTION 4.07. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. In the ordinary course of its
business, the Borrower conducts an ongoing review of the effect of
Environmental Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Borrower
and its Significant Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and
evaluates associated liabilities and costs. On the basis of this review, the
Borrower has reasonably concluded that such associated liabilities and costs,
including the costs of compliance with Environmental Laws, are unlikely to
have a material adverse
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effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
SECTION 4.08. TAXES. United States federal income tax returns of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries have been examined and closed
through the fiscal year ended January 3, 1992. The Borrower and its
Significant Subsidiaries have filed all United States federal income tax
returns and all other material tax returns which are required to be filed by
them and have paid all material taxes due pursuant to such returns or
pursuant to any material assessment received by the Borrower or any
Significant Subsidiary. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or other
governmental charges are, in the opinion of the Borrower, adequate in all
material respects.
SECTION 4.09. SUBSIDIARIES. Each of the Borrower's Significant
Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.
SECTION 4.10. NO REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON BORROWING. The Borrower is
not (i) an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, (ii) a "holding company" or a "subsidiary company"
of a holding company within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company
Act of 1935, as amended, or (iii) otherwise subject to any regulatory scheme
which restricts its ability to incur debt.
SECTION 4.11. FULL DISCLOSURE. All information heretofore furnished by
the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank for purposes of or in connection with
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all such
information hereafter furnished by the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank will
be, when taken together, true and accurate in all material respects on the
date as of which such information is stated or certified or in the case of
projections, based upon reasonable estimates.
SECTION 4.12. YEAR 2000. The measures taken by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries to address the impact of the year 2000 on its computer systems
and related matters are described in the Borrower's periodic reports filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Borrower has reasonably
concluded that the cost of such measures and of the reasonably foreseeable
consequences of year 2000 will not have a material adverse effect on the
business, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries considered as a whole.
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ARTICLE 5
COVENANTS
The Borrower agrees that, so long as any Bank has any Commitment
hereunder or any amount payable under any Note remains unpaid:
SECTION 5.01. INFORMATION. The Borrower will make available to each of
the Banks:
(a) as soon as available and in any event within 100 days after the end
of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year
and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and
shareholders' equity for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in
comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on,
in a manner acceptable to the Securities and Exchange Commission, by KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP or other independent public accountants of nationally
recognized standing;
(b) as soon as available and in any event within 55 days after the end
of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
as of the end of such quarter and the related consolidated statements of
earnings and cash flows for such quarter and for the portion of the
Borrower's fiscal year ended at the end of such quarter, setting forth in
each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding quarter and
the corresponding portion of the Borrower's previous fiscal year, all
certified (subject to normal year-end adjustments) as to fairness of
presentation, generally accepted accounting principles and consistency by the
chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the
Borrower;
(c) no later than 10 Domestic Business Days after the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of each set of financial statements
referred to in clauses 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) above, a certificate of the chief
financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the
Borrower (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required to
establish whether the Borrower was in compliance with the requirements of
Sections 5.07 to 5.08, inclusive, and Section 5.10 on the date of such
financial statements and (ii) stating whether any Default exists on the date
of such certificate and, if any Default then exists, setting
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forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto;
(d) within five days after any officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge
of any Default, if such Default is then continuing, a certificate of the
chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the
Borrower setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower
is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;
(e) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders of the
Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy
statements so mailed;
(f) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any registration statements
on Form S-8 or its equivalent) and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or
their equivalents) which the Borrower shall have filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission;
(g) if and when any member of the ERISA Group (i) gives or is required
to give notice to the PBGC of any "REPORTABLE EVENT" (as defined in Section
4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan which may reasonably be expected to
constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or
knows that the plan administrator of any Plan has given or is required to
give notice of any such reportable event, a copy of the notice of such
reportable event given or required to be given to the PBGC; (ii) receives
notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA or
notice that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization, is insolvent or has
been terminated, a copy of such notice; (iii) receives notice from the PBGC
under Title IV of ERISA of an intent to terminate, impose liability (other
than for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a
trustee to administer any Plan, a copy of such notice; (iv) applies for a
waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Internal
Revenue Code, a copy of such application; (v) gives notice of intent to
terminate any Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of such notice and
other information filed with the PBGC; (vi) gives notice of withdrawal from
any Plan pursuant to Section 4063 of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or (vii)
fails to make any payment or contribution to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan
or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement or makes any amendment to any Plan
or Benefit Arrangement which has resulted or could result in the imposition
of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security, a certificate of the
chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the
Borrower setting forth details as to such occurrence and action, if any,
which the
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Borrower or applicable member of the ERISA Group is required or proposes to
take;
(h) promptly upon obtaining knowledge of any change in the long-term
debt rating assigned to the Borrower by Moody's or S&P, notice of such
change; and
(i) from time to time such additional information regarding the
financial position or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the
Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably request.
Information required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a), 5.01(b),
5.01(e) or 5.01(f) above shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date
on which such information has been posted on the Securities and Exchange
Commission website on the Internet.
SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The Borrower will pay and discharge, and
will cause each Significant Subsidiary to pay and discharge, at or before the
due date, all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies
upon it or its property or assets, except where the same may be contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings, and will maintain, and will cause each
Significant Subsidiary to maintain, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, appropriate reserves for the accrual of any of the
same.
SECTION 5.03. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY; INSURANCE. (a) The Borrower will
keep, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to keep, all material
property useful and necessary in its business in good working order and
condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.
(b) The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Significant
Subsidiaries to, maintain (either in the name of the Borrower or in such
Subsidiary's own name) with financially sound and responsible insurance
companies, insurance on all their respective properties in at least such
amounts and against at least such risks (and with such risk retention) as are
usually insured against in the same general area by companies of established
repute engaged in the same or a similar business; and will furnish to the
Banks, upon request from the Agent, information presented in reasonable
detail as to the insurance so carried.
SECTION 5.04. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTENCE. The
Borrower will continue, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to
continue, to engage in business of the same general type as now conducted by
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and will preserve, renew and keep in full
force
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and effect, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to preserve, renew and
keep in full force and effect their respective corporate existence and their
respective rights, privileges and franchises material to the normal conduct
of business; PROVIDED that nothing in this Section 5.04 shall prohibit the
sale, disposition, merger, consolidation or termination of the corporate
existence of any Subsidiary if (i) the Borrower in good faith reasonably
determines that such sale, disposition, merger, consolidation or termination
is in the best interest of the Borrower AND (ii) such sale, disposition,
merger, consolidation or termination is otherwise permitted under this
Agreement.
SECTION 5.05. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Borrower will comply, and cause
each Significant Subsidiary to comply, in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of
governmental authorities (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws
and ERISA and the rules and regulations thereunder) except where the
necessity of compliance therewith is contested in good faith or the failure
to be in compliance is not materially adverse to the business, financial
condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
SECTION 5.06. INSPECTION OF PROPERTY, BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Borrower
will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and
account in which complete and correct entries shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in relation to its business and activities; and will permit,
and will cause each Subsidiary to permit, representatives of any Bank at such
Bank's expense to visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to
examine and make abstracts from any of their respective books and records and
to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their
respective officers, employees and independent public accountants, all at
such reasonable times, upon reasonable prior notice as often as may
reasonably be desired.
SECTION 5.07. OPERATING CASH FLOW RATIO. At no date shall the ratio of
(i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the four most recent consecutive
fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on or most recently prior to such date
to (ii) Total Borrowed Funds as of such date, be less than .2.
SECTION 5.08. DEBT. Consolidated Debt will at no time exceed 55% of
Consolidated Total Capital.
SECTION 5.09. NEGATIVE PLEDGE. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or
hereafter acquired by it, except:
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(a) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt
outstanding on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount
not exceeding $60,000,000;
(b) any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time
such corporation becomes a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of
such event;
(c) any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or
constructing such asset, PROVIDED that such Lien attaches to such asset
concurrently with or within 180 days after the acquisition or construction
thereof;
(d) any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the time
such corporation is merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or a
Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event;
(e) any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition thereof
by the Borrower or a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such
acquisition;
(f) any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or
refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the foregoing
clauses of this Section, PROVIDED that such Debt is not increased and is
not secured by any additional assets;
(g) Liens arising in the ordinary course of its business which (i) do
not secure Debt and (ii) do not secure any single obligation (or class of
obligations having a common cause) in an amount exceeding $50,000,000; and
(h) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this
Section securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any time
outstanding not exceeding 10% of Consolidated Net Worth.
SECTION 5.10. CONSOLIDATIONS, MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS. (a) The
Borrower will not (i) consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or
(ii) sell, lease or otherwise transfer, directly or indirectly, all or any
substantial part of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as
a whole, to any other Person; PROVIDED that the Borrower may merge with
another Person if (1) either (x) the Borrower is the corporation surviving
such merger or (y) the Person (if
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other than the Borrower) formed by such consolidation or into which the
Borrower is merged or to which properties and assets of the Borrower are
transferred shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall
expressly assume (by an instrument reasonably satisfactory in form to the
Required Banks, accompanied by such legal opinions with respect thereto as
the Required Banks may reasonably request) the due and punctual payment of
the principal of and interest on the Loans and of all other amounts payable
by the Borrower hereunder, and the due and punctual performance and
observance of all the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions of this
Agreement to be performed or observed by the Borrower to the same extent as
if such surviving or acquiring corporation had been the original issuer of
the Notes and (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(b) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will sell or otherwise
transfer any accounts receivable or other rights to receive income, except
pursuant to one or more accounts receivable purchase facilities provided that
the aggregate unreimbursed purchase price under all such facilities does not
at any time exceed $250,000,000.
SECTION 5.11. USE OF PROCEEDS. The proceeds of the Loans made under this
Agreement will be used by the Borrower for the Borrower's general corporate
purposes. None of such proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, for the
purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying any
"MARGIN STOCK" within the meaning of Regulation U.
SECTION 5.12. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. The Borrower will not, and
will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, pay any funds to
or for the account of, make any investment (whether by acquisition of stock
or indebtedness, by loan, advance, transfer of property, guarantee or other
agreement to pay, purchase or service, directly or indirectly, any Debt, or
otherwise) in, lease, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets,
tangible or intangible, to, or participate in, or effect any transaction in
connection with any joint enterprise or other joint arrangement with, any
Affiliate; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the foregoing provisions of this Section
shall not prohibit (a) the Borrower from declaring or paying any lawful
dividend, (b) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making sales to or
purchases from any Affiliate and, in connection therewith, extending credit
or making payments, or from making payments for services rendered by any
Affiliate, if such sales or purchases are made or such services are rendered
in the ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions at least as
favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as the terms and conditions
which would apply in a similar transaction with a Person not an Affiliate,
(c) the Borrower or
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any Subsidiary from making payments of principal, interest and premium on any
Debt of the Borrower or such Subsidiary held by an Affiliate if the terms of
such Debt are substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary
as the terms which could have been obtained at the time of the creation of
such Debt from a lender which was not an Affiliate, (d) the Borrower or any
Subsidiary from participating in, or effecting any transaction in connection
with, any joint enterprise or other joint arrangement with any Affiliate if
the Borrower or such Subsidiary participates in the ordinary course of its
business and on a basis no less advantageous than the basis on which such
Affiliate participates and (e) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making
payments to their respective directors and executive officers in the ordinary
course of business.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. If one or more of the following events
("EVENTS OF DEFAULT") shall have occurred and be continuing:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of any Loan, or
shall fail to pay within five days of the due date thereof any interest on any
Loan, any fees or any other amount payable hereunder;
(b) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant contained in
Sections 5.07 to 5.12, inclusive;
(c) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause 6.01(a) or
6.01(b) above) for 30 days after written notice thereof has been given to the
Borrower by the Agent at the request of any Bank;
(d) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made by the
Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate, financial statement or other
document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect
in any material respect when made (or deemed made);
(e) the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to make any
payment in respect of any Material Debt when due (including any applicable grace
period);
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(f) any event or condition shall occur which results in the acceleration of
the maturity of any Material Debt or enables the holder of such Material Debt or
any Person acting on such holder's behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof;
(g) the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary
case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief
with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the
appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case
or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they
become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the
foregoing;
(h) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the
Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking liquidation, reorganization or
other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a
trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding
shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for
relief shall be entered against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under
the federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect;
(i) any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an amount or
amounts aggregating in excess of $20,000,000 which it shall have become liable
to pay under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to terminate a Material Plan
shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any
plan administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall
institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate, to impose liability
(other than for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause
a trustee to be appointed to administer any Material Plan; or a condition shall
exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree
adjudicating that any Material Plan must be terminated; or there shall occur a
complete or partial withdrawal from, or a default, within the meaning of Section
4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with respect to, one or more Multiemployer Plans which
could cause one or more members of the ERISA Group to incur a current payment
obligation in excess of $20,000,000;
(j) a judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of $20,000,000
shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary
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and such judgment or order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for a
period of 30 days; or
(k) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13 or
14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act) of 20% or more of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower; or, during any period of
twelve consecutive calendar months, individuals who were directors of the
Borrower on the first day of such period shall cease to constitute a majority
of the board of directors of the Borrower or who were recommended for
election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such
directors; then, and in every such event, the Agent shall (i) if requested by
Banks having more than 50% in aggregate amount of the Commitments, by notice
to the Borrower terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate,
and (ii) if requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing more than 50% in
aggregate principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Borrower declare
the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and the Notes shall
thereupon become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the
Borrower; PROVIDED that in the case of any of the Events of Default specified
in clause 6.01(g) or 6.01(h) above with respect to the Borrower, without any
notice to the Borrower or any other act by the Agent or the Banks, the
Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Notes (together with accrued
interest thereon) shall become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby waived by the Borrower.
SECTION 6.02. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. The Agent shall give notice to the
Borrower under Section 6.01(c) promptly upon being requested to do so by any
Bank and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof. Failure of any Bank to
request or of the Agent to give such notice to the Borrower pursuant to this
Section shall not constitute a waiver of any failure of the Borrower to observe
or perform any of its covenants or agreements hereunder.
ARTICLE 7
THE AGENT AND CO-AGENTS
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SECTION 7.01. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION. Each Bank irrevocably appoints
and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to
exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the
terms hereof or thereof, together with all such powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto.
SECTION 7.02. AGENT AND AFFILIATES. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other
Bank and may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not
the Agent, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and its affiliates may
accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business
with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower as if it were
not the Agent.
SECTION 7.03. ACTION BY AGENT. The obligations of the Agent hereunder are
only those expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Agent shall not be required to take any action with respect to
any Default, except as expressly provided in Article 6.
SECTION 7.04. CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS. The Agent may consult with
legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent public
accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with
the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.
SECTION 7.05. LIABILITY OF AGENT. None of the Agent, its affiliates and
their respective directors, officers, agents and employees shall be liable for
any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith (i) with the consent
or at the request of the Required Banks (or such different number of Banks as
any provision hereof expressly requires for such consent or request) or (ii) in
the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. None of the
Agent, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, agents and
employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into
or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with
this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance or observance of
any of the covenants or agreements of the Borrower; (iii) the satisfaction of
any condition specified in Article 3, except receipt of items required to be
delivered to the Agent; or (iv) the validity, effectiveness or genuineness of
this Agreement, the Notes or any other instrument or writing furnished in
connection herewith. The Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in
reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement or other writing
(which may be a bank wire, telex, facsimile or similar writing) believed by it
to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party
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or parties. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of the
term "AGENT" in this Agreement with reference to the Agent is not intended to
connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under
agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a
matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an
administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.
SECTION 7.06. INDEMNIFICATION. The Banks shall, ratably in proportion to
their Credit Exposures, indemnify the Agent, its affiliates and their respective
directors, officers, agents and employees (to the extent not reimbursed by the
Borrower) against any cost, expense (including reasonable counsel fees and
disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as result
from such indemnitees' gross negligence or willful misconduct) that such
indemnitees may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any action
taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.
SECTION 7.07. CREDIT DECISION. Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance on the Agent, any Co-Agent or any other Bank,
and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made
its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Bank
also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance on the Agent
or any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking any action under this Agreement.
SECTION 7.08. SUCCESSOR AGENT. The Agent may resign at any time by giving
notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the
Required Banks shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent. If no
successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Banks, and shall
have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives
notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Banks,
appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial bank organized or
licensed under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof and having
a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000. Upon the acceptance of
its appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent
shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of
the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties
and obligations hereunder. After any retiring Agent resigns as Agent hereunder,
the provisions of this Article shall inure to its benefit as to actions taken or
omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent.
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SECTION 7.09. AGENT'S FEE. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for its own
account fees in the amounts and at the times previously agreed upon by the
Borrower and the Agent.
SECTION 7.10. CO-AGENTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall impose any
liability or obligation whatsoever on any Co-Agent acting in such capacity.
ARTICLE 8
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
SECTION 8.01. BASIS FOR DETERMINING INTEREST RATE INADEQUATE OR UNFAIR. If
on or before the first day of any Interest Period for any CD Loans, Euro-Dollar
Loans or Money Market LIBOR Loan:
(a) the Agent is advised by the Reference Banks that deposits in
dollars in the applicable amounts are not being offered to the
Reference Banks in the relevant market for such Interest Period, or
(b) in the case of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, Banks having
more than 50% in aggregate amount of the Commitments advise the Agent
that the Adjusted CD Rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, as the
case may be, as determined by the Agent will not adequately and fairly
reflect the cost to such Banks of funding their CD Loans or
Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, for such Interest Period,
the Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Banks,
whereupon until the Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving
rise to such suspension no longer exist, (i) the obligations of the Banks to
make CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, or to continue or
convert outstanding Loans as or into CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case
may be, shall be suspended and (ii) each outstanding CD Loan or Euro-Dollar
Loan, as the case may be, shall be converted into a Base Rate Loan on the last
day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto. Unless the Borrower
notifies the Agent at least two Domestic Business Days before the date of any
affected Borrowing for which a Notice of Borrowing has previously been given
that it elects not to borrow on such date, (i) if such affected Borrowing is a
CD Borrowing or Euro Dollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall instead be made as a
Base Rate Borrowing and (ii) if such affected Borrowing is a Money Market LIBOR
Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans comprising such Borrowing shall bear
interest for each day from
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and including the first day to but excluding the last day of the Interest
Period applicable thereto at the Base Rate for such day.
SECTION 8.02. ILLEGALITY. If, on or after the date hereof, the adoption of
any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in any applicable law,
rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or
its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency, shall make it unlawful or impossible for any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar
Lending Office) to make, maintain or fund its Euro-Dollar Loans and such Bank
shall so notify the Agent, the Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the
other Banks and the Borrower, whereupon until such Bank notifies the Borrower
and the Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer
exist, the obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans, or to convert
outstanding Loans into Euro-Dollar Loans or continue outstanding Loans as
Euro-Dollar Loans, shall be suspended. Before giving any notice to the Agent
pursuant to this Section, such Bank shall designate a different Euro-Dollar
Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for giving such notice
and will not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such
Bank. If such notice is given, each Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank then
outstanding shall be converted to a Base Rate Loan either (i) on the last day of
the then current Interest Period applicable to such Euro-Dollar Loan if such
Bank may lawfully continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan
to such day or (ii) immediately if such Bank shall determine that it may not
lawfully continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a Euro-Dollar Loan to such
day. Interest and principal on any such Base Rate Loan shall be payable on the
same dates as, and on a pro rata basis with, the interest and principal payable
on the related Euro-Dollar Loans of the other Banks.
SECTION 8.03. INCREASED COST AND REDUCED RETURN. (a) If on or after (x) the
date hereof, in the case of any Committed Loan or any obligation to make
Committed Loans or (y) the date of the related Money Market Quote, in the case
of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Applicable Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall impose, modify
or deem applicable any reserve (including, without limitation, any such
requirement imposed by the
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Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, but excluding (i) with
respect to any CD Loan any such requirement included in an applicable
Domestic Reserve Percentage and (ii) with respect to any Euro-Dollar Loan any
such requirement with respect to which such Bank is entitled to compensation
during the relevant Interest Period under Section 2.15), special deposit,
insurance assessment (excluding, with respect to any CD Loan, any such
requirement reflected in an applicable Assessment Rate) or similar
requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit
extended by, any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or shall impose on
any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on the United States market
for certificates of deposit or the London interbank market any other
condition affecting its Fixed Rate Loans, its Note or its obligation to make
Fixed Rate Loans and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the
cost to such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of making or maintaining
any Fixed Rate Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or
receivable by such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) under this
Agreement or under its Note with respect thereto, by an amount deemed by such
Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after demand by such Bank (with a
copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or
reduction.
(b) If any Bank shall have determined that, after the date hereof, the
adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy,
or any change in any such law, rule or regulation, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on capital
of such Bank (or its Parent) as a consequence of such Bank's obligations
hereunder to a level below that which such Bank (or its Parent) could have
achieved but for such adoption, change, request or directive (taking into
consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed
by such Bank to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after demand
by such Bank (with a copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank
such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank (or its Parent)
for such reduction.
(c) Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent of any event
of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle
such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will designate a
different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for,
or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the judgment of such
Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to it. A certificate of any Bank claiming
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compensation under this Section and setting forth the additional amount or
amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in the absence of clearly
demonstrable error. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable
averaging and attribution methods.
(d) If any Bank fails to give the notice required by subsection 8.03(c)
above within 90 days after it obtains actual knowledge of any event entitling
such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section 8.03, such Bank shall, with
respect to compensation payable pursuant to this Section 8.03 in respect of any
costs resulting from such event, only be entitled to payment under this Section
8.03 for costs incurred from and after the date 90 days prior to the date that
such Bank does give such notice.
SECTION 8.04. TAXES. (a) For the purposes of this Section, the following
terms have the following meanings:
"TAXES" means any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts,
deductions, charges or withholdings with respect to any payment by the Borrower
pursuant to this Agreement or under any Note, and all liabilities with respect
thereto, EXCLUDING (i) in the case of each Bank and the Agent, taxes imposed on
its net income, and franchise or similar taxes imposed on it, by a jurisdiction
under the laws of which it is organized or in which its principal executive
office is located or, in the case of a Bank, in which its Applicable Lending
Office is located and (ii) in the case of each Bank, any United States
withholding tax imposed on such payment, but not excluding any portion of such
tax that exceeds the United States withholding tax which would have been imposed
on such a payment to such Bank under the laws and treaties in effect when such
Bank first becomes a party to this Agreement.
"OTHER TAXES" means any present or future stamp or documentary taxes and
any other excise or property taxes, or similar charges or levies, which arise
from any payment made pursuant to this Agreement or under any Note or from the
execution, delivery, registration or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect
to, this Agreement or any Note.
(b) All payments by the Borrower to or for the account of any Bank or the
Agent hereunder or under any Note shall be made without deduction for any Taxes
or Other Taxes; PROVIDED that, if the Borrower shall be required by law to
deduct any Taxes or Other Taxes from any such payment, (i) the sum payable shall
be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions
(including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section)
such Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum
it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall
make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to
the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable
law
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and (iv) the Borrower shall promptly furnish to the Agent, at its address
specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01, the original or a certified copy of a
receipt evidencing payment thereof.
(c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Bank and the Agent for the full
amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or
Other Taxes imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under
this Section) paid by such Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any
liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with
respect thereto. This indemnification shall be paid within 15 days after such
Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes demand therefor. Notwithstanding
this Section 8.04, if a Bank or the Agent receives any notice from the relevant
taxing authority asserting the imposition of any Taxes or Other Taxes or
otherwise becomes aware of any assertion or imposition of Taxes or Other Taxes
and fails to notify the Borrower promptly of such assertion or imposition, the
Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify such Bank or the Agent for any
penalties, interest or expenses arising from such Taxes or Other Taxes incurred
during the period before such Bank or the Agent so notifies the Borrower and
after such Bank or the Agent receives notification from the relevant taxing
authority or becomes aware of such assertion or imposition.
(d) Each Bank organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United
States, before it signs and delivers this Agreement in the case of each Bank
listed on the signature pages hereof and before it becomes a Bank in the case of
each other Bank, and from time to time thereafter if requested in writing by the
Borrower (but only so long as such Bank remains lawfully able to do so), shall
provide each of the Borrower and the Agent with Internal Revenue Service form
1001 or 4224, as appropriate, or any successor form prescribed by the Internal
Revenue Service, certifying that such Bank is entitled to benefits under an
income tax treaty to which the United States is a party which exempts such Bank
from United States withholding tax or reduces the rate of withholding tax on
payments of interest for the account of such Bank or certifying that the income
receivable by it pursuant to this Agreement is effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
(e) For any period with respect to which a Bank has failed to provide the
Borrower or the Agent with the appropriate form referred to in Section 8.04(d)
(unless such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or regulation occurring
after the date on which such form originally was required to be provided), such
Bank shall not be entitled to indemnification under Section 8.04(b) or 8.04(c)
with respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; PROVIDED that if a Bank,
that is otherwise exempt from or subject to a reduced rate of withholding tax,
becomes
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subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form required
hereunder, the Borrower shall furnish such information and documents as such
Bank shall reasonably request to assist such Bank to recover such Taxes.
(f) If the Borrower is required to pay additional amounts to or for the
account of any Bank pursuant to this Section as a result of a change in law or
treaty occurring after such Bank first became a party to this Agreement, then
such Bank will, at the Borrower's request, change the jurisdiction of its
Applicable Lending Office if, in the judgment of such Bank, such change (i) will
eliminate or reduce any such additional payment which may thereafter accrue and
(ii) is not otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.
SECTION 8.05. BASE RATE LOANS SUBSTITUTED FOR AFFECTED FIXED RATE LOANS. If
(i) the obligation of any Bank to make, or to continue or convert outstanding
Loans as or to, Euro-Dollar Loans has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or
(ii) any Bank has demanded compensation under Section 8.03 or 8.04 with respect
to its CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, and in any such case the Borrower shall,
by at least five Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior notice to such Bank through
the Agent, have elected that the provisions of this Section shall apply to such
Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no
longer exist, all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as (or
continued as or converted to) CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be,
shall instead be Base Rate Loans on which interest and principal shall be
payable contemporaneously with the related CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans of the
other Banks. If such Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving
rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no longer exist, the
principal amount of each such Base Rate Loan shall be converted into a CD Loan
or Euro-Dollar Loan, as the case may be, on the first day of the next succeeding
Interest Period applicable to any related CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans of the
other Banks.
SECTION 8.06. SUBSTITUTION OF BANK. If (i) the obligation of any Bank to
make Euro-Dollar Loans has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or (ii) any
Bank has demanded compensation under Section 8.03 or 8.04, the Borrower shall
have the right, with the assistance of the Agent, to seek a mutually
satisfactory substitute bank or banks (which may be one or more of the Banks) to
purchase the Note and assume the Commitment of such Bank.
ARTICLE 9
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MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01. NOTICES. All notices, requests and other communications to
any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire, telex, facsimile
or similar writing) and shall be given to such party: (a) in the case of the
Borrower or the Agent, at its address, facsimile number or telex number set
forth on the signature pages hereof, (b) in the case of any Bank, at its
address, facsimile number or telex number set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire or (c) in the case of any party, at such other address, facsimile
number or telex number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by
notice to the Agent and the Borrower. Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, when transmitted to the
telex number referred to in this Section and the appropriate answerback is
received, (ii) if given by facsimile, when transmitted to the facsimile number
referred to in this Section and confirmation of receipt is received, (iii) if
given by mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with
first class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any
other means, when delivered at the address referred to in this Section; PROVIDED
that notices to the Agent under Article 2 or Article 8 shall not be effective
until received.
SECTION 9.02. NO WAIVERS. No failure or delay by the Agent or any Bank in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any Note shall
operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
SECTION 9.03. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION. (a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including fees and disbursements
of special counsel for the Agent, in connection with the preparation and
administration of this Agreement, any waiver or consent hereunder or any
amendment hereof or any Default or alleged Default hereunder and (ii) if an
Event of Default occurs, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the
Agent and each Bank, including the fees and disbursements of counsel, in
connection with such Event of Default and collection, bankruptcy, insolvency and
other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.
(b) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Agent and each Bank, their
respective affiliates and the respective directors, officers, agents and
employees of the foregoing (each an "INDEMNITEE") and hold each Indemnitee
harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs and
expenses of any kind, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of
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counsel, which may be incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with any
investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding (whether or not such
Indemnitee shall be designated a party thereto) brought or threatened
relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any actual or proposed use of
proceeds of Loans hereunder; PROVIDED that no Indemnitee shall have the right
to be indemnified hereunder for such Indemnitee's own gross negligence or
willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.04. SET-OFFS. (a) If (i) an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing and (ii) Banks holding more than 50% in aggregate unpaid principal
amount of the Loans have requested the Agent to declare the Loans to be
immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 6.01, or the Loans have become
immediately due and payable without notice as provided in Section 6.01, then
each Bank is hereby authorized by the Borrower at any time and from time to
time, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without notice to the Borrower
(any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set off and apply
all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any
time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Bank to or for the
account of the Borrower against any obligations of the Borrower to such Bank now
or hereafter existing under this Agreement, regardless of whether any such
deposit or other obligation is then due and payable or is in the same currency
or is booked or otherwise payable at the same office as the obligation against
which it is set off and regardless of whether such Bank shall have made any
demand for payment under this Agreement. Each Bank agrees promptly to notify the
Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Bank; PROVIDED that
any failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and
application. The rights of the Banks under this subsection are in addition to
any other rights and remedies which the Banks may have.
(b) Each Bank agrees that if it shall, by exercising any right of set-off
or counterclaim or otherwise, receive payment of a proportion of the aggregate
amount of principal and interest then due with respect to the Loans held by it
which is greater than the proportion received by any other Bank in respect of
the aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with respect to the
Loans held by such other Bank, the Bank receiving such proportionately greater
payment shall purchase such participations in the Loans held by the other Banks,
and such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so that all such
payments of principal and interest with respect to the Loans held by the Banks
shall be shared by the Banks pro rata; PROVIDED that nothing in this Section
shall impair the right of any Bank to exercise any right of set-off or
counterclaim it may have and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to the
payment of indebtedness of the Borrower other than its indebtedness in respect
of the Loans. The Borrower
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agrees, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so under applicable law,
that any holder of a participation in a Loan, whether or not acquired
pursuant to the foregoing arrangements, may exercise rights of set-off or
counterclaim and other rights with respect to such participation as fully as
if such holder of a participation were a direct creditor of the Borrower in
the amount of such participation.
SECTION 9.05. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Any provision of this Agreement or
the Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is
in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Required Banks (and, if the
rights or duties of the Agent are affected thereby, by the Agent); PROVIDED that
no such amendment or waiver shall:
(a) unless signed by all the Banks, (i) increase or decrease the
Commitment of any Bank (except (x) as contemplated by Section 2.16 or
8.06 and (y) for a ratable decrease in the Commitments of all the
Banks) or subject any Bank to any additional obligation, (ii) reduce
the principal of or rate of interest on any Loan or any fees
hereunder, (iii) postpone the date fixed for any payment of principal
of or interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder or for the
termination of any Commitment or (iv) change the percentage of the
Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans,
or the number of Banks, which shall be required for the Banks or any
of them to take any action under this Section or any other provision
of this Agreement; or
(b) unless signed by a Designated Lender or its Designating Bank,
subject such Designated Lender to any additional obligation or affect
its rights hereunder (unless the rights of all the Banks hereunder are
similarly affected).
SECTION 9.06. SUCCESSORS; PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. (a) The
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, except that the
Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of all the Banks.
(b) Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "PARTICIPANT") participating interests in its Commitment or
any or all of its Loans. If a Bank grants any such participating interest to a
Participant, whether or not upon notice to the Borrower and the Agent, such Bank
shall remain responsible for the performance of its obligations hereunder, and
the Borrower and the Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such
Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and obligations under this Agreement.
Any
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agreement pursuant to which any Bank may grant such a participating interest
shall provide that such Bank shall retain the sole right and responsibility to
enforce the obligations of the Borrower hereunder including, without limitation,
the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of
this Agreement; PROVIDED that such participation agreement may provide that such
Bank will not agree to any modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement
described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 9.05 without the consent of
the Participant. An assignment or other transfer which is not permitted by
Section 9.06(c) or 9.06(d) below shall be given effect for purposes of this
Agreement only to the extent of a participating interest granted in accordance
with this subsection.
(c) Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "ASSIGNEE") all, or a proportionate part (equivalent to an
initial Commitment of not less than $5,000,000) of all, of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement and its Note, and such Assignee shall assume
such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto signed by such Assignee and such
transferor Bank, with (and subject to) the subscribed consent of the Borrower
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld) and the Agent; PROVIDED that (i) if
an Assignee is an affiliate of such transferor Bank or was a Bank immediately
before such assignment, no such consent shall be required but notice of such
assignment shall be promptly provided to the Borrower and (ii) such assignment
may, but need not, include rights of the transferor Bank in respect of
outstanding Money Market Loans. When such instrument has been signed and
delivered by the parties thereto and such Assignee has paid to such transferor
Bank the purchase price agreed between them, such Assignee shall be a Bank party
to this Agreement and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank with a
Commitment as set forth in such instrument of assumption, and the transferor
Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder to a corresponding extent,
and no further consent or action by any party shall be required. Upon the
consummation of any assignment pursuant to this subsection, the transferor Bank,
the Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that, if
required, a new Note is issued to the Assignee. In connection with any such
assignment, the transferor Bank shall pay to the Agent an administrative fee for
processing such assignment in the amount of $2,500. If the Assignee is not
incorporated under the laws of the United States or a State thereof, it shall
deliver to the Borrower and the Agent certification as to exemption from
deduction or withholding of United States federal income taxes in accordance
with Section 8.04.
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(d) Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its rights under
this Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall
release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder.
(e) No Assignee, Participant or other transferee of any Bank's rights and
no Designated Lender designated by any Designating Bank shall be entitled to
receive any greater payment under Section 8.03 or 8.04 than such Bank or
Designating Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights
transferred, unless such transfer is made with the Borrower's prior written
consent or by reason of the provisions of Section 8.02, 8.03 or 8.04 requiring
such Bank to designate a different Applicable Lending Office under certain
circumstances.
SECTION 9.07. DESIGNATED LENDERS. (a) Subject to the provisions of this
Section 9.07(a), any Bank may from time to time elect to designate an Eligible
Designee to provide all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Bank
pursuant to this Agreement; PROVIDED that such designation shall not be
effective unless the Borrower and the Agent consent thereto. When a Bank and its
Eligible Designee shall have signed an agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit H hereto (a "DESIGNATION AGREEMENT") and the Borrower and the Agent
shall have signed their respective consents thereto, such Eligible Designee
shall become a Designated Lender for purposes of this Agreement. The Designating
Bank shall thereafter have the right to permit such Designated Lender to provide
all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Designating Bank pursuant to
Section 2.01 or 2.03, and the making of such Loans or portions thereof shall
satisfy the obligation of the Designating Bank to the same extent, and as if,
such Loans or portion thereof were made by the Designating Bank. As to any Loans
or portion thereof made by it, each Designated Lender shall have all the rights
that a Bank making such Loans or portion thereof would have had under this
Agreement and otherwise; PROVIDED that (x) its voting rights under this
Agreement shall be exercised solely by the Designating Bank and (y) its
Designating Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for
the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including its
obligations in respect of the Loans or portion thereof made by it. No additional
Note shall be required to evidence Loans or portions thereof made by a
Designated Lender; and the Designating Bank shall be deemed to hold its Note as
agent for its Designated Lender to the extent of the Loans or portion thereof
funded by such Designated Lender. Each Designating Bank shall act as
administrative agent for its Designated Lender and give and receive notices and
other communications on its behalf. Any payments for the account of any
Designated Lender shall be paid to its Designating Bank as administrative agent
for such Designated Lender and neither the Borrower nor the Agent shall be
responsible for any Designating Bank's application of such payments. In
addition, any Designated Lender may (i) with notice to, but without
57
<PAGE>
the prior written consent of the Borrower or the Agent, assign all or
portions of its interest in any Loans to its Designating Bank or to any
financial institutions consented to by the Borrower and the Agent providing
liquidity and/or credit facilities to or for the account of such Designated
Lender to support the funding of Loans or portions thereof made by such
Designated Lender and (ii) disclose any non-public information relating to
its Loans or portions thereof to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer
or provider of any guarantee, surety, credit or liquidity enhancement to such
Designated Lender; PROVIDED that the recipient shall have agreed to comply
with the provisions of Section 9.11 hereof.
(b) Each party to this Agreement agrees that it will not institute against,
or join any other person in instituting against, any Designated Lender any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or
other proceeding under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law, for one
year and a day after all outstanding senior indebtedness of such Designated
Lender is paid in full. The Designating Bank for each Designated Lender agrees
to indemnify, save, and hold harmless each other party hereto for any loss,
cost, damage and expense arising out of its inability to institute any such
proceeding against such Designated Lender. This Section 9.07(b) shall survive
the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.08. NO RELIANCE ON MARGIN STOCK. Each of the Banks represents to
the Agent and each of the other Banks that it in good faith is not relying upon
any "margin stock" (as defined in Regulation U) as collateral in the extension
or maintenance of the credit provided for in this Agreement.
SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. This Agreement and
each Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction
of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and of
any New York State court sitting in New York City for purposes of all legal
proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions
contemplated hereby.
SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement may
be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original,
with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same
instrument. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
among the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior agreements and
understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. This
Agreement shall become effective when the Agent has received, from each of the
parties listed on the signature pages hereof, a counterpart hereof signed by
such
58
<PAGE>
party or facsimile or other written confirmation satisfactory to the Agent
confirming that such party has signed a counterpart hereof.
SECTION 9.11. CONFIDENTIALITY. The Agent and each Bank agrees to keep
any information delivered or made available by the Borrower pursuant to this
Agreement confidential from anyone other than persons employed or retained by
such Bank who are engaged in evaluating, approving, structuring or
administering the credit facility contemplated hereby; PROVIDED that nothing
herein shall prevent any Bank from disclosing such information (a) to any
other Bank or to the Agent, (b) to any other Person if reasonably incidental
to the administration of the credit facility contemplated hereby, (c) upon
the order of any court or administrative agency, (d) upon the request or
demand of any regulatory agency or authority, (e) which had been publicly
disclosed other than as a result of a disclosure by the Agent or any Bank
prohibited by this Agreement, (f) in connection with any litigation to which
the Agent, any Bank or its subsidiaries or Parent may be a party, (g) to the
extent necessary in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder,
(h) to such Bank's or Agent's legal counsel and independent auditors and
(i) subject to provisions substantially similar to those contained in this
Section, to any actual or proposed Participant or Assignee.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year
first above written.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By: /s/ Fred R. Jones
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President - Finance & Treasurer
Address: 8155 T&B Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Facsimile number: 901-252-1354
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK, as Agent
By: /s/ John M. Mikolay
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
59
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Address: 60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10260
Facsimile: 212-648-5014
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
By: /s/ Deirdre B. Doyle
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Charles Dee O'Dell II
-----------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
ABN AMRO BANK N.V.
By: /s/ Patrick Thom
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
By: /s/ Robert Budnek
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
By: /s/ F.C.H. Ashby
-----------------------------------------
Title: Senior Manager Loan Operations
CIBC INC.
By: /s/ Cyd Petre
-----------------------------------------
Title: Executive Director
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., as Agent
DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK
AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
By: /s/ Hans-Josef Thiele
-----------------------------------------
Title: Director
By: /s/ Belinda J. Wheeler
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
By: /s/ Andrew C. Tompkins
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A.
By: /s/ Bryan W. Ford
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Christina L. Jakuc
-----------------------------------------
Title: Second Vice President
BANCA NAZIONALE DEL LAVORO S.P.A.,
NEW YORK BRANCH
By: /s/ Leonardo Valentini
-----------------------------------------
Title: First Vice President
By: /s/ Miguel J. Medida
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/ John V. Yancey
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD.,
ATLANTA AGENCY
By: /s/ William L. Otott Jr.
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/ William R. Stutts
-----------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
KBC BANK N.V.
By: /s/ Robert Snauffer
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
By: /s/ Marcel Claes
-----------------------------------------
Title: Deputy General Manager
THE SUMITOMO BANK, LTD.
By: /s/ Gary Franke
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President & Manager
UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/ Elizabeth Rouse
-----------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------ ------------
BANK COMMITMENT
<S> <C>
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York $ 25,800,000
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association $ 25,800,000
Wachovia Bank, N.A $ 25,800,000
ABN AMRO Bank N.V $ 19,800,000
The Bank of Nova Scotia $ 19,800,000
CIBC Inc. $ 19,800,000
Deutsche Bank AG, New York and/or Cayman Islands Branch $ 19,800,000
First Union National Bank $ 19,800,000
SunTrust Bank, Nashville, N.A $ 19,800,000
The Northern Trust Company $ 19,800,000
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro S.p.A, New York Branch $ 12,000,000
The Bank of New York $ 12,000,000
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Atlanta Agency $ 12,000,000
First American National Bank $ 12,000,000
KBC Bank N.V $ 12,000,000
The Sumitomo Bank, Ltd. $ 12,000,000
Union Planters National Bank ------------
$ 12,000,000
TOTAL $300,000,000
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PRICING SCHEDULE
Each of "CD MARGIN", "EURO-DOLLAR MARGIN" and "FACILITY FEE RATE" means, for any
date, the rates set forth below in the row opposite such term and in the column
corresponding to the "PRICING LEVEL" that applies at such date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level I Level II Level III Level IV Level V
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CD Margin 0.285% 0.325% 0.350% 0.400% 0.575%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Euro-Dollar
Margin 0.160% 0.200% 0.225% 0.275% 0.450%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facility Fee
Rate 0.090% 0.100% 0.125% 0.175% 0.250%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
For purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the following
meanings, subject to the concluding paragraph of this Schedule:
"LEVEL I PRICING" applies at any date if, at such date, the Borrower's
long-term debt is rated A- or higher by S&P OR A3 or higher by Moody's.
"LEVEL II PRICING" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the Borrower's
long-term debt is rated BBB+ or higher by S&P OR Baa1 or higher by Moody's and
(ii) Level I Pricing does not apply.
"LEVEL III PRICING" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the
Borrower's long-term debt is rated BBB or higher by S&P OR Baa2 or higher by
Moody's and (ii) neither Level I Pricing nor Level II Pricing applies.
"LEVEL IV PRICING" applies at any date if, at such date, (i) the Borrower's
long-term debt is rated BBB- or higher by S&P OR Baa3 or higher by Moody's and
(ii) none of Level I Pricing, Level II Pricing and Level III Pricing applies.
"LEVEL V PRICING" applies at any date if, at such date, no other Pricing
Level applies.
"PRICING LEVEL" refers to the determination of which of Level I, Level II,
Level III, Level IV or Level V applies at any date.
<PAGE>
The credit ratings to be utilized for purposes of this Schedule are those
assigned to the senior unsecured long-term debt securities of the Borrower
without third-party credit enhancement, and any rating assigned to any other
debt security of the Borrower shall be disregarded. The rating in effect at any
date is that in effect at the close of business on such date.
If the Borrower is split-rated and the ratings differential is one level,
the higher of the two ratings will apply (E.G. A-/Baa1 results in Level I
Pricing and BBB/Baa3 results in Level III Pricing). If the Borrower is
split-rated and the ratings differential is more than one level, the average of
the two ratings (or the higher of two intermediate ratings) shall be used (E.G.
A-/Baa3 results in Level II Pricing and BBB+/Baa3 results in Level III Pricing).
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
NOTE
New York, New York
, 1998
For value received, Thomas & Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation
(the "BORROWER"), promises to pay to the order of ___________________________
(the "BANK"), for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, the unpaid
principal amount of each Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to
the Credit Agreement referred to below on the maturity date provided for in
the Credit Agreement. The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of each such Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates
provided for in the Credit Agreement. All such payments of principal and
interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in Federal or
other immediately available funds at the office of Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York.
All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities thereof
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank
and, if the Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or enforcement
hereof, appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing information with
respect to each such Loan then outstanding may be endorsed by the Bank on the
schedule attached hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to
and made a part hereof; PROVIDED that the failure of the Bank to make any
such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the
Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement to make a payment when due
in respect of the Loans evidenced hereby.
A-1
<PAGE>
This note is one of the Notes referred to in the Five-Year Credit
Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 among the Borrower, the banks listed on
the signature pages thereof and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as
Agent (as the same may be amended from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT").
Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for provisions for the prepayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
----------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
A-2
<PAGE>
Note (cont'd)
LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount of Type of Principal Amount of Notation
Date Loan Loan Repaid Maturity Date Made By
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
A-3
<PAGE>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST
[Date]
To: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
(the "AGENT")
From: Thomas & Betts Corporation
Re: Five-Year Credit Agreement (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") dated as of July 1,
1998 among the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof
and the Agent
We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement
that we request Money Market Quotes for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):
Date of Borrowing: __________________
B-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount(1) Interest Period(2)
- - ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
$
</TABLE>
Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin]
[Absolute Rate].
[The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered Rate.]
Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit
Agreement.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
----------------------------------
Name:
Title:
- - ----------------
1 Amount must be $10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
2 Not less than one month (LIBOR Auction) or not less than 7 days
(Absolute Rate Auction), subject to the provisions of the definition of
Interest Period.
B-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES
To: [Name of Bank]
Re: Invitation for Money Market Quotes to Thomas & Betts Corporation (the
"BORROWER")
Pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July
1, 1998 among the Borrower, the Banks parties thereto and the undersigned, as
Agent, we are pleased on behalf of the Borrower to invite you to submit Money
Market Quotes to the Borrower for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):
Date of Borrowing:
---------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Amount Interest Period
- - ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
$
</TABLE>
Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin] [Absolute
Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered Rate.]
Please respond to this invitation by no later than [2:00 P.M.] [9:30 A.M.]
(New York City time) on [date].
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK
By:
--------------------------------
Authorized Officer
C-1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE
To: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent
Re: Money Market Quote to Thomas & Betts Corporation (the "BORROWER")
In response to your invitation on behalf of the Borrower dated
_____________, 19__, we hereby make the following Money Market Quote on the
following terms:
1. Quoting Bank: ________________________________
2. Person to contact at Quoting Bank: ________________________________
3. Date of Borrowing: ____________________*
4. We hereby offer to make Money Market Loan(s) in the following principal
amounts, for the following Interest Periods and at the following rates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Interest Money Market
Amount** Period*** [Margin****] [Absolute Rate*****]
- - --------- --------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$
$
</TABLE>
[Provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for which
the above offers may be accepted shall not exceed $________.]**
- - ----------
* As specified in the related Invitation.
** Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed principal
amount requested. Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the
individual offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend. Bids
must be made for $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
(notes continued on following page)
D-1
<PAGE>
We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above, subject to
the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in the Five-Year
Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 among the Borrower, the Banks
listed on the signature pages thereof and yourselves, as Agent, irrevocably
obligates us to make the Money Market Loan(s) for which any offer(s) are
accepted, in whole or in part.
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF BANK]
Dated: By:
---------------------------------
Authorized Officer
- - ----------
*** Not less than one month or not less than 7 days, as specified in the
related Invitation. No more than five bids are permitted for each
Interest Period.
**** Margin over or under the London Interbank Offered Rate determined for
the applicable Interest Period. Specify percentage (to the nearest
1/10,000 of 1%) and specify whether "PLUS" or "MINUS".
***** Specify rate of interest per annum (to the nearest 1/10,000th of 1%).
D-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E-1
OPINION OF
MILBANK, TWEED, HADLEY & MCCLOY
SPECIAL NEW YORK COUNSEL
FOR BORROWER
[Effective Date]
Each of the Banks party
to the Credit Agreement
referred to below
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special New York counsel to Thomas & Betts Corporation,
a corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (the "BORROWER"), in
connection with the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 (the
"CREDIT AGREEMENT") among the Borrower, the lenders named therein and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (in such capacity, the "AGENT"),
providing for loans to be made by said lenders to the Borrower in an
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding
$300,000,000. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
defined therein. This opinion is being delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(c)
of the Credit Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the Credit
Agreement and the Notes (collectively, the "CREDIT DOCUMENTS") and such
corporate records of the Borrower and such other documents as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. In our examination, we
have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with authentic
original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. When relevant
facts were not independently established, we have relied upon representations
made in or pursuant to the Credit Agreement or certificates of appropriate
representatives of the Borrower.
E-1-1
<PAGE>
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed, with respect to
the Credit Documents, that:
(i) such documents have been duly authorized by, have been duly executed
and delivered by, and (except, to the extent provided below, as to the
Borrower) constitute legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations
of, all of the parties to such documents;
(ii) all signatories to such documents have been duly authorized; and
(iii) all of the parties to such documents are duly organized and validly
existing and have the power and authority (corporate or other) to
execute, deliver and perform such documents.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the comments
and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such questions of
law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below,
we are of the opinion that each Credit Document constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in
accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or
affecting the rights of creditors generally and except as the enforceability
of the Credit Documents is subject to the application of general principles
of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law), including, without limitation, (a) the possible unavailability of
specific performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy and (b)
concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following comments and
qualifications:
(A) The enforceability of Section 9.03(b) of the Credit Agreement may be
limited by laws limiting the enforceability of provisions exculpating or
exempting a party from, or requiring indemnification of a party for, its own
action or inaction, to the extent such action or inaction involves gross
negligence, recklessness or wilful or unlawful conduct.
(B) The enforceability of provisions in the Credit Agreement to the effect
that terms may not be waived or modified except in writing may be limited under
certain circumstances.
(C) We express no opinion as to the second sentence of Section 9.09 of the
Credit Agreement, insofar as such sentence relates to the subject matter
jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York to adjudicate any controversy related to the Credit Documents.
E-1-2
<PAGE>
The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the Federal laws of
the United States and the law of the State of New York, and we do not express
any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
This opinion letter is, pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of the Credit
Agreement, provided to you by us in our capacity as special New York counsel to
the Borrower and may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose other than
in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement
without, in each instance, our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
E-1-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E-2
[Letterhead of Thomas & Betts Corporation]
[Effective Date]
Each of the Banks party
to the Credit Agreement
referred to below
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary of Thomas & Betts
Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (the
"BORROWER"), and I, or attorneys under my supervision, have acted as counsel
to the Borrower in connection with the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of
July 1, 1998 (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") among the Borrower, the Banks party
thereto and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, in its capacity as
agent for said Banks (the "AGENT"), providing for, among other things, the
making of loans by the Banks in an aggregate principal amount up to
$300,000,000. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the
respective meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined such
corporate records and documents as we have deemed necessary as a basis for
the opinions expressed below.
In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity
with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.
When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied upon
statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or
pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Notes and certificates of
appropriate representatives of the Borrower.
<PAGE>
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the
comments and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such
questions of law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below, I am of the opinion that:
1. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of Tennessee, and has all corporate
powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and
approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.
2. Each of the Credit Agreement and the Notes has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower. The execution, delivery
and performance by the Borrower of each Credit Document are within the
Borrower's corporate powers, (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Borrower, (ii) require no action by or
in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official
(other than as may be required of any particular Bank) and (iii) do not
contravene or constitute a default under (x) any provision of any law or
regulation applicable to the Borrower, (y) the charter or by-laws of the
Borrower or (z) any instrument or agreement evidencing or governing
Material Debt of the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries known
to me or any material agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or
other instrument known to me to be binding upon the Borrower, or result in
the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any
of its Significant Subsidiaries under any of the foregoing.
3. To the best of our knowledge, there is no action, suit or
proceeding pending against, or threatened against or affecting, the
Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries before any court or
arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official, which could
reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business,
consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole or
which in any manner draws into question the validity of the Credit
Agreement and the Notes.
The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the federal laws of
the United States and the laws of the State of Tennessee, and we do not express
any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
This opinion letter is provided to you pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of the
Credit Agreement, and may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose other
than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement
without, in each instance, my prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
E-2-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT F
OPINION OF
DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL, SPECIAL COUNSEL
FOR THE AGENT
[Effective Date]
To the Banks and the Agent
Referred to Below
c/o Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260
Dear Sirs:
We have participated in the preparation of the Five-Year Credit
Agreement (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") dated as of July 1, 1998 among Thomas &
Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the "BORROWER"), the banks listed
on the signature pages thereof (the "BANKS") and Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, as Agent (the "AGENT"), and have acted as special
counsel for the Agent for the purpose of rendering this opinion pursuant to
Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement. Terms defined in the Credit
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.
We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified
to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of
public officials and other instruments and have conducted such other
investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable for
purposes of this opinion.
Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Credit
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Borrower and the
Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, in each case
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally and by general principles of equity.
We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws
of the United States of America. Insofar as the foregoing opinion involves
matters governed by the laws of Tennessee, we have relied, without
independent
F-1
<PAGE>
investigation, upon the opinion of Jerry Kronenberg, a copy of which has been
delivered to you. In giving the foregoing opinion, we express no opinion as
to the effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction (except the State of
New York) in which any Bank is located which limits the rate of interest that
such Bank may charge or collect.
This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above
matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or
by any other person without our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
F-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT G
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of _________, 19__ among [ASSIGNOR] (the "ASSIGNOR"),
[ASSIGNEE] (the "ASSIGNEE") and THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION (the "BORROWER").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "AGREEMENT")
relates to the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 among the
Borrower, the Assignor and the other Banks party thereto, as Banks, and
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT");
WHEREAS, as provided under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor has a
Commitment to make Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at
any time outstanding not to exceed $__________;
WHEREAS, Committed Loans made to the Borrower by the Assignor under the
Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $__________ are
outstanding at the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Assignor proposes to assign to the Assignee all of the
rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement in respect of a portion of
its Commitment thereunder in an amount equal to $__________ (the "ASSIGNED
AMOUNT"), together with a corresponding portion of its outstanding Committed
Loans, and the Assignee proposes to accept assignment of such rights and
assume the corresponding obligations from the Assignor on such terms;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 2. ASSIGNMENT. The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such
assignment from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the
Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount,
including the purchase from the Assignor of the corresponding portion of the
principal amount of the Committed Loans made by the Assignor outstanding at
the date hereof. Upon the execution and
<PAGE>
delivery hereof by the Assignor, the Assignee, the Borrower and the Agent and
the payment of the amounts specified in Section 3 required to be paid on the
date hereof (i) the Assignee shall, as of the date hereof, succeed to the
rights and be obligated to perform the obligations of a Bank under the Credit
Agreement with a Commitment in an amount equal to the Assigned Amount, and
(ii) the Commitment of the Assignor shall, as of the date hereof, be reduced
by a like amount and the Assignor released from its obligations under the
Credit Agreement to the extent such obligations have been assumed by the
Assignee. The assignment provided for herein shall be without recourse to the
Assignor.
SECTION 3. PAYMENTS. As consideration for the assignment and sale
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on
the date hereof in Federal funds the amount heretofore agreed between
them.(1) It is understood that commitment and/or facility fees accrued to the
date hereof are for the account of the Assignor and such fees accruing from
and including the date hereof are for the account of the Assignee. Each of
the Assignor and the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount
under the Credit Agreement which is for the account of the other party
hereto, it shall receive the same for the account of such other party to the
extent of such other party's interest therein and shall promptly pay the same
to such other party.
[SECTION 4. CONSENT OF THE BORROWER. This Agreement is conditioned upon the
consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.06(c) of the Credit Agreement. The
execution of this Agreement by the Borrower is evidence of this consent.
Pursuant to Section 9.06(c) the Borrower agrees to execute and deliver a Note
payable to the order of the Assignee to evidence the assignment and assumption
provided for herein.]
SECTION 5. NON-RELIANCE ON ASSIGNOR. The Assignor makes no
representation or warranty in connection with, and shall have no
responsibility with respect to, the solvency, financial condition, or
statements of the Borrower, or the validity and enforceability of the
obligations of the Borrower in respect of the Credit Agreement or any Note.
The Assignee acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance on
the Assignor, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this
Agreement and will continue to be responsible for making its own independent
appraisal of the business, affairs and financial condition of the Borrower.
- - --------------
(1) Amount should combine principal together with accrued interest
and breakage compensation, if any, to be paid by the Assignee, net of
any portion of any upfront fee to be paid by the Assignor to the
Assignee. It may be preferable in an appropriate case to specify these
amounts generically or by formula rather than as a fixed sum.
G-2
<PAGE>
SECTION 6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 7. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if
the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
[ASSIGNOR]
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
[ASSIGNEE]
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
G-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT H
DESIGNATION AGREEMENT
dated as of ________________, _____
Reference is made to the Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 1,
1998 (as amended from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") among Thomas &
Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the "BORROWER"), the banks party
thereto (the "BANKS") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent
(the "AGENT"). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the
same meaning.
_________________ (the "DESIGNATOR") and ________________ (the "DESIGNEE")
agree as follows:
1. The Designator designates the Designee as its Designated Lender under
the Credit Agreement and the Designee accepts such designation.
2. The Designator makes no representations or warranties and assumes no
responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the
performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the
Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant
thereto.
3. The Designee confirms that it is an Eligible Designee; appoints and
authorizes the Designator as its administrative agent and attorney-in-fact
and grants the Designator an irrevocable power of attorney to receive
payments made for the benefit of the Designee under the Credit Agreement and
to deliver and receive all communications and notices under the Credit
Agreement, if any, that the Designee is obligated to deliver or has the right
to receive thereunder; and acknowledges that the Designator retains the sole
right and responsibility to vote under the Credit Agreement, including,
without limitation, the right to approve any amendment or waiver of any
provision of the Credit Agreement, and agrees that the Designee shall be
bound by all such votes, approvals, amendments and waivers and all other
agreements of the Designator pursuant to or in connection with the Credit
Agreement, all subject to Section 9.05(b) of the Credit Agreement.
4. The Designee confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit
Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements
referred to in Article 4 or delivered pursuant to Article 5 thereof and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Designation Agreement; agrees
that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the
Designator or any other Bank and based on
H-1
<PAGE>
such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action
it may be permitted to take under the Credit Agreement. The Designee
acknowledges that it is subject to and bound by the confidentiality
provisions of the Credit Agreement (except as provided in Section 9.07(a)
thereof).
5. Following the execution of this Designation Agreement by the
Designator and the Designee and the consent hereto by the Borrower, it will
be delivered to the Agent for its consent. This Designation Agreement shall
become effective when the Agent consents hereto or on any later date
specified on the signature page hereof.
6. Upon the effectiveness hereof, (a) the Designee shall have the right
to make Loans or portions thereof as a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.03
of the Credit Agreement and the rights of a Bank related thereto and (b) the
making of any such Loans or portions thereof by the Designee shall satisfy
the obligations of the Designator under the Credit Agreement to the same
extent, and as if, such Loans or portions thereof were made by the Designator.
7. This Designation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Designation Agreement
to be executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of
the date first above written.
Effective Date(2):______ , ____
[NAME OF DESIGNATOR]
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
[NAME OF DESIGNEE]
By:____________________________________
Name:
- - --------------
(2) This date should be no earlier than the date of the Agent's
consent hereto.
H-2
<PAGE>
The undersigned consent to the foregoing designation.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK, as Agent
By:____________________________________
Name:
Title:
H-3
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TARGET LIST
NOTE: DUE TO THE NUMBER OF TARGETS SOME TARGET NAMES MAY NOT APPEAR IN
THE TARGET PULL-DOWN LIST.
(This list is for the use of the wordprocessor only, is not a part of
this document and may be discarded.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME
- - --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1...........................................def.art 5.........................................covenants
1.01........................................def.sec 5.01(c)............................del.fin.statmnts
1.02..............................acct.term.def.sec 5.01(f)..............................copy.regis.bor
1.03...................................type.bor.sec 5.09.........................................neg.pl
5.09(g)............................l.ord.course.bor
2..........................................cred.art ?........................................l.cash.bor
2.01................................commit.lend.sec 5.09(h)..............................l.not.perm.bor
2.02(a)................................domestic.bor
2.02(b)...............................aggregate.bor 6..........................................defaults
2.02(c)...........................bear.interest.bor 6.01.................................events.default
2.02(d)................................duration.bor
2.03...............................mon.mark.bor.sec 7...........................................agt.art
2.03(a).............................mon.mark.option 7.01...............................appt.auth.sec.ag
2.03(b)..........................mon.mark.quote.req 7.02...............................agt.affil.sec.ag
2.03(c)..............................invit.mon.mark 7.03.................................act.agt.sec.ag
2.03(d)............................sub.cont.mon.mar 7.04................................cons.exp.sec.ag
2.03(d)(i)......................................ebm 7.05................................liab.agt.sec.ag
2.03(d)(ii).....................................emm 7.06...................................indem.sec.ag
2.03(d)(ii)(C)..................................lib 7.07................................cred.dec.sec.ag
2.03(d)(iii)...................................ammr 7.08.................................suc.agt.sec.ag
2.03(e).......................terms.not.bor.mon.mar 7.09.................................agt.fee.sec.ag
2.03(f)...............................accep.not.bor
2.03(g).................................alloc.agent 8.................................change.circum.art
2.04.........................not.bank.fund.loan.art 8.01...............................det.int.inad.sec
2.04(a)...........................after.rec.not.bor 8.01(a).................................ad.ref.bank
2.04(b)................................not.later.12 8.01(b)....................................50%.more
2.04(c)......................unaud.cons.descrip.bor 8.02....................................illegal.sec
2.06.................................matur.loan.sec 8.03..................................incr.cost.sec
2.06(a)..............................each.comm.loan 8.03(a).................................on.aft.date
2.06(b)...........................each.mon.mar.loan 8.03(b)..................................after.date
2.07..............................interest.rate.sec 8.03(c).................................bank.prompt
2.07(a)................................ea.base.rate 8.04......................................taxes.sec
2.07(b)..................................ea.cd.loan 8.04(a)...................................foll.mean
2.07(c)................................ea.euro.doll 8.04(b)...............................acct.any.bank
2.07(d)................................an.over.prin 8.04(c).................................ind.ea.bank
2.07(e)...............................ea.libor.loan 8.04(d)................................juris.out.us
2.07(f).................................applic.here 8.04(e)..............................fail.prov.form
2.07(g).................................ea.ref.bank 8.04(f).................................pay.add.amt
2.08..............................meth.elect.ir.sec 8.05...............................brl.sub.afrl.sec
2.08(a)...............................incl.comm.bor
2.08(b)................................not.ir.elect 9..........................................misc.art
2.08(c)................................cont.thereof 9.01....................................notices.sec
2.08(d)...............................not.ent.elect 9.01(a).................................cas.bor.agt
2.08(e)................................if.conv.diff 9.01(b)....................................cas.bank
2.09.......................................fees.sec 9.01(c)...................................cas.party
2.10.................................term.reduc.sec 9.02..................................no.waiver.sec
2.10(a)...........................bor.three.dom.day 9.03..................................bor.pay.agent
2.10(b)...............................com.term.date 9.03(a)................................bor.pay.full
2.11.................................opt.prepay.sec 9.03(b)...................................bor.agree
2.11(a)......................................firate 9.04..............................share.set.off.sec
2.11(b).................................one.dom.day 9.04(a)...................................event.def
2.11(c)..............................bor.not.prepay 9.04(b).................................bank.agrees
2.12...............................gen.prov.pay.sec 9.05.............................amend.and.waiv.sec
2.12(a).................................pay.prin.12 9.05(a)................................signed.banks
2.12(b)................................ass.pay.full 9.05(b)...........................signed.desig.lend
2.13................................fund.losses.sec 9.06...........................succ.part.assign.sec
2.14..............................comp.int.fees.sec 9.06(a)...................................prov.bind
2.05......................................notes.sec 9.06(b)...................................part.intr
2.05(a)...................................sing.note 9.06(c)............................bank.assign.bank
2.05(b)....................................sep.note 9.06(d).........................bank.portion.rights
2.05(c)................................note.to.bank 9.06(e).................................no.entitled
2.15.....................................reg.d.comp 9.07.....................................desig.lend
2.16............................opt.increase.commit 9.07(a).................................elect.desig
9.07(b)............................not.inst.against
3........................................conditions 9.08.................................no.rel.mar.stk
3.01..................................effectiveness 9.09....................................gov.law.sec
3.01(a).....................................rec.eff 9.10.............................counter.effect.sec
4.........................................reps.wars 9.11................................confidentiality
4.10.............................noreg.rest.sec.bor ?.....................................waiv.jury.sec
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME
- - --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
H-2
<PAGE>
CONFORMED COPY
$200,000,000
364-DAY
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
JULY 1, 1998
among
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
THE BANKS PARTY HERETO
and
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK,
AS AGENT
________________
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
ARRANGER
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND
SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.,
CO-AGENTS
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
SECTION 1.02. ACCOUNTING TERMS AND DETERMINATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SECTION 1.03. TYPES OF BORROWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ARTICLE 2 THE CREDITS
SECTION 2.01. COMMITMENTS TO LEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 2.02. NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 2.03. MONEY MARKET BORROWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 2.04. NOTICE TO BANKS; FUNDING OF LOANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.05. NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 2.06. MATURITY OF LOANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 2.07. INTEREST RATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 2.08. METHOD OF ELECTING INTEREST RATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SECTION 2.09. FACILITY FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 2.10. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SECTION 2.11. OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 2.12. GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
SECTION 2.13. FUNDING LOSSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 2.14. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
SECTION 2.15. REGULATION D COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ARTICLE 3 CONDITIONS
SECTION 3.01. EFFECTIVENESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
SECTION 3.02. BORROWINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ARTICLE 4 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 4.01. CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
SECTION 4.02. CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION. . . . . 31
SECTION 4.03. BINDING EFFECT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 4.04. FINANCIAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 4.05. LITIGATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 4.06. COMPLIANCE WITH ERISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
SECTION 4.07. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 4.08. TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 4.09. SUBSIDIARIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 4.10. NO REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON BORROWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 4.11. FULL DISCLOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 4.12. YEAR 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
ARTICLE 5 COVENANTS
SECTION 5.01. INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF TAXES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 5.03. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY; INSURANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 5.04. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTENCE. . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.05. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.06. INSPECTION OF PROPERTY, BOOKS AND RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 5.07. OPERATING CASH FLOW RATIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 5.08. DEBT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 5.09. NEGATIVE PLEDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 5.10. CONSOLIDATIONS, MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 5.11. USE OF PROCEEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 5.12. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 6.02. NOTICE OF DEFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ARTICLE 7 THE AGENT AND CO-AGENTS
SECTION 7.01. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 7.02. AGENT AND AFFILIATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 7.03. ACTION BY AGENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 7.04. CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 7.05. LIABILITY OF AGENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 7.06. INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 7.07. CREDIT DECISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 7.08. SUCCESSOR AGENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
SECTION 7.09. AGENT'S FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
SECTION 7.10. CO-AGENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
ARTICLE 8 CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
SECTION 8.01. BASIS FOR DETERMINING INTEREST RATE INADEQUATE OR UNFAIR. . . . . . 45
SECTION 8.02. ILLEGALITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SECTION 8.03. INCREASED COST AND REDUCED RETURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SECTION 8.04. TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
SECTION 8.05. BASE RATE LOANS SUBSTITUTED FOR AFFECTED FIXED RATE LOANS . . . . . 50
SECTION 8.06. SUBSTITUTION OF BANK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
ARTICLE 9 MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01. NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 9.02. NO WAIVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 9.03. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 9.04. SET-OFFS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 9.05. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 9.06. SUCCESSORS; PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 9.07. DESIGNATED LENDERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 9.08. NO RELIANCE ON MARGIN STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 9.11. CONFIDENTIALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
PRICING SCHEDULE
<S> <C>
EXHIBIT A - Note
EXHIBIT B - Money Market Quote Request
EXHIBIT C - Invitation for Money Market Quotes
EXHIBIT D - Money Market Quote
EXHIBIT E - Opinion of Counsel for the Borrower
EXHIBIT F - Opinion of Special Counsel for the Agent
EXHIBIT G - Assignment and Assumption Agreement
EXHIBIT H - Designation Agreement
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
364-DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of July 1, 1998 among THOMAS & BETTS
CORPORATION, the BANKS party hereto and MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW
YORK, as Agent.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS. The following terms, as used herein, have the
following meanings:
"ABSOLUTE RATE AUCTION" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes setting
forth Money Market Absolute Rates pursuant to Section 2.03.
"ACQUISITION RELATED SPECIAL CHARGES" means charges to income related
specifically to acquisitions accounted for during the relevant period, including
such items as (i) transaction costs, including fees of investment bankers,
accounting fees, costs of appraisals, legal fees, loan syndication fees, debt
refinancing and extinguishment costs, printing, filing fees, environmental
assessment fees, change of control payments, hedging costs and due diligence
costs, (ii) changes to accruals of the acquired company for such reserves as
warranty, workers compensation, environmental, litigation, excess and obsolete
inventory, idle assets, sales returns and allowances, retirement plans, retiree
medical liability and the like and (iii) planned restructuring actions of the
acquired company for such items as plant or product line relocation, plant
closure, consolidation of manufacturing facilities with those of the Borrower or
another Subsidiary of Borrower, consolidation of sales and administrative
offices with those of the Borrower or another Subsidiary of the Borrower and the
like. Other special charges not related to the acquisition shall be
specifically excluded from this definition, including costs and accruals for
restructuring or accrual charges of the Borrower for its operations other than
those related to the acquisition.
"ADJUSTED CD RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE" means, with respect to each Bank, an
administrative questionnaire in the form prepared by the Agent, completed by
such Bank and returned to the Agent (with a copy to the Borrower).
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"AFFILIATE" means (i) any Person that directly, or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries, controls the Borrower (a "CONTROLLING PERSON") or
(ii) any Person (other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary) which is controlled
by or is under common control with a Controlling Person. As used herein, the
term "CONTROL" means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to
direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"AGENT" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York in its capacity
as agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors in such capacity.
"APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICE" means, with respect to any Bank, (i) in the
case of its Domestic Loans, its Domestic Lending Office, (ii) in the case of its
Euro-Dollar Loans, its Euro-Dollar Lending Office and (iii) in the case of its
Money Market Loans, its Money Market Lending Office.
"ASSESSMENT RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"ASSIGNEE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(c).
"BANK" means (i) each bank listed on the Commitment Schedule, (ii) each
Assignee which becomes a Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c) and (iii) their
respective successors.
"BASE RATE" means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the higher of
(i) the Prime Rate for such day and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% plus the
Federal Funds Rate for such day.
"BASE RATE LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at the Base
Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of
Interest Rate Election or the provisions of Section 2.08(a) or Article 8.
"BORROWER" means Thomas & Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation, and
its successors.
"BORROWER'S 1997 FORM 10-K" means the Borrower's annual report on Form 10-K
for 1997, as filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act.
"BORROWER'S LATEST FORM 10-Q" means the Borrower's quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended April 5, 1998, as filed with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act.
"BORROWING" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03.
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"CD BASE RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"CD LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at a CD Rate pursuant
to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or Notice of Interest Rate
Election.
"CD MARGIN" means a rate per annum equal to 0.370%.
"CD RATE" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to Section 2.07(b)
on the basis of an Adjusted CD Rate.
"CD REFERENCE BANKS" means Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York.
"CO-AGENT" means each of Bank of America National Trust and Savings
Association and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., in its capacity as a Co-Agent in
respect of this Agreement.
"COMMITMENT" means (i) with respect to each Bank listed on the Commitment
Schedule, the amount set forth opposite such Bank's name on the Commitment
Schedule and (ii) with respect to any Assignee or other Person which becomes a
Bank pursuant to Section 9.06(c), the amount of the transferor Bank's Commitment
assigned to it pursuant to Section 9.06(c), in each case as such amount may be
changed from time to time pursuant to Section 2.10 or 9.06(c); PROVIDED that, if
the context so requires, the term "COMMITMENT" means the obligation of a Bank to
extend credit up to such amount to the Borrower hereunder.
"COMMITMENT SCHEDULE" means the Commitment Schedule attached hereto.
"COMMITTED LOAN" means a loan made by a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01;
PROVIDED that, if any such loan or loans (or portions thereof) are combined or
subdivided pursuant to a Notice of Interest Rate Election, the term "Committed
Loan" shall refer to the combined principal amount resulting from such
combination or to each of the separate principal amounts resulting from such
subdivision, as the case may be.
"CONSOLIDATED DEBT" means, at any date, the Debt of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis as of such date.
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"CONSOLIDATED NET WORTH" means at any date the consolidated stockholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined as of such
date.
"CONSOLIDATED OPERATING CASH FLOW" means, for any fiscal quarter, the sum
of the consolidated net income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
for such fiscal quarter plus, to the extent deducted in determining such
consolidated net income for such fiscal quarter, depreciation and amortization;
PROVIDED that Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for any period shall be adjusted
to eliminate the effect of any Acquisition Related Special Charges during such
period.
"CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY" means, at any date, any Subsidiary or other
entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the Borrower in
its consolidated financial statements if such statements were prepared as of
such date.
"CONSOLIDATED TOTAL CAPITAL" means at any date Consolidated Debt plus
Consolidated Net Worth, each determined as of such date.
"CREDIT EXPOSURE" means, with respect to any Bank at any time, (i) the
amount of its Commitment (whether used or unused) at such time or (ii) if the
Commitments have terminated in their entirety, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of its Loans at such time.
"DEBT" of any Person means, at any date, without duplication, (i) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such
Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
(iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of
property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary
course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee which are
capitalized in accordance with GAAP, (v) all Debt secured by a Lien on any
asset of such Person, whether or not such Debt is otherwise an obligation of
such Person, and (vi) all Debt of others Guaranteed by such Person; PROVIDED
that in determining the amount of any item of Debt of such Person pursuant to
this clause (vi), the amount of such Debt shall be equal to the lesser of
(x) the amount of Debt of others that is Guaranteed and (y) the amount of
such Guarantee.
"DEFAULT" means any condition or event which constitutes an Event of
Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
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"DESIGNATED LENDER" means, with respect to any Designating Bank, an
Eligible Designee designated by it pursuant to Section 9.07(a) as a Designated
Lender for purposes of this Agreement.
"DESIGNATING BANK" means, with respect to each Designated Lender, the Bank
that designated such Designated Lender pursuant to Section 9.07(a).
"DOMESTIC BUSINESS DAY" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law
to close.
"DOMESTIC LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its office located at its
address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire (or identified in its
Administrative Questionnaire as its Domestic Lending Office) or such other
office as such Bank may hereafter designate as its Domestic Lending Office by
notice to the Borrower and the Agent; PROVIDED that any Bank may so designate
separate Domestic Lending Offices for its Base Rate Loans, on the one hand, and
its CD Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references herein to the
Domestic Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to either or both
of such offices, as the context may require.
"DOMESTIC LOANS" means CD Loans or Base Rate Loans or both.
"DOMESTIC RESERVE PERCENTAGE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.07(b).
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date this Agreement becomes effective in
accordance with Section 3.01.
"ELIGIBLE DESIGNEE" means a special purpose corporation that (i) is
organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, (ii) is
engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the
ordinary course of its business and (iii) issues (or the parent of which issues)
commercial paper rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or P-1 or
the equivalent thereof by Moody's.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any and all federal, state, local and foreign
statutes, laws, judicial decisions, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments,
orders, decrees, injunctions, permits, concessions, grants, franchises,
licenses, agreements and other governmental restrictions relating to the
environment or the effect of the environment on human health or to emissions,
discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, Hazardous Substances or
wastes into the environment, including (without limitation) ambient air, surface
water, ground water or land, or otherwise
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relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants,
Hazardous Substances or wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended, or any successor statute.
"ERISA GROUP" means the Borrower, any Subsidiary and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any
Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal
Revenue Code.
"EURO-DOLLAR BUSINESS DAY" means any Domestic Business Day on which
commercial banks are open for international business (including dealings in
dollar deposits) in London.
"EURO-DOLLAR LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its office, branch or
affiliate located at its address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire
(or identified in its Administrative Questionnaire as its Euro-Dollar Lending
Office) or such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may
hereafter designate as its Euro-Dollar Lending Office by notice to the Borrower
and the Agent.
"EURO-DOLLAR LOAN" means a Committed Loan which bears interest at a
Euro-Dollar Rate pursuant to the applicable Notice of Committed Borrowing or
Notice of Interest Rate Election.
"EURO-DOLLAR MARGIN" means a rate per annum equal to 0.245%.
"EURO-DOLLAR RATE" means a rate of interest determined pursuant to Section
2.07(c) on the basis of a London Interbank Offered Rate.
"EURO-DOLLAR REFERENCE BANKS" means the principal London offices of Bank of
America National Trust and Savings Association, Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York.
"EURO-DOLLAR RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means, for any day, that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion dollars in
respect of "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or in respect of any other category of
liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on
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Euro-Dollar Loans is determined or any category of extensions of credit or other
assets which includes loans by a non-United States office of any Bank to United
States residents).
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT" has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.
"EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from
time to time.
"FEDERAL FUNDS RATE" means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted average
of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Domestic Business Day next
succeeding such day, PROVIDED that (i) if such day is not a Domestic Business
Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions
on the next preceding Domestic Business Day as so published on the next
succeeding Domestic Business Day and (ii) if no such rate is so published on
such next succeeding Domestic Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day
shall be the average rate quoted to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York on
such day on such transactions as determined by the Agent.
"FIXED RATE LOANS" means CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market
Loans (excluding Money Market LIBOR Loans bearing interest at the Base Rate
pursuant to Section 8.01) or any combination of the foregoing.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from
time to time, applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by
the Borrower's independent public accountants) with the most recent audited
consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks.
"GROUP OF LOANS" means, at any time, a group of Loans consisting of (i) all
Committed Loans which are Base Rate Loans at such time, (ii) all Euro-Dollar
Loans having the same Interest Period at such time or (iii) all CD Loans having
the same Interest Period at such time, PROVIDED that, if a Committed Loan of any
particular Bank is converted to or made as a Base Rate Loan pursuant to Article
8, such Loan shall be included in the same Group or Groups of Loans from time to
time as it would have been in if it had not been so converted or made.
"GUARANTEE" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of
such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt of any other Person
and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation,
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direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to purchase
or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt
(whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by virtue of an
agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to
take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise),
(ii) to reimburse a bank for amounts drawn under a letter of credit for the
purpose of paying such Debt or (iii) entered into for the purpose of assuring
in any other manner the holder of such Debt of the payment thereof or to
protect such holder against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part),
PROVIDED that the term "Guarantee" shall not include endorsements for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term
"GUARANTEE" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
"HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES" means any toxic, radioactive, caustic or otherwise
hazardous substance, including petroleum, its derivatives and by-products and
other hydrocarbons, or any substance having any constituent elements displaying
any of the foregoing characteristics.
"INDEMNITEE" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).
"INTEREST PERIOD" means: (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar Loan, the
period commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of
Borrowing or on the date specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate
Election and ending (i) one, two, three or six months thereafter or (ii) if each
Bank shall have consented to the election by the Borrower of a longer period,
which consent may be withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion, such longer
period, in each case, as the Borrower may elect in such notice; PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which
is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next
succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day
falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period
shall end on the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;
(b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last
Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month; and
(c) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the Maturity
Date shall end on the Maturity Date;
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(2) with respect to each CD Loan, the period commencing on the date of
borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing or on the date
specified in an applicable Notice of Interest Rate Election and ending (i)
30, 60, 90 or 180 days thereafter or (ii) if each Bank shall have consented
to the election by the Borrower of a longer period, which consent may be
withheld by any Bank in its sole discretion, such longer period, in each
case, as the Borrower may elect in such notice; PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day; and
(b) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the Maturity
shall end on the Maturity Date;
(3) with respect to each Money Market LIBOR Loan, the period commencing on
the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing and ending
such whole number of months thereafter as the Borrower may elect in accordance
with Section 2.03; PROVIDED that:
(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in
another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on
the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;
(b) any Interest Period which begins on the last Euro-Dollar
Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
Interest Period) shall, subject to clause (c) below, end on the last
Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month; and
(c) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date; and
(4) with respect to each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan, the period
commencing on the date of borrowing specified in the applicable Notice of
Borrowing and ending such number of days thereafter (but not less than 7
days) as the Borrower may elect in accordance with Section 2.03; PROVIDED
that:
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(a) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not a Euro-Dollar Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Euro-Dollar Business Day; and
(b) any Interest Period which would otherwise end after the
Termination Date shall end on the Termination Date.
"INTERNAL REVENUE CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or any successor statute.
"INVESTMENT" means any investment in any Person, whether by means of share
purchase, capital contribution, loan, time deposit or otherwise (other than
demand deposits).
"LIBOR AUCTION" means a solicitation of Money Market Quotes setting forth
Money Market Margins based on the London Interbank Offered Rate pursuant to
Section 2.03.
"LIEN" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset.
For purposes hereof, the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to own
subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the
interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital
lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset; PROVIDED that
any transaction (including, without limitation, any sale of accounts receivable)
which is treated as a sale of assets under GAAP shall be so treated hereunder
and any asset which is so sold shall not be deemed subject to a Lien. It is
understood that a contractual grant of a right of set-off does not create a Lien
in the absence of an agreement to maintain a balance against which such right
may be exercised.
"LOAN" means a Committed Loan or a Money Market Loan and "LOANS" means
Committed Loans or Money Market Loans or any combination of the foregoing.
"LONDON INTERBANK OFFERED RATE" means, for any Interest Period, (i) the
rate for deposits in Dollars for a period of time comparable to such Interest
Period which appears on the Telerate Page 3750 as of 11:00 A.M. (London time)
two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period or
(ii) if the rate set forth in (i) does not appear on the Telerate Page 3750, the
average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%) of the
respective rates per annum at which deposits in Dollars are offered to each of
the Reference Banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 A.M.
(London
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time) two Euro-Dollar Business Days before the first day of such Interest
Period in an amount approximately equal to the Reference Amount for a period
of time comparable to such Interest Period. As used in this definition, the
term "REFERENCE AMOUNT" shall mean (a) for purposes of determining the rate
applicable to a Euro-Dollar Loan, the principal amount of the Euro-Dollar
Loan of such Reference Bank to which such rate is to apply and (b) for
purposes of determining the rate applicable to a Money Market LIBOR Loan, the
principal amount of the Money Market LIBOR Borrowing to which such rate is to
apply.
"MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" means a material adverse effect on (i) the
business, financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Borrower to
perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Notes, or (iii) the
validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any Note or the rights or
remedies of the Agent or the Banks hereunder and thereunder.
"MATERIAL DEBT" means Debt (other than the Notes) of the Borrower and/or
one or more of its Significant Subsidiaries, arising in one or more related or
unrelated transactions, in an outstanding aggregate principal amount exceeding
$20,000,000.
"MATERIAL PLAN" means, at any time, a Plan or Plans having aggregate
Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $20,000,000.
"MATURITY DATE" means the first anniversary of the Termination Date or, if
such day is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, then the next preceding Euro-Dollar
Business Day.
"MONEY MARKET ABSOLUTE RATE" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(d).
"MONEY MARKET ABSOLUTE RATE LOAN" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to an Absolute Rate Auction.
"MONEY MARKET LENDING OFFICE" means, as to each Bank, its Domestic Lending
Office or such other office, branch or affiliate of such Bank as it may
hereafter designate as its Money Market Lending Office by notice to the Borrower
and the Agent; PROVIDED that any Bank may from time to time by notice to the
Borrower and the Agent designate separate Money Market Lending Offices for its
Money Market LIBOR Loans, on the one hand, and its Money Market Absolute Rate
Loans, on the other hand, in which case all references herein to the Money
Market Lending Office of such Bank shall be deemed to refer to either or both of
such offices, as the context may require.
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"MONEY MARKET LIBOR LOAN" means a loan made or to be made by a Bank
pursuant to a LIBOR Auction (including any such loan bearing interest at the
Base Rate pursuant to Section 8.01).
"MONEY MARKET LOAN" means a Money Market LIBOR Loan or a Money Market
Absolute Rate Loan.
"MONEY MARKET MARGIN" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(d)(ii)(C).
"MONEY MARKET QUOTE" means an offer by a Bank to make a Money Market Loan
in accordance with Section 2.03.
"MOODY'S" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
"MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the
ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or
has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these
purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such
five year period.
"NOTES" means promissory notes of the Borrower, substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the Borrower's obligation to repay the Loans,
and "NOTE" means any one of such promissory notes issued hereunder.
"NOTICE OF BORROWING" means a Notice of Committed Borrowing (as defined in
Section 2.02) or a Notice of Money Market Borrowing (as defined in
Section 2.03(f)).
"NOTICE OF INTEREST RATE ELECTION" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.08.
"PARENT" means, with respect to any Bank, any Person controlling such Bank.
"PARTICIPANT" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any entity
succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.
"PERSON" means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a
partnership, an association, a trust or any other entity or organization,
including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality
thereof.
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"PLAN" means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the
minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and
either (i) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA Group
for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (ii) has at any time within
the preceding five years been maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which
was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which
was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.
"PRICING SCHEDULE" means the Pricing Schedule attached hereto.
"PRIME RATE" means the rate of interest publicly announced by Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York in New York City from time to time as its
Prime Rate.
"PRIOR AGREEMENT" means the Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 1995
among the Borrower, the banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as agent for such banks, as amended to the
Effective Date.
"QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATES" means each April 15, July 15, October 15 and
January 15.
"REFERENCE BANKS" means the CD Reference Banks or the Euro-Dollar Reference
Banks, as the context may require, and "REFERENCE BANK" means any one of such
Reference Banks.
"REGULATION U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.
"REQUIRED BANKS" means, at any time, Banks having more than 50% in
aggregate amount of the Credit Exposures at such time.
"REVOLVING CREDIT PERIOD" means the period from and including the Effective
Date to but not including the Termination Date.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" means any Subsidiary which would constitute a
"SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" of the Borrower under Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X
promulgated by the SEC.
"SUBSIDIARY" means, as to any Person, any corporation or other entity of
which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to
elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person. Unless
otherwise specified, "Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Borrower.
"TERMINATION DATE" means June 30, 1999, or, if such day is not a
Euro-Dollar Business Day, the next preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day.
"TOTAL BORROWED FUNDS" means, at any date, the aggregate principal amount
of Debt of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries of the type referred
to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) of the definition thereof, determined on a
consolidated basis as of such date.
"UNFUNDED LIABILITIES" means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the
amount (if any) by which (i) the value of all benefit liabilities under such
Plan, determined on a plan termination basis using the assumptions prescribed by
the PBGC for purposes of Section 4044 of ERISA, exceeds (ii) the fair market
value of all Plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title IV of ERISA
(excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as of the then
most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such
excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA Group to the
PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.
"UNITED STATES" means the United States of America.
SECTION 1.02. ACCOUNTING TERMS AND DETERMINATIONS. Unless otherwise
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP;
PROVIDED that, if the Borrower notifies the Agent that the Borrower wishes to
amend any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change in GAAP (or if
the Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Banks wish to amend any
provision hereof for such purpose), then such provision shall be applied on the
basis of GAAP in effect immediately before the relevant change in GAAP became
effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such provision is amended in
a manner satisfactory to the Borrower and the Required Banks.
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SECTION 1.03. TYPES OF BORROWINGS. The term "BORROWING" denotes (i) the
aggregation of Loans made or to be made to the Borrower by one or more Banks
pursuant to Article 2 on the same day, all of which Loans are of the same
type (subject to Article 8) and, except in the case of Base Rate Loans, have
the same initial Interest Period or (ii) if the context so requires, the
borrowing of such Loans. Borrowings are classified for purposes hereof
either (i) by reference to the pricing of Loans comprising such Borrowing
(E.G., a "Euro-Dollar Borrowing" is a Borrowing comprised of Euro-Dollar
Loans) or (ii) by reference to the provisions of Article 2 under which
participation therein is determined (I.E., a "Committed Borrowing" is a
Borrowing under Section 2.01 in which all Banks participate in proportion to
their Commitments, while a "Money Market Borrowing" is a Borrowing under
Section 2.03 in which one or more Banks participate on the basis of their
bids).
ARTICLE 2
The Credits
SECTION 2.01. COMMITMENTS TO LEND. Each Bank severally agrees, on the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make loans to the Borrower
pursuant to this Section from time to time during the Revolving Credit Period;
PROVIDED that, immediately after each such loan is made, (i) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of such Bank's Committed Loans shall not exceed its
Commitment and (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all the Loans
shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments. Each Borrowing under
this Section shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or any
larger multiple of $1,000,000 (except that any such Borrowing may be in the
aggregate amount available within the limitations in the foregoing proviso) and
shall be made from the several Banks ratably in proportion to their respective
Commitments. Within the foregoing limits, the Borrower may borrow under this
Section, prepay Loans to the extent permitted by Section 2.11 and reborrow at
any time during the Revolving Credit Period under this Section.
SECTION 2.02. NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING. The Borrower shall give the
Agent notice (a "NOTICE OF COMMITTED BORROWING") not later than 10:30 A.M. (New
York City time) on (x) the date of each Base Rate Borrowing, (y) the second
Domestic Business Day before each CD Borrowing and (z) the third Euro-Dollar
Business Day before each Euro-Dollar Borrowing, specifying:
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(a) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Domestic Business
Day in the case of a Domestic Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Business Day in
the case of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing;
(b) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;
(c) whether the Loans comprising such Borrowing are to bear
interest initially at the Base Rate, a CD Rate or a Euro-Dollar Rate; and
(d) in the case of a CD Borrowing or a Euro-Dollar Borrowing, the
duration of the initial Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to
the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.
SECTION 2.03. MONEY MARKET BORROWINGS. (a) THE MONEY MARKET OPTION. In
addition to Committed Borrowings pursuant to Section 2.01, the Borrower may, as
set forth in this Section, request the Banks to make offers to make Money Market
Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Credit Period. The
Banks may, but shall have no obligation to, make such offers and the Borrower
may, but shall have no obligation to, accept any such offers in the manner set
forth in this Section.
(b) MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST. When the Borrower wishes to request
offers to make Money Market Loans under this Section, it shall transmit to the
Agent by telex or facsimile a Money Market Quote Request substantially in the
form of Exhibit B hereto so as to be received not later than 10:30 A.M. (New
York City time) on (x) the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day before the date of
Borrowing proposed therein, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the Domestic
Business Day next preceding the date of Borrowing proposed therein, in the case
of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such other time or date as the
Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and shall have notified to the
Banks not later than the date of the Money Market Quote Request for the first
LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which such change is to be effective)
specifying:
(i) the proposed date of Borrowing, which shall be a Euro-Dollar
Business Day in the case of a LIBOR Auction or a Domestic Business Day
in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction,
(ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing, which shall be
$10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000,
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(iii) the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto,
subject to the provisions of the definition of Interest Period, and
(iv) whether the Money Market Quotes requested are to set forth a
Money Market Margin or a Money Market Absolute Rate.
The Borrower may request offers to make Money Market Loans for more than one
Interest Period in a single Money Market Quote Request. No Money Market Quote
Request shall be given within five Euro-Dollar Business Days (or such other
number of days as the Borrower and the Agent may agree) of any other Money
Market Quote Request.
(c) INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES. Promptly after receiving a Money
Market Quote Request, the Agent shall send to the Banks by telex or facsimile an
Invitation for Money Market Quotes substantially in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, which shall constitute an invitation by the Borrower to each Bank to
submit Money Market Quotes offering to make the Money Market Loans to which such
Money Market Quote Request relates in accordance with this Section.
(d) SUBMISSION AND CONTENTS OF MONEY MARKET QUOTES. (i) Each Bank may
submit a Money Market Quote containing an offer or offers to make Money Market
Loans in response to any Invitation for Money Market Quotes. Each Money Market
Quote must comply with the requirements of this Section 2.03(d) and must be
submitted to the Agent by telex or facsimile at its address specified in or
pursuant to Section 9.01 not later than (x) 4:00 P.M. (New York City time) on
the fourth Euro-Dollar Business Day before the proposed date of Borrowing, in
the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) 9:30 A.M. (New York City time) on the
proposed date of Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in
either case, such other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have
mutually agreed and shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of
the Money Market Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate
Auction for which such change is to be effective); PROVIDED that Money Market
Quotes submitted by the Agent (or any affiliate of the Agent) in the capacity of
a Bank may be submitted, and may only be submitted, if the Agent or such
affiliate notifies the Borrower of the terms of the offer or offers contained
therein not later than (x) one hour before the deadline for the other Banks, in
the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) 15 minutes before the deadline for the other
Banks, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction. Subject to Articles 3 and 6,
any Money Market Quote so made shall not be revocable except with the written
consent of the Agent given on the instructions of the Borrower.
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(ii) Each Money Market Quote shall be substantially in the form of
Exhibit D hereto and shall in any case specify:
(A) the proposed date of Borrowing,
(B) the principal amount of the Money Market Loan for which each
such offer is being made, which principal amount (w) may be greater than
or less than the Commitment of the quoting Bank, (x) must be $5,000,000
or a larger multiple of $1,000,000, (y) may not exceed the principal
amount of Money Market Loans for which offers were requested and (z) may
be subject to an aggregate limitation as to the principal amount of
Money Market Loans for which offers being made by such quoting Bank may
be accepted,
(C) in the case of a LIBOR Auction, the margin above or below the
applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (the "MONEY MARKET MARGIN")
offered for each such Money Market Loan, expressed as a percentage
(specified to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) to be added to or subtracted
from such base rate,
(D) in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction, the rate of interest
per annum (specified to the nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) (the "MONEY MARKET
ABSOLUTE RATE") offered for each such Money Market Loan, and
(E) the identity of the quoting Bank.
A Money Market Quote may set forth up to five separate offers by the quoting
Bank with respect to each Interest Period specified in the related Invitation
for Money Market Quotes.
(iii) Any Money Market Quote shall be disregarded if it:
(A) is not substantially in conformity with Exhibit D hereto or
does not specify all of the information required by subsection
2.03(d)(ii) above;
(B) contains qualifying, conditional or similar language;
(C) proposes terms other than or in addition to those set forth in
the applicable Invitation for Money Market Quotes; or
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(D) arrives after the time set forth in subsection 2.03(d)(i).
(e) NOTICE TO BORROWER. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower of
the terms of (i) any Money Market Quote submitted by a Bank that is in
accordance with Section 2.03(d) and (ii) any Money Market Quote that amends,
modifies or is otherwise inconsistent with a previous Money Market Quote
submitted by such Bank with respect to the same Money Market Quote Request. Any
such subsequent Money Market Quote shall be disregarded by the Agent unless such
subsequent Money Market Quote is submitted solely to correct a manifest error in
such former Money Market Quote. The Agent's notice to the Borrower shall
specify (A) the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for which
offers have been received for each Interest Period specified in the related
Money Market Quote Request, (B) the respective principal amounts and Money
Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be, so offered
and (C) if applicable, limitations on the aggregate principal amount of Money
Market Loans for which offers in any single Money Market Quote may be accepted.
(f) ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE BY BORROWER. Not later than 10:30 A.M. (New
York City time) on (x) the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the proposed
date of Borrowing, in the case of a LIBOR Auction or (y) the proposed date of
Borrowing, in the case of an Absolute Rate Auction (or, in either case, such
other time or date as the Borrower and the Agent shall have mutually agreed and
shall have notified to the Banks not later than the date of the Money Market
Quote Request for the first LIBOR Auction or Absolute Rate Auction for which
such change is to be effective), the Borrower shall notify the Agent of its
acceptance or non-acceptance of the offers so notified to it pursuant to Section
2.03(e). In the case of acceptance, such notice (a "NOTICE OF MONEY MARKET
BORROWING") shall specify the aggregate principal amount of offers for each
Interest Period that are accepted. The Borrower may accept any Money Market
Quote in whole or in part; PROVIDED that:
(i) the aggregate principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing
may not exceed the applicable amount set forth in the related Money Market
Quote Request;
(ii) the principal amount of each Money Market Borrowing must be
$10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000;
(iii) acceptance of offers may only be made on the basis of
ascending Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case
may be;
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(iv) the Borrower may not accept any offer that is described in
subsection 2.03(d)(iii) or that otherwise fails to comply with the
requirements of this Agreement; and
(v) immediately after such Money Market Borrowing is made, the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Loans shall not exceed the
aggregate amount of the Commitments.
(g) ALLOCATION BY AGENT. If offers are made by two or more Banks with the
same Money Market Margins or Money Market Absolute Rates, as the case may be,
for a greater aggregate principal amount than the amount in respect of which
such offers are accepted for the related Interest Period, the principal amount
of Money Market Loans in respect of which such offers are accepted shall be
allocated by the Agent among such Banks as nearly as possible (in multiples of
$1,000,000, as the Agent may deem appropriate) in proportion to the aggregate
principal amounts of such offers. Determinations by the Agent of the amounts of
Money Market Loans shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
SECTION 2.04. NOTICE TO BANKS; FUNDING OF LOANS. (a Promptly after
receiving a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall notify each Bank of the
contents thereof and of such Bank's share (if any) of such Borrowing and such
Notice of Borrowing shall not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.
(b) Not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date of each
Borrowing, each Bank participating therein shall make available its share of
such Borrowing, in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York
City, to the Agent at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01.
Unless the Agent determines that any applicable condition specified in Article 3
has not been satisfied, the Agent will make the funds so received from the Banks
available to the Borrower at the Agent's aforesaid address.
(c) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank before the
date of any Borrowing that such Bank will not make available to the Agent such
Bank's share of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Bank has made
such share available to the Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance
with Section 2.04(b) and the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make
available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the
extent that such Bank shall not have so made such share available to the Agent,
such Bank and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on
demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day
from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such
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amount is repaid to the Agent, at (i) if such amount is repaid by the
Borrower, a rate per annum equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Rate and
the interest rate applicable to such Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.07 and
(ii) if such amount is repaid by such Bank, the Federal Funds Rate. If such
Bank shall repay to the Agent such corresponding amount, the Borrower shall
not be required to repay such amount and the amount so repaid by such Bank
shall constitute such Bank's Loan included in such Borrowing for purposes of
this Agreement.
SECTION 2.05. NOTES. (a) The Borrower's obligation to repay the Loans
of each Bank shall be evidenced by a single Note payable to the order of such
Bank for the account of its Applicable Lending Office in an amount equal to
the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Bank's Loans.
(b) Each Bank may, by notice to the Borrower and the Agent, request
that the Borrower's obligation to repay such Bank's Loans of a particular
type be evidenced by a separate Note in an amount equal to the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of such Loans. Each such Note shall be in
substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto with appropriate modifications to
reflect the fact that it relates solely to Loans of the relevant type. Each
reference in this Agreement to the "Note" of such Bank shall be deemed to
refer to and include any or all of such Notes, as the context may require.
(c) Promptly after it receives each Bank's Note pursuant to Section
3.01(a), the Agent shall forward such Note to such Bank. Each Bank shall
record the date, amount and type of each Loan made by it and the date and
amount of each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect
thereto, and may, if such Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or
enforcement of its Note, endorse on the schedule forming a part thereof
appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing information with respect to
each such Loan then outstanding; PROVIDED that a Bank's failure to make (or
any error in making) any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the
Borrower's obligations hereunder or under the Notes. Each Bank is hereby
irrevocably authorized by the Borrower so to endorse its Note and to attach
to and make a part of its Note a continuation of any such schedule as and
when required.
SECTION 2.06. MATURITY OF LOANS. (a) Each Committed Loan shall mature,
and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together with
interest accrued thereon), on the Maturity Date.
(b) Each Money Market Loan included in any Money Market Borrowing shall
mature, and the principal amount thereof shall be due and payable (together
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with interest accrued thereon), on the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to such Borrowing.
SECTION 2.07. INTEREST RATES. (a) Each Base Rate Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the
date such Loan is made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to the
Base Rate for such day. Such interest shall be payable quarterly in arrears
on each Quarterly Payment Date. Any overdue principal of or interest on any
Base Rate Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until
paid at a rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such
day.
(b) Each CD Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal
amount thereof, for each day during each Interest Period applicable thereto,
at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the CD Margin for such day plus the
Adjusted CD Rate applicable to such Interest Period; PROVIDED that if any CD
Loan shall, as a result of clause (2)(b) of the definition of Interest
Period, have an Interest Period of less than 30 days, such CD Loan shall bear
interest for each day during such Interest Period at the Base Rate for such
day. Such interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day
thereof and, if such Interest Period is longer than 90 days, at intervals of
90 days after the first day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on
any CD Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid
at a rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the higher of (i the Base
Rate for such day and (ii) the sum of the CD Margin for such day plus the
Adjusted CD Rate applicable to such Loan on the day before such payment was
due.
The "ADJUSTED CD RATE" applicable to any Interest Period means a rate
per annum determined pursuant to the following formula:
[CDBR]*
ACDR = ---------- +AR
[1.00-DRP]
ACDR = Adjusted CD Rate
CDBR = CD Base Rate
DRP = Domestic Reserve Percentage
AR = Assessment Rate
* The amount in brackets being rounded upward, if necessary, to the next
higher 1/100 of 1%
The "CD BASE RATE" applicable to any Interest Period is the rate of
interest determined by the Agent to be the average (rounded upward, if
necessary,
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to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the prevailing rates per annum bid at
10:00 A.M. (New York City time) (or as soon thereafter as practicable) on the
first day of such Interest Period by two or more New York certificate of
deposit dealers of recognized standing for the purchase at face value from
each CD Reference Bank of its certificates of deposit in an amount comparable
to the principal amount of the CD Loan of such CD Reference Bank to which
such Interest Period applies and having a maturity comparable to such
Interest Period.
"DOMESTIC RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means for any day that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any
basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) for a member bank of the Federal
Reserve System in New York City with deposits exceeding five billion dollars
in respect of new non-personal time deposits in dollars in New York City
having a maturity comparable to the related Interest Period and in an amount
of $100,000 or more. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on
and as of the effective date of any change in the Domestic Reserve Percentage.
"ASSESSMENT RATE" means for any day the annual assessment rate in
effect on such day which is payable by a member of the Bank Insurance Fund
classified as adequately capitalized and within supervisory subgroup "A" (or
a comparable successor assessment risk classification) within the meaning of
12 C.F.R. Section 327.4(a) (or any successor provision) to the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for such Corporation's (or
such successor's) insuring time deposits at offices of such institution in
the United States. The Adjusted CD Rate shall be adjusted automatically on
and as of the effective date of any change in the Assessment Rate.
(c) Each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding
principal amount thereof, for each day during each Interest Period applicable
thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Euro-Dollar Margin for
such day plus the London Interbank Offered Rate applicable to such Interest
Period. Such interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last
day thereof and, if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at
intervals of three months after the first day thereof.
(d) Any overdue principal of or interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan shall
bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum
equal to the higher of (i) the sum of 2% plus the Euro-Dollar Margin for such
day plus the London Interbank Offered Rate applicable to such Loan on the day
before such payment was due and (ii) the sum of 2% plus the Euro-Dollar
Margin for
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such day plus a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded
upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) by dividing (x) the
average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/16 of 1%) of the
respective rates per annum at which one day (or, if such amount due remains
unpaid more than three Euro-Dollar Business Days, then for such other period
of time not longer than three months as the Agent may select) deposits in
dollars in an amount approximately equal to such overdue payment due to each
of the Euro-Dollar Reference Banks are offered to such Euro-Dollar Reference
Bank in the London interbank market for the applicable period determined as
provided above by (y) 1.00 minus the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage (or, if
the circumstances described in clause 8.01(a) or 8.01(b) shall exist, at a
rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for such day).
(e) Subject to Section 8.01, each Money Market LIBOR Loan shall bear
interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the London
Interbank Offered Rate for such Interest Period (determined in accordance
with Section 2.07(c) as if the related Money Market LIBOR Borrowing were a
Committed Euro-Dollar Borrowing) plus (or minus) the Money Market Margin
quoted by the Bank making such Loan. Each Money Market Absolute Rate Loan
shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for the
Interest Period applicable thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the Money
Market Absolute Rate quoted by the Bank making such Loan. Such interest
shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof and, if
such Interest Period is longer than three months, at intervals of three
months after the first day thereof. Any overdue principal of or interest on
any Money Market Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day
until paid at a rate per annum equal to the sum of 2% plus the Base Rate for
such day.
(f) The Agent shall determine each interest rate applicable to the
Loans hereunder. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the
participating Banks of each rate of interest so determined, and its
determination thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
(g) Each Reference Bank agrees to use its best efforts to furnish
quotations to the Agent as contemplated by this Section. If any Reference
Bank does not furnish a timely quotation, the Agent shall determine the
relevant interest rate on the basis of the quotation or quotations furnished
by the remaining Reference Bank or Banks or, if none of such quotations is
available on a timely basis, the provisions of Section 8.01 shall apply.
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SECTION 2.8. METHOD OF ELECTING INTEREST RATES. (a) The Loans
included in each Committed Borrowing shall bear interest initially at the
type of rate specified by the Borrower in the applicable Notice of Committed
Borrowing. Thereafter, the Borrower may from time to time elect to change or
continue the type of interest rate borne by each Group of Loans (subject to
Section 2.08(d) and the provisions of Article 8), as follows:
(i) if such Loans are Base Rate Loans, the Borrower may
elect to convert such Loans to CD Loans as of any Domestic
Business Day or to Euro-Dollar Loans as of any Euro-Dollar
Business Day;
(ii) if such Loans are CD Loans, the Borrower may elect
to convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any Domestic
Business Day or convert such Loans to Euro-Dollar Loans as of
any Euro-Dollar Business Day or continue such Loans as CD
Loans for an additional Interest Period, subject to Section
2.13 if any such conversion is effective on any day other than
the last day of an Interest Period applicable to such Loans;
and
(iii) if such Loans are Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower
may elect to convert such Loans to Base Rate Loans as of any
Domestic Business Day or convert such Loans to CD Loans as of
any Euro-Dollar Business Day or elect to continue such Loans
as Euro-Dollar Loans for an additional Interest Period,
subject to Section 2.13 if any such conversion is effective on
any day other than the last day of an Interest Period
applicable to such Loans.
Each such election shall be made by delivering a notice (a "NOTICE OF
INTEREST RATE ELECTION") to the Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York
City time) on the third Euro-Dollar Business Day before the conversion or
continuation selected in such notice is to be effective (unless the relevant
Loans are to be converted from Domestic Loans of one type to Domestic Loans
of the other type or are CD Loans to be continued as CD Loans for an
additional Interest Period, in which case such notice shall be delivered to
the Agent not later than 10:30 A.M. (New York City time) on the second
Domestic Business Day before such conversion or continuation is to be
effective). A Notice of Interest Rate Election may, if it so specifies,
apply to only a portion of the aggregate principal amount of the relevant
Group of Loans; PROVIDED that (i) such portion is allocated ratably among the
Loans comprising such Group and (ii) the portion to which such Notice
applies, and the remaining portion to which it does not apply, are each at
least $10,000,000 (unless such portion is comprised of Base Rate Loans). If
no such notice is timely received before the end of an Interest Period for
any Group of CD
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Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected that
such Group of Loans be converted to Base Rate Loans at the end of such
Interest Period.
(b) Each Notice of Interest Rate Election shall specify:
(i) the Group of Loans (or portion thereof) to which such
notice applies;
(ii) the date on which the conversion or continuation
selected in such notice is to be effective, which shall comply with
the applicable clause of Section 2.08(a) above;
(iii) if the Loans comprising such Group are to be converted,
the new type of Loans and, if the Loans resulting from such
conversion are to be CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, the duration of
the next succeeding Interest Period applicable thereto; and
(iv) if such Loans are to be continued as CD Loans or
Euro-Dollar Loans for an additional Interest Period, the duration of
such additional Interest Period.
Each Interest Period specified in a Notice of Interest Rate Election shall
comply with the provisions of the definition of Interest Period.
(c) Promptly after receiving a Notice of Interest Rate Election from the
Borrower pursuant to Section 2.08(a) above, the Agent shall notify each Bank
of the contents thereof and such notice shall not thereafter be revocable by
the Borrower.
(d) The Borrower shall not be entitled to elect to convert any Committed
Loans to, or continue any Committed Loans for an additional Interest Period
as, CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans if (i) the aggregate principal amount of
any Group of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans created or continued as a result
of such election would be less than $10,000,000 or (ii) a Default shall have
occurred and be continuing when the Borrower delivers notice of such election
to the Agent.
(e) If any Committed Loan is converted to a different type of Loan, the
Borrower shall pay, on the date of such conversion, the interest accrued to
such date on the principal amount being converted.
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(f) A conversion or continuation pursuant to this Section 2.08 is
not a Borrowing.
SECTION 2.9. FACILITY FEES. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
for the account of the Banks ratably in proportion to their Credit
Exposures, a facility fee at the rate of 0.105% per annum. Such
facility fee shall accrue for each day from and including the Effective
Date to but excluding the day on which the Credit Exposures are reduced
to zero. Fees accrued for the account of the Banks under this Section
shall be payable quarterly in arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date and
on the day on which the Commitments terminate in their entirety (and, if
later, on the day on which the Credit Exposures are reduced to zero).
SECTION 2.10. TERMINATION OR REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. (a) The
Borrower may, upon at least three Domestic Business Days' notice to the
Agent, (i) terminate the Commitments at any time, if no Loans are outstanding
at such time, or (ii) ratably reduce from time to time by an aggregate amount
of $10,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000, the aggregate amount of
the Commitments in excess of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
the Loans. Promptly after receiving a notice pursuant to this subsection,
the Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof.
(b) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate in
their entirety on the Termination Date.
SECTION 2.11. OPTIONAL PREPAYMENTS. (a) Subject in the case of Fixed
Rate Loans to Section 2.13, the Borrower may (i) upon at least one Domestic
Business Day's notice to the Agent, prepay the Group of Base Rate Loans (or
any Money Market Borrowing bearing interest at the Base Rate pursuant to
Section 8.01) , (ii) upon at least two Domestic Business Days' notice to the
Agent, prepay any Group of CD Loans or (iii) upon at least three Euro-Dollar
Business Days' notice to the Agent, prepay any Group of Euro-Dollar Loans, in
each case in whole at any time, or from time to time in part in amounts
aggregating $10,000,000 or any larger multiple of $1,000,000, by paying the
principal amount to be prepaid together with interest accrued thereon to the
date of prepayment. Each such optional prepayment shall be applied to prepay
ratably the Loans of the several Banks included in such Group of Loans (or
such Money Market Borrowing).
(b) Except as provided in Section 2.11(a) above, the Borrower may not
prepay all or any portion of the principal amount of any Money Market Loan
before the maturity thereof.
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(c) Promptly after receiving a notice of prepayment pursuant to this
Section, the Agent shall notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such
Bank's ratable share (if any) of such prepayment, and such notice shall not
thereafter be revocable by the Borrower.
SECTION 2.12. GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO PAYMENTS. (a) The Borrower
shall make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and of
fees hereunder not later than 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the date
when due, in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City,
to the Agent at its address specified in or pursuant to Section 9.01. The
Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its ratable share of each such
payment received by the Agent for the account of the Banks. Whenever any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Domestic Loans or any payment of
fees shall be due on a day which is not a Domestic Business Day, the date for
payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Domestic Business
Day. Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Euro-Dollar
Loans shall be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date
for payment thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Euro-Dollar
Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar
month, in which case the date for payment thereof shall be the next preceding
Euro-Dollar Business Day. Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest
on, the Money Market Loans shall be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar
Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be extended to the next
succeeding Euro-Dollar Business Day. If the date for any payment of
principal is extended by operation of law or otherwise, interest thereon
shall be payable for such extended time.
(b) Unless the Borrower notifies the Agent before the date on which any
payment is due to the Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such
payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment
in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in reliance on such
assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due date an amount
equal to the amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent that the
Borrower shall not have so made such payment, each Bank shall repay to the
Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Bank together with
interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to
such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to the Agent, at the
Federal Funds Rate.
SECTION 2.13. FUNDING LOSSES. If the Borrower makes any payment of
principal with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan or any Fixed Rate Loan is
converted to a different type of Loan (whether such payment or conversion is
pursuant to Article 2, 6 or 8 or otherwise) on any day other than the last
day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or the last day of an
applicable period fixed
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pursuant to Section 2.07(d), or if the Borrower fails to borrow, prepay,
convert or continue any Fixed Rate Loan after notice has been given to any
Bank in accordance with Section 2.04(a), 2.08(c) or 2.11(c), the Borrower
shall reimburse each Bank within 15 days after demand for any resulting loss
or expense incurred by it (or by an existing or prospective Participant in
the related Loan), including (without limitation) any loss incurred in
obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits from third parties, but
excluding loss of margin for the period after such payment or conversion or
failure to borrow, prepay, convert or continue; PROVIDED that such Bank shall
have delivered to the Borrower a certificate as to the amount of such loss or
expense, which certificate shall be conclusive in the absence of clearly
demonstrable error.
SECTION 2.14. COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES. Interest based on the
Prime Rate hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or
366 days in a leap year) and paid for the actual number of days elapsed
(including the first day but excluding the last day). All other interest and
fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the
actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last
day).
SECTION 2.15. REGULATION D COMPENSATION. If and so long as a reserve
requirement of the type described in the definition of "Euro-Dollar Reserve
Percentage" is prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (or any successor), each Bank subject to such requirement may require
the Borrower to pay, contemporaneously with each payment of interest on each
of such Bank's Euro-Dollar Loans, additional interest on such Euro-Dollar
Loan at a rate per annum determined by such Bank up to but not exceeding the
excess of (i) (A) the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate divided by (B)
one MINUS the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage over (ii) the applicable London
Interbank Offered Rate. Any Bank wishing to require payment of such
additional interest (x) shall so notify the Borrower and the Agent, in which
case such additional interest on the Euro-Dollar Loans of such Bank shall be
payable to such Bank at the place indicated in such notice with respect to
each Interest Period commencing at least three Euro-Dollar Business Days
after such Bank gives such notice and (y) shall notify the Borrower at least
five Euro-Dollar Business Days before each date on which interest is payable
on the Euro-Dollar Loans of the amount then due it under this Section. It is
understood that (x) no additional interest is payable under this Section in
respect of Euro-Dollar Loans not paid when due and (y) amounts claimed by any
Bank under this Section shall be based on an assumed level of reserves
maintained by it which is consistent with such Bank's good faith estimate of
the actual level at which the related reserves are required to be maintained
by it over time.
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ARTICLE 3
CONDITIONS
Section 3.01. EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement shall become effective on
the date that each of the following conditions shall have been satisfied (or
waived in accordance with Section 9.05):
(a) receipt by the Agent of counterparts hereof signed by each of the
parties hereto (or, in the case of any party as to which an executed
counterpart shall not have been received, receipt by the Agent in form
satisfactory to it of telegraphic, telex or other written confirmation from
such party of execution of a counterpart hereof by such party);
(b) receipt by the Agent for the account of each Bank of a duly
executed Note dated on or before the Effective Date complying with the
provisions of Section 2.05;
(c) receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley &
McCloy, special counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of
Exhibit E-1 hereto, and of an opinion of Jerry Kronenberg, counsel for the
Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit E-2 hereto;
(d) receipt by the Agent of an opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell,
special counsel for the Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto;
(e) receipt by the Agent of all documents it may reasonably request
relating to the existence of the Borrower, the corporate authority for and
the validity of this Agreement and the Notes, and any other matters relevant
hereto, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent; and
(f) receipt by the Agent of evidence satisfactory to it of the payment
of all principal of and interest on loans outstanding under the Prior
Agreement (other than any "MONEY MARKET LOANS" outstanding under the Prior
Agreement and held by Banks party to this Agreement, which shall remain
outstanding with the same terms as to amount, interest and maturity
established pursuant to the Prior Agreement but which shall for purposes of
this Agreement be deemed to be Money Market Loans made hereunder), together
with facility fees thereunder accrued to the Effective Date and all other
amounts payable thereunder;
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PROVIDED that this Agreement shall not become effective or be binding on any
party hereto unless all of the foregoing conditions are satisfied not later than
July 10, 1998. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Banks of
the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding on all
parties hereto. The Borrower and each of the Banks which is a party to the
Prior Agreement, comprising the "REQUIRED BANKS" as defined in the Prior
Agreement, hereby agree that the commitments of the banks under the Prior
Agreement shall terminate on and as of the Effective Date, without further
action by any party to the Prior Agreement.
Section 3.02. BORROWINGS. The obligation of any Bank to make a Loan on
the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions:
(a) receipt by the Agent of a Notice of Borrowing as required by Section
2.02 or 2.03, as the case may be;
(b) the fact that, immediately after such Borrowing, the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of the Loans will not exceed the aggregate
amount of the Commitments;
(c) the fact that, immediately before and after such Borrowing, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
(d) the fact that the representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in this Agreement shall be true on and as of the date of such
Borrowing.
Each Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by
the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts specified in
clauses 3.02(b), 3.02(c) and 3.02(d) of this Section.
ARTICLE 4
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower represents and warrants that:
SECTION 4.01. CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER. The Borrower is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of Tennessee, and has all corporate powers and all material
governmental
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licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.
SECTION 4.02. CORPORATE AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATION; NO CONTRAVENTION.
The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and
the Notes are within the Borrower's corporate powers, have been duly authorized
by proper corporate action on the part of the Borrower, require no action by or
in respect of, or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official (other
than as may be required of any particular Bank) and do not contravene, or
constitute a default under, any provision of law or regulation applicable to the
Borrower or of the charter or by-laws of the Borrower, any instrument or
agreement evidencing or governing Debt of the Borrower or any of its Significant
Subsidiaries or of any other material agreement, judgment, injunction, order,
decree or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or result in the creation
or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.
SECTION 4.03. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes a valid and
binding agreement of the Borrower and the Notes, when executed and delivered in
accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding obligations of
the Borrower except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and
subject to the availability of equitable remedies if equitable remedies are
sought.
SECTION 4.04. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
(a) The consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of December 28, 1997 and the related consolidated statements of
earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the fiscal year then ended,
reported on by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, and set forth in the Borrower's 1997 Form
10-K, a copy of which has been made available to each of the Banks, fairly
present, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for such fiscal year.
(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries as of April 5, 1998 and the related unaudited
consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity for the
three months then ended, set forth in the Borrower's Latest Form 10-Q, a copy of
which has been made available to each of the Banks, fairly present, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a basis
consistent with
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the financial statements referred to in subsection 4.04(a) of this Section,
the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of such date and their consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for such three month period (subject to normal year-end
adjustments).
(c) Since April 5, 1998, there has been no material adverse change in the
business, financial position or results of operations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
SECTION 4.05. LITIGATION. There is no action, suit or proceeding pending
against, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened against or affecting,
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
governmental body, agency or official which could reasonably be expected to
materially adversely affect the business, consolidated financial position or
consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries or which in any manner draws into question the validity of this
Agreement or the Notes.
SECTION 4.06. COMPLIANCE WITH ERISA. Each member of the ERISA Group has
fulfilled its obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan and is in compliance in all
material respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan. No member of the ERISA Group
has (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the
Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan, (ii) failed to make any
contribution or payment to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any
Benefit Arrangement, or made any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement,
which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of
a bond or other security under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code or
(iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a liability
to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA within the preceding
five years.
SECTION 4.07. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. In the ordinary course of its
business, the Borrower conducts an ongoing review of the effect of Environmental
Laws on the business, operations and properties of the Borrower and its
Significant Subsidiaries, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates
associated liabilities and costs. On the basis of this review, the Borrower has
reasonably concluded that such associated liabilities and costs, including the
costs of compliance with Environmental Laws, are unlikely to have a material
adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
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SECTION 4.08. TAXES. United States federal income tax returns of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries have been examined and closed through
the fiscal year ended January 3, 1992. The Borrower and its Significant
Subsidiaries have filed all United States federal income tax returns and all
other material tax returns which are required to be filed by them and have paid
all material taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any material
assessment received by the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary. The charges,
accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or other governmental charges are, in the
opinion of the Borrower, adequate in all material respects.
SECTION 4.09. SUBSIDIARIES. Each of the Borrower's Significant
Subsidiaries is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.
SECTION 4.10. NO REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS ON BORROWING. The Borrower is
not (i) an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended, (ii) a "holding company" or a "subsidiary company" of a
holding company within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of
1935, as amended, or (iii) otherwise subject to any regulatory scheme which
restricts its ability to incur debt.
SECTION 4.11. FULL DISCLOSURE. All information heretofore furnished by
the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank for purposes of or in connection with this
Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all such information
hereafter furnished by the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank will be, when taken
together, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which
such information is stated or certified or in the case of projections, based
upon reasonable estimates.
SECTION 4.12. YEAR 2000. The measures taken by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries to address the impact of the year 2000 on its computer systems and
related matters are described in the Borrower's periodic reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Borrower has reasonably concluded that
the cost of such measures and of the reasonably foreseeable consequences of year
2000 will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries considered as a whole.
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ARTICLE 5
Covenants
The Borrower agrees that, so long as any Bank has any Commitment hereunder
or any amount payable under any Note remains unpaid:
SECTION 5.01. INFORMATION. The Borrower will make available to each of
the Banks:
(a) as soon as available and in any event within 100 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower
and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the
related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders' equity
for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures
for the previous fiscal year, all reported on, in a manner acceptable to the
Securities and Exchange Commission, by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or other
independent public accountants of nationally recognized standing;
(b) as soon as available and in any event within 55 days after the end of
each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as
of the end of such quarter and the related consolidated statements of earnings
and cash flows for such quarter and for the portion of the Borrower's fiscal
year ended at the end of such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative
form the figures for the corresponding quarter and the corresponding portion of
the Borrower's previous fiscal year, all certified (subject to normal year-end
adjustments) as to fairness of presentation, generally accepted accounting
principles and consistency by the chief financial officer, the chief accounting
officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower;
(c) no later than 10 Domestic Business Days after the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of each set of financial statements referred
to in clauses 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) above, a certificate of the chief financial
officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower
(i) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations required to establish
whether the Borrower was in compliance with the requirements of Sections 5.07 to
5.08, inclusive, and Section 5.10 on the date of such financial statements and
(ii) stating whether any Default exists on the date of such certificate and, if
any Default then exists, setting forth the details thereof and the action which
the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;
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(d) within five days after any officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge
of any Default, if such Default is then continuing, a certificate of the chief
financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the Treasurer of the Borrower
setting forth the details thereof and the action which the Borrower is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto;
(e) promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders of the Borrower
generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so
mailed;
(f) promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration
statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any registration statements on
Form S-8 or its equivalent) and reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their
equivalents) which the Borrower shall have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission;
(g) if and when any member of the ERISA Group (i) gives or is required to
give notice to the PBGC of any "REPORTABLE EVENT" (as defined in Section 4043 of
ERISA) with respect to any Plan which may reasonably be expected to constitute
grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that
the plan administrator of any Plan has given or is required to give notice of
any such reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given
or required to be given to the PBGC; (ii) receives notice of complete or partial
withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA or notice that any Multiemployer
Plan is in reorganization, is insolvent or has been terminated, a copy of such
notice; (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an intent
to terminate, impose liability (other than for premiums under Section 4007 of
ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a copy of
such notice; (iv) applies for a waiver of the minimum funding standard under
Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, a copy of such application; (v) gives
notice of intent to terminate any Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of
such notice and other information filed with the PBGC; (vi) gives notice of
withdrawal from any Plan pursuant to Section 4063 of ERISA, a copy of such
notice; or (vii) fails to make any payment or contribution to any Plan or
Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement or makes any
amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement which has resulted or could result
in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security, a
certificate of the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer or the
Treasurer of the Borrower setting forth details as to such occurrence and
action, if any, which the Borrower or applicable member of the ERISA Group is
required or proposes to take;
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(h) promptly upon obtaining knowledge of any change in the long-term debt
rating assigned to the Borrower by Moody's or S&P, notice of such change; and
(i) from time to time such additional information regarding the financial
position or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as the Agent, at the
request of any Bank, may reasonably request.
Information required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a), 5.01(b),
5.01(e) or 5.01(f) above shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on
which such information has been posted on the Securities and Exchange Commission
website on the Internet.
SECTION 5.02. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The Borrower will pay and discharge, and
will cause each Significant Subsidiary to pay and discharge, at or before the
due date, all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies
upon it or its property or assets, except where the same may be contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings, and will maintain, and will cause each
Significant Subsidiary to maintain, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, appropriate reserves for the accrual of any of the same.
SECTION 5.03. MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTY; INSURANCE. (a) The Borrower will
keep, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to keep, all material property
useful and necessary in its business in good working order and condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted.
(b) The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Significant Subsidiaries
to, maintain (either in the name of the Borrower or in such Subsidiary's own
name) with financially sound and responsible insurance companies, insurance on
all their respective properties in at least such amounts and against at least
such risks (and with such risk retention) as are usually insured against in the
same general area by companies of established repute engaged in the same or a
similar business; and will furnish to the Banks, upon request from the Agent,
information presented in reasonable detail as to the insurance so carried.
SECTION 5.04. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTENCE. The
Borrower will continue, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to
continue, to engage in business of the same general type as now conducted by
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and will preserve, renew and keep in full
force and effect, and will cause each Significant Subsidiary to preserve,
renew and keep in full force and effect their respective corporate existence
and their respective rights, privileges and franchises material to the normal
conduct of business; PROVIDED that
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nothing in this Section 5.04 shall prohibit the sale, disposition, merger,
consolidation or termination of the corporate existence of any Subsidiary if
(i) the Borrower in good faith reasonably determines that such sale,
disposition, merger, consolidation or termination is in the best interest of
the Borrower AND (ii) such sale, disposition, merger, consolidation or
termination is otherwise permitted under this Agreement.
SECTION 5.05. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The Borrower will comply, and cause
each Significant Subsidiary to comply, in all material respects with all
applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of
governmental authorities (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and
ERISA and the rules and regulations thereunder) except where the necessity of
compliance therewith is contested in good faith or the failure to be in
compliance is not materially adverse to the business, financial condition or
results of operations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
considered as a whole.
SECTION 5.06. INSPECTION OF PROPERTY, BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Borrower
will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and
account in which complete and correct entries shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in relation to its business and activities; and will permit,
and will cause each Subsidiary to permit, representatives of any Bank at such
Bank's expense to visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to
examine and make abstracts from any of their respective books and records and
to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their
respective officers, employees and independent public accountants, all at
such reasonable times, upon reasonable prior notice as often as may
reasonably be desired.
SECTION 5.07. OPERATING CASH FLOW RATIO. At no date shall the ratio of
(i) Consolidated Operating Cash Flow for the four most recent consecutive
fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on or most recently prior to such date
to (ii) Total Borrowed Funds as of such date, be less than .2.
SECTION 5.08. DEBT. Consolidated Debt will at no time exceed 55% of
Consolidated Total Capital.
SECTION 5.09. NEGATIVE PLEDGE. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or
hereafter acquired by it, except:
(a) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement securing Debt
outstanding on the date of this Agreement in an aggregate principal
amount not exceeding $60,000,000;
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(b) any Lien existing on any asset of any corporation at the time
such corporation becomes a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation
of such event;
(c) any Lien on any asset securing Debt incurred or assumed for
the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or
constructing such asset, PROVIDED that such Lien attaches to such asset
concurrently with or within 180 days after the acquisition or
construction thereof;
(d) any Lien on any asset of any corporation existing at the time
such corporation is merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or
a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event;
(e) any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition
thereof by the Borrower or a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation
of such acquisition;
(f) any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or
refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any of the
foregoing clauses of this Section, PROVIDED that such Debt is not
increased and is not secured by any additional assets;
(g) Liens arising in the ordinary course of its business which
(i) do not secure Debt and (ii) do not secure any single obligation (or
class of obligations having a common cause) in an amount exceeding
$50,000,000; and
(h) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses of this
Section securing Debt in an aggregate principal amount at any time
outstanding not exceeding 10% of Consolidated Net Worth.
SECTION 5.10. CONSOLIDATIONS, MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS. (a) The
Borrower will not (i) consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or
(ii) sell, lease or otherwise transfer, directly or indirectly, all or any
substantial part of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole, to any other Person; PROVIDED that the Borrower may merge with another
Person if (1) either (x) the Borrower is the corporation surviving such merger
or (y) the Person (if other than the Borrower) formed by such consolidation or
into which the Borrower is merged or to which properties and assets of the
Borrower are transferred shall be a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and
shall expressly
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assume (by an instrument reasonably satisfactory in form to the Required
Banks, accompanied by such legal opinions with respect thereto as the
Required Banks may reasonably request) the due and punctual payment of the
principal of and interest on the Loans and of all other amounts payable by
the Borrower hereunder, and the due and punctual performance and observance
of all the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions of this Agreement to
be performed or observed by the Borrower to the same extent as if such
surviving or acquiring corporation had been the original issuer of the Notes
and (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default shall
have occurred and be continuing.
(b) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will sell or otherwise
transfer any accounts receivable or other rights to receive income, except
pursuant to one or more accounts receivable purchase facilities provided that
the aggregate unreimbursed purchase price under all such facilities does not at
any time exceed $250,000,000.
SECTION 5.11. USE OF PROCEEDS. The proceeds of the Loans made under this
Agreement will be used by the Borrower for the Borrower's general corporate
purposes. None of such proceeds will be used, directly or indirectly, for the
purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying any
"MARGIN STOCK" within the meaning of Regulation U.
SECTION 5.12. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. The Borrower will not, and
will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, pay any funds to or
for the account of, make any investment (whether by acquisition of stock or
indebtedness, by loan, advance, transfer of property, guarantee or other
agreement to pay, purchase or service, directly or indirectly, any Debt, or
otherwise) in, lease, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets,
tangible or intangible, to, or participate in, or effect any transaction in
connection with any joint enterprise or other joint arrangement with, any
Affiliate; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the foregoing provisions of this Section
shall not prohibit (a) the Borrower from declaring or paying any lawful
dividend, (b) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making sales to or purchases
from any Affiliate and, in connection therewith, extending credit or making
payments, or from making payments for services rendered by any Affiliate, if
such sales or purchases are made or such services are rendered in the ordinary
course of business and on terms and conditions at least as favorable to the
Borrower or such Subsidiary as the terms and conditions which would apply in a
similar transaction with a Person not an Affiliate, (c) the Borrower or any
Subsidiary from making payments of principal, interest and premium on any Debt
of the Borrower or such Subsidiary held by an Affiliate if the terms of such
Debt are substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as the
terms which could have been obtained at the time of the creation of such Debt
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from a lender which was not an Affiliate, (d) the Borrower or any Subsidiary
from participating in, or effecting any transaction in connection with, any
joint enterprise or other joint arrangement with any Affiliate if the Borrower
or such Subsidiary participates in the ordinary course of its business and on a
basis no less advantageous than the basis on which such Affiliate participates
and (e) the Borrower or any Subsidiary from making payments to their respective
directors and executive officers in the ordinary course of business.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. If one or more of the following events
("EVENTS OF DEFAULT") shall have occurred and be continuing:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal of any Loan, or
shall fail to pay within five days of the due date thereof any interest on any
Loan, any fees or any other amount payable hereunder;
(b) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant contained
in Sections 5.07 to 5.12, inclusive;
(c) the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant or
agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those covered by clause
6.01(a) or 6.01(b) above) for 30 days after written notice thereof has been
given to the Borrower by the Agent at the request of any Bank;
(d) any representation, warranty, certification or statement made by the
Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate, financial statement or other
document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect
in any material respect when made (or deemed made);
(e) the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to make any
payment in respect of any Material Debt when due (including any applicable grace
period);
(f) any event or condition shall occur which results in the acceleration
of the maturity of any Material Debt or enables the holder of such Material Debt
or any Person acting on such holder's behalf to accelerate the maturity thereof;
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(g) the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary
case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief
with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee,
receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the
appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case
or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they
become due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the
foregoing;
(h) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the
Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking liquidation, reorganization or
other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or
other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a
trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any
substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding
shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for
relief shall be entered against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under
the federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect;
(i) any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an amount or
amounts aggregating in excess of $20,000,000 which it shall have become liable
to pay under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to terminate a Material Plan
shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any
plan administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall
institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate, to impose liability
(other than for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause
a trustee to be appointed to administer any Material Plan; or a condition shall
exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree
adjudicating that any Material Plan must be terminated; or there shall occur a
complete or partial withdrawal from, or a default, within the meaning of Section
4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with respect to, one or more Multiemployer Plans which
could cause one or more members of the ERISA Group to incur a current payment
obligation in excess of $20,000,000;
(j) a judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of $20,000,000
shall be rendered against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and such
judgment or order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of 30
days; or
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(k) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13 or
14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under said Act) of 20% or more of the
outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower; or, during any period of
twelve consecutive calendar months, individuals who were directors of the
Borrower on the first day of such period shall cease to constitute a majority
of the board of directors of the Borrower or who were recommended for
election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such
directors; then, and in every such event, the Agent shall (i) if requested by
Banks having more than 50% in aggregate amount of the Commitments, by notice
to the Borrower terminate the Commitments and they shall thereupon terminate,
and (ii) if requested by Banks holding Notes evidencing more than 50% in
aggregate principal amount of the Loans, by notice to the Borrower declare
the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and the Notes shall
thereupon become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the
Borrower; PROVIDED that in the case of any of the Events of Default specified
in clause 6.01(g) or 6.01(h) above with respect to the Borrower, without any
notice to the Borrower or any other act by the Agent or the Banks, the
Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Notes (together with accrued
interest thereon) shall become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby waived by the Borrower.
SECTION 6.02. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. The Agent shall give notice to the
Borrower under Section 6.01(c) promptly upon being requested to do so by any
Bank and shall thereupon notify all the Banks thereof. Failure of any Bank to
request or of the Agent to give such notice to the Borrower pursuant to this
Section shall not constitute a waiver of any failure of the Borrower to observe
or perform any of its covenants or agreements hereunder.
ARTICLE 7
THE AGENT AND CO-AGENTS
SECTION 7.01. APPOINTMENT AND AUTHORIZATION. Each Bank irrevocably
appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and
to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by
the
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terms hereof or thereof, together with all such powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto.
SECTION 7.02. AGENT AND AFFILIATES. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other
Bank and may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not
the Agent, and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York and its affiliates may
accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business
with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower as if it were
not the Agent.
SECTION 7.03. ACTION BY AGENT. The obligations of the Agent hereunder are
only those expressly set forth herein. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Agent shall not be required to take any action with respect to
any Default, except as expressly provided in Article 6.
SECTION 7.04. CONSULTATION WITH EXPERTS. The Agent may consult with legal
counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants
and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such
counsel, accountants or experts.
SECTION 7.05. LIABILITY OF AGENT. None of the Agent, its affiliates and
their respective directors, officers, agents and employees shall be liable for
any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith (i) with the consent
or at the request of the Required Banks (or such different number of Banks as
any provision hereof expressly requires for such consent or request) or (ii) in
the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. None of the
Agent, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, agents and
employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into
or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with
this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance or observance of
any of the covenants or agreements of the Borrower; (iii) the satisfaction of
any condition specified in Article 3, except receipt of items required to be
delivered to the Agent; or (iv) the validity, effectiveness or genuineness of
this Agreement, the Notes or any other instrument or writing furnished in
connection herewith. The Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in
reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, statement or other writing
(which may be a bank wire, telex, facsimile or similar writing) believed by it
to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the use of the term "AGENT" in this Agreement
with reference to the Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other
implied (or express) obligations arising under agency
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doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a
matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an
administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.
SECTION 7.06. INDEMNIFICATION. The Banks shall, ratably in proportion to
their Credit Exposures, indemnify the Agent, its affiliates and their respective
directors, officers, agents and employees (to the extent not reimbursed by the
Borrower) against any cost, expense (including reasonable counsel fees and
disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or liability (except such as result
from such indemnitees' gross negligence or willful misconduct) that such
indemnitees may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any action
taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.
SECTION 7.07. CREDIT DECISION. Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance on the Agent, any Co-Agent or any other Bank,
and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made
its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Bank
also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance on the Agent
or any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking any action under this Agreement.
SECTION 7.08. SUCCESSOR AGENT. The Agent may resign at any time by giving
notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the
Required Banks shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent. If no
successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Banks, and shall
have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives
notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Banks,
appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial bank organized or
licensed under the laws of the United States or of any State thereof and having
a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000. Upon the acceptance of
its appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent
shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of
the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties
and obligations hereunder. After any retiring Agent resigns as Agent hereunder,
the provisions of this Article shall inure to its benefit as to actions taken or
omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent.
SECTION 7.09. AGENT'S FEE. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for its
own account fees in the amounts and at the times previously agreed upon by
the Borrower and the Agent.
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SECTION 7.10. CO-AGENTS. Nothing in this Agreement shall impose any
liability or obligation whatsoever on any Co-Agent acting in such capacity.
ARTICLE 8
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
SECTION 8.01. BASIS FOR DETERMINING INTEREST RATE INADEQUATE OR UNFAIR .
If on or before the first day of any Interest Period for any CD Loans,
Euro-Dollar Loans or Money Market LIBOR Loan:
(a) the Agent is advised by the Reference Banks that deposits in
dollars in the applicable amounts are not being offered to the Reference
Banks in the relevant market for such Interest Period, or
(b) in the case of CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, Banks having
more than 50% in aggregate amount of the Commitments advise the Agent
that the Adjusted CD Rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, as the
case may be, as determined by the Agent will not adequately and fairly
reflect the cost to such Banks of funding their CD Loans or Euro-Dollar
Loans, as the case may be, for such Interest Period,
the Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Banks,
whereupon until the Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving
rise to such suspension no longer exist, (i) the obligations of the Banks to
make CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be, or to continue or
convert outstanding Loans as or into CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case
may be, shall be suspended and (ii) each outstanding CD Loan or Euro-Dollar
Loan, as the case may be, shall be converted into a Base Rate Loan on the last
day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto. Unless the Borrower
notifies the Agent at least two Domestic Business Days before the date of any
affected Borrowing for which a Notice of Borrowing has previously been given
that it elects not to borrow on such date, (i) if such affected Borrowing is a
CD Borrowing or Euro-Dollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall instead be made as a
Base Rate Borrowing and (ii) if such affected Borrowing is a Money Market LIBOR
Borrowing, the Money Market LIBOR Loans comprising such Borrowing shall bear
interest for each day from and including the first day to but excluding the last
day of the Interest Period applicable thereto at the Base Rate for such day.
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SECTION 8.02. ILLEGALITY. If, on or after the date hereof, the adoption
of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change in any applicable
law, rule or regulation, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or
comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof,
or compliance by any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) with any
request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such
authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall make it unlawful or
impossible for any Bank (or its Euro-Dollar Lending Office) to make, maintain
or fund its Euro-Dollar Loans and such Bank shall so notify the Agent, the
Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the other Banks and the
Borrower, whereupon until such Bank notifies the Borrower and the Agent that
the circumstances giving rise to such suspension no longer exist, the
obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar Loans, or to convert outstanding
Loans into Euro-Dollar Loans or continue outstanding Loans as Euro-Dollar
Loans, shall be suspended. Before giving any notice to the Agent pursuant to
this Section, such Bank shall designate a different Euro-Dollar Lending
Office if such designation will avoid the need for giving such notice and
will not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such
Bank. If such notice is given, each Euro-Dollar Loan of such Bank then
outstanding shall be converted to a Base Rate Loan either (i) on the last day
of the then current Interest Period applicable to such Euro-Dollar Loan if
such Bank may lawfully continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a
Euro-Dollar Loan to such day or (ii) immediately if such Bank shall determine
that it may not lawfully continue to maintain and fund such Loan as a
Euro-Dollar Loan to such day. Interest and principal on any such Base Rate
Loan shall be payable on the same dates as, and on a pro rata basis with, the
interest and principal payable on the related Euro-Dollar Loans of the other
Banks.
SECTION 8.03. INCREASED COST AND REDUCED RETURN. (a) If on or after (x)
the date hereof, in the case of any Committed Loan or any obligation to make
Committed Loans or (y) the date of the related Money Market Quote, in the case
of any Money Market Loan, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or
regulation, or any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or its Applicable Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, shall impose, modify
or deem applicable any reserve (including, without limitation, any such
requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, but
excluding (i) with respect to any CD Loan any such requirement included in an
applicable Domestic Reserve Percentage and (ii) with respect to any Euro-Dollar
Loan any such
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requirement with respect to which such Bank is entitled to compensation
during the relevant Interest Period under Section 2.15), special deposit,
insurance assessment (excluding, with respect to any CD Loan, any such
requirement reflected in an applicable Assessment Rate) or similar
requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit
extended by, any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or shall impose on
any Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) or on the United States market
for certificates of deposit or the London interbank market any other
condition affecting its Fixed Rate Loans, its Note or its obligation to make
Fixed Rate Loans and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the
cost to such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) of making or maintaining
any Fixed Rate Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or
receivable by such Bank (or its Applicable Lending Office) under this
Agreement or under its Note with respect thereto, by an amount deemed by such
Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after demand by such Bank (with a
copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or
reduction.
(b) If any Bank shall have determined that, after the date hereof, the
adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy,
or any change in any such law, rule or regulation, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency (including any determination by any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency that, for purposes of capital adequacy requirements, the
Commitments hereunder do not constitute commitments with an original maturity of
one year or less), has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return
on capital of such Bank (or its Parent) as a consequence of such Bank's
obligations hereunder to a level below that which such Bank (or its Parent)
could have achieved but for such adoption, change, request or directive (taking
into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount
deemed by such Bank to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after
demand by such Bank (with a copy to the Agent), the Borrower shall pay to such
Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank (or its
Parent) for such reduction.
(c) Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent of any event
of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle
such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will designate a
different Applicable Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for,
or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the judgment of such
Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to it. A certificate of any Bank claiming
compensation under this Section and setting forth the additional amount or
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amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in the absence of clearly
demonstrable error. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any
reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
(d) If any Bank fails to give the notice required by subsection 8.03(c)
above within 90 days after it obtains actual knowledge of any event entitling
such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section 8.03, such Bank shall, with
respect to compensation payable pursuant to this Section 8.03 in respect of any
costs resulting from such event, only be entitled to payment under this Section
8.03 for costs incurred from and after the date 90 days prior to the date that
such Bank does give such notice.
SECTION 8.04. TAXES. (a) For the purposes of this Section, the following
terms have the following meanings:
"TAXES" means any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts,
deductions, charges or withholdings with respect to any payment by the Borrower
pursuant to this Agreement or under any Note, and all liabilities with respect
thereto, EXCLUDING (i) in the case of each Bank and the Agent, taxes imposed on
its net income, and franchise or similar taxes imposed on it, by a jurisdiction
under the laws of which it is organized or in which its principal executive
office is located or, in the case of a Bank, in which its Applicable Lending
Office is located and (ii) in the case of each Bank, any United States
withholding tax imposed on such payment, but not excluding any portion of such
tax that exceeds the United States withholding tax which would have been imposed
on such a payment to such Bank under the laws and treaties in effect when such
Bank first becomes a party to this Agreement.
"OTHER TAXES" means any present or future stamp or documentary taxes and
any other excise or property taxes, or similar charges or levies, which arise
from any payment made pursuant to this Agreement or under any Note or from the
execution, delivery, registration or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect
to, this Agreement or any Note.
(b) All payments by the Borrower to or for the account of any Bank or the
Agent hereunder or under any Note shall be made without deduction for any Taxes
or Other Taxes; PROVIDED that, if the Borrower shall be required by law to
deduct any Taxes or Other Taxes from any such payment, (i) the sum payable shall
be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions
(including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section)
such Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum
it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall
make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to
the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable
law and (iv) the Borrower shall promptly furnish to the Agent, at its address
specified
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in or pursuant to Section 9.01, the original or a certified copy of a receipt
evidencing payment thereof.
(c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Bank and the Agent for the full
amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or
Other Taxes imposed or asserted by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under
this Section) paid by such Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) and any
liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with
respect thereto. This indemnification shall be paid within 15 days after such
Bank or the Agent (as the case may be) makes demand therefor. Notwithstanding
this Section 8.04, if a Bank or the Agent receives any notice from the relevant
taxing authority asserting the imposition of any Taxes or Other Taxes or
otherwise becomes aware of any assertion or imposition of Taxes or Other Taxes
and fails to notify the Borrower promptly of such assertion or imposition, the
Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify such Bank or the Agent for any
penalties, interest or expenses arising from such Taxes or Other Taxes incurred
during the period before such Bank or the Agent so notifies the Borrower and
after such Bank or the Agent receives notification from the relevant taxing
authority or becomes aware of such assertion or imposition.
(d) Each Bank organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the
United States, before it signs and delivers this Agreement in the case of each
Bank listed on the signature pages hereof and before it becomes a Bank in the
case of each other Bank, and from time to time thereafter if requested in
writing by the Borrower (but only so long as such Bank remains lawfully able to
do so), shall provide each of the Borrower and the Agent with Internal Revenue
Service form 1001 or 4224, as appropriate, or any successor form prescribed by
the Internal Revenue Service, certifying that such Bank is entitled to benefits
under an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party which exempts
such Bank from United States withholding tax or reduces the rate of withholding
tax on payments of interest for the account of such Bank or certifying that the
income receivable by it pursuant to this Agreement is effectively connected with
the conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
(e) For any period with respect to which a Bank has failed to provide the
Borrower or the Agent with the appropriate form referred to in Section 8.04(d)
(unless such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or regulation occurring
after the date on which such form originally was required to be provided), such
Bank shall not be entitled to indemnification under Section 8.04(b) or 8.04(c)
with respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; PROVIDED that if a Bank,
that is otherwise exempt from or subject to a reduced rate of withholding tax,
becomes subject to Taxes because of its failure to deliver a form required
hereunder, the
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Borrower shall furnish such information and documents as such Bank shall
reasonably request to assist such Bank to recover such Taxes.
(f) If the Borrower is required to pay additional amounts to or for the
account of any Bank pursuant to this Section as a result of a change in law or
treaty occurring after such Bank first became a party to this Agreement, then
such Bank will, at the Borrower's request, change the jurisdiction of its
Applicable Lending Office if, in the judgment of such Bank, such change (i) will
eliminate or reduce any such additional payment which may thereafter accrue and
(ii) is not otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.
SECTION 8.05. BASE RATE LOANS SUBSTITUTED FOR AFFECTED FIXED RATE LOANS.
If (i) the obligation of any Bank to make, or to continue or convert outstanding
Loans as or to, Euro-Dollar Loans has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or
(ii) any Bank has demanded compensation under Section 8.03 or 8.04 with respect
to its CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, and in any such case the Borrower shall,
by at least five Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior notice to such Bank through
the Agent, have elected that the provisions of this Section shall apply to such
Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the Borrower that the
circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no
longer exist, all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank as (or
continued as or converted to) CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans, as the case may be,
shall instead be Base Rate Loans on which interest and principal shall be
payable contemporaneously with the related CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans of the
other Banks. If such Bank notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving
rise to such suspension or demand for compensation no longer exist, the
principal amount of each such Base Rate Loan shall be converted into a CD Loan
or Euro-Dollar Loan, as the case may be, on the first day of the next succeeding
Interest Period applicable to any related CD Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans of the
other Banks.
SECTION 8.06. SUBSTITUTION OF BANK. If (i) the obligation of any Bank to
make Euro-Dollar Loans has been suspended pursuant to Section 8.02 or (ii) any
Bank has demanded compensation under Section 8.03 or 8.04, the Borrower shall
have the right, with the assistance of the Agent, to seek a mutually
satisfactory substitute bank or banks (which may be one or more of the Banks) to
purchase the Note and assume the Commitment of such Bank.
ARTICLE 9
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MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01. NOTICES. All notices, requests and other communications to
any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire, telex, facsimile
or similar writing) and shall be given to such party: (a) in the case of the
Borrower or the Agent, at its address, facsimile number or telex number set
forth on the signature pages hereof, (b) in the case of any Bank, at its
address, facsimile number or telex number set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire or (c) in the case of any party, at such other address, facsimile
number or telex number as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by
notice to the Agent and the Borrower. Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telex, when transmitted to the
telex number referred to in this Section and the appropriate answerback is
received, (ii) if given by facsimile, when transmitted to the facsimile number
referred to in this Section and confirmation of receipt is received, (iii) if
given by mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with
first class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (iv) if given by any
other means, when delivered at the address referred to in this Section; PROVIDED
that notices to the Agent under Article 2 or Article 8 shall not be effective
until received.
SECTION 9.02. NO WAIVERS. No failure or delay by the Agent or any Bank in
exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under any Note shall
operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
SECTION 9.03. EXPENSES; INDEMNIFICATION. (a) The Borrower shall pay (i)
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including fees and
disbursements of special counsel for the Agent, in connection with the
preparation and administration of this Agreement, any waiver or consent
hereunder or any amendment hereof or any Default or alleged Default hereunder
and (ii) if an Event of Default occurs, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by the Agent and each Bank, including the fees and disbursements of
counsel, in connection with such Event of Default and collection, bankruptcy,
insolvency and other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom.
(b) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Agent and each Bank, their
respective affiliates and the respective directors, officers, agents and
employees of the foregoing (each an "INDEMNITEE") and hold each Indemnitee
harmless from and against any and all liabilities, losses, damages, costs and
expenses of any kind, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of
52
<PAGE>
counsel, which may be incurred by such Indemnitee in connection with any
investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding (whether or not such
Indemnitee shall be designated a party thereto) brought or threatened
relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any actual or proposed use of
proceeds of Loans hereunder; PROVIDED that no Indemnitee shall have the right
to be indemnified hereunder for such Indemnitee's own gross negligence or
willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.04. SET-OFFS. (a) If (i) an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing and (ii) Banks holding more than 50% in aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Loans have requested the Agent to declare the Loans
to be immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 6.01, or the Loans have
become immediately due and payable without notice as provided in Section
6.01, then each Bank is hereby authorized by the Borrower at any time and
from time to time, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without notice
to the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to
set off and apply all deposits (general or special, time or demand,
provisional or final) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time
owing by such Bank to or for the account of the Borrower against any
obligations of the Borrower to such Bank now or hereafter existing under this
Agreement, regardless of whether any such deposit or other obligation is then
due and payable or is in the same currency or is booked or otherwise payable
at the same office as the obligation against which it is set off and
regardless of whether such Bank shall have made any demand for payment under
this Agreement. Each Bank agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any
such set-off and application made by such Bank; PROVIDED that any failure to
give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and
application. The rights of the Banks under this subsection are in addition
to any other rights and remedies which the Banks may have.
(b) Each Bank agrees that if it shall, by exercising any right of set-off
or counterclaim or otherwise, receive payment of a proportion of the aggregate
amount of principal and interest then due with respect to the Loans held by it
which is greater than the proportion received by any other Bank in respect of
the aggregate amount of principal and interest then due with respect to the
Loans held by such other Bank, the Bank receiving such proportionately greater
payment shall purchase such participations in the Loans held by the other Banks,
and such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so that all such
payments of principal and interest with respect to the Loans held by the Banks
shall be shared by the Banks pro rata; PROVIDED that nothing in this Section
shall impair the right of any Bank to exercise any right of set-off or
counterclaim it may have and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to the
payment of indebtedness of the Borrower other than its indebtedness in respect
of the Loans. The Borrower
53
<PAGE>
agrees, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so under applicable law,
that any holder of a participation in a Loan, whether or not acquired
pursuant to the foregoing arrangements, may exercise rights of set-off or
counterclaim and other rights with respect to such participation as fully as
if such holder of a participation were a direct creditor of the Borrower in
the amount of such participation.
SECTION 9.05. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. Any provision of this Agreement or
the Notes may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is
in writing and is signed by the Borrower and the Required Banks (and, if the
rights or duties of the Agent are affected thereby, by the Agent); PROVIDED that
no such amendment or waiver shall:
(a) unless signed by all the Banks, (i) increase or decrease the
Commitment of any Bank (except (x) as contemplated by Section 8.06 and
(y) for a ratable decrease in the Commitments of all the Banks) or
subject any Bank to any additional obligation, (ii) reduce the principal
of or rate of interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder, (iii) postpone
the date fixed for any payment of principal of or interest on any Loan
or any fees hereunder or for the termination of any Commitment or (iv)
change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Loans, or the number of Banks, which shall be
required for the Banks or any of them to take any action under this
Section or any other provision of this Agreement; or
(b) unless signed by a Designated Lender or its Designating Bank,
subject such Designated Lender to any additional obligation or affect
its rights hereunder (unless the rights of all the Banks hereunder are
similarly affected).
SECTION 9.06. SUCCESSORS; PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS. (a) The
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, except
that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights
under this Agreement without the prior written consent of all the Banks.
(b) Any Bank may at any time grant to one or more banks or other
institutions (each a "PARTICIPANT") participating interests in its Commitment
or any or all of its Loans. If a Bank grants any such participating interest
to a Participant, whether or not upon notice to the Borrower and the Agent,
such Bank shall remain responsible for the performance of its obligations
hereunder, and the Borrower and the Agent shall continue to deal solely and
directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and obligations
under this Agreement. Any
54
<PAGE>
agreement pursuant to which any Bank may grant such a participating interest
shall provide that such Bank shall retain the sole right and responsibility to
enforce the obligations of the Borrower hereunder including, without limitation,
the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of
this Agreement; PROVIDED that such participation agreement may provide that such
Bank will not agree to any modification, amendment or waiver of this Agreement
described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of Section 9.05 without the consent of
the Participant. An assignment or other transfer which is not permitted by
Section 9.06(c) or 9.06(d) below shall be given effect for purposes of this
Agreement only to the extent of a participating interest granted in accordance
with this subsection.
(c) Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or other
institutions (each an "ASSIGNEE") all, or a proportionate part (equivalent to an
initial Commitment of not less than $5,000,000) of all, of its rights and
obligations under this Agreement and its Note, and such Assignee shall assume
such rights and obligations, pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto signed by such Assignee and such
transferor Bank, with (and subject to) the subscribed consent of the Borrower
(which shall not be unreasonably withheld) and the Agent; PROVIDED that (i) if
an Assignee is an affiliate of such transferor Bank or was a Bank immediately
before such assignment, no such consent shall be required but notice of such
assignment shall be promptly provided to the Borrower and (ii) such assignment
may, but need not, include rights of the transferor Bank in respect of
outstanding Money Market Loans. When such instrument has been signed and
delivered by the parties thereto and such Assignee has paid to such transferor
Bank the purchase price agreed between them, such Assignee shall be a Bank party
to this Agreement and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank with a
Commitment as set forth in such instrument of assumption, and the transferor
Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder to a corresponding extent,
and no further consent or action by any party shall be required. Upon the
consummation of any assignment pursuant to this subsection, the transferor Bank,
the Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that, if
required, a new Note is issued to the Assignee. In connection with any such
assignment, the transferor Bank shall pay to the Agent an administrative fee for
processing such assignment in the amount of $2,500. If the Assignee is not
incorporated under the laws of the United States or a State thereof, it shall
deliver to the Borrower and the Agent certification as to exemption from
deduction or withholding of United States federal income taxes in accordance
with Section 8.04.
55
<PAGE>
(d) Any Bank may at any time assign all or any portion of its rights under
this Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank. No such assignment shall
release the transferor Bank from its obligations hereunder.
(e) No Assignee, Participant or other transferee of any Bank's rights and
no Designated Lender designated by any Designating Bank shall be entitled to
receive any greater payment under Section 8.03 or 8.04 than such Bank or
Designating Bank would have been entitled to receive with respect to the rights
transferred, unless such transfer is made with the Borrower's prior written
consent or by reason of the provisions of Section 8.02, 8.03 or 8.04 requiring
such Bank to designate a different Applicable Lending Office under certain
circumstances.
SECTION 9.07. DESIGNATED LENDERS. (a) Subject to the provisions of this
Section 9.07(a), any Bank may from time to time elect to designate an Eligible
Designee to provide all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Bank
pursuant to this Agreement; PROVIDED that such designation shall not be
effective unless the Borrower and the Agent consent thereto. When a Bank and
its Eligible Designee shall have signed an agreement substantially in the form
of Exhibit H hereto (a "DESIGNATION AGREEMENT") and the Borrower and the Agent
shall have signed their respective consents thereto, such Eligible Designee
shall become a Designated Lender for purposes of this Agreement. The
Designating Bank shall thereafter have the right to permit such Designated
Lender to provide all or a portion of the Loans to be made by such Designating
Bank pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.03, and the making of such Loans or portions
thereof shall satisfy the obligation of the Designating Bank to the same extent,
and as if, such Loans or portion thereof were made by the Designating Bank. As
to any Loans or portion thereof made by it, each Designated Lender shall have
all the rights that a Bank making such Loans or portion thereof would have had
under this Agreement and otherwise; PROVIDED that (x) its voting rights under
this Agreement shall be exercised solely by the Designating Bank and (y) its
Designating Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for
the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including its
obligations in respect of the Loans or portion thereof made by it. No additional
Note shall be required to evidence Loans or portions thereof made by a
Designated Lender; and the Designating Bank shall be deemed to hold its Note as
agent for its Designated Lender to the extent of the Loans or portion thereof
funded by such Designated Lender. Each Designating Bank shall act as
administrative agent for its Designated Lender and give and receive notices and
other communications on its behalf. Any payments for the account of any
Designated Lender shall be paid to its Designating Bank as administrative agent
for such Designated Lender and neither the Borrower nor the Agent shall be
responsible for any Designating Bank's application of such payments. In
addition, any Designated Lender may (i) with notice to, but without
56
<PAGE>
the prior written consent of the Borrower or the Agent, assign all or
portions of its interest in any Loans to its Designating Bank or to any
financial institutions consented to by the Borrower and the Agent providing
liquidity and/or credit facilities to or for the account of such Designated
Lender to support the funding of Loans or portions thereof made by such
Designated Lender and (ii) disclose any non-public information relating to
its Loans or portions thereof to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer
or provider of any guarantee, surety, credit or liquidity enhancement to such
Designated Lender; PROVIDED that the recipient shall have agreed to comply
with the provisions of Section 9.11 hereof.
(b) Each party to this Agreement agrees that it will not institute
against, or join any other person in instituting against, any Designated
Lender any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation
proceeding or other proceeding under any federal or state bankruptcy or
similar law, for one year and a day after all outstanding senior indebtedness
of such Designated Lender is paid in full. The Designating Bank for each
Designated Lender agrees to indemnify, save, and hold harmless each other
party hereto for any loss, cost, damage and expense arising out of its
inability to institute any such proceeding against such Designated Lender.
This Section 9.07(b) shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 9.08. NO RELIANCE ON MARGIN STOCK. Each of the Banks
represents to the Agent and each of the other Banks that it in good faith is
not relying upon any "margin stock" (as defined in Regulation U) as
collateral in the extension or maintenance of the credit provided for in this
Agreement.
SECTION 9.09. GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. This
Agreement and each Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York. The Borrower hereby submits to the
nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York and of any New York State court sitting in New
York City for purposes of all legal proceedings arising out of or relating to
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
SECTION 9.10. COUNTERPARTS; INTEGRATION; EFFECTIVENESS. This Agreement
may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an
original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were
upon the same instrument. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
and understanding among the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior
agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject
matter hereof. This Agreement shall become effective when the Agent has
received, from each of the parties listed on the signature pages hereof, a
counterpart hereof signed by such
57
<PAGE>
party or facsimile or other written confirmation satisfactory to the Agent
confirming that such party has signed a counterpart hereof.
SECTION 9.11. CONFIDENTIALITY. The Agent and each Bank agrees to keep
any information delivered or made available by the Borrower pursuant to this
Agreement confidential from anyone other than persons employed or retained by
such Bank who are engaged in evaluating, approving, structuring or
administering the credit facility contemplated hereby; PROVIDED that nothing
herein shall prevent any Bank from disclosing such information (a) to any
other Bank or to the Agent, (b) to any other Person if reasonably incidental
to the administration of the credit facility contemplated hereby, (c) upon
the order of any court or administrative agency, (d) upon the request or
demand of any regulatory agency or authority, (e) which had been publicly
disclosed other than as a result of a disclosure by the Agent or any Bank
prohibited by this Agreement, (f) in connection with any litigation to which
the Agent, any Bank or its subsidiaries or Parent may be a party, (g) to the
extent necessary in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder,
(h) to such Bank's or Agent's legal counsel and independent auditors and
(i) subject to provisions substantially similar to those contained in this
Section, to any actual or proposed Participant or Assignee.
58
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and
year first above written.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By: /s/ Fred R. Jones
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President - Finance & Treasurer
Address: 8155 T&B Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Facsimile number: 901-252-1354
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as
Agent
By: /s/ John M. Mikolay
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
Address: 60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10260
Facsimile: 212-648-5014
BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION
By: /s/ Deirdre B. Doyle
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.
By: /s/ Charles Dee O'Dell II
---------------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
ABN AMRO BANK N.V.
By: /s/ Patrick Thom
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
By: /s/ Robert Budnek
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
By: /s/ A.S. Norsworthy
---------------------------------------------
Title: Senior Team Leader -
Loan Operations
CIBC INC.
By: /s/ Cyd Petre
---------------------------------------------
Title: Executive Director
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., as Agent
<PAGE>
DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK
AND/OR CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
By: /s/ Hans-Josef Thiele
---------------------------------------------
Title: Director
By: /s/ Belinda J. Wheeler
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/ Andrew C. Tompkins
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
SUNTRUST BANK, NASHVILLE, N.A.
By: /s/ Bryan W. Ford
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
By: /s/ Christina L. Jakuc
---------------------------------------------
Title: Second Vice President
<PAGE>
BANCA NAZIONALE DEL LAVORO S.P.A.,
NEW YORK BRANCH
By: /s/ Leonardo Valentini
---------------------------------------------
Title: First Vice President
By: /s/ Miguel J. Medida
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
By: /s/ John V. Yancey
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD.,
ATLANTA AGENCY
By: /s/ William L. Otott Jr.
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
FIRST AMERICAN NATIONAL BANK
<PAGE>
By: /s/ William R. Stutts
---------------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE>
KBC BANK N.V.
By: /s/ Robert Snauffer
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
By: /s/ Marcel Claes
---------------------------------------------
Title: Deputy General Manager
THE SUMITOMO BANK, LTD.
By: /s/ Gary Franke
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President & Manager
UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK
By: /s/ Elizabeth Rouse
---------------------------------------------
Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BANK COMMITMENT
<S> <C>
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York $17,200,000
Bank of America National Trust and Savings $17,200,000
Association
Wachovia Bank, N.A. $17,200,000
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. $13,200,000
The Bank of Nova Scotia $13,200,000
CIBC Inc. $13,200,000
Deutsche Bank AG, New York and/or Cayman Islands $13,200,000
Branch
First Union National Bank $13,200,000
SunTrust Bank, Nashville, N.A. $13,200,000
The Northern Trust Company $13,200,000
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro S.p.A, New York Branch $ 8,000,000
The Bank of New York $ 8,000,000
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd., Atlanta Agency $ 8,000,000
First American National Bank $ 8,000,000
KBC Bank N.V. $ 8,000,000
The Sumitomo Bank, Ltd. $ 8,000,000
Union Planters National Bank $ 8,000,000
--------------------
TOTAL $200,000,000
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
NOTE
New York, New York
, 1998
For value received, Thomas & Betts Corporation, a Tennessee corporation
(the "BORROWER"), promises to pay to the order of ___________________________
(the "BANK"), for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, the unpaid
principal amount of each Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to
the Credit Agreement referred to below on the maturity date provided for in
the Credit Agreement. The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of each such Loan on the dates and at the rate or rates
provided for in the Credit Agreement. All such payments of principal and
interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in Federal or
other immediately available funds at the office of Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York.
All Loans made by the Bank, the respective types and maturities thereof and
all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, if
the Bank so elects in connection with any transfer or enforcement hereof,
appropriate notations to evidence the foregoing information with respect to each
such Loan then outstanding may be endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached
hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part
hereof; PROVIDED that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under
the Credit Agreement to make a payment when due in respect of the Loans
evidenced hereby.
A-1
<PAGE>
This note is one of the Notes referred to in the 364-Day Credit Agreement
dated as of July 1, 1998 among the Borrower, the banks listed on the signature
pages thereof and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (as the
same may be amended from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT"). Terms defined
in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings. Reference is
made to the Credit Agreement for provisions for the prepayment hereof and the
acceleration of the maturity hereof.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
A-2
<PAGE>
Note (cont'd)
LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of
Date Amount of Type of Principal Maturity Notation
Loan Loan Repaid Date Made By
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE REQUEST
[Date]
To: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York
(the "AGENT")
From: Thomas & Betts Corporation
Re: 364-Day Credit Agreement (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") dated as of July 1,
1998 among the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages
thereof and the Agent
We hereby give notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement
that we request Money Market Quotes for the following proposed Money Market
Borrowing(s):
Date of Borrowing: __________________
B-1
<PAGE>
Principal Amount Interest Period(1)
---------------- ------------------
$
Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin]
[Absolute Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered
Rate.]
Terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the
Credit Agreement.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
------------------------
Name:
Title:
- - ----------
(1) Not less than one month (LIBOR Auction) or not less than 7 days
(Absolute Rate Auction), subject to the provisions of the definition
of Interest Period.
B-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF INVITATION FOR MONEY MARKET QUOTES
To: [Name of Bank]
Re: Invitation for Money Market Quotes to Thomas & Betts Corporation
(the "BORROWER")
Pursuant to Section 2.03 of the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
July 1, 1998 among the Borrower, the Banks parties thereto and the
undersigned, as Agent, we are pleased on behalf of the Borrower to invite you
to submit Money Market Quotes to the Borrower for the following proposed
Money Market Borrowing(s):
Date of Borrowing: __________________
Principal Amount Interest Period
$
Such Money Market Quotes should offer a Money Market [Margin] [Absolute
Rate]. [The applicable base rate is the London Interbank Offered Rate.]
Please respond to this invitation by no later than [2:00 P.M.] [9:30 A.M.]
(New York City time) on [date].
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY
OF NEW YORK
By:
--------------------------
Authorized Officer
C-1
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF MONEY MARKET QUOTE
To: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent
Re: Money Market Quote to Thomas & Betts Corporation (the "BORROWER")
In response to your invitation on behalf of the Borrower dated
_____________, 19__, we hereby make the following Money Market Quote
on the following terms:
1. Quoting Bank: ________________________________
2. Person to contact at Quoting Bank:
_____________________________
3. Date of Borrowing: ____________________*
4. We hereby offer to make Money Market Loan(s) in the following principal
amounts, for the following Interest Periods and at the following rates:
Principal Interest Money Market
Amount** Period*** [Margin****] [Absolute Rate*****]
$
$
[Provided, that the aggregate principal amount of Money Market Loans for which
the above offers may be accepted shall not exceed $________.]**
__________
* As specified in the related Invitation.
** Principal amount bid for each Interest Period may not exceed principal
amount requested. Specify aggregate limitation if the sum of the
individual offers exceeds the amount the Bank is willing to lend.
Bids must be made for $5,000,000 or a larger multiple of $1,000,000.
(notes continued on following page)
D-1
<PAGE>
We understand and agree that the offer(s) set forth above,
subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set
forth in the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998
among the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages
thereof and yourselves, as Agent, irrevocably obligates us to
make the Money Market Loan(s) for which any offer(s) are
accepted, in whole or in part.
Very truly yours,
[NAME OF BANK]
Dated: By:
----------------------------------
Authorized Officer
__________
*** Not less than one month or not less than 7 days, as specified in
the related Invitation. No more than five bids are permitted for
each Interest Period.
**** Margin over or under the London Interbank Offered Rate determined
for the applicable Interest Period. Specify percentage (to the
nearest 1/10,000 of 1%) and specify whether "PLUS" or "MINUS".
***** Specify rate of interest per annum (to the nearest 1/10,000th of
1%).
D-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E-1
OPINION OF
MILBANK, TWEED, HADLEY & MCCLOY
SPECIAL NEW YORK COUNSEL
FOR BORROWER
[Effective Date]
Each of the Banks party
to the Credit Agreement
referred to below
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special New York counsel to Thomas & Betts Corporation,
a corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (the "BORROWER"), in
connection with the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 (the
"CREDIT AGREEMENT") among the Borrower, the lenders named therein and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (in such capacity, the "AGENT"),
providing for loans to be made by said lenders to the Borrower in an
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding
$200,000,000. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
defined therein. This opinion is being delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(c)
of the Credit Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined the Credit
Agreement and the Notes (collectively, the "CREDIT DOCUMENTS") and such
corporate records of the Borrower and such other documents as we have deemed
necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below. In our examination, we
have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all
documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with authentic
original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies. When relevant
facts were not independently established, we have relied upon representations
made in or
E-1-1
<PAGE>
pursuant to the Credit Agreement or certificates of appropriate representatives
of the Borrower.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have assumed, with respect
to the Credit Documents, that:
(i) such documents have been duly authorized by, have been
duly executed and delivered by, and (except, to the
extent provided below, as to the Borrower) constitute
legal, valid, binding and enforceable obligations of,
all of the parties to such documents;
(ii) all signatories to such documents have been duly
authorized; and
(iii) all of the parties to such documents are duly organized
and validly existing and have the power and authority
(corporate or other) to execute, deliver and perform
such documents.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the comments
and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such questions of
law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions expressed below,
we are of the opinion that each Credit Document constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in
accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws relating to or
affecting the rights of creditors generally and except as the enforceability
of the Credit Documents is subject to the application of general principles
of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at
law), including, without limitation, (a) the possible unavailability of
specific performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy and (b)
concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following comments and
qualifications:
(A) The enforceability of Section 9.03(b) of the Credit Agreement may be
limited by laws limiting the enforceability of provisions exculpating or
exempting a party from, or requiring indemnification of a party for, its own
action or inaction, to the extent such action or inaction involves gross
negligence, recklessness or wilful or unlawful conduct.
(B) The enforceability of provisions in the Credit Agreement to the
effect that terms may not be waived or modified except in writing may be
limited under certain circumstances.
E-1-2
<PAGE>
(C) We express no opinion as to the second sentence of Section 9.09 of
the Credit Agreement, insofar as such sentence relates to the subject matter
jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York to adjudicate any controversy related to the Credit Documents.
The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the Federal laws
of the United States and the law of the State of New York, and we do not
express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
This opinion letter is, pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of the Credit
Agreement, provided to you by us in our capacity as special New York counsel
to the Borrower and may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose
other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit
Agreement without, in each instance, our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
E-1-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT E-2
[Letterhead of Thomas & Betts Corporation]
[Effective Date]
Each of the Banks party
to the Credit Agreement
referred to below
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am Vice President - General Counsel and Secretary of Thomas & Betts
Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Tennessee (the
"BORROWER"), and I, or attorneys under my supervision, have acted as counsel
to the Borrower in connection with the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
July 1, 1998 (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") among the Borrower, the Banks party
thereto and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, in its capacity as
agent for said Banks (the "AGENT"), providing for, among other things, the
making of loans by the Banks in an aggregate principal amount up to
$200,000,000. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the
respective meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined such
corporate records and documents as we have deemed necessary as a basis for
the opinions expressed below.
In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity
with authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.
When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied upon
statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or
pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Notes and certificates of appropriate
representatives of the Borrower.
<PAGE>
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject also to the
comments and qualifications set forth below, and having considered such
questions of law as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below, I am of the opinion that:
1. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of Tennessee, and has all
corporate powers and all material governmental licenses,
authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its
business as now conducted.
2. Each of the Credit Agreement and the Notes has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Borrower. The execution,
delivery and performance by the Borrower of each Credit Document are
within the Borrower's corporate powers, (i) have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower, (ii)
require no action by or in respect of, or filing with, any
governmental body, agency or official (other than as may be required
of any particular Bank) and (iii) do not contravene or constitute a
default under (x) any provision of any law or regulation applicable to
the Borrower, (y) the charter or by-laws of the Borrower or (z) any
instrument or agreement evidencing or governing Material Debt of the
Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries known to me or any
material agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other
instrument known to me to be binding upon the Borrower, or result in
the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or
any of its Significant Subsidiaries under any of the foregoing.
3. To the best of our knowledge, there is no action, suit or
proceeding pending against, or threatened against or affecting, the
Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries before any court or
arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official, which could
reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business,
consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations
of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a
whole or which in any manner draws into question the validity of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes.
The foregoing opinions are limited to matters involving the federal
laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Tennessee, and we do not
express any opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
This opinion letter is provided to you pursuant to Section 3.01(c) of
the Credit Agreement, and may not be relied upon by any Person for any purpose
E-2-2
<PAGE>
other than in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Credit
Agreement without, in each instance, my prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
E-2-3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT F
OPINION OF
DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL, SPECIAL COUNSEL
FOR THE AGENT
[Effective Date]
To the Banks and the Agent
Referred to Below
c/o Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York, as Agent
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260
Dear Sirs:
We have participated in the preparation of the 364-Day Credit
Agreement (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") dated as of July 1, 1998 among Thomas & Betts
Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the "BORROWER"), the banks listed on the
signature pages thereof (the "BANKS") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York, as Agent (the "AGENT"), and have acted as special counsel for the Agent
for the purpose of rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 3.01(d) of the
Credit Agreement. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as
therein defined.
We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records,
certificates of public officials and other instruments and have conducted such
other investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable
for purposes of this opinion.
Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Credit
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Borrower and the
Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, in each case
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and
by general principles of equity.
F-1
<PAGE>
We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of
the United States of America. Insofar as the foregoing opinion involves matters
governed by the laws of Tennessee, we have relied, without independent
investigation, upon the opinion of Jerry Kronenberg, a copy of which has been
delivered to you. In giving the foregoing opinion, we express no opinion as to
the effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction (except the State of New
York) in which any Bank is located which limits the rate of interest that such
Bank may charge or collect.
This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above
matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or by
any other person without our prior written consent.
Very truly yours,
F-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT G
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT dated as of _________, 19__ among [ASSIGNOR] (the
"ASSIGNOR"), [ASSIGNEE] (the "ASSIGNEE") and THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION (the
"BORROWER").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, this Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the "AGREEMENT")
relates to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998 among the
Borrower, the Assignor and the other Banks party thereto, as Banks, and Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the "CREDIT AGREEMENT");
WHEREAS, as provided under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor has a
Commitment to make Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at any
time outstanding not to exceed $__________;
WHEREAS, Committed Loans made to the Borrower by the Assignor under
the Credit Agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $__________ are
outstanding at the date hereof; and
WHEREAS, the Assignor proposes to assign to the Assignee all of the
rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement in respect of a portion of its
Commitment thereunder in an amount equal to $__________ (the "ASSIGNED AMOUNT"),
together with a corresponding portion of its outstanding Committed Loans, and
the Assignee proposes to accept assignment of such rights and assume the
corresponding obligations from the Assignor on such terms;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined
herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 2. ASSIGNMENT. The Assignor hereby assigns and sells to the
Assignee all of the rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the
extent of the Assigned Amount, and the Assignee hereby accepts such assignment
from the Assignor and assumes all of the obligations of the Assignor under the
<PAGE>
Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Amount, including the purchase
from the Assignor of the corresponding portion of the principal amount of the
Committed Loans made by the Assignor outstanding at the date hereof. Upon the
execution and delivery hereof by the Assignor, the Assignee, the Borrower and
the Agent and the payment of the amounts specified in Section 3 required to be
paid on the date hereof (i) the Assignee shall, as of the date hereof, succeed
to the rights and be obligated to perform the obligations of a Bank under the
Credit Agreement with a Commitment in an amount equal to the Assigned Amount,
and (ii) the Commitment of the Assignor shall, as of the date hereof, be reduced
by a like amount and the Assignor released from its obligations under the Credit
Agreement to the extent such obligations have been assumed by the Assignee. The
assignment provided for herein shall be without recourse to the Assignor.
SECTION 3. PAYMENTS. As consideration for the assignment and sale
contemplated in Section 2 hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the
date hereof in Federal funds the amount heretofore agreed between them.(1) It is
understood that commitment and/or facility fees accrued to the date hereof are
for the account of the Assignor and such fees accruing from and including the
date hereof are for the account of the Assignee. Each of the Assignor and the
Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under the Credit Agreement
which is for the account of the other party hereto, it shall receive the same
for the account of such other party to the extent of such other party's interest
therein and shall promptly pay the same to such other party.
[SECTION 4. CONSENT OF THE BORROWER. This Agreement is conditioned
upon the consent of the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.06(c) of the Credit
Agreement. The execution of this Agreement by the Borrower is evidence of this
consent. Pursuant to Section 9.06(c) the Borrower agrees to execute and deliver
a Note payable to the order of the Assignee to evidence the assignment and
assumption provided for herein.]
- - -------------------
(1) Amount should combine principal together with accrued interest and
breakage compensation, if any, to be paid by the Assignee, net of any portion of
any upfront fee to be paid by the Assignor to the Assignee. It may be
preferable in an appropriate case to specify these amounts generically or by
formula rather than as a fixed sum.
G-2
<PAGE>
SECTION 5. NON-RELIANCE ON ASSIGNOR. The Assignor makes no
representation or warranty in connection with, and shall have no responsibility
with respect to, the solvency, financial condition, or statements of the
Borrower, or the validity and enforceability of the obligations of the Borrower
in respect of the Credit Agreement or any Note. The Assignee acknowledges that
it has, independently and without reliance on the Assignor, and based on such
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and will continue to be
responsible for making its own independent appraisal of the business, affairs
and financial condition of the Borrower.
SECTION 6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 7. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be signed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if
the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.
[ASSIGNOR]
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
[ASSIGNEE]
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
G-3
<PAGE>
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
G-4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT H
DESIGNATION AGREEMENT
dated as of ________________, _____
Reference is made to the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998
(as amended from time to time, the "CREDIT AGREEMENT") among Thomas & Betts
Corporation, a Tennessee corporation (the "BORROWER"), the banks party thereto
(the "BANKS") and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Agent (the
"AGENT"). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same
meaning.
_________________ (the "DESIGNATOR") and ________________ (the "DESIGNEE")
agree as follows:
1. The Designator designates the Designee as its Designated Lender under
the Credit Agreement and the Designee accepts such designation.
2. The Designator makes no representations or warranties and assumes no
responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the
performance or observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under the
Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.
3. The Designee confirms that it is an Eligible Designee; appoints and
authorizes the Designator as its administrative agent and attorney-in-fact and
grants the Designator an irrevocable power of attorney to receive payments made
for the benefit of the Designee under the Credit Agreement and to deliver and
receive all communications and notices under the Credit Agreement, if any, that
the Designee is obligated to deliver or has the right to receive thereunder; and
acknowledges that the Designator retains the sole right and responsibility to
vote under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the right to
approve any amendment or waiver of any provision of the Credit Agreement, and
agrees that the Designee shall be bound by all such votes, approvals, amendments
and waivers and all other agreements of the Designator pursuant to or in
connection with the Credit Agreement, all subject to Section 9.05(b) of the
Credit Agreement.
4. The Designee confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit
Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements referred
H-1
<PAGE>
to in Article 4 or delivered pursuant to Article 5 thereof and such other
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into this Designation Agreement; agrees that it
will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Designator or any
other Bank and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking any action it may be permitted to take under the Credit Agreement.
The Designee acknowledges that it is subject to and bound by the confidentiality
provisions of the Credit Agreement (except as provided in Section 9.07(a)
thereof).
5. Following the execution of this Designation Agreement by the
Designator and the Designee and the consent hereto by the Borrower, it will be
delivered to the Agent for its consent. This Designation Agreement shall become
effective when the Agent consents hereto or on any later date specified on the
signature page hereof.
6. Upon the effectiveness hereof, (a) the Designee shall have the right
to make Loans or portions thereof as a Bank pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.03 of
the Credit Agreement and the rights of a Bank related thereto and (b) the making
of any such Loans or portions thereof by the Designee shall satisfy the
obligations of the Designator under the Credit Agreement to the same extent, and
as if, such Loans or portions thereof were made by the Designator.
7. This Designation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Designation Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of the
date first above written.
Effective Date (2):______ , ____
[NAME OF DESIGNATOR]
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
- - -------------------
(2) This date should be no earlier than the date of the Agent's consent
hereto.
H-2
<PAGE>
[NAME OF DESIGNEE]
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
The undersigned consent to the foregoing designation.
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
MORGAN GUARANTY TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, as
Agent
By:
------------------------------------------
Name:
Title:
H-3
<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE TARGET LIST
---------------------------
NOTE: DUE TO THE NUMBER OF TARGETS SOME TARGET NAMES MAY NOT APPEAR IN THE
TARGET PULL-DOWN LIST.
(This list is for the use of the wordprocessor only, is not a part of this
document and may be discarded.)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME
- - --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .def.art 4.10. . . . . . . . . noreg.rest.sec.bor
1.01. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .def.sec
1.02. . . . . . . . . .acct.term.def.sec 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .covenants
1.03. . . . . . . . . . . . type.bor.sec 5.01(c) . . . . . . . . del.fin.statmnts
5.01(f) . . . . . . . . . copy.regis.bor
2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cred.art 5.09. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . neg.pl
2.01. . . . . . . . . . .commit.lend.sec 5.09(g) . . . . . . . . l.ord.course.bor
2.02(a) . . . . . . . . . . domestic.bor ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l.cash.bor
2.02(b) . . . . . . . . . .aggregate.bor 5.09(h) . . . . . . . . . l.not.perm.bor
2.02(c) . . . . . . . .bear.interest.bor
2.02(d) . . . . . . . . . . duration.bor 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . defaults
2.03. . . . . . . . . . mon.mark.bor.sec 6.01. . . . . . . . . . . events.default
2.03(a) . . . . . . . . .mon.mark.option
2.03(b) . . . . . . . mon.mark.quote.req 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .agt.art
2.03(c) . . . . . . . . . invit.mon.mark 7.01. . . . . . . . . . appt.auth.sec.ag
2.03(d) . . . . . . . . sub.cont.mon.mar 7.02. . . . . . . . . . agt.affil.sec.ag
2.03(d)(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . .ebm 7.03. . . . . . . . . . . act.agt.sec.ag
2.03(d)(ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . .emm 7.04. . . . . . . . . . .cons.exp.sec.ag
2.03(d)(ii)(C). . . . . . . . . . . .lib 7.05. . . . . . . . . . .liab.agt.sec.ag
2.03(d)(iii). . . . . . . . . . . . ammr 7.06. . . . . . . . . . . . indem.sec.ag
2.03(e) . . . . . .terms.not.bor.mon.mar 7.07. . . . . . . . . . .cred.dec.sec.ag
2.03(f) . . . . . . . . . .accep.not.bor 7.08. . . . . . . . . . . suc.agt.sec.ag
2.03(g) . . . . . . . . . . .alloc.agent 7.09. . . . . . . . . . . agt.fee.sec.ag
2.04. . . . . . . not.bank.fund.loan.art
2.04(a) . . . . . . . .after.rec.not.bor 8 . . . . . . . . . . .change.circum.art
2.04(b) . . . . . . . . . . not.later.12 8.01. . . . . . . . . . det.int.inad.sec
2.04(c) . . . . . unaud.cons.descrip.bor 8.01(a) . . . . . . . . . . .ad.ref.bank
2.06. . . . . . . . . . . matur.loan.sec 8.01(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . 50%.more
2.06(a) . . . . . . . . . each.comm.loan 8.02. . . . . . . . . . . . .illegal.sec
2.06(b) . . . . . . . .each.mon.mar.loan 8.03. . . . . . . . . . . .incr.cost.sec
2.07. . . . . . . . . .interest.rate.sec 8.03(a) . . . . . . . . . . .on.aft.date
2.07(a) . . . . . . . . . . ea.base.rate 8.03(b) . . . . . . . . . . . after.date
2.07(b) . . . . . . . . . . . ea.cd.loan 8.03(c) . . . . . . . . . . .bank.prompt
2.07(c) . . . . . . . . . . ea.euro.doll 8.04. . . . . . . . . . . . . .taxes.sec
2.07(d) . . . . . . . . . . an.over.prin 8.04(a) . . . . . . . . . . . .foll.mean
2.07(e) . . . . . . . . . .ea.libor.loan 8.04(b) . . . . . . . . . .acct.any.bank
2.07(f) . . . . . . . . . . .applic.here 8.04(c) . . . . . . . . . . .ind.ea.bank
2.07(g) . . . . . . . . . . .ea.ref.bank 8.04(d) . . . . . . . . . . juris.out.us
2.08. . . . . . . . . .meth.elect.ir.sec 8.04(e) . . . . . . . . . fail.prov.form
2.08(a) . . . . . . . . . .incl.comm.bor 8.04(f) . . . . . . . . . . .pay.add.amt
2.08(b) . . . . . . . . . . not.ir.elect 8.05. . . . . . . . . . brl.sub.afrl.sec
2.08(c) . . . . . . . . . . cont.thereof
2.08(d) . . . . . . . . . .not.ent.elect 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . misc.art
2.08(e) . . . . . . . . . . if.conv.diff 9.01. . . . . . . . . . . . .notices.sec
2.09. . . . . . . . . . . . . . fees.sec 9.01(a) . . . . . . . . . . .cas.bor.agt
2.10. . . . . . . . . . . term.reduc.sec 9.01(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . cas.bank
2.10(a) . . . . . . . .bor.three.dom.day 9.01(c) . . . . . . . . . . . .cas.party
2.10(b) . . . . . . . . . .com.term.date 9.02. . . . . . . . . . . .no.waiver.sec
2.11. . . . . . . . . . . opt.prepay.sec 9.03. . . . . . . . . . . .bor.pay.agent
2.11(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . firate 9.03(a) . . . . . . . . . . bor.pay.full
2.11(b) . . . . . . . . . . .one.dom.day 9.03(b) . . . . . . . . . . . .bor.agree
2.11(c) . . . . . . . . . bor.not.prepay 9.04. . . . . . . . . .share.set.off.sec
2.12. . . . . . . . . . gen.prov.pay.sec 9.04(a) . . . . . . . . . . . .event.def
2.12(a) . . . . . . . . . . .pay.prin.12 9.04(b) . . . . . . . . . . .bank.agrees
2.12(b) . . . . . . . . . . ass.pay.full 9.05. . . . . . . . . amend.and.waiv.sec
2.13. . . . . . . . . . .fund.losses.sec 9.05(a) . . . . . . . . . . signed.banks
2.14. . . . . . . . . .comp.int.fees.sec 9.05(b) . . . . . . . .signed.desig.lend
2.05. . . . . . . . . . . . . .notes.sec 9.06. . . . . . . . succ.part.assign.sec
2.05(a) . . . . . . . . . . . .sing.note 9.06(a) . . . . . . . . . . . .prov.bind
2.05(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . sep.note 9.06(b) . . . . . . . . . . . .part.intr
2.05(c) . . . . . . . . . . note.to.bank 9.06(c) . . . . . . . . bank.assign.bank
2.15. . . . . . . . . . . . . reg.d.comp 9.06(d) . . . . . . .bank.portion.rights
? . . . . . . . . . .opt.increase.commit 9.06(e) . . . . . . . . . . .no.entitled
9.07. . . . . . . . . . . . . desig.lend
3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . conditions 9.07(a) . . . . . . . . . . .elect.desig
3.01. . . . . . . . . . . .effectiveness 9.07(b) . . . . . . . . not.inst.against
3.01(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . .rec.eff 9.08. . . . . . . . . . . no.rel.mar.stk
9.09. . . . . . . . . . . . .gov.law.sec
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .reps.wars 9.10. . . . . . . . . counter.effect.sec
9.11. . . . . . . . . . .confidentiality
? . . . . . . . . . . . . .waiv.jury.sec
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME
- - --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME ARTICLE/SECTION TARGET NAME
- - --------------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
H-2
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM SEC FORM
10-Q FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 10/4/98, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN RESTATED TO INCLUDE
THE 7/2/98 ACQUISITION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, INC., ACCOUNTED FOR AS
A POOLING OF INTERESTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-03-1999 JAN-03-1999 JAN-03-1999
<PERIOD-END> APR-05-1998 JUL-05-1998 OCT-04-1998
<CASH> 60,254 21,147 25,530
<SECURITIES> 51,692 66,268 60,830
<RECEIVABLES> 325,927 404,014 392,570
<ALLOWANCES> (41,177) (28,097) (27,943)
<INVENTORY> 429,919 436,324 419,647
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 877,723 947,364 954,388
<PP&E> 1,106,863 1,134,469 1,125,448
<DEPRECIATION> 520,737 533,080 542,347
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,136,321 2,282,235 2,278,448
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 406,129 432,751 520,240
<BONDS> 585,831 692,284 659,773
0 0 0
0 0 0
<COMMON> 0 5,669 5,674
<OTHER-SE> 1,024,005 1,038,091 982,277
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,136,321 2,282,235 2,278,448
<SALES> 544,656 1,097,974 1,637,919
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 544,656 1,097,974 1,637,919
<CGS> 381,314 763,996 1,171,598
<TOTAL-COSTS> 105,261 206,532 385,457
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (8,985) (13,084) (22,306)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 13,314 27,893 43,228
<INCOME-PRETAX> 53,752 112,637 59,942
<INCOME-TAX> 16,449 33,791 18,564
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 37,303 78,846 41,378
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 37,303 78,846 41,378
<EPS-PRIMARY> .66 1.39 .73
<EPS-DILUTED> .65 1.38 .73
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM SEC FORM
10-Q FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 9/28/97, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN RESTATED TO INCLUDE
THE 7/2/98 ACQUISITION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, INC., ACCOUNTED FOR AS A
POOLING OF INTERESTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 6-MOS 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-28-1997 DEC-28-1997 DEC-28-1997
<PERIOD-END> MAR-30-1997 JUN-29-1997 SEP-28-1997
<CASH> 96,999 143,715 76,084
<SECURITIES> 31,868 31,689 69,460
<RECEIVABLES> 422,419 464,576 483,027
<ALLOWANCES> (30,497) (34,528) (37,025)
<INVENTORY> 398,472 397,914 400,652
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 986,909 1,074,278 1,045,193
<PP&E> 1,026,672 1,057,103 1,082,150
<DEPRECIATION> 475,316 493,075 508,047
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,197,920 2,279,314 2,268,329
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 486,736 515,482 451,186
<BONDS> 679,508 702,361 730,295
0 0 0
0 0 0
<COMMON> 0 0 316,409
<OTHER-SE> 912,567 943,287 654,034
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,197,920 2,279,314 2,268,329
<SALES> 549,287 1,130,440 1,684,396
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 549,287 1,130,440 1,684,396
<CGS> 387,355 791,488 1,176,332
<TOTAL-COSTS> 106,664 215,232 316,295
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (4,250) (8,122) (12,477)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 12,804 26,010 38,812
<INCOME-PRETAX> 46,714 105,832 165,434
<INCOME-TAX> 15,018 33,937 51,307
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 31,696 71,895 114,127
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0 0
<NET-INCOME> 31,696 71,895 114,127
<EPS-PRIMARY> .57 1.29 2.04
<EPS-DILUTED> .57 1.28 2.02
</TABLE>
