Vector Group, Ltd.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 13, 2007
Vector Group Ltd.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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1-5759
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65-0949535 |
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(State or other jurisdiction
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(Commission
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(I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation)
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File Number)
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Identification No.) |
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100 S.E. Second Street, Miami, Florida
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33131 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
Registrants
telephone number, including area code (305) 579-8000
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction
A.2. below):
o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Indenture and Registration Rights Agreement
On August 16, 2007, Vector Group Ltd. (the Company) completed the sale of $165.0 million of
its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Notes) to Jefferies & Company, Inc. (the Initial
Purchaser) in accordance with Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are
governed by the terms of an Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007 (the Indenture), between the
Company, the subsidiary guarantors named therein (the Subsidiary Guarantors) and U.S. Bank
National Association, as trustee (the Trustee), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
4.1.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the issuance for general corporate purposes
which may include working capital requirements, the financing of capital expenditures, future
acquisitions, the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends and
the repurchase of all or any part of its outstanding convertible notes.
Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year,
commencing on February 15, 2008. The Notes will pay interest in cash at a rate of 11% per year.
Interest on overdue principal and interest and liquidated damages, if any, will accrue at a rate
that is 1% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the notes.
The Notes mature on August 15, 2015. The Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at any
time prior to August 15, 2011 at a make-whole redemption price. On or after August 15, 2011 the
Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at a premium that will decrease over time, plus accrued
and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the redemption date. At any time prior to
August 15, 2010, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at 111% of the
aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if
any, to the redemption date.
The Notes are and will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by
all of the domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the conduct of the Companys
cigarette businesses. In addition, some of the guarantees are secured by second priority or first
priority security interests in certain collateral of some of the subsidiary guarantors pursuant to
security and pledge agreements attached hereto as Exhibits 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4. The Company will not
provide any security for the notes.
In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of the Notes
may require the Company to repurchase some or all of its Notes at a repurchase price equal to 101%
of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated
damages, if any to the date of purchase.
If an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the
Notes immediately due and payable, except that an Event of Default resulting from a bankruptcy or
similar proceeding with respect to the Company or with respect to the Subsidiary Guarantors who,
individually or as a group, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture)
will automatically cause the Notes to become immediately due and payable without any declaration or
other act on the part of the Trustee or any Note holders.
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, on August 16, 2007, the Company and the
Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial Purchaser,
attached hereto as Exhibit 4.5. The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed to consummate
a registered exchange offer for the Notes within 360 days after the date of the initial issuance of
the Notes. The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed to file and keep effective for a
certain time period a shelf registration statement for the resale of the Notes if an exchange offer
cannot be effected and under certain other circumstances. The Company will be required to pay
additional interest on the Notes if it fails to timely comply with its obligations under the
Registration Rights Agreement until such time as it complies.
The summary of the foregoing transactions is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
text of the related agreements, which are included as exhibits hereto and are incorporated herein
by reference.
Amendments to Credit Facility
On August 13, 2007, the Companys subsidiary, Liggett Group LLC (Liggett), entered into an
Amendment (the Fifth Amendment), as of August 10, 2007, to its Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia). The $50.0
million credit facility is collateralized by all inventories and receivables of Liggett and a
mortgage on its manufacturing facility. The Fifth Amendment provides
an $8.0 million term loan to
100 Maple LLC (Maple), a subsidiary of Liggett, within
the commitment under the existing credit
facility (the Mebane Loan). The Mebane Loan is secured by the existing collateral securing the
credit facility, and is also secured by a lien on certain real property (the Mebane Property)
owned by Maple. Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, the Mebane Property also secures the other
obligations of Liggett under the credit facility. The Mebane Loan does not increase the $50.0
million borrowing amount of the credit facility, but does increase the outstanding amounts under
the credit facility by the $8.0 million loan amount and proportionately reduces the maximum
borrowing availability under the facility. The Fifth Amendment
extends the term of the facility from March 8, 2010 to March 8, 2012,
subject to automatic renewal for additional one year periods unless a notice of termination is given by
Wachovia or Liggett at least 60 days prior to such date or the
anniversary of such date.
On
August 16, 2007, Liggett entered into an amendment (the Sixth Amendment) to the Wachovia
credit facility. The Sixth Amendment permits the guaranty of the Notes by each of Liggett and Maple
and the pledging of certain assets of Liggett and Maple on a subordinated basis to secure their
guarantees. The Sixth Amendment also amends the credit facility so as to grant to Wachovia a
blanket lien on all the assets of Liggett and Maple, excluding any equipment pledged to current or
future purchase money or other financiers of such equipment and excluding any real property, other
than the Mebane Property and other real property to the extent its value is in excess of $5.0
million. In connection with the Sixth Amendment, on August 16, 2007, Wachovia, Liggett, Maple and
the collateral agent for the holders of the Notes entered into an intercreditor agreement (the
Intercreditor Agreement), attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, pursuant to which the liens of the
collateral agent on the Liggett and Maple assets will be subordinated to the liens of Wachovia on
the Liggett and Maple assets.
The foregoing description of the amendments to the credit facility is qualified in its
entirety by reference to the Fifth Amendment, the Sixth Amendment, and the Intercreditor Agreement
which are included as Exhibits 4.6, 4.7 and 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
See Item 1.01, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On August 16, 2007, the Company issued a news release, which is attached hereto as
Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference, announcing the completion of a $165.0 million
debt offering.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
The following Exhibits are filed herewith:
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Exhibit 4.1
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Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Group Ltd., the subsidiary
guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 11% Senior
Secured Notes due 2015, including the form of Notes. |
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Exhibit 4.2
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Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between VGR Holding LLC, as
Grantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent. |
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Exhibit 4.3
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Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Tobacco Inc., as
Grantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent. |
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Exhibit 4.4
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Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Liggett Group LLC and 100
Maple LLC, as Grantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent. |
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Exhibit 4.5
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Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Group
Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors named therein and Jefferies & Company, Inc. |
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Exhibit 4.6
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Fifth Amendment, as of August 10, 2007, to Amended and Restated Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, by and between Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Lender, Liggett Group
LLC., as Borrower, 100 Maple LLC and Epic Holdings Inc. |
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Exhibit 4.7
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Sixth Amendment, dated as of August 16, 2007, to Amended and Restated Loan and
Security Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, by and between Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Lender,
Liggett Group LLC., as Borrower, 100 Maple LLC and Epic Holdings Inc. |
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Exhibit 99.1
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Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Wachovia Bank,
N.A., as ABL Lender, U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, Liggett Group LLC, as
Borrower, and 100 Maple LLC, as Loan Party. |
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Exhibit 99.2
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Press release dated August 16, 2007. |
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 hereunto duly authorized.
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Date: August 17, 2007 |
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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By: |
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
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Name: |
J. Bryant Kirkland III |
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Title: |
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer |
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EX-4.1 Indenture
Exhibit 4.1
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO
11% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2015
INDENTURE
Dated as of August 16, 2007
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Trustee and as Collateral Agent
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
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Trust Indenture |
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Act Section |
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Indenture Section |
310(a)(1) |
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7.10 |
(a)(2) |
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7.10 |
(a)(3) |
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N.A. |
(a)(4) |
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N.A. |
(a)(5) |
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7.10 |
(b) |
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7.10 |
(c) |
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N.A. |
311(a) |
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7.11 |
(b) |
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7.11 |
(c) |
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N.A. |
312(a) |
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2.05 |
(b) |
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13.03 |
(c) |
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13.03 |
313(a) |
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7.06 |
(b)(1) |
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N.A. |
(b)(2) |
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7.06; 7.07 |
(c) |
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7.06; 13.02 |
(d) |
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7.06 |
314(a) |
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4.03; 13.02; 13.05 |
(b) |
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10.08 |
(c)(1) |
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13.04 |
(c)(2) |
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13.04 |
(c)(3) |
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N.A. |
(d) |
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10.05; 10.09; 10.10 |
(e) |
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13.05 |
(f) |
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N.A. |
315(a) |
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7.01 |
(b) |
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7.05; 13.02 |
(c) |
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7.01 |
(d) |
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7.01 |
(e) |
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6.11 |
316(a) (last sentence) |
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2.09 |
(a)(1)(A) |
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6.05 |
(a)(1)(B) |
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6.04 |
(a)(2) |
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N.A. |
(b) |
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6.07 |
(c) |
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2.12 |
317(a)(1) |
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6.08 |
(a)(2) |
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6.09 |
(b) |
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2.04 |
318(a) |
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13.01 |
(b) |
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N.A. |
(c) |
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13.01 |
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N.A. means not applicable. |
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* |
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This Cross Reference Table is not part of the Indenture. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE |
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Section 1.01
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Definitions
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1 |
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Section 1.02
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Other Definitions
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22 |
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Section 1.03
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Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
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22 |
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Section 1.04
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Rules of Construction
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22 |
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ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES |
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Section 2.01
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Form and Dating
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23 |
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Section 2.02
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Execution and Authentication
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23 |
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Section 2.03
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Registrar and Paying Agent
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24 |
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Section 2.04
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Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust
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24 |
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Section 2.05
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Holder Lists
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24 |
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Section 2.06
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Transfer and Exchange
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25 |
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Section 2.07
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Replacement Notes
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36 |
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Section 2.08
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Outstanding Notes
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37 |
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Section 2.09
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Treasury Notes
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37 |
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Section 2.10
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Temporary Notes
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37 |
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Section 2.11
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Cancellation
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37 |
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Section 2.12
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Defaulted Interest
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38 |
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ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT |
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Section 3.01
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Notices to Trustee
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38 |
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Section 3.02
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Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased
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38 |
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Section 3.03
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Notice of Redemption
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39 |
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Section 3.04
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Effect of Notice of Redemption
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39 |
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Section 3.05
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Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price
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40 |
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Section 3.06
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Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part
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40 |
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Section 3.07
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Optional Redemption
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40 |
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Section 3.08
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Mandatory Redemption
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41 |
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Section 3.09
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Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds
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41 |
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ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS |
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Section 4.01
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Payment of Notes
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43 |
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Section 4.02
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Maintenance of Office or Agency
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43 |
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Section 4.03
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Reports
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44 |
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Section 4.04
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Compliance Certificate
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45 |
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Section 4.05
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Taxes
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45 |
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Section 4.06
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Stay, Extension and Usury Laws
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45 |
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Section 4.07
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Restricted Payments
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46 |
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Section 4.08
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Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries
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47 |
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Section 4.09
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Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock
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49 |
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Section 4.10
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Asset Sales
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52 |
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Section 4.11
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Transactions with Affiliates
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Section 4.12
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Liens
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55 |
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Section 4.13
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Corporate Existence
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55 |
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Section 4.14
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Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control
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55 |
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Section 4.15
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Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
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57 |
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Section 4.16
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Payments for Consent
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57 |
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Section 4.17
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Additional Note Guarantees
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57 |
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Section 4.18
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Unrestricted Subsidiaries
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57 |
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ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS |
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Section 5.01
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Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets
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58 |
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Section 5.02
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Successor Corporation Substituted
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59 |
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ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES |
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Section 6.01
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Events of Default
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59 |
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Section 6.02
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Acceleration
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61 |
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Section 6.03
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Other Remedies
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62 |
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Section 6.04
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Waiver of Past Defaults
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62 |
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Section 6.05
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Control by Majority
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62 |
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Section 6.06
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Limitation on Suits
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62 |
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Section 6.07
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Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment
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63 |
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Section 6.08
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Collection Suit by Trustee
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63 |
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Section 6.09
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Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
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63 |
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Section 6.10
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Priorities
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64 |
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Section 6.11
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Undertaking for Costs
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64 |
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ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE |
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Section 7.01
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Duties of Trustee
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64 |
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Section 7.02
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Rights of Trustee
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65 |
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Section 7.03
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Individual Rights of Trustee
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66 |
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Section 7.04
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Trustees Disclaimer
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67 |
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Section 7.05
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Notice of Defaults
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67 |
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Section 7.06
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Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes
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67 |
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Section 7.07
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Compensation and Indemnity
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67 |
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Section 7.08
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Replacement of Trustee
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68 |
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Section 7.09
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Successor Trustee by Merger, etc
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69 |
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Section 7.10
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Eligibility; Disqualification
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69 |
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Section 7.11
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Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company
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69 |
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ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
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Section 8.01
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Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
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69 |
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Section 8.02
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Legal Defeasance and Discharge
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70 |
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Section 8.03
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Covenant Defeasance
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70 |
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Section 8.04
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Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance
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71 |
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Section 8.05
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Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust;
Other Miscellaneous Provisions
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72 |
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Section 8.06
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Repayment to Company
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72 |
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Page |
Section 8.07
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Reinstatement
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73 |
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ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER |
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Section 9.01
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Without Consent of Holders of Notes
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73 |
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Section 9.02
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With Consent of Holders of Notes
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74 |
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Section 9.03
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Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
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75 |
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Section 9.04
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Revocation and Effect of Consents
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75 |
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Section 9.05
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Notation on or Exchange of Notes
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76 |
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Section 9.06
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Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc
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76 |
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ARTICLE 10
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY |
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Section 10.01
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Security
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76 |
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Section 10.02
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Equal and Ratable Sharing of Collateral by Holders of Parity
Lien Debt
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76 |
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Section 10.03
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Release of Liens in Respect of Note Guarantees
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76 |
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Section 10.04
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Relative Rights
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77 |
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Section 10.05
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Further Assurances, Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
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78 |
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Section 10.06
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Collateral Agent
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79 |
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Section 10.07
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Authorization of Actions to Be Taken
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80 |
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Section 10.08
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Recording and Opinions
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80 |
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Section 10.09
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Certificates of the Company
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81 |
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Section 10.10
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Certificates of the Trustee
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82 |
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Section 10.11
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Environmental Indemnity
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82 |
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ARTICLE 11
NOTE GUARANTEES |
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Section 11.01
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Guarantee
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82 |
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Section 11.02
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|
Limitation on Guarantor Liability
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83 |
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Section 11.03
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|
Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee
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84 |
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Section 11.04
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Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms
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84 |
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Section 11.05
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Releases
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85 |
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ARTICLE 12
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
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Section 12.01
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Satisfaction and Discharge
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86 |
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Section 12.02
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Application of Trust Money
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86 |
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ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 13.01
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Trust Indenture Act Controls
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87 |
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Section 13.02
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Notices
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87 |
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Section 13.03
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|
Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes
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88 |
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Section 13.04
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Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
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88 |
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Section 13.05
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Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion
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89 |
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Section 13.06
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Rules by Trustee and Agents
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89 |
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Section 13.07
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No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees
and Stockholders
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89 |
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Section 13.08
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Governing Law
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89 |
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Section 13.09
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No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
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89 |
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Section 13.10
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Successors
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90 |
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Section 13.11
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Severability
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90 |
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Page |
Section 13.12
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Counterpart Originals
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90 |
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Section 13.13
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Table of Contents, Headings, etc
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90 |
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EXHIBITS |
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Exhibit A
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FORM OF NOTE |
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Exhibit B
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER |
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Exhibit C
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE |
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Exhibit D
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED
INVESTOR |
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Exhibit E
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FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE |
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Exhibit F
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FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE |
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INDENTURE dated as of August 16, 2007 among Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation,
the Guarantors (as defined) and U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee (as defined) and as
Collateral Agent (as defined).
The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and
for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined) of the 11% Senior Secured Notes due
2015 (the Notes):
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01 Definitions.
100 Maple LLC means 100 Maple LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
144A Global Note means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing
the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and
registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination
equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.
ABL Documents has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.
ABL Lender has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.
Accelerated Note Conversion means the conversion in advance of the scheduled conversion by
their terms of any convertible debt securities issued by the Company that are held by Affiliates of
the Company, in exchange for the payment by the Company to such Affiliates of accrued interest and
additional Equity Interests in the Company (other than Disqualified Stock).
Acquired Debt means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged
with or into such specified Person or became a Guarantor, whether or not such Indebtedness
is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or
into such specified Person or becoming a Guarantor; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified
Person.
Additional Notes means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this
Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the
Initial Notes.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For
purposes of this definition, control, as used with respect to any Person, means the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies
of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise;
provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to
be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms controlling, controlled by and under
common control with have correlative meanings.
1
Agent means any Registrar, co-registrar, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.
Applicable Premium means, with respect to any Note on any redemption date, as determined by
the Company, the greater of:
(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of the Note; or
(2) the excess of: (a) the present value at the redemption date of (i) the redemption
price of the Note at August 15, 2011, (such redemption price being set forth in the table
appearing in Section 3.07 hereof) plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note
through August 15, 2011, (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the applicable redemption
date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date
plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of the Note, if greater.
Applicable Procedures means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial
interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream
that apply to such transfer or exchange.
Asset Sale means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights; provided
that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company and the Guarantors taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions
of Section 4.14 and or the provisions of Section 5.01 and not by the provisions of Section
4.10; and
(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests in any of the Guarantors.
Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves assets
having a Fair Market Value of less than $3.0 million;
(2) a transfer of assets between or among the Company and the Guarantors;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Guarantor to the Company or to another
Guarantor;
(4) the sale, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, conveyance or other disposition of
products, services, inventory, or accounts receivable and related assets (including
participations therein) in the ordinary course of business, including leases with respect to
facilities that are temporarily not in use or pending their disposition, and any sale or
other disposition of damaged, worn-out or obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business
or any other property that is uneconomic or no longer useful to the conduct of the business
of the Company or the Guarantors;
(5) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents or Investments that are
Permitted Investments;
(6) a Restricted Payment that does not violate the provisions of Section 4.07 or a
Permitted Investment.
2
(7) the licensing of intellectual property to third Persons on customary terms as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company;
(8) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in the business of the
Company or its Subsidiaries;
(9) transfers of property subject to casualty or condemnation proceedings; and
(10) the granting of Permitted Liens.
Attributable Debt in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of
determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period
for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such
present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in
such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that if such sale and
leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented
thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of Capital Lease Obligation.
Bankruptcy Law means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief
of debtors.
Beneficial Owner has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange
Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular person (as that term
is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such person will be deemed to have beneficial
ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise
of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the
passage of time. The terms Beneficially Owns and Beneficially Owned have a corresponding
meaning.
Board of Directors means:
(1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board;
(2) with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the
partnership;
(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the managing member or members or any
controlling committee of managing members thereof; and;
(4) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a
similar function.
Broker-Dealer has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
Business Day means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
Capital Lease Obligation means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of
the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized
on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the
date of the last
3
payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which
such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
Capital Stock means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests,
participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests
(whether general or limited) or membership interests; and
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a
share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but
excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock,
whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.
Cash Equivalents means:
(1) United States dollars and, solely for purposes of the definition of Permitted
Investments, any national currency of any other country in which the Company or its
Guarantors do business;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States
government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that
the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities)
having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities
of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers acceptances with maturities not
exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any domestic commercial
bank or commercial banking institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having
capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of B or
better;
(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying
securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above or (7) below entered into
with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above or
(7) below;
(5) commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moodys or
S&P and, in each case, maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;
(6) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents
of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition; and
(7) marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States or any
political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing
within one year of the date of acquisition and at the time of acquisition having one of the
two highest ratings obtainable from S&P or Moodys.
4
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) any sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition (in one transaction or a
series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the Companys property or
assets to any person or group of related persons (other than to any of the Companys wholly
owned subsidiaries) as defined as Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, including
any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of securities
within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, other than any sale,
transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition in which (x) persons who, directly or
indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the
Companys Voting Stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, immediately after such transaction at least a majority of the total voting power
of the outstanding Voting Stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or
assets in such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition and (y) persons who, directly or
indirectly, are beneficial owners of the Companys Voting Stock immediately prior to such
transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately
after such transaction shares of common stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or assets in
such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition in a proportion that does not, on the
whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the transaction;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(3) if any person or group (as these terms are used for purposes of Sections 13(d)
and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than Bennett S. LeBow or his immediate family, any
beneficiary of the estate of Bennett S. Lebow or his immediate family or any trust or
partnership controlled by any of the foregoing (the LeBow Persons)) is or shall become the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the Companys
issued and outstanding stock;
(4) if at any time Bennett S. LeBow and/or any LeBow Person is or shall become the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) either individually or
collectively, directly or indirectly, of 65% of the aggregate ordinary voting power
represented by the Companys issued and outstanding Voting Stock; or
(5) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another person or any person
consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, other than any consolidation or
merger in which (x) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the Companys Voting Stock immediately prior to
such transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such
transaction at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock of the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity and (y) persons who, directly or indirectly,
are beneficial owners of the Companys Voting Stock immediately prior to such transaction
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction shares of
common stock of the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in a proportion that does
not, on the whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the
transaction.
Clearstream means Clearstream Banking, S.A.
Collateral means the Pledged Securities and the properties and assets at any time owned or
acquired by any of the Pledgors as provided in the Collateral Documents and this Indenture other
than the Excluded Assets and except:
5
(1) any properties and assets in which the Collateral Agent is required to release its
Liens pursuant to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement; and
(2) any properties and assets that no longer secure the Note Guarantees or any
Obligations in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.03 hereof,
provided that, if such Liens are required to be released as a result of the sale, transfer or other
disposition of any properties or assets of any of the Guarantors, such assets or properties will
cease to be excluded from the Collateral if any of the Guarantors thereafter acquires or reacquires
such assets or properties.
Collateral Agent means U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent
under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents, together with its
successors in such capacity.
Collateral Documents means all security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral
assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, collateral agency agreements or other grants or transfers
for security executed and delivered by any Guarantor creating (or purporting to create) a Parity
Lien upon Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent, in each case, as amended, modified, renewed,
restated or replaced, in whole or in part, from time to time.
Company means Vector Group Ltd. and any and all successors thereto.
Consolidated EBITDA means for any period the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such
period, after giving pro forma effect to any Investment or acquisition or disposition of a business
permitted under the Indenture as if such acquisition or disposition occurred on the first day of
the relevant period, in accordance with Regulation S-X, plus, without duplication:
(1) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without
limitation, state, city and county income, franchise and similar taxes, foreign withholding
taxes and foreign unreimbursed value added taxes of the Company and the Guarantors for such
period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such
Consolidated Net Income; plus
(2) the Fixed Charges of the Company and the Guarantors (including amortization of
deferred financing fees and changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible
debt) for such period, to the extent that such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such
Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding
amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash
expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of
or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense
that was paid in a prior period) of the Company and the Guarantors for such period to the
extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in
computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(4) any other non-cash charges (including impairment charges, write-offs of assets and
the impact of purchase accounting but excluding any such charge that represents an accrual
or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period), to the extent that such non-cash
charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
6
(5) any one-time, non-recurring expenses or charges related to any Equity Offering,
Permitted Investment, acquisition, recapitalization or incurrence of Indebtedness permitted
to be incurred under this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof), whether or not
consummated, in each case to the extent such expenses or charges were deducted in computing
Consolidated Net Income; minus
(6) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than
(a) the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business and (b) reversals of prior
accruals or reserves for non-cash items previously excluded from the definition of
Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (3) above,
in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income means for any period the aggregate of the Net Income of the Company
and the Guarantors for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided that:
(1) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Guarantor or that is
accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the extent of the
amount of dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the Company or a Guarantor;
(2) the Net Income of any Guarantor will be excluded to the extent that the declaration
or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Guarantor of that Net Income is not
at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not
been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement or instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation
applicable to that Guarantor or its stockholders (except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the Company or a Guarantor during such
period);
(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded;
(4) any restructuring charge or reserve to the extent that such expenses or charges
were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, including any restructuring costs
incurred in connection with acquisitions after the date of issuance of the Notes and costs
related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities or work force reduction and
severance and relocation costs incurred in connection therewith, will be excluded;
(5) any unrealized gains and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values, the
value of Investment Securities or the value of Long Term Investments, and the related tax
effects according to GAAP will be excluded;
(6) non-cash compensation recorded from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights,
stock options, restricted stock or other rights will be excluded;
(7) after-tax gains and losses attributable to discontinued operations will be
excluded;
(8) the after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses
(less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses, severance costs and curtailments
or modifications or terminations to pension and post-retirement benefit plans will be
excluded;
7
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off, in each case pursuant to GAAP and the
amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP will be excluded; and
(10) any deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid in connection with any
early extinguishment of Indebtedness will be excluded.
Core Investments means investments, whether as a long or short position, in equity, debt or
derivative securities, including, without limitation, puts, options, warrants or calls, of any
Person, including hedge funds, private equity funds or other investment entities, in the ordinary
course of the Companys or any Guarantors business, but excluding any investment in (i) any
Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) any joint venture to which the Company, any
Guarantor or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is a party.
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee will be at the address of the Trustee specified in
Section 13.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.
Credit Facilities means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the
Liggett Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case, with banks or other
institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing
(including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to
borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended,
restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or
refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or
in part from time to time.
Custodian means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any
successor entity thereto.
Default means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both
would be, an Event of Default.
Definitive Note means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and
issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except
that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the Schedule of Exchanges
of Interests in the Global Note attached thereto.
Depositary means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global
form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and
any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to
the applicable provision of this Indenture.
Disqualified Stock means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option
of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the
holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the
date on which the Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that
would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right
to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control
or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide
that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions
unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07 hereof. The amount of Disqualified
Stock deemed to be outstanding at any time for
8
purposes of this Indenture will be the maximum amount that the Company and the Guarantors may
become obligated to pay upon the maturity of, or pursuant to any mandatory redemption provisions
of, such Disqualified Stock, exclusive of accrued dividends.
Domestic Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of
the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that guarantees
or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.
Environmental Claim means any investigation, notice, notice of violation, claim, action,
suit, proceeding, demand, abatement order or other order or directive (conditional or otherwise),
by any Governmental Authority or any other Person, arising (i) pursuant to or in connection with
any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law; (ii) in connection with any Hazardous
Material or any actual or alleged Hazardous Materials Activity; or (iii) in connection with any
actual or alleged damage, injury, threat or harm to health, safety, natural resources or the
environment.
Environmental Laws means any and all current or future foreign or domestic, federal or state
(or any subdivision of either of them), statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations,
judgments, Governmental Authorizations, or any other requirements of Governmental Authorities
relating to (i) environmental matters, including those relating to any Hazardous Materials
Activity; (ii) the generation, use, storage, transportation or disposal of Hazardous Materials; or
(iii) occupational safety and health, industrial hygiene, land use or the protection of human,
plant or animal health or welfare, in any manner applicable to the Company or any of the Guarantors
or any Facility.
Equity Interests means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire
Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for,
Capital Stock).
Equity Offering means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the
Company (excluding Disqualified Stock) or contribution to the capital of the Company, other than:
(1) public offerings with respect to any such Persons common stock registered on Form
S-8; and
(2) issuances to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system.
Eve means Eve Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exchange Notes means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f)
hereof.
Exchange Offer has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
Exchange Offer Registration Statement has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement.
Excluded Assets means real property, other than the Mebane Facility and any real property
that has a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million; equipment subject to purchase money or
other financing; investment property or securities, including securities of affiliates, other than
the Pledged Securities; cash
9
and deposit accounts; foreign intellectual property and all intent-to-use trademark
applications; aircraft, aircraft engines and motor vehicles; leasehold interests in real property;
chattel paper; instruments; and documents, each as defined under the UCC .
Existing Indebtedness means Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors (other than
Indebtedness under the Liggett Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of this Indenture, until
such amounts are repaid.
Facility means any real property (including all buildings, fixtures or other improvements
located thereon) now, hereafter or heretofore owned, leased, operated or used by the Company or any
of the Guarantors or any of their respective predecessors or Affiliates.
Fair Market Value means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated
willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company (unless otherwise provided in this Indenture).
First Priority Debt has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement as in effect on
the date of this Indenture.
First Priority Lien means a Lien to the extent it secures First Priority Debt.
Fixed Charges means, with respect to the Company and the Guarantors for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of the Company and the Guarantors for such
period, whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation, amortization of debt
issuance costs, beneficial conversion features, derivatives embedded within convertible debt
and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any
deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers
acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to
Hedging Obligations in respect of interest rates; plus
(2) the consolidated interest expense of the Company and the Guarantors that was
capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any interest on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by the Company or
any of the Guarantors or secured by a Lien on assets of the Company or any of the
Guarantors, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus
(4) the product of (a) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in
cash, on any series of preferred stock of the Company or any of the Guarantors, other than
dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Guarantor, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of
which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal,
state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
10
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or
in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the
accounting profession, which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.
Global Note Legend means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(2) hereof, which is
required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
Global Notes means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and
the Unrestricted Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the
Depository or its nominee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and that bears the Global
Note Legend and that has the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached
thereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(3), 2.06(b)(4), 2.06(d)(2) or 2.06(f)
hereof.
Government Securities means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United
States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.
Guarantee means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for
collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without
limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of
partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or
services, to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise).
Guarantors means each of:
(1) the Liggett Guarantors;
(2) the Domestic Subsidiaries of the Company on the date of this Indenture, other than
the New Valley Subsidiaries; and
(3) any other Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture,
and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person
has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
Hazardous Materials means any chemical, material or substance, exposure to which is
prohibited, limited or regulated by any Governmental Authority or which reasonably could be
expected to pose a hazard to the health and safety of the owners, occupants or any Persons in the
vicinity of any Facility or to the indoor or outdoor environment.
Hazardous Materials Activity means any past, current, proposed or threatened activity, event
or occurrence involving any Hazardous Materials, including the use, manufacture, possession,
storage, holding, presence, existence, location, release, threatened release, discharge, placement,
generation, transportation, processing, construction, treatment, abatement, removal, remediation,
disposal, disposition or handling of any Hazardous Materials, and any corrective action or response
action with respect to any of the foregoing.
Hedging Obligations means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such
Person under:
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(1) interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to
fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate
risk; and
(3) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.
Holder means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.
IAI Global Note means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing
the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and
registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal
to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold to Institutional Accredited Investors.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person
(excluding accrued expenses and trade payables), whether or not contingent:
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit
(or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of bankers acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations or Attributable Debt in respect of sale and
leaseback transactions;
(5) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property
or services due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are
completed, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable
arising in the ordinary course of business and not overdue by more than 90 days; or
(6) representing any Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit, Attributable Debt
and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term Indebtedness includes all Indebtedness
of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness
is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the
specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person.
Indemnified Liabilities means, collectively, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages (including natural resource damages), penalties, claims (including Environmental Claims),
costs (including the costs of any investigation, study, sampling, testing, abatement, cleanup,
removal, remediation or other response action necessary to remove, remediate, clean up or abate any
Hazardous Materials Activity), expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for Indemnitees in connection with any
investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding commenced or threatened by any Person, and any
fees or expenses incurred by Indemnitees in enforcing this indemnity), whether direct, indirect or
consequential and
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whether based on Environmental Laws, on common law or equitable cause or on contract or
otherwise, that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any such Indemnitee, in any
manner relating to or arising out of any Environmental Claim or any Hazardous Materials Activity
relating to or arising from, directly or indirectly, any past or present activity, operation, land
ownership, or practice of the Company or any of the Guarantors.
Indenture means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
Indirect Participant means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through
a Participant.
Initial Notes means the first $165 million aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under
this Indenture on the date hereof.
Initial Purchaser means Jeffries & Company, Inc.
Institutional Accredited Investor means an institution that is an accredited investor as
defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act who is not also a QIB.
Intercreditor Agreement means the Intercreditor and Lien Subordination Agreement dated
August 16, 2007, by and among Wachovia Bank, National Association, as ABL Lender, U.S. Bank
National Association, as Collateral Agent, Liggett Group LLC, as borrower and 100 Maple LLC, as
Loan Party.
Investments means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other
obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances
to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions
for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items
that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the amount of an Investment will be determined at
the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.
Investment Securities means investment securities classified as such under GAAP.
Legal Holiday means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City
of New York or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain
closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that
place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such
payment for the intervening period.
Letter of Transmittal means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company and sent
to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.
Leverage Ratio means the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) the aggregate outstanding amount of
Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal
quarter for which financial statements are internally available as of the date of calculation on a
combined consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, less cash, cash equivalents, the Fair Market
Value of Investment Securities and the Fair Market Value of Long Term Investments of the Company
and the Guarantors, plus (B) the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness incurred in
connection with margining of Core Investments (to the extent not included in Indebtedness under
clause (i)(A) above),
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plus (C) the aggregate liquidation preference of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the
Company as of the last day of such fiscal quarter to (ii) the aggregate Consolidated EBITDA of the
Company for the last four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are internally
available ending on or prior to the date of determination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the
extent that Douglas Elliman Realty LLC, or any successor thereto, is classified on the Companys or
any Guarantors balance sheet as a Long Term Investment, then the book value, rather than the Fair
Market Value, of such Long Term Investment will be used for purposes of the foregoing calculation.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest
or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise
perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest
in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code
(or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.
Liggett Credit Agreement means that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, as amended, by and between Wachovia Bank, National
Association, successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation, Liggett Group LLC, as successor
to Liggett Group, Inc., and 100 Maple LLC providing for revolving credit borrowings and term loans,
including any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed
in connection therewith, and, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced (including by means of
sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part from time to time.
Liggett Group LLC means Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Liggett Guarantors means each of Liggett Group LLC and 100 Maple LLC.
Liquidated Damages means all liquidated damages then owing pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement.
Long-Term Investments means long-term investments classified as such under GAAP.
Mebane Facility means that certain real property located in Mebane, North Carolina and owned
by 100 Maple LLC.
Moodys means Moodys Investor Service, Inc.
Net Income means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such
Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock
dividends, excluding, however:
(1) any gain or loss, together with all fees and expenses related thereto and any
related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in connection with:
(a) any Asset Sale; or
(b) the disposition of any securities or Investments by such Person or any of
the Guarantors or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of
the Guarantors; and
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(2) any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on
such extraordinary gain or loss.
Net Proceeds means means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of the
Guarantors in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the
sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the
direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and
investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of
the Asset Sale, taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking
into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, and amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness under a Credit
Facility, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any
reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in
accordance with GAAP.
New Valley Subsidiaries means New Valley LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its
Subsidiaries.
Non-U.S. Person means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
Note Guarantee means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Companys obligations under this
Indenture and the Notes, executed pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture.
Noteholder Documents means this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees, and the
Collateral Documents, in each case as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time
as provided thereby.
Notes has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes and
the Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, and
unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Initial Notes
and any Additional Notes.
Obligations means any principal (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters
of credit whether or not drawn), interest (including, to the extent legally permitted, all interest
accrued thereon after the commencement of any insolvency or liquidation proceeding at the rate,
including any applicable post-default rate, even if such interest is not enforceable, allowable or
allowed as a claim in such proceeding), premium (if any), fees, indemnifications, reimbursements,
expenses and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
Officer means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer,
any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice
President of such Person.
Officers Certificate means a certificate signed by the Chairman of the Board, the President
or any Vice President, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer,
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, of the Company, that meets the requirements of Section
13.05 hereof. One of the officers signing an Officers Certificate given pursuant to Section 4.04
shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
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Opinion of Counsel means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 13.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or
counsel to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or the Trustee.
Parity Lien means a Lien granted under a Collateral Document to the Collateral Agent, at any
time, upon any property of any Guarantor providing security to secure Parity Lien Obligations.
Parity Lien Debt means:
(1) the Initial Notes (including any related Exchange Notes); and
(2) any other Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to Additional Notes.
Parity Lien Obligations means Parity Lien Debt and all other Obligations in respect thereof.
Participant means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who
has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to
DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).
Permitted Investments means:
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a Guarantor;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Guarantor in a Person, if as a result of such
Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Guarantor; or
(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or
transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the
Company or a Guarantor;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an
Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof.
(5) any acquisition of assets or Capital Stock solely in exchange for the issuance of
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of trade
creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company
or any Guarantor, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement
upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer; or (B) litigation,
arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;
(7) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of the
Company or any Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.0 million at any
one time outstanding;
(8) repurchases of the Notes;
16
(9) any Investment by the Company or any Guarantor in Core Investments;
(10) Investments represented by Hedging Obligations;
(11) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies,
material or equipment in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(12) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on
the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in
value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12)
that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $10.0 million.
Permitted Liens means:
(1) Liens in favor of the ABL Lender securing First Priority Debt;
(2) Liens held by the Collateral Agent equally and ratably securing the Initial Notes
and all future Parity Lien Debt and other Parity Lien Obligations;
(3) Liens in favor of the Company or the Guarantors;
(4) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or
into or consolidated with the Company or any Guarantor; provided that such Liens were in
existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to
any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or
the Guarantor;
(5) Liens on property (including Capital Stock) existing at the time of acquisition of
the property by the Company or any Guarantor; provided that such Liens were in existence
prior to, and not incurred in contemplation of, such acquisition;
(6) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations
under workers compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or
appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business, as well as obligations under the trade contracts and leases
(exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money) and cash deposits in connection
with acquisitions otherwise permitted under this Indenture;
(7) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet
delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate
provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
(9) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers, warehousemens, landlords and mechanics
Liens, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(10) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for,
licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other
similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were
not incurred in connection with
17
Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of
said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such
Person;
(11) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) the Notes (or the Note
Guarantees);
(12) Liens to secure any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred
under this Indenture; provided, however, that:
(a) the new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property and
assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original
Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to,
such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and
(b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount
greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater,
committed amount, of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) an amount
necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such renewal,
refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;
(13) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by
Section 4.09(b)(10) hereof covering only the assets acquired with or financed by such
Indebtedness;
(14) Liens arising by reason of any judgment, decree or order not giving rise to an
Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal
proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not
have been finally terminated or the period within such proceedings may be initiated shall
not have expired; and
(15) Liens to secure obligations permitted by Section 4.09(b)(14) hereof.
Permitted Prior Liens means:
(1) Liens described in clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Liens;
(2) Liens described in clauses (4), (5) (7) or (13) of the definition of Permitted
Liens; and
(3) Permitted Liens that arise by operation of law and are not voluntarily granted, to
the extent entitled by law to priority over the Liens created by the Collateral Documents.
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor
issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund, refinance, replace,
defease or discharge other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor (other than intercompany
Indebtedness); provided that:
(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if
applicable) of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and
expenses, including premiums, incurred in connection therewith);
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(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the
final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than
the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded,
refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged;
(3) if the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and is
subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the holders
of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being renewed,
refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Guarantor who is the
obligor on the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or
other entity.
Pledged Securities means all of the Capital Stock of each of Liggett Group LLC and Vector
Tobacco.
Pledgor means each of the Liggett Guarantors and Vector Tobacco and any successor thereto
who is required to assume their obligations under the indenture or the Collateral Documents.
Private Placement Legend means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1) hereof to be
placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions
of this Indenture.
QIB means a qualified institutional buyer as defined in Rule 144A.
Registration Rights Agreement means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August
16, 2007, among the Company, the Guarantors party thereto and the Initial Purchaser, as such
agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to any
Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the Company, the Guarantors and
the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from time
to time, relating to rights given by the Company to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register
such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.
Regulation S means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
Regulation S Global Note means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto
bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of
and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the
outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.
Responsible Officer, when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the
Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other
officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the
above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any
other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.
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Restricted Definitive Note means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
Restricted Global Note means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
Restricted Investment means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
Restricted Period means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation
S.
Rule 144 means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
Rule 144A means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
Rule 903 means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
Rule 904 means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group.
Sale of Collateral means any Asset Sale involving a sale or other disposition of Collateral.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Secured Indebtedness means all Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors that is
secured by Liens on any of their assets, including, but not limited to, Indebtedness pursuant to
the Liggett Credit Agreement
Secured Leverage Ratio means the ratio calculated in accordance with the definition herein
of Leverage Ratio except that Secured Indebtedness shall be substituted for all occurrences of
Indebtedness in such definition.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Shelf Registration Statement means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
Significant Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that would be a significant subsidiary as
defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as
such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.
Stated Maturity means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any
series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be
paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the date of this Indenture, and will
not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or
principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the
total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders agreement
that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or
trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or
controlled, directly or
20
indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or
a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of
which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of
which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination
thereof).
TIA means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).
Treasury Rate means, as of any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption
date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in
the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available
at least two Business Days prior to the redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no
longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the
period from the redemption date to August 15, 2011; provided, however, that if the period from the
redemption date to August 15, 2011 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually
traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
Trustee means U.S. Bank National Association until a successor replaces it in accordance
with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving
hereunder.
Unrestricted Definitive Note means a Definitive Note that does not bear and is not required
to bear the Private Placement Legend.
Unrestricted Global Note means a Global Note that does not bear and is not required to bear
the Private Placement Legend.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company other than any Subsidiary that
is a Guarantor and any other Subsidiary owning or operating the business currently operated by
Liggett Group LLC.
U.S. Person means a U.S. Person as defined in Rule 902(k) promulgated under the Securities
Act.
Vector Tobacco means Vector Tobacco Inc., a Virginia corporation.
VGR Holding means VGR Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Voting Stock of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person
that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
Weighted Average Life to Maturity means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the
number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then
remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date
and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
21
Section 1.02 Other Definitions.
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Defined in |
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Term |
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Section |
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Affiliate Transaction |
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4.11 |
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Asset Sale Offer |
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3.09 |
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Authentication Order |
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2.02 |
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Change of Control Offer |
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4.14 |
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Change of Control Payment |
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4.14 |
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Change of Control Payment Date |
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4.14 |
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Covenant Defeasance |
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8.03 |
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DTC |
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2.03 |
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Event of Default |
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6.01 |
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Excess Proceeds |
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4.10 |
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incur |
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4.09 |
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Legal Defeasance |
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8.02 |
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Offer Amount |
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3.09 |
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Offer Period |
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3.09 |
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Paying Agent |
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2.03 |
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Permitted Debt |
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4.09 |
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Payment Default |
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6.01 |
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Purchase Date |
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3.09 |
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Registrar |
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2.03 |
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Restricted Payments |
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4.07 |
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Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by
reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
indenture securities means the Notes;
indenture security Holder means a Holder of a Note;
indenture to be qualified means this Indenture;
indenture trustee or institutional trustee means the Trustee; and
obligor on the Notes and the Note Guarantees means the Company and the Guarantors,
respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference
to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
22
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in
accordance with GAAP;
(3) or is not exclusive;
(4) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;
(5) will shall be interpreted to express a command;
(6) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
(7) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act will be deemed to
include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time
to time.
ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES
Section 2.01 Form and Dating.
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustees certificate of authentication will be substantially
in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by
law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note will be dated the date of its authentication. The
Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $1,000.
The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly
made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution
and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound
thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of
this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A
hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the
Global Note attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form will be substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the Schedule of
Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached thereto). Each Global Note will represent such
of the outstanding Notes as will be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be
reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a
Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Notes represented thereby will be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the
direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required
by Section 2.06 hereof.
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.
At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is
authenticated, the Note will nevertheless be valid.
23
A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The
signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company stating the CUSIP number,
principal amount, name of Holder and date of authentication for each Note, signed by two Officers
(an Authentication Order), authenticate Notes for original issue that may be validly issued under
this Indenture, including any Additional Notes. The aggregate principal amount of Notes
outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes authorized for
issuance by the Company pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in
Section 2.07 hereof.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate
Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each
reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.
An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of
the Company.
Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.
The Company will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of
transfer or for exchange (Registrar) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for
payment (Paying Agent). The Registrar will keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer
and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying
agents. The term Registrar includes any co-registrar and the term Paying Agent includes any
additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to
any Holder. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent
not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as
Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries
may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company (DTC) to act as Depositary with
respect to the Global Notes.
The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act
as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
The Company will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the
Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the
Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on
the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.
While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by
it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it
to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a
Subsidiary) will have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as
Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders
all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating
to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.
Section 2.05 Holder Lists.
The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent
list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA
§ 312(a). If
24
the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee at least seven
Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request
in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the
names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA §
312(a).
Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred except as a
whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the
Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a
successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be exchanged
by the Company for Definitive Notes if:
(1) the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling
or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not
appointed by the Company within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;
(2) the Company in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but
not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such
effect to the Trustee or
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to
the Notes.
Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (1) or (2) above, Definitive Notes
shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may
be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every
Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion
thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and
delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for
another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a
Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and
exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be effected through the Depositary, in
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial
interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to
those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial
interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2)
below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
(1) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in
any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the
form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the
transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that
prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the
Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a
U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted
Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
25
Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the
Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(1).
(2) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In
connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to
Section 2.06(b)(1) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the
Registrar either:
(A) both:
(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given
to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the
Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in
another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be
transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures
containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with
such increase; or
(B) both:
(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given
to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the
Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the
beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing
information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be
registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above;
Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof,
the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(2) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by
the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of
such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the
requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this
Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust
the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.
(3) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial
interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the
transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and the Registrar
receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
26
(C) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the IAI Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of
Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
(4) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for
Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any
Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in
an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the
form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer
complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial
interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the
case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not
(i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall
take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of
Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an
Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or
more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal
amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.
27
Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to
Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note.
(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If
any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such
beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest
to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then,
upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note
proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the
certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;
(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance
with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including
the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an
offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2)
thereof;
(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule
144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional
Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D)
above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if
applicable;
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set
forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced
accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the
appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in
a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names
and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest
shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or
Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose
names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive
28
Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this
Section 2.06(c)(1) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions
on transfer contained therein.
(2) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.
A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial
interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial
interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer,
certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a
Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes
or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall
take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(3) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.
If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange
such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction
of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) hereof, the Trustee will cause the
aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant
to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate
and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the
appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial
interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3)
29
will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or
denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the
Registrar from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The
Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so
registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to
this Section 2.06(c)(3) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.
(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If
any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such
Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such
Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b)
thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in
accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S.
Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance
with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including
the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional
Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D)
above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if
applicable;
(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c)
thereof,
the Trustee will cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the
appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global
Note, in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note, and in all
other cases, the IAI Global Note.
30
(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.
A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in
an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an
exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person
participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such
Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a
certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the
certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or
(ii) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such
Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such
Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item
(4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section
2.06(d)(2), the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.
A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial
interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee will
cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the
aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.
If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is
effected pursuant to subparagraphs (2)(B), (2)(D) or (3) above at a time when an
Unrestricted Global Note
31
has not yet been issued, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication
Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate one or more
Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of
Definitive Notes so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder
of Definitive Notes and such Holders compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the
Registrar will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration
of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the
Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in
writing. In addition, the requesting Holder must provide any additional certifications, documents
and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section
2.06(e).
(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted
Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take
delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the
following:
(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor
must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the
transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications,
certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted
Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note
or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an
Unrestricted Definitive Note if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an
exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person
participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
32
(i) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to
exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from
such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in
item (1)(d) thereof; or
(ii) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to
transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form
of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the
form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to
the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act
and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement
Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities
Act.
(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of
Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof
in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such
a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the
instructions from the Holder thereof.
(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order
in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate:
(1) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes accepted for
exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of
Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a
distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144)
of the Company; and
(2) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange
Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not
Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and
(C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company.
Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal
amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company will
execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of
Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
(g) Legends. The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive
Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions
of this Indenture.
(1) Private Placement Legend.
33
(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each
Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof)
shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:
THIS SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION
UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE SECURITIES ACT), AND THIS
SECURITY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR
AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE
SELLER OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE
HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS (1) A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT), (2) NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING ITS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION
PURSUANT TO RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (3) AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED
INVESTOR WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUBPARAGRAPH (a) (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501 UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT.
THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF VECTOR GROUP LTD. THAT (A) PRIOR TO THE
EXPIRATION OF THE HOLDING PERIOD APPLICABLE TO SALES OF THIS SECURITY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION), THIS SECURITY MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR
OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY TO (I) VECTOR GROUP LTD. OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (II) TO A PERSON
WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (III) PURSUANT TO
AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF
AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED
STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL
ACCREDITED INVESTOR WITHIN THE MEANING OF SUBPARAGRAPH (a) (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501 UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH
AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR
OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (VI)
PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
OR (VII) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE
UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY
PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. THIS LEGEND
WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (A) (VII)
ABOVE OR UPON ANY TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY UNDER RULE 144(K) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (OR ANY
SUCCESSOR PROVISION). THE INDENTURE CONTAINS A PROVISION REQUIRING THE TRUSTEE TO REFUSE TO
REGISTER THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING RESTRICTION.
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued
pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(4), (c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(2), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(3) or
(f)
34
of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution
thereof) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(2) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the
following form:
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR
ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO
ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS
MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN
WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS
GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF VECTOR
GROUP LTD.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY
NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE
DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST
COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (DTC), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION
OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT
IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS
WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests
in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note
has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be
returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any
time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or
transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in
another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such
Global Note will be reduced accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the
Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the
beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note will be
increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the
Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and
the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrars request.
35
(2) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global
Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but
the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar
governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or
similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10,
3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05 hereof).
(3) The Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any
Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note
being redeemed in part.
(4) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes will be the valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the
Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(5) Neither the Registrar nor the Company will be required:
(A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a
period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection
of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of
business on the day of selection;
(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note selected for redemption
in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in
part; or
(C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and
the next succeeding interest payment date.
(6) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the
Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is
registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of
principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee,
any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(7) The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with
the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(8) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted
to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or
exchange may be submitted by facsimile.
Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.
If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company and the Trustee receives
evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company will issue
and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate a replacement Note if
the Trustees requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond
must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to
protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss, liability
or expense that any of them may
36
suffer if a Note is replaced and subsequently presented or claimed for payment. The Company
may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and will be entitled to all
of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued
hereunder.
Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for
those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a
Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described
in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does
not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note;
however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed to be
outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(a) hereof.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the
Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to
be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof)
holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date,
then on and after that date such Notes will be deemed to be no longer outstanding and will cease to
accrue interest.
Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in
any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or by any Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with
the Company or any Guarantor, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the
purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction,
waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.
Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the
Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary
Notes will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the
Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as may be reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate
definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
Holders of temporary Notes will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.11 Cancellation.
The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and
Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of
transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for
registration of
37
transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and will destroy canceled Notes
(subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the
destruction of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Company. The Company may not issue new
Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation.
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.
If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it will pay the defaulted
interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted
interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the
rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Company will notify the Trustee in
writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the
proposed payment. The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and
payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the
related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date,
the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the
expense of the Company) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special
record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT
Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of
Section 3.07 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days
before a redemption date, an Officers Certificate setting forth:
(1) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(2) the redemption date;
(3) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; and
(4) the redemption price.
Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any
time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption or purchase on a pro rata basis unless otherwise
required by law or applicable stock exchange requirements.
In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed or
purchased will be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60
days prior to the redemption or purchase date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not
previously called for redemption or purchase.
The Trustee will promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption
or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in
amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to
be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a
multiple of $1,000, shall be
38
redeemed or purchased. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this
Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes
called for redemption or purchase.
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.
Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days
before a redemption date, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a
notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address,
except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the
notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 12 hereof.
The notice will identify the Notes to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the redemption price;
(3) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such
Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new
Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued upon
cancellation of the original Note;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(5) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect
the redemption price;
(6) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on
Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(7) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the
Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and
(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP
number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.
At the Companys request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Companys name
and at its expense; provided, however, that the Company has delivered to the Trustee, at least 45
days prior to the redemption date, an Officers Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such
notice and a complete form of Notice setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as
provided in the preceding paragraph.
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for
redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A
notice of redemption may not be conditional.
39
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.
One Business Day prior to the redemption or purchase date, the Company will deposit with the
Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and
accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that
date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Company any money deposited with
the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the
redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Notes
to be redeemed or purchased.
If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the
redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes
called for redemption or purchase. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest
record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid
interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of
business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon
surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the
preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or
purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on
such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.
Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Company will issue and,
upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the
expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased
portion of the Note surrendered.
Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.
(a) At any time prior to August 15, 2010, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem
up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture at a redemption
price of 111% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of a sale of common Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; provided that:
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under
this Indenture (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) remains
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption; and
(2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such sale of
Equity Interests.
(b) At any time prior to August 15, 2011, the Company may also redeem all or a part of the
Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each
Holders registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Notes
redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages,
if any, to the applicable date of redemption, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant
record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
40
(c) Except pursuant to Sections 3.07(a) and (b) hereof, the Notes will not be redeemable at
the Companys option prior to August 15, 2011.
(d) On or after August 15, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of
principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
on the Notes redeemed to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period
beginning on August 15 of the years indicated below, subject to the rights of Holders on the
relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Percentage |
|
2011 |
|
|
105.500 |
% |
2012 |
|
|
103.667 |
% |
2013 |
|
|
101.833 |
% |
2014 and thereafter |
|
|
100.000 |
% |
Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to
accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
(e) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect
to the Notes. The Company may at any time and from time to time purchase notes in the open market
or otherwise provided any such purchase does not otherwise violate the provisions of this
Indenture.
Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.
In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Company is required to commence an
offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an Asset Sale Offer), it will follow the procedures
specified below.
The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and all holders of other Indebtedness that
is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture
with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets. The Asset Sale
Offer will remain open for a period of at least 20 Business Days following its commencement and not
more than 30 Business Days, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law
(the Offer Period). No later than three Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period
(the Purchase Date), the Company will apply all Excess Proceeds (the Offer Amount) to the
purchase of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness (on a pro rata basis, if applicable) or,
if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Indebtedness tendered in
response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the same
manner as interest payments are made.
If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related
interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will be paid
to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and
no additional interest will be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale
Offer.
41
Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company will send, by first class mail, a
notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice will contain
all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the
Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which will govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, will state:
(1) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section
4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer will remain open;
(2) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;
(3) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment will continue to accrue
interest;
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for
payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer will cease to accrue interest after the Purchase
Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may
elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 only;
(6) that Holders electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer will
be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled Option of Holder to Elect
Purchase attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the
Company, a Depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;
(7) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company, the
Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration
of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a
statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;
(8) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness
surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company will select the Notes
and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal
amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness surrendered (with such adjustments as
may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or
integral multiples thereof, will be purchased); and
(9) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal
in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by
book-entry transfer).
On or before the Purchase Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on
a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered
pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes
tendered, and will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted
together with an Officers Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted
for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Company, the
Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than
five days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the
purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and
the Company will promptly issue a new Note,
42
and the Trustee, upon written request from the Company, will authenticate and mail or deliver
(or cause to be transferred by book entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount
equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be
promptly mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company will publicly
announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase Date.
Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09, any purchase pursuant to this
Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 Payment of Notes.
The Company will pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any will be considered paid on
the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available
funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then
due. The Company will pay all Liquidated Damages, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in
the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any
Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then
applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including
post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of
interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to
the extent lawful.
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or
agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or
co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where
notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be
served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change
in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company fails to maintain any such
required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where
the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time
rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission will in any
manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to
the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such
other office or agency.
The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or
agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.
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Section 4.03 Reports.
(a) Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are
outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Holders of Notes or cause the Trustee to furnish to
the Holders of Notes, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and regulations (or
within five Business Days thereof if the Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements
of the Exchange Act):
(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on
Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file reports; and
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if
the Company were required to file such reports.
All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules
and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report
on the Companys consolidated financial statements by the Companys certified independent
accountants. In addition, the Company will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in
clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in
the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing)
and will post the reports on its website within those time periods. The Company will at all times
comply with TIA § 314(a).
If, at any time, the Company is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act for any reason, the Company will nevertheless continue filing the reports
specified in the preceding paragraph with the SEC within the time periods in the SECs rules and
regulations unless the SEC will not accept such a filing. The Company will not take any action for
the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing,
the SEC will not accept the Companys filings for any reason, the Company will post the reports
referred to in the preceding paragraph on its website within the time periods that would apply if
the Company were required to file those reports with the SEC.
(b) To the extent required by the SEC, the quarterly and annual financial information required
by paragraph (a) of this Section 4.03 will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on
the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company and the Guarantors separate from the financial condition and
results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.
(c) For so long as any Notes remain outstanding, if at any time the Company and the Guarantors
are not required to file with the SEC the reports required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
Section 4.03, the Company and the Guarantors will furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts
and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(d) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational
purposes only and the Trustees receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any
information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the
Companys compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to
rely exclusively on Officers Certificates). The Trustee is under no duty to examine such reports,
information or documents to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Indenture or to ascertain
the correctness or otherwise of
44
the information or the statements contained therein. The Trustee is entitled to assume such
compliance and correctness unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee is informed otherwise.
Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.
(a) The Company and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the
TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers
Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the
preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to
determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under
this Indenture and the Collateral Documents, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing
such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed,
performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture Collateral Documents
and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and
conditions of this Indenture or Collateral Documents (or, if a Default or Event of Default has
occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge
and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the
best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which
payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such
event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Company is taking or proposes to
take with respect thereto.
(b) So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Company will deliver to the Trustee,
forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers
Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
(c) Except with respect to receipt of Note payments when due and any Default or Event of
Default information contained in the Officers Certificate delivered to it pursuant to Section
4.04, the Trustee shall have no duty to review, ascertain or confirm the Companys compliance with,
or the breach of, any representation, warranty or covenant made in this Indenture.
Section 4.05 Taxes.
The Company will pay, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency,
all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith
and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any
material respect to the Holders of the Notes.
Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
The Company and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so)
that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the
Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly
waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any
such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but
will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
45
Section 4.07 Restricted Payments.
(a) Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of
the Companys or such Guarantors Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any
payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any
Guarantor) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Companys or any such Guarantors
Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and other than dividends or
any other payments or distributions payable to the Company or a Guarantor);
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without
limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity
Interests of the Company;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise
acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is
contractually subordinated to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee (excluding any intercompany
Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors), except a payment of
interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof; or
(4) make any Restricted Investment
(all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (1) through (4) above being
collectively referred to as Restricted Payments),
unless at the time of such Restricted Payment, the Companys Consolidated EBITDA for the most
recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available is
no less than $50.0 million, provided that the Company shall not be permitted to make any
distribution or dividend of any Equity Interests in, or non-cash assets of, any Guarantor.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) will not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend or other distribution or the consummation of any
irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or other
distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if at the date of
declaration or notice, the dividend or other distribution or redemption payment would have
complied with the provisions of this Indenture;
(2) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the making of any Restricted Payment in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity
Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the substantially
concurrent contribution of common equity capital to the Company;
(3) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of
Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated to the Notes
or to any Note Guarantee with the net cash proceeds from a substantially concurrent
incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
46
(4) the payment of any dividend (or, in the case of any partnership or limited
liability company, any similar distribution) by a Guarantor to the holders of its Equity
Interests on a pro rata basis;
(5) the repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock
options, warrants or other convertible or exchangeable securities to the extent such Equity
Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of those stock options, warrants or
other convertible or exchangeable securities;
(6) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the declaration and payment of regularly scheduled or accrued dividends to holders of any
class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Guarantor issued on or after the
date of this Indenture in accordance with the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio
tests described in Section 4.09 hereof; and
(7) the distribution of the Equity Interests of Eve to the Company in order to
contribute such Equity Interests to Vector Tobacco, provided that Eve shall remain a
Guarantor.
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the
date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued
by the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The Fair
Market Value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this Section 4.07 will
be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company whose resolution with respect thereto will
be delivered to the Trustee. The Board of Directors determination must be based upon an opinion
or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if
the Fair Market Value exceeds $10.0 million.
Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.
(a) Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, create or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Guarantor
to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company
or any Guarantor, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by,
its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Guarantor;
(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of the Guarantors; or
(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any
Guarantor.
(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions
existing under or by reason of:
(1) agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit Facilities as in effect on
the date of this Indenture and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals,
supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements; provided that the
amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or
refinancings are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such
dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date
of this Indenture;
47
(2) this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents;
(3) applicable law, rule, regulation or order;
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the
Company or any of the Guarantors as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the
extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or in
contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to
any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the
property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the case of Indebtedness,
such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions in contracts, leases and licenses entered into
in the ordinary course of business or that restrict the subletting, assignment or transfer
of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract;
(6) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business
and Capital Lease Obligations that impose restrictions on the property purchased or leased
of the nature described in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) hereof;
(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Guarantor that restricts
distributions by that Guarantor pending the sale or other disposition;
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions
contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not
materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements
governing the Indebtedness being refinanced as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company;
(9) Liens permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 4.12 hereof that
limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;
(10) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint
venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements
and other similar agreements entered into with the approval of the Companys Board of
Directors, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such
agreements;
(11) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(12) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets in joint venture
agreements entered into (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) with the approval of
the Companys or the Guarantors Board of Directors or chief financial officer, which
limitation or prohibition is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such
agreements;
(13) net worth provisions in leases and other agreements entered into by the Company or
any Guarantor in the ordinary course of business; or
(14) agreements governing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section
4.09 hereof; provided, that the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
(such determination to be evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors) that such
encumbrances
48
and restrictions are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those in
agreements in the Liggett Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date of the indenture) and
would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Company to make payments of
interest and scheduled payments of principal on the Notes, in each case as and when due, or
to impair any Guarantors ability to honor its Note Guarantee.
Section 4.09 Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.
(a) Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise,
with respect to (collectively, incur) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and the Company
will not issue any Disqualified Stock and none of the Guarantors will issue any shares of preferred
stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or
issue Disqualified Stock, and the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or
issue preferred stock, if the Leverage Ratio and the Secured Leverage Ratio for the Companys most
recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available
immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such
Disqualified Stock or preferred stock is issued, as the case may be, would have been no greater
than 3.0 to 1.0 in respect of the Leverage Ratio and 1.5 to 1.0 in respect of the Secured Leverage
Ratio, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds
therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Disqualified Stock or
preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four quarter period.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the
following items of Indebtedness (collectively, Permitted Debt):
(1) the incurrence by the Company and any of the Guarantors of additional Indebtedness
and letters of credit under Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one
time outstanding under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a
principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and the Guarantors
thereunder) not to exceed $60.0 million less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of
Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of the Guarantors since the date of this Indenture
to repay any term Indebtedness under a Credit Facility or to repay any revolving credit
Indebtedness under a Credit Facility and effect a corresponding commitment reduction
thereunder pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described in Section 4.10 hereof;
(2) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of the Existing Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the
Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued on the date of this Indenture and the
Exchange Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement;
(4) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund,
refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness (other than intercompany
Indebtedness) that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under Section 4.09(a)
hereof or clauses (2), (3) and (4) of this Section 4.09(b);
49
(5) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of intercompany Indebtedness
between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors; provided, however, that:
(A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any
such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Guarantor and
(B) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not
either the Company or a Guarantor,
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the
Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (5);
(6)
the issuance by any of the Guarantors to the Company or to any of the Guarantors of shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that:
(A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any
such preferred stock being held by a Person other than the Company or a Guarantor;
and
(B) any sale or other transfer of any such preferred stock to a Person that is
not either the Company or a Guarantor,
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance of such preferred stock by such
Guarantor that was not permitted by this clause (6);
(7) the guarantee by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness of the
Company or a Guarantor that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this
Section 4.09; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed is subordinated to or pari
passu with the Notes, then the Guarantee shall be subordinated or pari passu, as applicable,
to the same extent as the Indebtedness guaranteed;
(8) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness in respect
of workers compensation claims, self-insurance obligations, bankers acceptances,
performance and surety bonds, appeal or other similar bonds in the ordinary course of
business, and in any such case any reimbursement obligations in connection therewith;
(9) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness arising from
the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds, so long as such Indebtedness is
covered within five Business Days;
(10) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented
by Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money obligations or other obligations, in each case
incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price, cost or value
of any equipment used in the business of the Company or any of the Guarantors, in an
aggregate principal amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to
renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant
to this clause (10), not to exceed $10.0 million at any time outstanding;
(11) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Hedging Obligations;
50
(12) Indebtedness of the Company or any of the Guarantors to the extent the net
proceeds thereof are promptly deposited to defease or satisfy and discharge all outstanding
Notes in full as provided in Articles 8 and 12 hereof;
(13) obligations of the Company and any of the Guarantors arising from agreements of
the Company or a Guarantor providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or
similar obligations, in each case incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of
any business, assets or a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the terms of this
Indenture, other than Guarantees by the Company or any Guarantor of Indebtedness incurred by
any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary of the
Company for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided, however, that the maximum
aggregate liability in respect of all such obligations shall not exceed the gross proceeds,
including the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company of non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash proceeds being measured
at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually
received by the Company and the Guarantors in connection with such disposition; or
(14) obligations of the Company and any of the Guarantors arising from the entering
into, maintaining or disposing of, Core Investments, including, without limitation,
purchasing of any Core Investment on margin, any capital call obligations, make-well
arrangements, hedging obligations of any nature or any obligations regarding a short
position in any of such Core Investments.
The Company will not incur, and will not permit any Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness
(including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other
Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially
identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually
subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company solely by virtue of being
unsecured or by virtue of being secured on a first or junior Lien basis.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of
Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in
clauses (1) through (14) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) hereof,
the Company will be permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence,
or later reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with
this Section 4.09. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which Notes are
first issued and authenticated under the indenture will initially be deemed to have been incurred
on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (1) of the definition of Permitted
Debt. Indebtedness permitted by this covenant need not be permitted by reference to one provision
permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one
or more other provisions of this Section 4.09 permitting such Indebtedness. The accrual of
interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any
Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of
preferred stock as Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of
dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified
Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock
for purposes of this Section 4.09. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.09, the
maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company or any Guarantor may incur pursuant to this Section
4.09 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates or
currency values.
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(c) The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with
original issue discount;
(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness;
and
(3) in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the
specified Person, the lesser of:
(A) the Fair Market Value of such assets at the date of determination; and
(B) the amount of the Indebtedness of the other Person.
Section 4.10 Asset Sales.
Except as set forth in the second paragraph below, neither the Company nor any Guarantor will
consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(1) the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, receives consideration at the
time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity
Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and
(2) at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such
Guarantor is in the form of cash. For purposes of this provision, each of the following
will be deemed to be cash:
(A) any liabilities, as shown on the Companys most recent consolidated balance
sheet, of the Company or any Guarantor (other than contingent liabilities and
liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee)
that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary
novation agreement that releases the Company or such Guarantor from further
liability;
(B) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any
such Guarantor from such transferee that are, subject to ordinary settlement
periods, converted by the Company or such Guarantor into cash within 90 days of such
Asset Sale, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion; and
(C) any stock or assets of the kind referred to in clauses (2) or (4) of the
next paragraph of this Section 4.10.
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, other than a Sale of
Collateral, the Company (or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be) may apply such Net
Proceeds at its option:
(1) to repay Indebtedness and other Obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement and
correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;
52
(2) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any Capital Stock of,
another business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the
business is or becomes a Guarantor;
(3) to make a capital expenditure; or
(4) to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and
that are used or useful in the conduct of the Companys or any Guarantors business.
Notwithstanding the above, the Company may consummate any Asset Sale with respect to assets
other than Equity Interests in, or assets of, any Guarantor without complying with the provisions
of this Section 4.10.
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale that constitutes a
Sale of Collateral, the Guarantor that owned those assets may apply those Net Proceeds to purchase
other long-term assets that would constitute Collateral or to repay First Priority Debt and, if
such First Priority Debt is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments
with respect thereto.
Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily reduce
revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not
prohibited by this Indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the second
and fourth paragraphs of this Section 4.10 will constitute Excess Proceeds. When the aggregate
amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, within five days thereof, the Company will make an
Asset Sale Offer to all holders of Parity Lien Debt and all holders of other Indebtedness that is
pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with
respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the
maximum principal amount of Parity Lien Debt and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be
purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to
percentages corresponding to the applicable optional redemption price in effect on the repurchase
date, and for periods prior to August 15, 2011, the first optional redemption price of the
principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of
purchase, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an
Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise
prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Parity Lien Debt and other pari
passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the
Trustee will select the Parity Lien Debt and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro
rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset
at zero.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of
Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10, the Company will comply with the applicable securities
laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 3.09
hereof or this Section 4.10 by virtue of such compliance.
Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates.
(a) Except as provided in Section 4.11(c), neither the Company nor any Guarantor will make any
payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or
53
purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction,
contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any
Affiliate of the Company (each an Affiliate Transaction), unless:
(1) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or
the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable
transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee:
(A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $3.0 million, a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers
Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) of
this Section 4.11(a) and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a
majority of the disinterested members, if any, of the Board of Directors of the
Company; and
(B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an
opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Subsidiary of such Affiliate
Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing.
(b) The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will
not be subject to the provisions of Section 4.11(a) hereof:
(1) any consulting or employment agreement or arrangement, employee benefit plan,
officer indemnification agreement or any similar arrangement entered into by the Company or
any of the Guarantors and payments pursuant thereto;
(2) transactions between or among the Company and/or the Guarantors;
(3) transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company)
that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns, directly or through a
Guarantor, an Equity Interest in, or controls, such Person;
(4) payment of reasonable directors fees (including the issuance of restricted stock)
to directors of the Company and other reasonable compensation, benefits and indemnities paid
or provided by the Company to the directors of the Company in their capacities as directors;
(5) any sale, grant, award or issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified
Stock) of the Company, including the exercise of options and warrants, to Affiliates,
officers, directors or employees of the Company;
(6) Restricted Payments that do not violate Section 4.07 hereof;
(7) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business not to exceed
$1.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(8) Permitted Investments; and
54
(9) Accelerated Note Conversions.
(c) If on the date of any Affiliate Transaction (other than an Affiliate Transaction between
any of the Liggett Guarantors and any Affiliate of the Company other than the Company or another
Guarantor) the Companys Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters
for which internal financial statements are available is no less than $50.0 million, the provisions
of Section 4.11(a) shall not apply to the consummation of such Affiliate Transaction.
Section 4.12 Liens.
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien of any kind on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted
Liens.
Section 4.13 Corporate Existence.
Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect:
(1) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each
of its Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same
may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Subsidiary; and
(2) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its
Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such
right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its
Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no
longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders
of the Notes.
Section 4.14 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes will have the right to
require the Company to make an offer (a Change of Control Offer) to repurchase all or any part
(equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of that Holders Notes at a purchase price in
cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject
to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date (the Change of Control Payment). Within thirty days following any Change of
Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions
that constitute the Change of Control and stating:
(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.14 and
that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;
(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days
and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the Change of Control
Payment Date);
(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
55
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment,
all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue
interest after the Change of Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control
Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled Option of Holder to
Elect Purchase attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the
Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the
third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent
receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the
Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting
forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a
statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and
(7) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes
equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which
unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple
thereof.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change in Control. To
the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions
of Sections 3.09 or 4.14 hereof, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Sections 3.09 or 4.14
hereof by virtue of such compliance.
(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:
(1) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer;
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in
respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted
together with an Officers Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or
portions of Notes being purchased by the Company.
The Paying Agent will promptly mail (but in any case not later than five days after the Change
of Control Payment Date) to each Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment
for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by
book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the
Notes surrendered, if any. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control
Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.14, the Company will not be
required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the
Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in this Section 4.14 and Section 3.09 hereof and purchases all Notes
properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, or (2) notice of redemption
has been given pursuant to
56
Section 3.07 hereof, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable
redemption price. A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control,
conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of
Control at the time of the Change of Control Offer. Notes repurchased pursuant to a Change of
Control Offer will be retired and cancelled.
Section 4.15 Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will enter into any sale and leaseback transaction;
provided that the Company or any Guarantor may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if:
(1) the Company or that Guarantor, as applicable, could have (a) incurred Indebtedness
in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such sale and leaseback transaction
under the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio tests in Section 4.09(a) hereof and (b)
incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.12
hereof;
(2) the gross cash proceeds of that sale and leaseback transaction are at least equal
to the Fair Market Value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company and set forth in an Officers Certificate delivered to the Trustee, of the property
that is the subject of that sale and leaseback transaction; and
(3) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and
the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, Section 4.10
hereof.
Section 4.16 Payments for Consent.
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid
any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of Notes for or as an inducement to any
consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Collateral
Documents or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders
of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation
documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Section 4.17 Additional Note Guarantees.
If the Company or any of the Guarantors acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary after
the date of this Indenture (i) engaged directly or indirectly in the cigarette businesses or (ii)
that is or becomes a borrower, obligor or guarantor under the Liggett Credit Agreement, then that
newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary will become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental
indenture and, in the case of (ii), Collateral Documents consistent with those entered into by the
Liggett Guarantors and deliver an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the trustee within 10 Business
Days of the date on which it was acquired or created. The form of such Note Guarantee is attached
as Exhibit E hereto.
Section 4.18 Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
In no event may the business operated by Liggett Group LLC on the date of this Indenture
be transferred to or held by an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
57
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets.
The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another
Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell, assign, transfer,
convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company
and the Guarantors taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person,
unless:
(1) either:
(A) the Company is the surviving corporation; or
(B) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if
other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made is (i) a corporation organized or existing under the
laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of
Columbia or (ii) a limited partnership or limited liability company organized or
existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of
Columbia that has a wholly-owned Subsidiary that is a corporation organized or
existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the
District of Columbia, which corporation becomes a co-issuer of the Notes pursuant to
a supplemental indenture duly and validly executed by the trustee;
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than
the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this
Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Collateral Documents pursuant to
agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(4) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger
(if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made, would, on the date of such transaction after giving pro
forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at
the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio tests set
forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof.
In addition, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of
the properties or assets of it and the Guarantors taken as a whole, in one or more related
transactions, to any other Person. This Section 5.01 will not apply to:
(1) a merger of the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating
the Company in another jurisdiction; or
(2) any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease
or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors that
are not any of the Liggett Guarantors.
58
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.01, or any other provisions in this
Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 11.04), the Company shall not consolidate or
merge with or into any of the Liggett Guarantors, nor sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and the Guarantors
taken as a whole, in one or more transactions, to any of the Liggett Guarantors.
Section 5.02 Successor Corporation Substituted.
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company in a
transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof, the
successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to
which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed
to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture
referring to the Company shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Company), and
may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if
such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that the predecessor
Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes
except in the case of a sale of all of the Companys assets in a transaction that is subject to,
and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 Events of Default.
Each of the following is an Event of Default:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages,
if any, with respect to, the Notes;
(2) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the
principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes or default in the payment when due of a
change of Control Payment;
(3) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 30 days after notice to the
Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with the provisions of Sections
4.07, 4.09 or 4.10 hereof;
(4) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 60 days after notice to the
Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements
in this Indenture or the Collateral Documents;
(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued
or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the
Company or any of the Guarantors (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or
any of the Guarantors), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created
after the date of this Indenture, if that default:
59
(A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any,
on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such
Indebtedness on the date of such default (a Payment Default); or
(B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express
maturity,
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the
principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million
or more and such acceleration is not annulled within 30 days thereof or such Payment
Default continues for 30 days;
(6) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors to pay final non-appealable
judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of
$10.0 million (net of any amounts as to which a reputable and solvent third party insurer
has accepted full coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period
of 60 days
(7) the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group
of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or
within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:
(A) commences a voluntary case,
(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary
case,
(C) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or
substantially all of its property,
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or
(E) generally is not paying its debts as they become due;
(8) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy
Law that:
(A) is for relief against the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a
Significant Subsidiary or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;
(B) appoints a custodian of the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a
Significant Subsidiary or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property
of the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a Significant Subsidiary or any
group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
or
(C) orders the liquidation of the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a
Significant Subsidiary or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
60
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or
(9) breach by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any material representation or
warranty or agreement in the Collateral Documents, and such failure shall continue for a
period of 60 days after written notice to the Company by the Trustee, the Collateral Agent
or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding
voting as a single class;
(10) the repudiation by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any of its obligations
under the Collateral Documents or the unenforceability of the Collateral Documents against
the Company or any of the Guarantors for any reason;
(11) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and
effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or
disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Section 6.02 Acceleration.
In the case of an Event of Default specified in clause (7) or (8) of Section 6.01 hereof, with
respect to the Company, any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Guarantors
that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become
due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs
and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.
Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by
written notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all of the Holders, rescind an acceleration and its
consequences, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing
Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if
any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.
If an Event of Default occurs on or after August 15, 2011 by reason of any willful action (or
inaction) taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding
payment of the premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to
redeem the Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, then, upon acceleration of the Notes, an
equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable, to the extent permitted by
law, anything in this Indenture or in the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding. If an Event of
Default occurs prior to August 15, 2011 by reason of any willful action (or inaction) taken (or not
taken) by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on redemption
of the Notes prior to such date, then, upon acceleration of the Notes, an additional premium shall
also become and be immediately due and payable, to the extent permitted by law, in an amount, for
each of the years beginning on August 15 of the years set forth below, as set forth below
(expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Notes on the date of payment that would
otherwise be due but for the provisions of this sentence):
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Percentage |
|
2007 |
|
|
11.000 |
% |
2008 |
|
|
9.625 |
% |
2009 |
|
|
8.250 |
% |
2010 |
|
|
6.875 |
% |
61
Section 6.03 Other Remedies.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy
to collect the payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the
Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not
produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note
in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are
cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive an existing
Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of
Default in the payment of the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on,
the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided, however, that the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an
acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such
acceleration. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default
arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no
such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.05 Control by Majority.
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the
Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to
follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be
unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in
personal liability, loss or expense that is not adequately indemnified in the reasonable judgment
of the Trustee.
Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.
Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest or
Liquidated Damages, if any, when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this
Indenture or the Notes unless:
(1) such Holder gives to the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is
continuing;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee security or
indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
62
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the
request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) during such 60-day period, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such
request.
A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a
Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.
Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to
receive payment of principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Note, on
or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to
purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective
dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder; provided that a Holder
shall not have the right to institute any such suit for the enforcement of payment if and to the
extent that the institution or prosecution thereof or the entry of judgment therein would, under
applicable law, result in the surrender, impairment, waiver or loss of the Lien of this Indenture
upon any property subject to such Lien.
Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is continuing,
the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust
against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any,
and interest remaining unpaid on, the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent
lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of
collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel.
Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be
necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and
empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on
any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the
making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the
payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in
any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien
on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other
properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or
under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be
deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or
the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder
in any such proceeding.
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Section 6.10 Priorities.
If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money in
the following order:
First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07
hereof, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all
advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;
Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal,
premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or
priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal,
premium and Liquidated Damages, if any and interest, respectively; and
Third: to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall
direct.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes
pursuant to this Section 6.10.
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit
against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion
may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the
suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys
fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the
claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the
Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more
than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of
the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in
its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
such persons own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of
this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set
forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read
into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to
the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon
certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
Indenture.
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However, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or
not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(2) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the
pertinent facts; and
(3) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take
in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in
any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section 7.01.
(e) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or
incur any loss, liability or expense for which it is not adequately indemnified in the reasonable
judgment of the Trustee. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and
powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any Holders, unless such Holder has
offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the
Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to
have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or
matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers Certificate
or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits
to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee
may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be
full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and will not be responsible for the
misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that
it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction
or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.
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(f) The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have
offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against the losses, liabilities and
expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee,
including, without limitation, its rights to be indemnified, are extended to and shall be
enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and
other Person employed to act hereunder.
(h) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers Certificate setting forth
the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified
actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers Certificate may be signed by any person
authorized to sign an Officers Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any
such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
(i) The permissive rights of the Trustee to do certain things enumerated in this Indenture
shall not be construed as a duty and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its
negligence or willful default with respect to such permissive rights.
(j) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any inquiry or investigation into the facts or
matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice,
request, direction, consent, order, bond, note or other paper or document unless requested in
writing so to do by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes affected
then outstanding; provided however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of
the costs and expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such
investigation is, in the opinion of the Trustee, not reasonably assured to the Trustee by the
security conferred upon it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable
indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding; and the
reasonable expense of such investigation shall be paid by the Company, or, if paid by the Trustee
shall be repaid by the Company upon demand.
(k) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for special, indirect or consequential loss
or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss or profit) irrespective of
whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the
form of action.
(l) The Trustee shall not be required to give any note, bond, or surety in respect of the
execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.
(m) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance
of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by
circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation, acts of God;
earthquakes; fire; flood; terrorism; wars and other military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics;
riots; interruptions; loss or malfunction of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or
communication services; accidents; labor disputes; act of civil or military authorities and
governmental action.
Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes
and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it
would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting
interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to
continue as trustee (if this
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Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like
rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.
Section 7.04 Trustees Disclaimer.
The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or
adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Companys use of the
proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Companys direction under any
provision of this Indenture, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money
received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any
statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with
the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.
Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee,
the Trustee will mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90
days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal
of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the
notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that
withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.
Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
(a) Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this
Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee will mail to the Holders of the
Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no
event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date,
no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also will comply with TIA § 313(b)(2). The Trustee
will also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).
(b) A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes will be mailed by
the Trustee to the Company and filed by the Trustee with the SEC and each stock exchange on which
the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Company will promptly notify the Trustee
when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
(a) The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its
acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustees compensation will not be
limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company will reimburse
the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred
or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses will include the
reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustees agents and counsel.
(b) The Company and the Guarantors will indemnify the Trustee against any and all losses,
liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or
administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing
this Indenture against the Company and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending
itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other
Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder, except to the extent
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any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. The
Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by
the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company or any of the Guarantors of their
obligations hereunder. The Company or such Guarantor will defend the claim and the Trustee will
cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the
reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor need pay for
any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
(c) The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(d) To secure the Companys and the Guarantors payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the
Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the
Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien
will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(e) When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified
in Section 6.01(7) or (8) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services
(including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
(f) The Trustee will comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.
Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.
(a) A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee will become
effective only upon the successor Trustees acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section
7.08.
(b) The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby
created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in
writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is
entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;
(3) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
(c) If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for
any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the
successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company.
(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee
resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company, or the Holders of at least 10% in
aggregate
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principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e) If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six
months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring
Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will
become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the
Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to
Holders. The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the
successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to
the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant
to this Section 7.08, the Companys obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the
benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of
its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further
act will be the successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized
under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination
by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0
million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
This Indenture will always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1),
(2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA §
311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.
ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution
set forth in an Officers Certificate, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied
to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.
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Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Companys exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section
8.02, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with
respect to all outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set
forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, Legal Defeasance). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance
means that the Company and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees), which will
thereafter be deemed to be outstanding only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other
Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all
their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee,
on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the
same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder:
(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the
principal of, or interest or premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, such Notes when
such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;
(2) the Companys obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section
4.02 hereof;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the
Companys and the Guarantors obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) this Article 8.
Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this
Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.
Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Companys exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section
8.03, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants
contained in Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17 and 4.18 hereof
and clause (4) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date
the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, Covenant Defeasance),
and the Notes will thereafter be deemed not outstanding for the purposes of any direction,
waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in
connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed outstanding for all other purposes
hereunder (it being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting
purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes
and Note Guarantees, the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will have no
liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether
directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by
reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document
and such omission to comply will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01
hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Note
Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Companys exercise under Section 8.01
hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.04
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hereof, Sections 6.01(3) through 6.01(6) and 6.01(9) through 6.01(11) hereof will not
constitute Events of Default.
Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02
or 8.03 hereof:
(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination
thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
investment bank, appraisal firm, or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the
principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the outstanding Notes
on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may
be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to such stated date
for payment or to a particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company must deliver to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee confirming that:
(A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal
Revenue Service a ruling; or
(B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable
federal income tax law,
in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall
confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain
or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at
the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not
occurred;
(3) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Company must deliver to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will
not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such
Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance
had not occurred;
(4) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of
such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds
to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of,
or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is
a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other
than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
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(6) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate stating that the
deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over
the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and
(7) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
Section 8.05 Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous
Provisions.
Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including
the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for
purposes of this Section 8.05, the Trustee) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of the
outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the
provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying
Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders
of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and
Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.
The Company will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on
or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section
8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee
or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to
the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable Government
Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in
excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent
Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
Section 8.06 Repayment to Company.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in
trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on,
any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or Liquidated Damages,
if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if
then held by the Company) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note will
thereafter be permitted to look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the
Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as
trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent,
before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be
published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that
such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than
30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then
remaining will be repaid to the Company.
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Section 8.07 Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government
Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any
order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise
prohibiting such application, then the Companys and the Guarantors obligations under this
Indenture and the Notes and the Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit
had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent
is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case
may be; provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium or
Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its
obligations, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive
such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.
Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee
may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Collateral Documents, the Notes or the Note Guarantees
without the consent of any Holder of Notes:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated
Notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of the Companys or a Guarantors obligations to the
Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor
pursuant to Article 5 or Article 11 hereof;
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the
Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any
Holder;
(5) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
(6) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents, the Note
Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of the Description of Notes section of the
Companys Offering Circular dated August 8, 2007, relating to the initial offering of the
Notes, to the extent that such provision in that Description of Notes was intended to be a
verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents, the Note
Guarantees or the Notes;
(7) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations
set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof;
(8) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Note Guarantee
with respect to the Notes; or
(9) to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by this
Indenture or any of the Collateral Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes
effective as set forth in this Indenture or any of the Collateral Documents.
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Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors
authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the
Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company
and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or
permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and
stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee will not be obligated to enter into
such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise.
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.
Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the
Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including, without limitation,
Section 3.09, 4.10 and 4.14 hereof), the Collateral Documents or the Notes and the Note Guarantees
with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single
class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof and
subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a
Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages, if
any, or interest on, the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has
been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Collateral Documents or the
Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional
Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). None of this
Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Collateral Documents may be amended, modified or
supplemented in any way that would contravene the Intercreditor Agreement. Section 2.08 hereof
shall determine which Notes are considered to be outstanding for purposes of this Section 9.02.
Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors
authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with
the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as
aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the
Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or
supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustees
own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may
in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.
It is not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to
approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it is sufficient
if such consent approves the substance thereof.
After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the
Company will mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the
amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect
therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or
supplemental indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class may
waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or
the Notes or the Note Guarantees. However, without the consent of each Holder affected or, in the
case of clauses (8) and (9) below only, the consent of at least 95% in aggregate principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not
(with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):
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(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter or waive
any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (except as provided above
with respect to Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.14 hereof);
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default
interest, on any Note;
(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or premium or
Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration
of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past
Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest
or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the Notes;
(7) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required
by Sections 3.09, 4.10 or 4.14 hereof);
(8) release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Note
Guarantees;
(9) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this
Indenture if the assets or properties of that Guarantor constitute all or substantially all
of the Collateral, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the
Intercreditor Agreement; or
(10) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in an amended
or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents.
Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a
Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or
portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holders Note, even if notation of
the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a
Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation
before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or
waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.
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Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any
Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee
shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment,
supplement or waiver.
Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note will not affect the validity and
effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.
The Trustee will sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this
Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities
or immunities of the Trustee. The Company may not sign an amended or supplemental indenture until
the Board of Directors of the Company approves it. In executing any amended or supplemental
indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be
fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 13.04 hereof, an
Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or
supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.
ARTICLE 10
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY
Section 10.01 Security.
The payment of all amounts due under the Note Guarantees of the Pledgors and the performance
of all Obligations of each of the Pledgors to the Holders will be secured, equally and ratably with
any other Parity Lien Obligations of such Pledgors, by Liens on the Collateral of such Pledgors,
subject to Permitted Prior Liens, as provided in the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor
Agreement. The payment of all amounts due under the Note Guarantee of VGR Holding and the
performance of all Obligations of VGR Holding to the Holders will be secured, equally and ratably
with any other Parity Lien Obligations of VGR Holding, by Liens on the Pledged Securities as
provided in the Collateral Documents. The Collateral Documents shall provide for the grant by the
Pledgors and VGR Holding to the Collateral Agent of security interests in the Collateral securing
their Note Guarantees subject in the case of the Liggett Guarantors to the terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement.
Section 10.02 Equal and Ratable Sharing of Collateral by Holders of Parity Lien Debt.
All Parity Liens granted at any time by the Pledgors or VGR Holding shall secure, equally and
ratably, all present and future Parity Lien Obligations and all proceeds of all Parity Liens
granted at any time by the Pledgors or VGR Holding shall be allocated and distributed equally and
ratably on account of the Parity Lien Debt and other Parity Lien Obligations.
Section 10.03 Release of Liens in Respect of Note Guarantees.
Whether prior to or after the First Priority Debt has been paid in full, assets included in
the Collateral may be released from the Liens securing the Note Guarantees under any one or more of
the following circumstances:
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(a) as to any Collateral that is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by a Guarantor to
a Person that is not (either before or after such sale, transfer or disposition) the Company or a
Guarantor in a transaction or other circumstance that complies with the provisions of Section 4.10
hereof and is permitted by the Noteholder Documents and, if the First Priority Debt has not been
paid in full, the ABL Documents; provided that such Liens will not be released if such sale or
disposition is subject to the provisions of Section 5.01 hereof;
(b) if any Guarantor is released from its Note Guarantee, that Guarantors assets will also be
released from the Liens securing the Note Guarantee;
(c) in whole or in part, with the consent of the Holders of the requisite percentage of Notes
in accordance with Article 9;
(d) if required in connection with certain foreclosure actions, or the exercise of other
remedies in respect of Collateral, by the ABL Lender in respect of First Priority Debt in
accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement;
(e) upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of the Notes as set forth under Article 8;
(f) upon satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as set forth under Article 12; or
(g) upon payment in full and discharge of all Notes outstanding under this Indenture and all
Obligations that are outstanding, due and payable under this Indenture at the time the Notes are
paid in full and discharged.
Section 10.04 Relative Rights.
Nothing in the Noteholder Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement shall:
(a) impair, as between the Company and the Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, premium and interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, on the Notes in accordance with their terms or any other obligation of the Company or any
Guarantor;
(b) affect the relative rights of Holders as against any other creditors of the Company or any
Guarantor (other than holders of First Priority Liens, Permitted Prior Liens or other Parity
Liens);
(c) restrict the right of any Holder to sue for payments that are then due and owing (but not
enforce any judgment in respect thereof against any Collateral to the extent specifically
prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreement);
(d) restrict or prevent any Holder or the Collateral Agent from exercising any of its rights
or remedies upon a Default or Event of Default not specifically restricted or prohibited by the
Intercreditor Agreement; or
(e) restrict or prevent any Holder or the Collateral Agent from taking any lawful action in an
insolvency or liquidation proceeding not specifically restricted or prohibited by the Intercreditor
Agreement.
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Section 10.05 Further Assurances, Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
(a) The Company and each of the Guarantors providing security for their Note Guarantees will
do or cause to be done all acts and things that may be reasonably required, or that the Collateral
Agent from time to time may reasonably request, to assure and confirm that the Collateral Agent
holds, for the benefit of the holders of Parity Lien Obligations, duly created and enforceable and
perfected Parity Liens upon the Collateral (including any categories of property or assets that are
included as Collateral under the Collateral Documents or otherwise become Collateral after the
Notes are issued), in each case, as contemplated by, and with the Lien priority required under, the
Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents.
Upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent or the Trustee at any time and from time
to time, the Company and each of the applicable Guarantors will promptly execute, acknowledge and
deliver such security documents, instruments, certificates, notices and other documents, and take
such other actions as shall be reasonably required, or that the Collateral Agent may reasonably
request, to create, perfect, protect, assure or enforce the Liens and benefits intended to be
conferred, in each case as contemplated by the Collateral Documents for the benefit of the holders
of Parity Lien Obligations, including any real property acquired by Pledgors in the future that has
a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million.
The Company and the applicable Guarantors will:
(1) keep their properties adequately insured at all times by financially sound and
reputable insurers;
(2) maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks (and with such
deductibles, retentions and exclusions), including fire and other risks insured against by
extended coverage and coverage for acts of terrorism, as is customary with companies in the
same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including public
liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property damage occurring
upon, in, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or
controlled by them;
(3) maintain such other insurance as may be required by law;
(4) maintain title insurance on all real property Collateral insuring the Collateral
Agents Parity Lien on that property, subject only to Permitted Prior Liens and other
exceptions to title approved by the Collateral Agent; and
(5) maintain such other insurance as may be required by the Collateral Documents.
Upon the request of the Collateral Agent, the Company and the Guarantors will furnish to the
Collateral Agent full information as to their property and liability insurance carriers. Holders
of Parity Lien Obligations, as a class, will be named as additional insureds, with a waiver of
subrogation, on all insurance policies of the applicable Guarantors and the Collateral Agent will
be named as loss payee, with 30 days notice of cancellation or material change, on all property
and casualty insurance policies of the applicable Guarantors.
(b) The Company shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314.
To the extent applicable, the Company shall cause TIA § 313(b), relating to reports, and TIA §
314(d), relating to the release of property or securities subject to the Liens of the Collateral
Documents, to
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be complied with. Any certificate or opinion required by TIA § 314(d) may be made by an
Officer of the Company except in cases where TIA § 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion
be made by an independent Person, which Person shall be an independent engineer, appraiser or other
expert selected by or reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this paragraph, the Company shall not be required to comply with all or any portion of
TIA § 314(d) if it determines, in good faith based on advice of counsel, that under the terms of
TIA § 314(d) and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its
staff, including no action letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of TIA § 314(d) is
inapplicable to one or a series of released Collateral.
Section 10.06 Collateral Agent.
(a) The Company has appointed U.S. Bank National Association to serve as Collateral Agent
under the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents, for the benefit of the Holders of
the Notes.
(b) The Collateral Agent is authorized and empowered to appoint one or more co-collateral
agents as it deems necessary or appropriate.
(c) The Collateral Agent (directly or through co-trustees, agents or sub-agents) will hold,
and will be entitled to enforce, all Liens on the Collateral.
(d) The Collateral Agent will be subject to such directions as may be given it by the Trustee
from time to time as required or permitted by this Indenture. Except as directed by the Trustee
and as required or permitted by this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or as directed by the
Holders with the requisite consent of such Holders, the Collateral Agent will not be obligated to:
(1) act upon directions purported to be delivered to it by any other Person;
(2) foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any Lien; or
(3) take any other action whatsoever with regard to any or all of the Collateral
Documents, the Liens created thereby or the Collateral.
The Company shall do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be necessary or
proper, or as may be required by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Noteholder
Documents, to assure and confirm to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent the security interest in
the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Intercreditor Agreement, the Noteholder Documents or any
part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security
and benefit of this Indenture and of the Guarantees secured thereby, according to the intent and
purposes herein and therein expressed.
(e) The Collateral Agent will be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a
result of the enforcement of Liens created by the Collateral Documents.
(f) In acting as Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent may rely upon and enforce each and all
of the rights, powers, protections, immunities, indemnities and benefits of the Trustee under
Article 7 mutatis mutandis, and, in connection therewith, references to the Trustee shall be deemed
to include the Collateral Agent and references to this Indenture shall be deemed to include the
Collateral Documents.
(g) Each successor Trustee will become the successor Collateral Agent as and when the
successor Trustee becomes the Trustee.
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Section 10.07 Authorization of Actions to Be Taken.
(a) Each Holder of Notes, by its acceptance thereof, consents and agrees to the terms of each
Collateral Document, as originally in effect and as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to
time in accordance with its terms or the terms of this Indenture, authorizes and directs the
Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into the Collateral Documents, authorizes and empowers
the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement, and
authorizes and empowers each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to bind the Holders of Notes
as set forth in the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and to perform its
obligations and exercise its rights and powers thereunder.
(b) The Collateral Agent and the Trustee are authorized and empowered to receive for the
benefit of the Holders any funds collected or distributed under the Collateral Documents or the
Intercreditor Agreement and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to
the provisions of this Indenture.
(c) Subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 10.03 and the terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee may, upon an Event of Default, in its sole discretion and
without the consent of the Holders of Notes, direct, on behalf of the Holders, the Collateral Agent
to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:
(1) foreclose upon or otherwise enforce any or all of the Liens on the Collateral;
(2) enforce any of the terms of the Collateral Documents or Intercreditor Agreement; or
(3) collect and receive payment of any and all Obligations of the Pledgors and VGR
Holding.
The Trustee will have power to (and to instruct the Collateral Agent to) institute and
maintain such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the
Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Collateral Documents, the
Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may deem
expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral
(including power to (and to instruct the Collateral Agent to) institute and maintain suits or
proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental
enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of,
or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the security interest hereunder or
be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent).
Section 10.08 Recording and Opinions.
(a) Promptly after (but in any event not more than 60 days after) the execution and delivery
of this Indenture, or upon the later completion of all necessary filings, to the extent required by
TIA § 314(b)(i), the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel either:
(1) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all action has been taken with
respect to the recording, registering and filing of this Indenture, financing statements or
other instruments necessary to make effective the Liens intended to be created by the
Collateral Documents, and reciting with respect to the security interests in the Collateral,
the details of such action; or
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(2) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to make
such Liens effective.
Such Opinion of Counsel may assume the due and proper filing of financing statements and the
due and proper recordation of documents and instruments with federal, state and county officials,
to the extent that such financing statements, documents and instruments have been presented for
filing or recordation, or to the extent that such counsel has reviewed a file stamped copy or a
recorded copy of any such financing statement, document or instrument.
(b) The Company will furnish to the Collateral Agent and the Trustee within 90 days after the
end of each fiscal year, an Opinion of Counsel, dated as of such date, either:
(1) (A) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, action has been taken with
respect to the recording, registering, filing, re-recording, re-registering and re-filing of
this Indenture, financing statements or continuation statements as is necessary to maintain
the Liens of the Collateral Documents and reciting with respect to the security interests in
the Collateral the details of such action or referring to prior Opinions of Counsel in which
such details are given, and (B) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, based on
relevant laws as in effect on the date of such Opinion of Counsel, all financing statements
and continuation statements have been executed and filed that are necessary as of such date
and during the succeeding 12 months to maintain the Liens of the Collateral Documents and
reciting the details of such actions; or
(2) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to
maintain such Liens.
(c) Immediately prior to the issuance of the Exchange Notes and annually thereafter, the
Company will furnish to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent an Opinion of Counsel, in the form
specified in Section 10.09(b) for that opinion, with respect to the effectiveness and perfection of
the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Documents. The Company will otherwise comply
with the provisions of TIA § 314(b).
Section 10.09 Certificates of the Company.
The Company will furnish to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, prior to each proposed
release of Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents:
(1) all documents required by TIA § 314(d);
(2) an Officers Certificate certifying that all terms for release under this Indenture
and any applicable Collateral Documents have been satisfied and specifying (a) the identity
of the Collateral to be released and (b) the applicable provisions of this Indenture and the
Collateral Documents which authorize that release; and
(3) an Opinion of Counsel which may be rendered by internal counsel to the Company, to
the effect that such accompanying documents constitute all documents required by TIA §
314(d).
The Trustee and the Collateral Agent may, to the extent permitted by Sections 7.01 and 7.02,
accept as conclusive evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions the appropriate
statements contained in such documents, Officers Certificate and such Opinion of Counsel.
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Section 10.10 Certificates of the Trustee.
In the event that the Company wishes to release Collateral in accordance with this Indenture
and the Collateral Documents and has delivered the certificates and documents required by this
Indenture and the Collateral Documents and Sections 10.04, 10.09 and 10.10, the Trustee will
determine whether it has received all documentation required by TIA § 314(d) in connection with
such release and, based on such determination and the Opinion of Counsel delivered pursuant to
clause (3) of Section 10.10, will deliver a certificate to the Collateral Agent setting forth such
determination. The Trustee, however, shall have no duty to confirm the legality or validity of
such documents, its sole duty being to certify that it has received such documentation which on
their face conform to Section 314(d) of the TIA.
Section 10.11 Environmental Indemnity
(a) Each of the Company and the Guarantors jointly and severally agrees to defend (subject to
Indemnitees selection of counsel), indemnify, pay and hold harmless the Trustee and each Holder
and each of their respective Affiliates and each and all of the directors, officers, partners,
trustees, employees, attorneys and agents, and (in each case) their respective heirs,
representatives, successors and assigns (each of the foregoing, an Indemnitee) from and against
any and all Indemnified Liabilities; provided, no Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification
hereunder with respect to any Indemnified Liability to the extent such Indemnified Liability is
found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted
directly and primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.
(b) All amounts due under Section 10.11(a) hereof shall be payable not later than 10 days
after written demand therefor.
(c) To the extent that the undertakings to defend, indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth
in Section 10.11(a) hereof may be unenforceable in whole or in part because they are violative of
any law or public policy, each of the Company and Guarantors shall contribute the maximum portion
that it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law to the payment and satisfaction of all
Indemnified Liabilities incurred by Indemnitees or any of them.
(d) Neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall ever assert any claim against any Indemnitee,
on any theory of liability, for any lost profits or special, indirect or consequential damages or
(to the fullest extent lawful) any punitive damages arising out of, in connection with, or as a
result of, this Indenture or any other Noteholder Document or any agreement or instrument or
transaction contemplated hereby or relating in any respect to any Indemnified Liability, and each
of the Company and Guarantors hereby forever waives, releases and agrees not to sue upon any claim
for any such lost profits or special, indirect, consequential or (to the fullest extent lawful)
punitive damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its
favor.
(e) The agreements in this Section 10.11 shall survive repayment of the Notes and all other
amounts payable hereunder and the resignation and removal of the Trustee or Collateral Agent.
ARTICLE 11
NOTE GUARANTEES
Section 11.01 Guarantee.
(a) Subject to this Article 11, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally,
unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and
to the
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Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of
this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:
(1) the principal of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the
Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration,
redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes,
if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with
the terms hereof and thereof; and
(2) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such
other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for
whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same
immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of
collection.
(b) The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder are unconditional,
irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the
absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with
respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any
action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or
equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence,
presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or
bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest,
notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged
except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.
(c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the
Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in
relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such
Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force
and effect.
(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation
to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all
obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on
the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the
obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes
of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such
acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any
declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations
(whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the
purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any
non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the
Holders under the Note Guarantee.
Section 11.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the
intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the
Uniform
83
Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any
Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors
hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum
amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed
liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any
collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 11, result in
the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer
or conveyance.
Section 11.03 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.
To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees
that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto will
be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
and that this Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof will
remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of
such Note Guarantee.
If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Note Guarantee no longer holds
that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Note Guarantee is endorsed,
the Note Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.
The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, will
constitute due delivery of the Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the
Guarantors.
In the event that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries creates or acquires any
Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.17 hereof, the
Company will cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.17 hereof
and this Article 11, the extent applicable.
Section 11.04 Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into
(whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than the Company or
another Guarantor, unless:
(1) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default
exists; and
(2) either:
(A) subject to Section 11.05 hereof, the Person acquiring the property in any
such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation
or merger unconditionally assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under this
Indenture, the Collateral Documents, its Note Guarantee and the Registration Rights
Agreement on the terms set forth herein or therein, pursuant to a supplemental
indenture and appropriate Collateral Documents in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee; or
84
(B) the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in
accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without
limitation, Section 4.10 hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the
successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory
in form to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes and the due and punctual
performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the
Guarantor, such successor Person will succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same
effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to
be signed any or all of the Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder
which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee. All the
Note Guarantees so issued will in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this
Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of
this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution
hereof.
Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clauses 2(a) and (b)
above, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes will prevent any consolidation or
merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or will prevent any sale or
conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the
Company or another Guarantor.
Section 11.05 Releases.
(a) In the event of any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all
of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case provided such sale or disposition does not
violate the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof, and in each case to a Person that is not (either
before or after giving effect to such transactions) the Company or a Guarantor, then such Guarantor
(in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all
of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the corporation acquiring the property (in the event of
a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor) will be
released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds
of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this
Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof. Upon delivery by the Company to the
Trustee of an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other
disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including
without limitation Section 4.10 hereof, the Trustee will execute any documents reasonably required
in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.
(b) Upon Legal Defeasance in accordance with Article 8 hereof or satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture in accordance with Article 12 hereof, each Guarantor will be released and relieved
of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this
Section 11.05 will remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest and premium and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this
Indenture as provided in this Article 11.
85
ARTICLE 12
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
Section 12.01 Satisfaction and Discharge.
This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes
issued hereunder, when:
(1) either:
(a) all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that
have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited
in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation; or
(b) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become
due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will
become due and payable within one year and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably
deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the
benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a
combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any
reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if
any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;
(2) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such
deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to
be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a
party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(3) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it
under this Indenture; and
(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this
Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the
redemption date, as the case may be.
In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to
the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been
satisfied.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited
with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 12.01, the provisions of
Sections 12.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive. In addition, nothing in this Section 12.01 will be
deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Section 12.02 Application of Trust Money.
Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to Section 12.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the
provisions of the
86
Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons
entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any) and interest for
whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated
from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in
accordance with Section 12.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or
judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, the Companys and any Guarantors obligations under this Indenture and the Notes
shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 12.01 hereof;
provided that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium or Liquidated Damages,
if any, or interest on, any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company
shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the
money or Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 13.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by
TIA §318(c), the imposed duties will control.
Section 13.02 Notices.
Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly
given if in writing and delivered in Person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return
receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery,
to the others address:
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If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:
Vector Group Ltd.
100 S.E. 2nd Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
Attention: Richard J. Lampen and Marc Bell, Esq.
Facsimile No.: (305) 579-8009
With a copy to:
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
340 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10173
Attention: Stephen E. Older and Lynn M. Roland
Facsimile No.: (212) 547-5444 |
87
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If to the Trustee:
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, MN 55107-2292
Attention: Rick Prokosch
Facsimile No.: (651) 495-8097 |
The Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional
or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been
duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being
deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by
facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air
courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
Any notice or communication to a Holder will be mailed by first class mail, certified or
registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to
its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication will also be
so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to
mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with
respect to other Holders.
If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time
prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it will mail a copy to the Trustee
and each Agent at the same time.
Section 13.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their
rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else
shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).
Section 13.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this
Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that,
in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for
in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee
(which must include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that, in the
opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.
88
Section 13.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided
for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) must comply
with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and must include:
(1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such
covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation
upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such
examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed
opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or
covenant has been satisfied.
Section 13.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar
or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 13.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.
No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the
Company or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or
the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each
Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release
are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive
liabilities under the federal securities laws.
Section 13.08 Governing Law.
THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE,
THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF
LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED
THEREBY.
Section 13.09 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the
Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may
not be used to interpret this Indenture.
89
Section 13.10 Successors.
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors. All
agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors. All agreements of each
Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 11.05
hereof.
Section 13.11 Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.
Section 13.12 Counterpart Originals.
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an
original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
Section 13.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this
Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of
this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
[Signatures on following page]
90
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
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Very truly yours,
The Company:
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
Executive Vice President |
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Guarantors:
VGR HOLDING LLC
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
Manager |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
Manager |
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LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
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VECTOR RESEARCH LLC
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer |
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VECTOR TOBACCO INC.
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
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LIGGETT & MYERS HOLDINGS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
President |
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LIGGETT & MYERS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
President |
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100 MAPLE LLC
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
Manager |
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V.T. AVIATION LLC
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
VP of Finance, Treasurer, and Chief
Financial Officer |
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VGR AVIATION LLC
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
VP of Finance, CFO, and Treasurer |
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
President |
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Trustee:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
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By: |
/s/ Richard Prokosch
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Name: |
Richard Prokosch |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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94
CUSIP/CINS
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
promises to pay to [ ] or registered assigns,
the principal sum of DOLLARS on August 15, 2015.
Interest Payment Dates: February 15 and August 15
Record Dates: February 1 and August 1
Dated: , 200
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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By: |
/s/
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Name: |
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Title: |
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This is one of the Notes referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture:
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
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By: |
/s/
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Authorized Signatory |
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A-1
[Back of Note]
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to
below unless otherwise indicated.
(1) Interest. Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Company),
promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 11% per annum from
, 20 until maturity and shall pay the Liquidated Damages, if any,
payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The
Company will pay interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, semi-annually in arrears on
February 15 and August 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the
next succeeding Business Day (each, an Interest Payment Date). Interest on the Notes will
accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the
payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on
the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from
such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment
Date shall be , 20 . The Company will pay interest (including post-petition
interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if
any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then
in effect to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in
any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on
demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
(2) Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except
defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Persons who are registered
Holders of Notes at the close of business on the February 1 or August 1 next preceding the
Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or
before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with
respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium and
Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained
for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the
Company, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to
the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment
by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal
of and interest, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other
Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or
the Paying Agent. Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of
America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
(3) Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, U.S. Bank National Association,
the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may
change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of
its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.
A-2
(4) Indenture and Collateral.
(a) The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of August 16, 2007 (the
Indenture) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes
include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to
the TIA. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture
and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note
conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture
shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal
amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.
(b) The payment of all amounts due under the Note Guarantees of the Pledgors and the
performance of all Obligations of each of the Pledgors to the Holders will be secured,
equally and ratably with any other Parity Lien Obligations of such Pledgors, by Liens on the
Collateral of such Pledgors, subject to Permitted Prior Liens, as provided in the Collateral
Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. The payment of all amounts due under the Note
Guarantee of VGR Holding and the performance of all Obligations of VGR Holding to the
Holders will be secured, equally and ratably with any other Parity Lien Obligations of VGR
Holding, by Liens on the Pledged Securities as provided in the Collateral Documents. The
Collateral Documents shall provide for the grant by the Pledgors and VGR Holding to the
Collateral Agent of security interests in the Collateral securing their Note Guarantees
subject in the case of the Liggett Guarantors to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.
(5) Optional Redemption.
(a) At any time prior to August 15, 2010, the Company may on any one or more occasions
redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture at a
redemption price of 111% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of a sale
of common Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company; provided that:
(i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally
issued under the Indenture (excluding Notes held by the Company and its
Subsidiaries) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such
redemption; and
(ii) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of
such sale of Equity Interests.
(b) At any time prior to August 15, 2011, the Company may also redeem all or a part of
the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior notice mailed by first-class
mail to each Holders registered address, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the applicable date of redemption, subject to
the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date.
(c) Except pursuant to the preceding paragraphs, the Notes will not be redeemable at
the Companys option prior to August 15, 2011.
(d) On or after August 15, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as
A-3
percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes redeemed to the applicable redemption date, if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15 of the years indicated below,
subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest on the
relevant interest payment date:
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Year |
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Percentage |
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2011 |
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105.500 |
% |
2012 |
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103.667 |
% |
2013 |
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101.833 |
% |
2014 and thereafter |
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100.000 |
% |
Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease
to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable
redemption date.
(6) Mandatory Redemption. The Company is not be required to make mandatory
redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
(7) Repurchase at the Option of Holder.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes will have the
right to require the Company to make an offer (a Change of Control Offer) to repurchase
all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of that Holders Notes
at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes
repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record
date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date (the Change of Control
Payment). Within thirty days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a
notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change
of Control as required by the Indenture.
(b) If the Company or a Guarantor consummates any Asset Sales, within five days of each
date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, the
Company will commence an offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders of other Indebtedness
that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the
Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets
(an Asset Sale Offer) pursuant to Section3 3.09 and 4.10 of the Indenture to purchase the
maximum principal amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and such other pari passu
Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset
Sale Offer will be equal to percentages corresponding to the applicable optional redemption
price in effect on the repurchase date, and for periods prior to August 15, 2011, the first
optional redemption price of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate
amount of Notes (including any Additional Notes) and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered
pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company (or such
Guarantor) may use such deficiency for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the
Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness
tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall
select the Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis.
Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale
Offer from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes
A-4
purchased by completing the form entitled Option of Holder to Elect Purchase attached
to the Notes.
(8) Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30
days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to
be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more
than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a
defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction or discharge of the Indenture. Notes in
denominations larger than $1,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of
$1,000, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.
(9) Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer
of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The
Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes
and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or
register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for
the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company need not
exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of
Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding
Interest Payment Date.
(10) Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as
its owner for all purposes.
(11) Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, and
subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the
Collateral Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at
least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including
Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event of
Default (except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of,
premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on, the Notes) or compliance with any
provision of the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Collateral Documents may
be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class.
Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees
or the Collateral Documents may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or
inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Companys or a Guarantors
obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees in case of a merger or
consolidation, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to
the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the
Indenture of any such Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect
or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the
Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Collateral Documents to any provision of
the Description of Notes section of the Companys Offering Circular dated August 8, 2007,
relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that
Description of Notes was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the
Indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents or the Notes; to provide for the
issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture;
to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note
Guarantee with respect to the Notes, or to make,
A-5
complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the Indenture or
any of the Collateral Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set
forth in the indenture or any of the Collateral Documents. In addition, any amendment or
supplement to, or waiver of, the provisions of the Indenture or any Collateral Document that
has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens
securing the Note Guarantees or releasing any Guarantor from any of its obligations under
its Note Guarantee or the Indenture if the assets or properties of that Guarantor constitute
all or substantially all of the Collateral, except in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement, will require the consent of the holders of at
least 95% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
(12) Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default include: (i) default for 30
days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to
the Notes; (ii) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise)
of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes or default in the payment when due of
a change of Control Payment, (iii) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 30
days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding including Additional Notes, if any, voting as
a single class to comply with the provisions of Sections 4.07, 4.09 or 4.10 hereof; (iv)
failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 60 days after notice to the Company by
the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class to comply with any
of the other agreements in the Indenture or the Collateral Documents; (v) default under
certain other agreements relating to Indebtedness of the Company which default arises from
the failure to pay principal, interest or premium on such Indebtedness and such Default
continues for 30 days or results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its
express maturity and such acceleration is not annulled within 30 days; (vi) certain final
judgments for the payment of money that remain undischarged for a period of 60 days; (vii)
certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any Guarantor that
is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would
constitute a Significant Subsidiary; (viii) the breach for 60 days after notice to the
Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class of
certain representations or warranties or agreements in the Collateral Documents; (ix) the
repudiation by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any of its obligations under the
Collateral Documents or the unenforceability of the Collateral Documents against the Company
or any of the Guarantors for any reason; and (x) except as permitted by the Indenture, any
Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases
for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor or any Person acting on its
behalf denies or disaffirms its obligations under such Guarantors Note Guarantee. If any
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due
and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default
arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding Notes will become
due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the
Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations,
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct
the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of
the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of
Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or premium or Liquidated Damages,
if any,) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the
Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration
A-6
or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the
Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or
premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is
required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the
Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of
Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
(13) Trustee Dealings with Company. The Trustee, in its individual or any
other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the
Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if
it were not the Trustee.
(14) No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee, incorporator
or stockholder of the Company or any of the Guarantors, as such, will not have any liability
for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note Guarantees,
the Collateral Documents or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by
reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and
releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the
issuance of the Notes.
(15) Authentication. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the
manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
(16) Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
(17) Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted
Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the
Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have all
the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 16, 2007, among
the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof or,
in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted
Definitive Notes will have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights
agreements, if any, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto,
relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any
Additional Notes (collectively, the Registration Rights Agreement).
(18) CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee
on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be
printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a
convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either
as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be
placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
(19) GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND
BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT
TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS
OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
A-7
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the
Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:
Vector Group Ltd.
100 S.E. 2nd Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
Attention: Richard J. Lampen and Marc Bell, Esq.
A-8
Assignment Form
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
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(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: |
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(Insert assignees legal name) |
(Insert assignees soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
(Print or type assignees name, address and zip code)
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and irrevocably appoint |
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to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him. |
Date:
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Your Signature:
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(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
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Signature Guarantee*:
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Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor
acceptable to the Trustee). |
A-9
Option of Holder to Elect Purchase
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or
4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:
o Section 4.10 o Section 4.14
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$
Date:
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Your Signature:
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(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
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Tax Identification No.:
Signature Guarantee*:
Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor
acceptable to the Trustee).
A-10
Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note *
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global
Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for
an interest in this Global Note, have been made:
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Principal Amount |
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Amount of decrease |
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of this Global Note |
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in Principal Amount |
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in Principal Amount |
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following such |
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authorized officer |
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of |
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decrease |
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of Trustee or |
Date of Exchange |
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this Global Note |
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this Global Note |
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(or increase) |
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This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.
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A-11
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
[Company address block]
[Registrar address block]
Re: 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007 (the Indenture),
among Vector Group Ltd., as issuer (the Company), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank
National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
________________, (the Transferor) owns and proposes to transfer the
Note [ s ] or interest in such Note [ s ] specified in Annex A
hereto, in the principal amount of $_______ in such Note [ s ] or interests
(the Transfer), to ________________________ (the Transferee), as further specified in Annex
A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
1. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the
144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the Securities Act), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the
beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor
reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account,
or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion,
and such Person and each such account is a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of
Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, and such Transfer is in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted
Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
2. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the
Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the
Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is
not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated,
the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf
reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the
transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities
market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction
was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made
in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the
Securities Act; (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the
expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the
account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the
proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial
interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation
S Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
B-1
3. o Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest
in the IAI Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities
Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with
the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and
Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any
applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the
Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):
(a) o such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule
144 under the Securities Act;
or
(b) o such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) o such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act;
or
(d) o such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor
and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further
certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of
Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer
restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted
Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is
supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the
Indenture and (2) if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the
time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor
or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to
the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation
of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred
beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the IAI Global Note and/or the
Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
4. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
(a) o Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected
pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the
transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any
state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the
Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in
the Indenture.
B-2
(b) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in
compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained
in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance
with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject
to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(c) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer
restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of
the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or
Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.
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Dated: ______________________
B-3
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
(a) o a beneficial interest in the:
(i)
o 144A Global Note (CUSIP
_____________), or
(ii)
o Regulation S Global Note
(CUSIP _____________), or
(iii) o IAI Global Note (CUSIP _____________); or
(b) o a Restricted Definitive Note.
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
[CHECK ONE]
(a) o a beneficial interest in the:
(i) ¨ 144A Global Note (CUSIP _____________), or
(ii) ¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _____________), or
(iii) ¨ IAI Global Note (CUSIP _____________); or
(iv) ¨ Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP _____________); or
(b) ¨ a Restricted Definitive Note; or
(c) ¨ an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
B-4
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
[Company address block]
[Registrar address block]
Re: 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
(CUSIP ____________)
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007 (the Indenture),
among Vector Group Ltd. as issuer (the Company), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank
National Association as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
__________________________, (the Owner) owns and proposes to exchange the
Note [ s ] or interest in such Note [ s ] specified herein, in
the principal amount of $_________ in such Note [ s ] or interests (the
"Exchange). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global
Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
(a) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owners
beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being
acquired for the Owners own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in
compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), (iii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States.
(b) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owners beneficial interest
in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owners own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange
has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global
Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer
contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(c) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owners Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note
for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owners own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted
Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions
on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and
C-1
(iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States.
(d) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive
Note. In connection with the Owners Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired
for the Owners own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance
with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture
and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the
Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any
applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global
Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
(a) ¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owners beneficial interest in
a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner
hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owners own account
without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and
in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
(b) ¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owners Restricted Definitive Note
for a beneficial interest in the [ CHECK ONE ] ¨ 144A Global Note, ¨
Regulation S Global Note, ¨ IAI Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby
certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owners own account without
transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions
applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities
Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture,
the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the
Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and
the Securities Act.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.
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[Insert Name of Transferor] |
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Dated: ______________________
C-2
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
[Company address block]
[Registrar address block]
Re: 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007 (the Indenture),
among Vector Group Ltd. as issuer (the Company), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank
National Association as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the
meanings given to them in the Indenture.
In
connection with our proposed purchase of $_____________ aggregate principal amount of:
(a) ¨ a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or
(b) ¨ a Definitive Note,
we confirm that:
1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject
to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be
bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein except
in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the Securities Act).
2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the
Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as
permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for
which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest
therein, we will do so only (A) to the Company or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with
Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a qualified institutional buyer (as defined therein), (C)
to an institutional accredited investor (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer,
furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Company a
signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and, if such transfer is in respect of a
principal amount of Notes, at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel in
form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with
the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under
the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or (F)
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to
provide to any Person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from
us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice
advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.
3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we
will be required to furnish to you and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other
information as you and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale
complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us
will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
D-1
4. We are an institutional accredited investor (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the
Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of
our or its investment.
5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own
account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional accredited investor) as to
each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.
You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to
produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal
proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
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[Insert Name of Accredited Investor] |
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Dated: _______________________
D-2
EXHIBIT E
[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]
For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the
Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the
Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of August 16, 2007 (the
"Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Company"), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank
National Association as trustee (the Trustee), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal
of, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on, the Notes, whether at maturity, by
acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue
principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and the due and punctual performance of
all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any
of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration
or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee
pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 11 of the
Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note
Guarantee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the
Indenture.
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[Name of Guarantor(s)]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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E-1
EXHIBIT F
[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]
Supplemental Indenture (this Supplemental Indenture), dated as of
_____________, 200_____, among _____________ (the Guaranteeing Subsidiary), a subsidiary of
Vector Group Ltd. (or its permitted successor), a Delaware corporation (the Company), the
Company, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and
__________________________, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the Trustee).
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the
"Indenture), dated as of August 16, 2007 providing for the issuance of 11% Senior Secured Notes
due 2015 (the Notes);
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary
shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the
Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Companys Obligations under the
Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the Note Guarantee); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and
deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the
Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes
as follows:
1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an
unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee
and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 11 thereof.
4. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer,
employee, incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have
any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes,
any Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for
any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each
Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective
to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a
waiver is against public policy.
5. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED
TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS
OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED
THEREBY.
6. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental
Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same
agreement.
F-1
7. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and
shall not affect the construction hereof.
8. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or
in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of
the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary
and the Company.
F-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly
executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Dated: _______________, 20___
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[Guaranteeing Subsidiary]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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[Existing Guarantors]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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[Trustee],
as Trustee
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
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F-3
EX-4.2 Pledge Agreement
Exhibit 4.2
PLEDGE AGREEMENT
DATED August 16, 2007
between
VGR HOLDING LLC
and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Collateral Agent
CONTENTS
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Clause |
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Page |
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1. INTERPRETATION |
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1 |
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1.1 Definitions |
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1 |
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1.2 Construction |
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2 |
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2. SECURED LIABILITIES |
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3 |
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2.1 Secured Liabilities |
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3 |
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2.2 Specification of Secured Liabilities |
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4 |
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3. CREATION OF PLEDGE AND SECURITY |
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4 |
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3.1 Security interest |
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4 |
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3.2 General |
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4 |
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4. PERFECTION ANd FURTHER ASSURANCES |
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5 |
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4.1 General perfection |
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5 |
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4.2 Delivery of certificates |
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5 |
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4.3 Filing of financing statements |
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6 |
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4.4 Communication with Issuers |
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6 |
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4.5 Further assurances |
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6 |
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5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
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7 |
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5.1 Representations and warranties |
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7 |
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5.2 The Pledgor |
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7 |
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5.3 The Pledged Collateral |
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7 |
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5.4 No liability |
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8 |
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5.5 Consideration and solvency |
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9 |
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5.6 Times for making representations and warranties |
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9 |
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6. UNDERTAKINGS |
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10 |
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6.1 Undertakings |
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10 |
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6.2 The Pledgor |
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10 |
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6.3 The Pledged Collateral |
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10 |
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6.4 Notices |
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12 |
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7. WHEN SECURITY BECOMES ENFORCEABLE |
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12 |
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Clause |
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8. ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY |
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12 |
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8.1 Events of Default |
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12 |
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8.2 General |
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13 |
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8.3 Dividend and voting rights |
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14 |
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8.4 Collateral Agents rights upon default |
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14 |
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8.5 No Marshaling |
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16 |
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9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS |
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16 |
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10. EXPENSES AND INDEMNITY |
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16 |
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11. EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS |
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17 |
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12. CHANGES TO THE PARTIES |
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18 |
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12.1 Pledgor |
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18 |
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12.2 Collateral Agent |
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18 |
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12.3 Successors and assigns |
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18 |
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13. MISCELLANEOUS |
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18 |
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13.1 Amendments and waivers |
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18 |
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13.2 Waivers and remedies cumulative |
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18 |
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13.3 Counterparts |
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18 |
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14. SEVERABILITY |
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18 |
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15. RELEASE |
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19 |
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16. NOTICES |
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19 |
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16.1 Notices |
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19 |
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16.2 Contact Details |
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19 |
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16.3 Effectiveness |
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19 |
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17. GOVERNING LAW |
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20 |
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18. ENFORCEMENT |
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20 |
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18.1 Jurisdiction |
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20 |
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18.2 Service of process |
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20 |
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18.3 Complete agreement |
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21 |
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Clause |
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18.4 Waiver of Jury Trial |
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21 |
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SCHEDULE 1: Pledged Equity Interests |
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SIGNATORIES
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iii
THIS AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is dated August 16, 2007
BETWEEN:
1. VGR HOLDING LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as pledgor (the Pledgor); and
2. U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Noteholders under the Indenture
described below (in this capacity, the Collateral Agent).
BACKGROUND:
The Pledgor enters into this Agreement in connection with the Indenture dated August 16, 2007 (the
Indenture) by and among Vector Group Ltd. (Vector Group), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as the trustee (the Trustee) under the Indenture. Pursuant to the
Indenture, Vector Group is issuing Notes and Pledgor is guaranteeing the Notes as provided in the
Indenture. Pledgor now wishes to secure its obligations under the Indenture by entering into this
Agreement.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. |
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INTERPRETATION |
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1.1 |
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Definitions |
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In this Agreement: |
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Event of Default means an event specified as such in Clause 8.1 (Events of Default). |
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Finance Documents means the Indenture, all Notes issued from time to time under the
Indenture, the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, this Agreement and all
other pledges, security agreements, control agreements and all other agreements and
documents entered into the connection with the transactions contemplated by the Indenture. |
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Guarantors means the Pledgor and the other guarantors under the Indenture. |
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Issuer means each of Liggett Group and Vector Tobacco. |
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Lien means any security interest, lien, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, charge, assignment,
hypothecation, adverse claim, claim, or restriction on assignment, transfer or pledge or any
other arrangement having the effect of conferring security. |
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Liggett Group means Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. |
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Note means any note issued from time to time under the Indenture, including any exchange
note. |
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Noteholder means any person which from time to time is the holder of a Note. |
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Obligors means Vector Group, the Pledgor and the other Guarantors.
Person means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
corporation, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any department or agency
thereof or any entity similar to any of the foregoing.
Pledged Collateral means:
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(a) |
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the Pledged Equity Interests; |
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(b) |
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all additional shares, securities, and interests in either Issuer, and all
warrants, rights, and options to purchase or receive shares, securities, or interests
in either Issuer, in which the Pledgor at any time has or obtains any interest; and |
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(c) |
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all dividends, interest, revenues, income, distributions, and proceeds of any
kind, whether cash, instruments, securities, or other property, received by or
distributable to the Pledgor in respect of, or in exchange for, the Pledged Equity
Interests or any other Pledged Collateral. |
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Pledged Equity Interests means all equity interests in the Issuers, which equity interests
are described in Schedule I (Pledged Equity Interests) to this Agreement. |
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Secured Liabilities means each liability and obligation specified in Clause 2
(Secured Liabilities). |
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Security means any security interest created by this Agreement. |
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Security Period means the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the
date on which all the Secured Liabilities have been indefeasibly, unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The Security Period will be extended to take into
account any extension or reinstatement of this Agreement under Clause 3.2(b)
(General). Furthermore, if the Collateral Agent considers that an amount paid to it or a
Noteholder under a Finance Document is capable of being avoided or otherwise set aside on
the bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvency or administration of the payer or otherwise then
that amount will not be considered to have been irrevocably paid for the purposes of this
Agreement. |
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UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New
York. |
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Vector Tobacco means Vector Tobacco Inc., a Virginia corporation.
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1.2 |
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Construction |
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(a) |
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Any term defined in the UCC and not defined in this Agreement has the meaning
given to that term in the UCC. |
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(b) |
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Any term defined in the Indenture and not defined in this Agreement or the UCC
has the meaning given to that term in the Indenture. |
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(c) |
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No reference to proceeds in this Agreement authorizes any sale, transfer or
other disposition of Collateral by the Pledgor. |
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(d) |
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In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to: |
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(i) |
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an amendment includes a supplement, novation, restatement or
re-enactment and amended will be construed accordingly; |
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(ii) |
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Clause, a Subclause or a Schedule is a reference to a Clause or
Subclause of, or a Schedule to, this Agreement; |
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(iii) |
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a law is a reference to that law as amended or re-enacted and
to any successor law; |
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(iv) |
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an agreement is a reference to that agreement as amended; |
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(v) |
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fraudulent transfer law means any applicable U.S. Bankruptcy
Law or state fraudulent transfer or conveyance statute, and the related case
law; |
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(vi) |
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law includes any law, statute, regulation, regulatory
requirement, rule, ordinance, ruling, decision, treaty, directive, order,
guideline, regulation, policy, writ, judgment, injunction or request of any
court or other governmental, inter-governmental or supranational body, officer
or official, fiscal or monetary authority, or other ministry or public entity
(and their interpretation, administration and application), whether or not
having the force of law; and |
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(i) |
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includes and including are not limiting; |
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(ii) |
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or is not exclusive; and |
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(iii) |
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the headings are for convenience only, do not constitute part
of this Agreement and are not to be used in construing it. |
2. |
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SECURED LIABILITIES |
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2.1 |
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Secured Liabilities |
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Each obligation and liability whether: |
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(a) |
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present or future, actual, contingent or unliquidated; or |
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(b) |
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owed jointly or severally (or in any other capacity whatsoever), |
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of the Pledgor to any Noteholder under or in connection with each Finance Document is a
Secured Liability. |
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Specification of Secured Liabilities |
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The Secured Liabilities include any liability or obligation for: |
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(a) |
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repayment of the principal of any Note; |
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(b) |
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payment of interest and any other amount payable under the Finance Documents; |
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(c) |
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payment and performance of all other obligations and liabilities of any Obligor
under the Finance Documents; |
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(d) |
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payment of any amount owed under any amendment, modification, renewal,
extension or novation of any of the above obligations; and |
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(e) |
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payment of an amount which arises after a petition is filed by, or against, any
Obligor under the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 even if the obligations do not accrue
because of the automatic stay under Section 362 of the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 or
otherwise. |
3. |
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CREATION OF PLEDGE AND SECURITY |
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3.1 |
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Security interest |
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As security for the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Liabilities
when due (whether due because of stated maturity, acceleration, mandatory prepayment, or
otherwise) and to induce the Noteholders to purchase the Notes, the Pledgor pledges to the
Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Noteholders, and grants to the Collateral Agent for
the benefit of the Noteholders a continuing security interest in, the Pledged Collateral. |
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3.2 |
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General |
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(a) |
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All the Security created under this Agreement: |
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(i) |
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is continuing security for the irrevocable and indefeasible
payment in full of the Secured Liabilities, regardless of any intermediate
payment or discharge in whole or in part; |
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(ii) |
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is in addition to, and not in any way prejudiced by, any other
security now or subsequently held by the Collateral Agent. |
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(b) |
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If, at any time for any reason (including the bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation of any Obligor or the
appointment of any receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or agent or similar official
for, any Obligor or any of their respective properties), any payment received by the |
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Collateral Agent or any Noteholder in respect of the Secured Liabilities is
rescinded or avoided or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Collateral
Agent or any Noteholder, that payment will not be considered to have been made for
purposes of this Agreement, and this Agreement will continue to be effective or will
be reinstated, if necessary, as if that payment had not been made. |
|
|
(c) |
|
This Agreement is enforceable against the Pledgor to the maximum extent
permitted by the fraudulent transfer laws. |
4. |
|
PERFECTION AND FURTHER ASSURANCES |
|
4.1 |
|
General perfection |
|
|
|
The Pledgor must take, at its own expense, promptly, and in any event within any applicable
time limit: |
|
(a) |
|
whatever action is necessary or reasonably desirable; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
any action which the Collateral Agent may reasonably require, |
|
|
to ensure that this Security is as of the date of this Agreement, and will continue to be
until the end of the Security Period, a validly created, attached, enforceable and perfected
first priority continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral, in all relevant
jurisdictions, securing payment and performance of the Secured Liabilities. |
|
|
|
This includes the giving of any notice, order or direction, the making of any filing or
registration, the passing of any resolution and the execution and delivery of any documents
or agreements which the Collateral Agent may think expedient. |
|
4.2 |
|
Delivery of certificates |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor represents and warrants that it has delivered to the Collateral
Agent (or as directed by the Collateral Agent) in the State of New York all original
certificates and instruments evidencing or representing the Pledged Equity Interests
existing on the date of this Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor must deliver to the Collateral Agent (or as directed by the
Collateral Agent) in the State of New York, promptly upon receipt, all original
certificates and instruments evidencing or representing any Pledged Collateral arising
or acquired by the Pledgor after the date of this Agreement. |
|
|
(c) |
|
All Pledged Collateral delivered under this Agreement will be either: |
|
(i) |
|
duly endorsed and in suitable form for transfer by delivery; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
accompanied by undated instruments of transfer endorsed in
blank, as directed by the Collateral Agent, and in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. |
5
|
(d) |
|
Until the end of the Security Period, the Collateral Agent will hold (directly
or through an agent) all certificates, instruments, and stock powers delivered to it. |
|
|
(e) |
|
At any time and from time to time, the Collateral Agent will have the right to
exchange certificates or instruments evidencing or representing Pledged Collateral for
certificates or instruments of smaller or larger denominations. |
4.3 |
|
Filing of financing statements |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor authorizes the Collateral Agent to prepare and file, at the
Pledgors expense: |
|
(i) |
|
financing statements describing the Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
continuation statements; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
any amendment in respect of those statements. |
|
(b) |
|
Promptly after filing an initial financing statement in respect of the Pledged
Collateral, the Pledgor must provide the Collateral Agent with an official report from
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware indicating that the Collateral Agents
security interest in the Pledged Collateral is prior to all other security interests or
other interests reflected in the report. |
4.4 |
|
Communication with Issuers |
|
|
|
The Pledgor authorizes the Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time to communicate
with the Issuers with regard to any matter relating to any Pledged Collateral. |
|
4.5 |
|
Further assurances |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor must take, at its own expense, promptly, and in any event within
any applicable time limit, whatever action the Collateral Agent may reasonably require
for: |
|
(i) |
|
creating, attaching, perfecting and protecting, and maintaining
the priority of, any security interest intended to be created by this
Agreement; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
facilitating the enforcement of this Security or the exercise
of any right, power or discretion exercisable by the Collateral Agent or any of
its delegates or sub-delegates in respect of any of the Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
obtaining possession and control of any Pledged Collateral;
and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
facilitating the assignment or transfer of any rights and/or
obligations of the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder under this Agreement. |
6
This includes the execution and delivery of any transfer, assignment or other agreement or
document, whether to the Collateral Agent or its nominee, which the Collateral Agent may
think expedient.
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as the Pledgors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in the
Pledgors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at the Pledgors
expense, to take any of the actions referred to in paragraph (a) above without notice
to or the consent of the Pledgor. This power of attorney is a power coupled with an
interest and cannot be revoked. The Pledgor ratifies and confirms all actions taken by
the Collateral Agent or its agents under this power of attorney. |
5. |
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
|
5.1 |
|
Representations and warranties |
|
|
|
The representations and warranties set out in this Clause are made by the Pledgor to the
Collateral Agent and each Noteholder. |
|
5.2 |
|
The Pledgor |
|
(a) |
|
It is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Its exact legal name, as it appears in the public records of its jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization, is VGR Holding LLC. It has not changed its name,
whether by amendment of its organizational documents, reorganization, merger or
otherwise, since its date of formation, December 7, 2005. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Its organizational identification number, as issued by its jurisdiction of
organization is 3097262. |
|
|
(d) |
|
It keeps at its address indicated in Clause 17 (Notices) its corporate
records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating to or
evidencing Pledged Collateral, except for the Pledged Collateral delivered to the
Collateral Agent in compliance with Clause 4.2 (Delivery of certificates). |
5.3 |
|
The Pledged Collateral |
|
(a) |
|
Liggett Group keeps at its address at 100 Maple Lane, Mebane, North Carolina
27302 and Vector Tobacco keeps at its address at One Park Drive, Suite 150, Post Office
Box 13818, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709 its corporate records, stock
ledger and all records, documents and instruments relating to or evidencing the Pledged
Collateral. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledged Equity Interests have been duly authorized and are validly issued,
fully-paid and non-assessable. |
7
|
(c) |
|
The Pledged Equity Interests constitute all of the issued and outstanding
equity or ownership interests in the Issuers, and there are no other equity or
ownership interests in the Issuers, options or rights to acquire or subscribe for any
such interests, or securities or instruments convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any such interests. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Pledged Equity Interests are securities under Article 8 of the UCC and
are represented by certificates, all of which have been delivered to the Collateral
Agent. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Except as permitted under the Indenture: |
|
(i) |
|
it is the sole legal and beneficial owner of, and has the power
to transfer and grant a security interest in the Pledged Equity Interests and
all other Pledged Collateral now in existence; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
none of the Pledged Collateral is subject to any Lien other
than the Collateral Agents security interest; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
it has not agreed or committed to sell, assign, pledge,
transfer, license, lease or encumber any of the Pledged Collateral, or granted
any option, warrant, or right with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral;
and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
no effective mortgage, deed of trust, financing statement,
security agreement or other instrument similar in effect is on file or of
record with respect to any Pledged Collateral, except for those that create,
perfect or evidence the Collateral Agents security interest. |
|
(f) |
|
No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending
or, to its knowledge, threatened, involving or affecting the Pledged Collateral, and
none of the Pledged Collateral is subject to any order, writ, injunction, execution or
attachment. |
|
|
(g) |
|
None of the Pledged Collateral constitutes margin stock within the meaning of
Regulation U or X issued by the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve
System. |
|
(a) |
|
Its rights, interests, liabilities and obligations under contractual
obligations that constitute part of the Pledged Collateral are not affected by this
Agreement or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement; |
|
|
(b) |
|
neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder, unless it expressly agrees in
writing, will have any liabilities or obligations under any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Pledged Collateral as a result of this Agreement, the exercise
by the Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise; and |
8
|
(c) |
|
neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder has or will have any obligation
to collect upon or enforce any contractual obligation or claim that constitutes part of
the Pledged Collateral, or to take any other action with respect to the Pledged
Collateral. |
5.5 |
|
Consideration and solvency |
|
(a) |
|
Terms used in this Subclause have the meanings given to them in, and must be
construed in accordance with, the fraudulent transfer laws. |
|
|
(b) |
|
It will receive valuable direct and indirect benefits as a result of the
transactions financed by the issuance of the Notes and these benefits constitute
reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration as those terms are used in the
fraudulent transfer laws. |
|
|
(c) |
|
To the best of its knowledge, the Collateral Agent and the Noteholders have
acted in good faith in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The sum of its debts (including its obligations under this Agreement) is less
than the value of its property (calculated at the lesser of fair valuation and present
fair saleable value). |
|
|
(e) |
|
Its capital is not unreasonably small to conduct its business as currently
conducted or as proposed to be conducted. |
|
|
(f) |
|
It has not incurred, does not intend to incur and does not believe it will
incur debts beyond its ability to pay as they mature. |
|
|
(g) |
|
It has not made a transfer or incurred an obligation under this Agreement with
the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of its present or future creditors. |
5.6 |
|
Times for making representations and warranties |
|
(a) |
|
The representations and warranties set out in this Agreement (including in this
Clause) are made on the date of this Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Unless a representation and warranty is expressed to be given at a specific
date, all representations and warranties under this Agreement are deemed to be repeated
by the Pledgor on the date of each issuance of Notes with reference to the facts and
circumstances then existing. |
|
|
(c) |
|
When representations and warranties are repeated, they are applied to the
circumstances existing at the time of repetition. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The representations and warranties of the Pledgor contained in this Agreement
or made by the Pledgor in any certificate, notice or report delivered under this
Agreement will survive each issuance of Notes and any transfer or assignment of any
Note. |
9
6. |
|
UNDERTAKINGS |
|
6.1 |
|
Undertakings |
|
|
|
The Pledgor agrees to be bound by the covenants set out in this Clause. |
|
6.2 |
|
The Pledgor |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor must preserve its corporate existence and except as permitted by
the Indenture will not, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, merge
into or consolidate with any other entity, or sell all or substantially all of its
assets. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor must not change the jurisdiction of its organization without
providing the Collateral Agent with at least 30 days prior written notice. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Pledgor must not change its name without providing the Collateral Agent
with at least 30 days prior written notice. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Pledgor must keep at its address indicated in Clause 17 (Notices)
its corporate records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating
to or evidencing Pledged Collateral, except for the Pledged Collateral delivered to the
Collateral Agent in compliance with Clause 4.2 (Delivery of certificates). |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Pledgor permits the Collateral Agent and its agents and representatives,
during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to inspect the Pledged
Collateral, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records referred to in
paragraph (d) above, and to discuss matters relating to the Pledged Collateral directly
with the Pledgors officers and employees. |
|
|
(f) |
|
At the Collateral Agents request, the Pledgor must provide the Collateral
Agent with any information concerning the Collateral that the Collateral Agent may
reasonably request. |
6.3 |
|
The Pledged Collateral |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor will cause the Issuers to keep and maintain, at their respective
addresses indicated in Clause 5.3(a) (The Pledged Collateral) their respective
corporate records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating to,
or evidencing Pledged Collateral. The Pledgor agrees to cause the Issuers to permit
the Collateral Agent and its agents and representatives during normal business hours
and upon reasonable notice, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the
records and stock ledgers and to discuss matters relating to the Issuers and its
records directly with the Issuers officers and employees. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Except as expressly permitted by the Indenture or this Agreement, the Pledgor: |
10
|
(i) |
|
must maintain sole legal and beneficial ownership of the
Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
must not permit any Pledged Collateral to be subject to any
Lien other than the Collateral Agents security interest and must at all times
warrant and defend the Collateral Agents security interest in the Pledged
Collateral against all other Liens and claimants; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
must not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, license, lease or
encumber, or grant any option, warrant, or right with respect to, any of the
Pledged Collateral, or agree or contract to do any of the foregoing; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
must not waive, amend or terminate, in whole or in part, any
accessory or ancillary right or other right in respect of any Pledged
Collateral; and |
|
|
(v) |
|
must not take any action which would result in a reduction in
the value of any Pledged Collateral. |
|
(c) |
|
The Pledgor must pay when due (and in any case before any penalties are
assessed or any Lien is imposed on any Pledged Collateral) all taxes, assessments and
charges imposed on or in respect of Pledged Collateral and all claims against the
Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(d) |
|
In any suit, legal action, arbitration or other proceeding involving the
Pledged Collateral or the Collateral Agents security interest, the Pledgor must take
all lawful action to avoid impairment of the Collateral Agents security interest or
the Collateral Agents rights under this Agreement or the imposition of a Lien on any
of the Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Pledgor will not permit either Issuer to cancel or change the terms of the
Pledged Equity Interests, or authorize, create or issue any additional shares of
capital stock or ownership interests in either Issuer; provided that the Pledgor may
convert Vector Tobacco from a corporation to a limited liability company so long as (1)
the Issuer gives the Collateral Agent at least 30 days prior written notice of such
conversion, (2) the resulting limited liability company is formed under the laws of a
State in the United States, (3) the limited liability company or operating agreement of
the resulting limited liability company expressly provides that all equity interests in
such resulting limited liability company are securities under Article 8 of the UCC
and are represented by certificates, (4) contemporaneously with such conversion the
Issuer delivers to the Collateral Agent in New York certificates representing all
membership or other equity or ownership interests in the converted entity, together
with stock powers or the equivalent executed by the Issuer in blank and in form and
substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, (5) the Issuer agrees, in documentation
satisfactory to the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion, that such equity interests
are subject to the Collateral Agents security interest and to the terms of this
Agreement, (6) an appropriate financing statement or amendment to the existing
financing statement is promptly filed in the |
11
|
|
|
appropriate office or offices, so as to perfect and/or continue to perfect the
Collateral Agents security interest and (7) the Issuer must have delivered to the
Collateral Agent a legal opinion, from outside counsel satisfactory to the
Collateral Agent and in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent,
that the Collateral Agent has a perfected first-priority security interest in such
new equity interests. The Pledgor will ensure that at all times the operating
agreement of Liggett Group provides that all equity interests in Liggett Group are
securities under Article 8 of the UCC and are represented by certificates. The
Pledgor will not effect or permit any change of control of either Issuer. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Pledgor will take no action, and will not permit either Issuer to take any
action, that could cause any of the Pledged Collateral to constitute margin stock
within the meaning of Regulation U or X issued by the Board of Governors of the United
States Federal Reserve System. |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor must give the Collateral Agent prompt notice of the occurrence of
any of the following events: |
|
(i) |
|
any pending or threatened claim, suit, legal action,
arbitration or other proceeding involving or affecting the Pledgor, either
Issuer or any Pledged Collateral which could reasonably be expected to impair
the Collateral Agents security interest or, the Collateral Agents rights
under this Agreement or result in the imposition of a Lien on any Pledged
Collateral; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement is
or becomes untrue, incorrect or incomplete in any material respect. |
|
(b) |
|
Each notice delivered under this Clause, must include: |
|
(i) |
|
reasonable details about the event; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Pledgors proposed course of action. |
|
|
Delivery of a notice under this Clause does not affect the Pledgors obligations to comply
with any other term of this Agreement. |
|
7. |
|
WHEN SECURITY BECOMES ENFORCEABLE |
|
|
|
This Security may be enforced by the Collateral Agent at any time after an Event of Default
has occurred. |
|
8. |
|
ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY |
|
8.1 |
|
Events of Default |
12
|
|
Each of the events set out in this Subclause is an Event of Default. |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor does not comply with Clause 6.3(b) (The Pledged
Collateral); |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor does not comply with any other term of this Agreement unless the
non-compliance: |
|
(i) |
|
is capable of remedy; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
is remedied within 14 days of the Collateral Agent giving
notice to the Pledgor; |
|
(c) |
|
a representation or warranty made or repeated in this Agreement is untrue or
incorrect in any material aspect when made or deemed to be repeated; |
|
|
(d) |
|
any attachment, execution or levy is made in respect of any material part of
the Pledged Collateral; or |
|
|
(e) |
|
an Event of Default (as that term is defined in the Indenture) occurs. |
8.2 General
|
(a) |
|
After this Security has become enforceable, the Collateral Agent may
immediately, in its absolute discretion, exercise any right under: |
|
(i) |
|
applicable law; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
this Agreement, |
|
|
|
to enforce all or any part of the Security in respect of any Pledged Collateral in
any manner or order it sees fit. |
|
|
(b) |
|
This includes: |
|
(i) |
|
any rights and remedies available to the Collateral Agent under
applicable law and under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the
affected Pledged Collateral and regardless of whether or not the UCC is the law
of the jurisdiction where the rights or remedies are asserted) as if those
rights and remedies were set forth in this Agreement in full; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
transferring or assigning to, or registering in the name of,
the Collateral Agent or its nominees any of the Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
exercising any voting, consent, management and other rights
relating to any Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
performing or complying with any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Pledged Collateral; |
13
|
(v) |
|
receiving, endorsing, negotiating, executing and delivering or
collecting upon any check, draft, note, acceptance, instrument, document,
contract, agreement, receipt, release, bill of lading, invoice, endorsement,
assignment, bill of sale, deed, security, share certificate, stock power,
proxy, or instrument of conveyance or transfer constituting or relating to any
Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(vi) |
|
asserting, instituting, filing, defending, settling,
compromising, adjusting, discounting or releasing any suit, action, claim,
counterclaim, right of set-off or other right or interest relating to any
Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(vii) |
|
executing and delivering acquittances, receipts and releases
in respect of Pledged Collateral; and |
|
|
(viii) |
|
exercising any other right or remedy available to the Collateral Agent under
the other Finance Documents or any other agreement between the parties. |
8.3 Dividend and voting rights
|
(a) |
|
So long as payment of the Secured Liabilities has not been accelerated (whether
automatically or otherwise), the Pledgor will be entitled to exercise all voting and
other consensual rights with respect to the Pledged Collateral for any purpose not
inconsistent with the terms of the Finance Documents and to receive and retain all
dividends and other payments in respect of the Pledged Collateral to the extent
permitted by the Finance Documents. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Upon the acceleration of the payment of the Secured Liabilities (whether
automatically or otherwise), all rights of the Pledgor to exercise voting and other
consensual rights with respect to the Pledged Collateral and to receive dividends and
other payments in respect of the Pledged Collateral will cease, and all these rights
will immediately become vested solely in the Collateral Agent or its nominees, and the
Pledgor grants the Collateral Agent or its nominees the Pledgors irrevocable and
unconditional proxy for this purpose. After the acceleration of the payment of the
Secured Liabilities (whether automatically or otherwise), any dividends and other
payments in respect of the Pledged Collateral received by the Pledgor will be held in
trust for the Collateral Agent, and the Pledgor will keep all such amounts separate and
apart from all other funds and property so as to be capable of identification as the
property of the Collateral Agent and will deliver these amounts at such time as the
Collateral Agent may request to the Collateral Agent in the identical form received,
properly endorsed or assigned if required to enable the Collateral Agent to complete
collection. |
8.4 Collateral Agents rights upon default
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as the Pledgors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in the
Pledgors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at the |
14
|
|
|
Pledgors expense, to take any of the actions authorized by this Agreement or
permitted under applicable law upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an
Event of Default, without notice to or the consent of the Pledgor. This power of
attorney is a power coupled with an interest and cannot be revoked. The Pledgor
ratifies and confirms all actions taken by the Collateral Agent or its agents under
this power of attorney. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor agrees that 10 days notice shall constitute reasonable notice in
connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Collateral Agent may comply with any applicable state or federal law
requirements in connection with a disposition of Pledged Collateral and compliance will
not be considered adversely to affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of
Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The grant to the Collateral Agent under this Agreement of any right, power or
remedy does not impose upon the Collateral Agent any duty to exercise that right, power
or remedy. The Collateral Agent will have no obligation to take any steps to preserve
any claim or other right against any person or with respect to any Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Pledgor bears the risk of loss, damage, diminution in value, or destruction
of the Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Collateral Agent will have no responsibility for any act or omission of any
courier, bailee, broker, bank, investment bank or any other person chosen by it with
reasonable care. |
|
|
(g) |
|
The Collateral Agent makes no express or implied representations or warranties
with respect to any Pledged Collateral or other property released to the Pledgor or its
successors and assigns. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The Pledgor agrees that the Collateral Agent will have met its duty of care
under applicable law if it holds, maintains and disposes of Pledged Collateral in the
same manner that it holds, maintains and disposes of property for its own account. |
|
|
(i) |
|
Except as set forth in this Clause or as required under applicable law, the
Collateral Agent will have no duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise
with respect to the Pledged Collateral. |
|
|
(j) |
|
The sale, transfer or other disposition under this Agreement of any right,
title, or interest of the Pledgor in any item of Pledged Collateral will: |
|
(i) |
|
operate to divest the Pledgor permanently and all persons
claiming under or through the Pledgor of that right, title, or interest, and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, to any claims by
the Pledgor or any person claiming under or through the Pledgor |
15
with respect to that item of Pledged Collateral.
8.5 No Marshaling
|
(a) |
|
The Collateral Agent need not, and the Pledgor irrevocably waives and agrees
that it will not invoke or assert any law requiring the Collateral Agent to: |
|
(i) |
|
attempt to satisfy the Secured Liabilities by collecting them
from any other person liable for them; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
marshal any security or guarantee securing payment or
performance of the Secured Liabilities or any particular asset of the Pledgor. |
|
(b) |
|
The Collateral Agent may release, modify or waive any collateral or guarantee
provided by any other person to secure any of the Secured Liabilities, without
affecting the Collateral Agents rights against the Pledgor. |
9. |
|
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS |
|
|
|
Any moneys received in connection with the Pledged Collateral by the Collateral Agent after
this Security has become enforceable must be applied in the following order of priority: |
|
(a) |
|
first, in or towards payment of or provision for all costs and expenses
incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with the enforcement of this Security; |
|
|
(b) |
|
second, in or towards payment of, or provision for, the Secured Liabilities;
and |
|
|
(c) |
|
third, in payment of the surplus (if any) to the Pledgor or any other Person
entitled to it under applicable law. |
|
|
This Clause is subject to the payment of any claims having priority over this Security under
mandatory provisions of applicable law. This Clause does not prejudice the right of any
Noteholder to recover any shortfall from the Pledgor. |
|
10. |
|
EXPENSES AND INDEMNITY |
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor must pay promptly on demand to the Collateral Agent all costs and
expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent, any Noteholder, attorney, manager, delegate,
sub-delegate, agent or other Person appointed by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement for the purpose of enforcing its rights under this Agreement. This includes: |
|
(i) |
|
costs of foreclosure and of any transfer, disposition or sale
of Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
costs of maintaining or preserving the Pledged Collateral or
assembling it or preparing it for transfer, disposition or sale; |
16
|
(iii) |
|
costs of obtaining money damages; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
fees and expenses of attorneys employed by the Collateral Agent
for any purpose related to this Agreement or the Secured Liabilities, including
consultation, preparation and negotiation of any amendment or restructuring,
drafting documents, sending notices or instituting, prosecuting or defending
litigation or arbitration. |
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor must indemnify and keep indemnified the Collateral Agent, the
Noteholders and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, representatives and
agents from and against all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, judgments, costs and expenses of any kind (including attorneys fees and
expenses) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them by any
Person (including any Noteholder) in any way relating to or arising out of: |
|
(i) |
|
this Agreement; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
the Collateral Agents security interest in the Pledged Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
any Event of Default; |
|
|
(v) |
|
any action taken or omitted by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement or any exercise or enforcement of rights or remedies under this
Agreement; or |
|
|
(vi) |
|
any transfer sale or other disposition of or any realization on
Pledged Collateral. |
|
(c) |
|
The Pledgor will not be liable to an indemnified party to the extent any
liability results from that indemnified partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Payment by an indemnified party will not be a condition precedent to the obligations
of the Pledgor under this indemnity. |
|
|
(d) |
|
This Clause survives the initial issuance of the Notes, the repayment of the
Notes, any novation, transfer or assignment of the Notes and the termination of this
Agreement. |
11. |
|
EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS |
|
|
|
In the absence of manifest error, the records of the Collateral Agent are conclusive
evidence of the existence and the amount of the Secured Liabilities. |
17
12. |
|
CHANGES TO THE PARTIES |
|
12.1 |
|
Pledgor |
|
|
|
The Pledgor may not assign, delegate or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the consent of the Collateral Agent, and any purported assignment,
delegation or transfer in violation of this provision shall be void and of no effect. |
|
12.2 |
|
Collateral Agent |
|
|
|
The Collateral Agent may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement
in the manner permitted under the Indenture. |
|
12.3 |
|
Successors and assigns |
|
|
|
This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and
permitted assigns of the Pledgor and the Collateral Agent. |
|
13. |
|
MISCELLANEOUS |
|
13.1 |
|
Amendments and waivers |
|
|
|
Any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived only by the written agreement of the
Pledgor and the Collateral Agent. |
|
13.2 |
|
Waivers and remedies cumulative |
|
(a) |
|
The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
may be exercised as often as necessary; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under applicable
law; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
may be waived only in writing and specifically. |
|
(b) |
|
Delay in exercising, or non-exercise, of any right or remedy under this
Agreement is not a waiver of that right or remedy. |
13.3 |
|
Counterparts |
|
|
|
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the
signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement. |
|
14. |
|
SEVERABILITY |
|
|
|
If any term of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction, that will not affect: |
18
|
(a) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other term
of this Agreement; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in any other jurisdiction of that or
any other term of this Agreement. |
15. |
|
RELEASE |
|
|
|
At the end of the Security Period, the Collateral Agent must, at the request and cost of the
Pledgor, take whatever action is necessary to release the Pledged Collateral from this
Security. |
|
16. |
|
NOTICES |
|
16.1 |
|
Notices |
|
|
|
Any communication in connection with this Agreement must be given in writing and, unless
otherwise stated, must be given in person or by fax. |
|
16.2 |
|
Contact Details |
|
(a) |
|
The contact details of the Pledgor for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address:
|
|
100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, FL 33131 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(305) 579-8016 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
Marc N. Bell |
|
(b) |
|
The contact details of the Collateral Agent for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address:
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, MN 55107-2292
|
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(651) 495-8097 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
Rick Prokosch |
|
(c) |
|
Either party may change its contact details by giving five Business Days
notice to the other party. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Where a party nominates a particular department or officer to receive a
communication, a communication will not be effective if it fails to specify that
department or officer. |
|
(a) |
|
Except as provided below, any communication in connection with this Agreement
will be deemed to be given as follows: |
|
(i) |
|
if delivered in person, at the time of delivery; |
19
|
(ii) |
|
if by fax, when sent with confirmation of transmission. |
|
(b) |
|
A communication given under this Clause but received on a non-working day or
after business hours on a working day in the place of receipt will only be deemed to be
given on the next working day in that place. |
17. |
|
GOVERNING LAW |
|
|
|
This Agreement, the relationship between the Pledgor, the Collateral Agent and the
Noteholders and any claim or dispute (whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or
otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that relationship shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with law of the State of New York including section 5-1401 of the
New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict of law rules that would
lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of a jurisdiction
other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to the
perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any part of the Pledged Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the
matters of perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable. |
|
18. |
|
ENFORCEMENT |
|
18.1 |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
(a) |
|
Each of the Parties agrees that any New York State court or Federal court
sitting in the City and County of New York has jurisdiction to settle any disputes and
any judgment, order or award in connection with this Agreement and accordingly submits
to the jurisdiction of those courts. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Each of the Parties: |
|
(i) |
|
waives objection to the New York State and Federal courts on
grounds of personal jurisdiction, inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards
proceedings in connection with this Agreement; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
agrees that a judgment or order of a New York State or Federal
court in connection with this Agreement is conclusive and binding on it and may
be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
|
(c) |
|
Nothing in this Clause limits the right of the Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder to bring proceedings against the Pledgor in connection with this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
in any other court of competent jurisdiction; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
concurrently in more than one jurisdiction. |
20
|
(a) |
|
The Pledgor irrevocably appoints The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation
Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 as its agent for service
of process in relation to any proceedings before any courts located in the State of New
York in connection with this Agreement; |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Pledgor agrees to maintain an agent for service of process in the State of
New York until the end of the Security Period. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Pledgor agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Pledgor of the
process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Pledgor consents to the service of process relating to any proceedings by a
notice given in accordance with Clause 16 (Notices). |
|
|
(e) |
|
If the appointment of any person mentioned in paragraph (a) above ceases to be
effective, the Pledgor must immediately appoint a further person in the State of New
York to accept service of process on its behalf in the State of New York and, if the
Pledgor does not appoint a process agent within 15 days, the Pledgor authorizes the
Collateral Agent to appoint a process agent for the Pledgor. |
18.3 |
|
Complete agreement |
|
|
|
This Agreement and the other Finance Documents contain the complete agreement between the
parties on the matters to which they relate and supersede all prior commitments, agreements
and understandings, whether written or oral, on those matters. |
|
18.4 |
|
Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
|
|
THE PLEDGOR AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT (FOR ITSELF AND ON BEHALF OF THE NOTEHOLDERS) WAIVE ANY
RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON OR ARISING
FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. In the event of
litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court. |
|
The undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed and delivered this Agreement on the
date stated at the beginning of this Agreement. |
21
SCHEDULE 1
PLEDGED EQUITY INTERESTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of Shares/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Membership |
Name |
|
Certificate No. |
|
Interests |
LIGGETT GROUP LLC
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
100% of membership interests |
|
VECTOR TOBACCO INC.
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
100 shares |
SIGNATORIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pledgor has cause this Pledge Agreement to be executed and delivered
by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
Pledgor
VGR HOLDING LLC
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Manager |
|
|
(Signature Page to Pledge Agreement)
Collateral Agent
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
/s/ Richard Prokosch
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
|
Richard Prokosch
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President |
|
|
(Signature Page to Pledge Agreement)
EX-4.3 Security Agreement (Vector and U.S. Bank)
Exhibit 4.3
SECURITY AGREEMENT
DATED August 16, 2007
between
VECTOR TOBACCO INC.
and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Collateral Agent
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clause |
|
|
|
Page |
1.
|
|
Interpretation
|
|
|
1 |
|
2.
|
|
Secured liabilities
|
|
|
5 |
|
3.
|
|
Creation of security
|
|
|
6 |
|
4.
|
|
Perfection and further assurances
|
|
|
7 |
|
5.
|
|
Representations and warranties
|
|
|
9 |
|
6.
|
|
Undertakings
|
|
|
12 |
|
7.
|
|
When security becomes enforceable
|
|
|
15 |
|
8.
|
|
Enforcement of security
|
|
|
16 |
|
9.
|
|
Application of proceeds
|
|
|
19 |
|
10.
|
|
Expenses and indemnity
|
|
|
20 |
|
11.
|
|
Evidence and calculations
|
|
|
21 |
|
12.
|
|
Changes to the parties
|
|
|
21 |
|
13.
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
21 |
|
14.
|
|
Severability
|
|
|
22 |
|
15.
|
|
Release
|
|
|
22 |
|
16.
|
|
Notices
|
|
|
22 |
|
17.
|
|
Governing law
|
|
|
23 |
|
18.
|
|
Enforcement
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
SCHEDULE 1 COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
SCHEDULE 2 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
SIGNATORIES
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
EXHIBIT 1 Form of Patent Security Agreement
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
EXHIBIT 2 Form of Trademark Security Agreement
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
EXHIBIT 3 Form of Copyright Security Agreement
|
|
|
3 |
|
i
THIS AGREEMENT is dated August 16, 2007
BETWEEN:
(1) |
|
VECTOR TOBACCO INC., a Virginia corporation, as grantor (the Grantor); and |
|
(2) |
|
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Noteholders under the Indenture
described below (in this capacity, the Collateral Agent). |
BACKGROUND:
The Grantor enters into this Agreement in connection with the Indenture dated August 16, 2007 (the
Indenture) by and among Vector Group Ltd. (Vector Group), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee (the Trustee) under the Indenture. Pursuant to the
Indenture, Vector Group is issuing Notes and the Grantor is guaranteeing the Notes as provided in
the Indenture. The Grantor now wishes to secure its obligations under the Indenture by entering
into this Agreement.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. |
|
INTERPRETATION |
|
1.1 |
|
Definitions |
|
|
|
In this Agreement: |
|
|
|
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the specified Person. |
|
|
|
The term Collateral means all personal property, wherever located, in which the Grantor now
has or later acquires any right, title or interest, including all: |
|
(a) |
|
accounts; |
|
|
(b) |
|
goods (including equipment, inventory and fixtures); |
|
|
(c) |
|
health-care-insurance receivables; |
|
|
(d) |
|
instruments (including promissory notes); |
|
|
(e) |
|
documents; |
|
|
(f) |
|
letter-of-credit rights; |
|
|
(g) |
|
general intangibles (including payment intangibles and software); |
|
|
(h) |
|
the commercial tort claims described in Schedule 1 (Commercial Tort
Claims); |
1
|
(i) |
|
supporting obligations; |
|
|
(j) |
|
Intellectual Property; |
|
|
and to the extent not listed above as original Collateral, proceeds and products of, and
accessions to, each of the above assets. The term Collateral excludes (i) any property,
right or interest in which a security interest may not be granted under applicable law, (ii)
any equity interest of the Grantor in any Affiliate of the Grantor, (iii) any equipment to
the extent a grant of a security interest in such equipment would be precluded by or require
a consent under the terms and conditions of any existing or future purchase money or other
financing of such equipment permitted under the terms of the Indenture, (iv) any
intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a Statement of Use or
Amendment to Allege Use with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely
during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair
the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable
federal law, (v) any aircraft or aircraft engines, (vi) any deposit accounts, (vii) any cash
and (viii) any investment property. |
|
|
|
Copyright Licenses shall mean any and all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for
the granting of any right in or to Copyrights or otherwise providing for a covenant not to
sue (whether the Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation,
each agreement referred to in Schedule 2 under the heading Copyright Licenses (as
such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time). |
|
|
|
Copyrights shall mean all United States copyrights (including Community designs), including
but not limited to copyrights in software and all rights in and to databases, and all Mask
Works (as defined under 17 U.S.C. 901 of the U.S. Copyright Act), whether registered or
unregistered, moral rights, reversionary interests, termination rights, and, with respect to
any and all of the foregoing: (a) all registrations and applications therefor including,
without limitation, the registrations and applications required to be listed in Schedule
2 under the heading Copyrights (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from
time to time), (b) all extensions and renewals thereof, (c) all rights to sue for past,
present and future infringements thereof, and (d) all proceeds of the foregoing, including,
without limitation, licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages and proceeds of
suit. |
|
|
|
Event of Default means an event specified as such in Clause 8.1 (Events of
Default). |
|
|
|
Finance Documents means the Indenture, all Notes issued from time to time under the
Indenture, the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, this Agreement and all
other pledges, security agreements, control agreements and all other agreements and
documents entered into the connection with the transactions contemplated by the Indenture. |
|
|
|
Guarantors means the Grantor and the other guarantors under the Indenture. |
2
|
|
Intellectual Property shall mean, collectively, the Copyrights, the Copyright Licenses, the
Patents, the Patent Licenses, the Trademarks, the Trademark Licenses, the Trade Secrets, and
the Trade Secret Licenses. |
|
|
|
Intellectual Property Licenses shall mean, collectively, the Copyright Licenses, Patent
Licenses, Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret Licenses. |
|
|
|
Lien means any security interest, lien, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, charge, assignment,
hypothecation, adverse claim, claim, or restriction on assignment, transfer or pledge or any
other arrangement having the effect of conferring security. |
|
|
|
Note means any note issued from time to time under the Indenture, including any exchange
note. |
|
|
|
Noteholder means any Person which from time to time is the holder of a Note. |
|
|
|
Obligors means Vector Group and the Guarantors. |
|
|
|
Patent Licenses shall mean all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for the
granting of any right in or to Patents or otherwise providing for a covenant not to sue
(whether the Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation, each
agreement referred to in Schedule 2 under the heading Patent Licenses (as such
schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time). |
|
|
|
Patents shall mean all United States patents and certificates of invention, or similar
industrial property rights, and applications for any of the foregoing, including, but not
limited to: (a) each patent and patent application required to be listed in Schedule
2 hereto under the heading Patents (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented
from time to time), (b) all reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part,
extensions, renewals, and reexaminations thereof, (c) all inventions and improvements
described therein, (d) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof,
(e) all licenses, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit arising therefrom, and (f) all
proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, licenses, royalties, income,
payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit. |
|
|
|
Person means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
corporation, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any department or agency
thereof or any entity similar to any of the foregoing. |
|
|
|
Secured Liabilities means each liability and obligation specified in Clause 2
(Secured Liabilities). |
|
|
|
Security means any security interest created by this Agreement. |
|
|
|
Security Period means the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the
date on which all the Secured Liabilities have been indefeasibly, unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The Security Period will be extended to take into
account any extension or reinstatement of this Agreement under Clause 3.2(b)
(General). |
3
|
|
Furthermore, if the Collateral Agent considers that an amount paid to it or a Noteholder
under a Finance Document is capable of being avoided or otherwise set aside on the
bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvency or administration of the payer or otherwise then that
amount will not be considered to have been irrevocably paid for the purposes of this
Agreement. |
|
|
|
Trademark Licenses shall mean any and all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for
the granting of any right in or to Trademarks or otherwise providing for a covenant not to
sue or permitting co-existence (whether the Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder)
including, without limitation, each agreement required to be listed in Schedule 2
under the heading Trademark Licenses (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from
time to time). |
|
|
|
Trademarks shall mean all United States trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company
names, business names, fictitious business names, Internet domain names, service marks,
certification marks, collective marks, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs
and general intangibles of a like nature, all registrations and applications for any of the
foregoing including, but not limited to: (a) the registrations and applications referred to
in Schedule 2 under the heading Trademarks (as such schedule may be amended or
supplemented from time to time), (b) all extensions or renewals of any of the foregoing, (c)
all of the goodwill of the business connected with the use of and symbolized by the
foregoing, (d) the right to sue for past, present and future infringement or dilution of any
of the foregoing or for any injury to goodwill, and (e) all proceeds of the foregoing,
including, without limitation, licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and
proceeds of suit. |
|
|
|
Trade Secret Licenses shall mean any and all agreements providing for the granting of any
right in or to Trade Secrets (whether the Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder)
including, without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule 2 under the
heading Trade Secret Licenses (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time
to time). |
|
|
|
Trade Secrets shall mean all trade secrets and all other confidential or proprietary
information and know-how whether or not such Trade Secret has been reduced to a writing or
other tangible form, including all documents and things embodying, incorporating, or
referring in any way to such Trade Secret, including but not limited to: (a) the right to
sue for past, present and future misappropriation or other violation of any Trade Secret,
and (b) all proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, licenses, royalties,
income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit. |
|
|
|
UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New
York. |
|
1.2 |
|
Construction |
|
(a) |
|
Any term defined in the UCC and not defined in this Agreement has the meaning
given to that term in the UCC. |
4
|
(b) |
|
Any term defined in the Indenture and not defined in this Agreement or the UCC
has the meaning given to that term in the Indenture. |
|
|
(c) |
|
No reference to proceeds in this Agreement authorizes any sale, transfer or
other disposition of Collateral by the Grantor. |
|
|
(d) |
|
In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to: |
|
(i) |
|
an amendment includes a supplement, novation, restatement or
re-enactment and amended will be construed accordingly; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
a Clause, a Subclause, an Exhibit or a Schedule is a reference
to a Clause or Subclause of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
a law is a reference to that law as amended or re-enacted and
to any successor law; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
an agreement is a reference to that agreement as amended; |
|
|
(v) |
|
fraudulent transfer law means any applicable U.S. Bankruptcy
Law or state fraudulent transfer or conveyance statute, and the related case
law; and |
|
|
(vi) |
|
law includes any law, statute, regulation, regulatory
requirement, rule, ordinance, ruling, decision, treaty, directive, order,
guideline, regulation, policy, writ, judgment, injunction or request of any
court or other governmental, inter-governmental or supranational body, officer
or official, fiscal or monetary authority, or other ministry or public entity
(and their interpretation, administration and application), whether or not
having the force of law. |
|
(i) |
|
includes and including are not limiting; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
or is not exclusive; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
the headings are for convenience only, do not constitute part
of this Agreement and are not to be used in construing it. |
2. |
|
SECURED LIABILITIES |
|
2.1 |
|
Secured Liabilities |
|
|
|
Each obligation and liability whether: |
|
(a) |
|
present or future, actual, contingent or unliquidated; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
owed jointly or severally (or in any other capacity whatsoever), |
5
|
of the Grantor to any Noteholder under or in connection with each Finance Document is a
Secured Liability. |
2.2 |
|
Specification of Secured Liabilities |
|
|
|
The Secured Liabilities include any liability or obligation for: |
|
(a) |
|
repayment of the principal of any Note; |
|
|
(b) |
|
payment of interest and any other amount payable under the Financing Documents; |
|
|
(c) |
|
payment and performance of all other obligations and liabilities of any Obligor
under the Finance Documents; |
|
|
(d) |
|
payment of any amount owed under any amendment, modification, renewal,
extension or novation of any of the above obligations; and |
|
|
(e) |
|
payment of an amount which arises after a petition is filed by, or against, any
Obligor under the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 even if the obligations do not accrue
because of the automatic stay under Section 362 of the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 or
otherwise. |
3. |
|
CREATION OF SECURITY |
|
3.1 |
|
Security Interest |
|
|
|
As security for the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Liabilities
when due (whether due because of stated maturity, acceleration, mandatory prepayment, or
otherwise) and to induce the Noteholders to purchase the Notes, the Grantor grants to the
Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Noteholders a continuing security interest in the
Collateral. |
|
3.2 |
|
General |
|
(a) |
|
All the Security created under this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
is continuing security for the irrevocable and indefeasible
payment in full of the Secured Liabilities, regardless of any intermediate
payment or discharge in whole or in part; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
is in addition to, and not in any way prejudiced by, any other
security now or subsequently held by the Collateral Agent. |
|
(b) |
|
If, at any time for any reason (including the bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation of any Obligor or the
appointment of any receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or agent or similar official
for, any Obligor or any of their respective properties), any payment received by the |
6
|
|
|
Collateral Agent or any Noteholder in respect of the Secured Liabilities is
rescinded or avoided or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Collateral
Agent or any Noteholder, that payment will not be considered to have been made for
purposes of this Agreement, and this Agreement will continue to be effective or will
be reinstated, if necessary, as if that payment had not been made. |
|
|
(c) |
|
This Agreement is enforceable against the Grantor to the maximum extent
permitted by the fraudulent transfer laws. |
4. |
|
PERFECTION AND FURTHER ASSURANCES |
|
4.1 |
|
General perfection |
|
|
|
The Grantor must take, at its own expense, promptly, and in any event within any applicable
time limit: |
|
(a) |
|
whatever action is necessary or reasonably desirable; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
any action which the Collateral Agent may reasonably require, |
|
|
to ensure that this Security is as of the date Notes are first issued under the Indenture,
and will continue to be until the end of the Security Period, a validly created, attached,
enforceable and perfected first priority continuing security interest in the Collateral, in
all relevant jurisdictions, securing payment and performance of the Secured Liabilities. |
|
|
|
This includes the giving of any notice, order or direction, the making of any filing or
registration, the passing of any resolution and the execution and delivery of any documents
or agreements which the Collateral Agent may think expedient. |
|
4.2 |
|
Filing of financing statements |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to prepare and file, at such
Grantors expense: |
|
(i) |
|
financing statements describing the Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
continuation statements; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
any amendment in respect of those statements. |
|
(b) |
|
Promptly after filing an initial financing statement in respect of the
Collateral, the Grantor must provide the Collateral Agent with an official report from
the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Virginia indicating that the Collateral
Agents security interest in the Collateral provided by the Grantor is prior to all
other security interests or other interests reflected in the report. |
7
4.3 |
|
Intellectual Property Recording Requirements |
|
(a) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of U.S. Patents and Patent Licenses in
respect of U.S. Patents for which the Grantor is the licensee, the Grantor shall
execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Patent Security Agreement in
substantially the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (or a supplement thereto) covering
all such Patents and Patent Licenses in appropriate form for recordation with the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the security interest of the Collateral
Agent. |
|
|
(b) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of U.S. Trademarks and Trademark
Licenses in respect of U.S. Trademarks for which the Grantor is the licensee, the
Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Trademark Security
Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit 2 hereto (or a supplement
thereto) covering all such Trademarks and Trademark Licenses in appropriate form for
recordation with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the security
interest of the Collateral Agent. |
|
|
(c) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of registered U.S. Copyrights and
Copyright Licenses in respect of U.S. Copyrights for which the Grantor is the licensee,
the Grantor will execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Copyright Security
Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit 3 hereto (or a supplement
thereto) covering all such Copyright and Copyright Licenses in appropriate form for
recordation with the U.S. Copyright Office with respect to the security interest of the
Collateral Agent. |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor must take, at its own expense, promptly, and in any event within
any applicable time limit, whatever action the Collateral Agent may reasonably require
for: |
|
(i) |
|
creating, attaching, perfecting and protecting, and maintaining
the priority of, any security interest intended to be created by this
Agreement; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
facilitating the enforcement of this Security or the exercise
of any right, power or discretion exercisable by the Collateral Agent or any of
its delegates or sub-delegates in respect of any Collateral; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
facilitating the assignment or transfer of any rights and/or
obligations of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement. |
|
|
This includes the execution and delivery of any transfer, assignment or other agreement or
document, whether to the Collateral Agent or its nominee, which the Collateral Agent may
think expedient. |
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as the Grantors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in the
Grantors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at the Grantors
expense, to take any of the actions referred to in paragraph (a) above |
8
|
|
|
without notice to or the consent of the Grantor. This power of attorney is a power
coupled with an interest and cannot be revoked. The Grantor ratifies and confirms
all actions taken by the Collateral Agent or its agents under this power of
attorney. |
5. |
|
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
|
5.1 |
|
Representations and warranties |
|
|
|
The representations and warranties set out in this Clause are made by the Grantor to the
Collateral Agent and each Noteholder. |
|
5.2 |
|
The Grantor |
|
(a) |
|
It is incorporated or organized under the laws of the state indicated in the
preamble to this Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Its exact legal name, as it appears in the public records of its jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization, is as stated in the preamble to this Agreement. It
has not changed its name, whether by amendment of its organizational documents,
reorganization, merger or otherwise, since its date of incorporation, April 1, 2002. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Its organizational identification number, as issued by its jurisdiction of
incorporation is 0469701-7. |
|
|
(d) |
|
It keeps at its address indicated in Clause 16 (Notices) its corporate
records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating to or
evidencing Collateral. |
|
(a) |
|
Except as permitted under the Indenture: |
|
(i) |
|
it is the sole legal and beneficial owner of, and has the power
to transfer and grant a security interest in, the Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
none of the Collateral is subject to any Lien other than the
Collateral Agents security interest; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
it has not agreed or committed to sell, assign, pledge,
transfer, license, lease or encumber any of the Collateral, or granted any
option, warrant or right with respect to any of the Collateral; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
no effective mortgage, deed of trust, financing statement,
security agreement or other instrument similar in effect is on file or of
record with respect to any Collateral, except for those that create, perfect or
evidence the Collateral Agents security interest. |
9
|
(b) |
|
No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending
or, to its knowledge, threatened, involving or affecting the Collateral, and none of
the Collateral is subject to any order, writ, injunction, execution or attachment. |
|
(a) |
|
Its rights, interests, liabilities and obligations under contractual
obligations that constitute part of the Collateral are not affected by this Agreement
or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder, unless it expressly agrees in
writing, will have any liabilities or obligations under any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Collateral as a result of this Agreement, the exercise by the
Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise; and |
|
|
(c) |
|
Neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder has or will have any obligation
to collect upon or enforce any contractual obligation or claim that constitutes part of
the Collateral, or to take any other action with respect to the Collateral. |
5.5 |
|
Consideration and solvency |
|
(a) |
|
Terms used in this Clause have the meanings given to them in, and must be
construed in accordance with, the fraudulent transfer laws. |
|
|
(b) |
|
It will receive valuable direct and indirect benefits as a result of the
transactions financed by the issuance of the Notes and these benefits constitute
reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration. |
|
|
(c) |
|
To the best of its knowledge, the Collateral Agent and the Noteholders have
acted in good faith in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The sum of its debts (including its obligations under this Agreement) is less
than the value of its property (calculated at the lesser of fair valuation and present
fair saleable value). |
|
|
(e) |
|
Its capital is not unreasonably small to conduct its business as currently
conducted or as proposed to be conducted. |
|
|
(f) |
|
It has not incurred, does not intend to incur and does not believe it will
incur debts beyond its ability to pay as they mature. |
|
|
(g) |
|
It has not made a transfer or incurred an obligation under this Agreement with
the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of its present or future creditors. |
5.6 |
|
Intellectual Property |
|
(a) |
|
It is the sole and exclusive owner of the entire right, title, and interest in
and to all Intellectual Property listed on Schedule 2 (as such schedule may be
amended or |
10
|
|
|
supplemented from time to time), and owns or has the valid right to use and,
where the Grantor does so, sublicense others to use, all other Intellectual Property
used in or necessary to conduct its business, free and clear of all Liens, claims,
encumbrances and licenses, except for the licenses set forth on Schedule 2 (as
such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time). |
|
|
(b) |
|
All Intellectual Property is subsisting and has not been adjudged invalid or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, nor, in the case of Patents, is any of the
Intellectual Property the subject of a reexamination proceeding, and the Grantor has
performed all acts and has paid all renewal, maintenance, and other fees and taxes
required to maintain each and every registration and application of Copyrights, Patents
and Trademarks in full force and effect. |
|
|
(c) |
|
All Intellectual Property is valid and enforceable; no holding, decision,
ruling, or judgment has been rendered in any action or proceeding before any court or
administrative authority challenging the validity or scope of, the Grantors right to
register, or the Grantors rights to own or use, any Intellectual Property and no such
action or proceeding is pending or, to the best of the Grantors knowledge, threatened. |
|
|
(d) |
|
All registrations and applications for Copyright registrations, Patents and
Trademark registrations are standing in the name of the Grantor, and none of the
Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights or Trade Secrets has been licensed by any Grantor to
any Affiliate or third party, except as disclosed in Schedule 2 (as such
schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), and all exclusive Copyright
Licenses have been properly recorded in the U.S. Copyright Office. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Grantor has not made a previous assignment, sale, transfer, exclusive
license or agreement constituting a present or future assignment, sale, transfer,
exclusive license or agreement of any Intellectual Property that has not been
terminated or released. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Grantor has been using appropriate statutory notice of registration in
connection with its use of registered Trademarks, proper marking practices in
connection with the use of Patents, and appropriate notice of copyright in connection
with the publication of Copyrights. |
|
|
(g) |
|
The Grantor uses adequate standards of quality in the manufacture,
distribution, and sale of all products sold and in the provision of all services
rendered under or in connection with all Trademark Collateral and has taken all action
necessary to insure that all licensees of the Trademark Collateral owned by the Grantor
use such adequate standards of quality. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The conduct of such Grantors business does not infringe upon or misappropriate
or otherwise violate any trademark, patent, copyright, trade secret or other
intellectual property right of any other Person; no claim has been made that the use
of any Intellectual Property owned or used by the Grantor (or any of its |
11
|
|
|
respective
licensees) infringes upon, misappropriates or otherwise violates the asserted rights
of any other Person, and no demand that the Grantor enter into a license or
co-existence agreement has been made but not resolved. |
|
|
(i) |
|
To the best of the Grantors knowledge, no other Person is infringing upon,
misappropriating or otherwise violating any rights in any Intellectual Property owned,
licensed or used by the Grantor, or any of its respective licensees. |
|
|
(j) |
|
No settlement or consents, covenants not to sue, co-existence agreements,
non-assertion assurances, or releases have been entered into by the Grantor or binds
the Grantor in a manner that could adversely affect the Grantors rights to own,
license or use any Intellectual Property. |
5.7 |
|
Times for making representations and warranties |
|
(a) |
|
The representations and warranties set out in this Agreement (including in this
Clause) are made on the date of this Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Unless a representation and warranty is expressed to be given at a specific
date, all representations and warranties under this Agreement are deemed to be repeated
by the Grantor on the date of each issuance of Notes under the Indenture with reference
to the facts and circumstances then existing. |
|
|
(c) |
|
When representations and warranties are repeated, they are applied to the
circumstances existing at the time of repetition. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The representations and warranties of the Grantor contained in this Agreement
or made by the Grantor in any certificate, notice or report delivered under this
Agreement will survive each issuance of Notes, the repayment of the Notes, and any
transfer or assignment of the Notes. |
6. |
|
UNDERTAKINGS |
|
6.1 |
|
Undertakings |
|
|
|
The Grantor agrees to be bound by the covenants set out in this Clause. |
|
6.2 |
|
The Grantor |
|
(a) |
|
Except as permitted under the Indenture, the Grantor must preserve its
corporate or limited liability company existence and will not, except as permitted by
the Indenture, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, merge into or
consolidate with any other entity, or sell all or substantially all of its assets. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor may not change the jurisdiction of its incorporation or
organization without providing the Collateral Agent with at least 30 days prior
written notice. |
12
|
(c) |
|
The Grantor may not change its name without providing the Collateral Agent with
at least 30 days prior written notice. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Grantor must keep at its address indicated in Clause 16 (Notices)
its corporate records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating
to or evidencing Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Grantor will permit the Collateral Agent and its agents and
representatives, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to inspect
the Collateral, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records referred
to in paragraph (d) above, and to discuss matters relating to the Collateral directly
with the Grantors officers and employees. |
|
|
(f) |
|
At the Collateral Agents request, the Grantor must provide the Collateral
Agent with any information concerning the Collateral that the Collateral Agent may
reasonably request. |
|
(a) |
|
Except as expressly permitted by the Indenture or this Agreement, the Grantor: |
|
(i) |
|
must maintain sole legal and beneficial ownership of the
Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
must not permit any Collateral to be subject to any Lien other
than the Collateral Agents security interest and must at all times warrant and
defend the Collateral Agents security interest in the Collateral against all
other Liens and claimants; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
must not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, license, lease or
encumber, or grant any option, warrant, or right with respect to, any of the
Collateral, or agree or contract to do any of the foregoing; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
must not waive, amend or terminate, in whole or in part, any
material accessory or ancillary right or other right in respect of any
Collateral; and |
|
|
(v) |
|
must not take any action which would result in a reduction in
the value of any Collateral. |
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor must pay when due (and in any case before any penalties are
assessed or any Lien is imposed on any Collateral) all taxes, assessments and charges
imposed on or in respect of Collateral and all claims against the Collateral, including
claims for labor, materials and supplies. |
|
|
(c) |
|
In any suit, legal action, arbitration or other proceeding involving the
Collateral or the Collateral Agents security interest, the Grantor must take all
lawful action to avoid impairment of the Collateral Agents security interest or the
Collateral Agents rights under this Agreement or the imposition of a Lien on any
Collateral. |
13
6.4 |
|
Intellectual Property |
|
(a) |
|
It shall not do any act or omit to do any act whereby any of the Intellectual
Property which is material to the business of the Grantor or which is of material value
may lapse, or become abandoned, dedicated to the public, or unenforceable, or which
would adversely affect the validity, grant, or enforceability of the security interest
granted therein. |
|
|
(b) |
|
It shall not, with respect to any Trademarks, cease the use of any of such
Trademarks or fail to maintain the level of the quality of products sold and services
rendered under any of such Trademark at a level at least substantially consistent with
the quality of such products and services as of the date hereof, and the Grantor shall
take all steps necessary to insure that licensees of such Trademarks use such
consistent standards of quality. |
|
|
(c) |
|
It shall, within thirty (30) days of the creation or acquisition or exclusive
license of any Copyrightable work which is material to the business of the Grantor or
otherwise of material value, apply to register the Copyright and, in the case of an
exclusive Copyright License, record such license, in the United States Copyright
Office. |
|
|
(d) |
|
It shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent if it knows or has reason to know
that any item of Intellectual Property material to its business may become (i)
abandoned or dedicated to the public or placed in the public domain, (ii) invalid or
unenforceable, (iii) subject to any adverse determination or development (including the
institution of proceedings) in any action or proceeding in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, any state registry, any foreign
counterpart of the foregoing, or any court or (iv) be the subject of any reversion or
termination rights. |
|
|
(e) |
|
It shall take all reasonable steps in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office, the United States Copyright Office to pursue any application and maintain any
registration of each Trademark, Patent, and Copyright owned by or exclusively licensed
to the Grantor which is now or shall become included in the Intellectual Property
including, but not limited to, those items on Schedule 3 (as such may be
amended or supplemented from time to time). |
|
|
(f) |
|
It shall hereafter use best efforts so as not to permit the inclusion in any
contract to which it hereafter becomes a party of any provision that could or might in
any way materially impair or prevent the creation of a security interest in, or the
assignment of, the Grantors rights and interests in any property included within the
definitions of any Intellectual Property acquired under such contracts. |
|
|
(g) |
|
In the event that any Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to
the Grantor is infringed, misappropriated, or diluted by a third party, the Grantor
shall promptly take all reasonable actions to stop such infringement, misappropriation, |
14
|
|
|
or dilution and protect its rights in such Intellectual Property including, but not
limited to, the initiation of a suit for injunctive relief and to recover damages. |
|
|
(h) |
|
It shall take all steps reasonably necessary to protect the secrecy of all
Trade Secrets, including, without limitation, entering into confidentiality agreements
with employees and consultants and labeling and restricting access to secret
information and documents. |
|
|
(i) |
|
It shall use proper statutory notice in connection with its use of any of the
Intellectual Property. |
|
|
(j) |
|
It shall continue to collect, at its own expense, all amounts due or to become
due to the Grantor in respect of the Intellectual Property or any portion thereof. In
connection with such collections, the Grantor may take (and, at the Collateral Agents
reasonable direction, shall take) such action as the Grantor or the Collateral Agent
may deem reasonably necessary or advisable to enforce collection of such amounts.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time,
to notify, or require the Grantor to notify, any obligors with respect to any such
amounts of the existence of the security interest created hereby. |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor must give the Collateral Agent prompt notice of the occurrence of
any of the following events: |
|
(i) |
|
any pending or threatened claim, suit, legal action,
arbitration or other proceeding involving or affecting the Grantor or any
Collateral which could reasonably be expected to impair the Collateral Agents
security interest or the Collateral Agents rights under this Agreement or
result in the imposition of a Lien on any Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
any loss or damage to any material portion of the Collateral;
or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement is
or becomes untrue, incorrect or incomplete in any material respect. |
|
(b) |
|
Each notice delivered under this Clause, must include: |
|
(i) |
|
reasonable details about the event; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Grantors proposed course of action. |
|
|
Delivery of a notice under this Clause does not affect the Grantors obligations to comply
with any other term of this Agreement. |
15
7. |
|
WHEN SECURITY BECOMES ENFORCEABLE |
|
|
|
This Security may be enforced by the Collateral Agent at any time after an Event of Default
has occurred. |
|
8. |
|
ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY |
|
8.1 |
|
Events of Default |
|
|
|
Each of the events set out in this Subclause is an Event of Default. |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor fails to comply with Clause 6.3(a) (The Collateral); |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor fails to comply with any other term of this Agreement or any
Control Agreement unless the non-compliance: |
|
(i) |
|
is capable of remedy; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
is remedied within 14 days of the Collateral Agent giving
notice to the Grantor; |
|
(c) |
|
A representation or warranty made or repeated in this Agreement or any Control
Agreement, is untrue or incorrect in any material aspect when made or deemed to be
repeated; |
|
|
(d) |
|
Any attachment, execution or levy is made in respect of material part of the
Collateral; or |
|
|
(e) |
|
An Event of Default (as that term is defined in the Indenture) occurs. |
|
(a) |
|
After this Security has become enforceable, the Collateral Agent may
immediately, in its absolute discretion, exercise any right under: |
|
(i) |
|
applicable law; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
this Agreement, |
|
|
to enforce all or any part of the Security in respect of any Collateral in any manner or
order it sees fit. |
|
(i) |
|
any rights and remedies available to the Collateral Agent under
applicable law and under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the
affected Collateral and regardless of whether or not the UCC is the law of the
jurisdiction where the rights or remedies are asserted) as if those rights and
remedies were set forth in this Agreement in full; |
16
|
(ii) |
|
transferring or assigning to, or registering in the name of,
the Collateral Agent or its nominees any of the Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
exercising any consent and other rights relating to any
Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
performing or complying with any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Collateral; |
|
|
(v) |
|
receiving, endorsing, negotiating, executing and delivering or
collecting upon any check, draft, note, acceptance, account, instrument,
document, letter of credit, contract, agreement, receipt, release, bill of
lading, invoice, endorsement, assignment, bill of sale, deed, security, share
certificate, stock power, proxy, or instrument of conveyance or transfer
constituting or relating to any Collateral; |
|
|
(vi) |
|
asserting, instituting, filing, defending, settling,
compromising, adjusting, discounting or releasing any suit, action, claim,
counterclaim, right of set-off or other right or interest relating to any
Collateral; |
|
|
(vii) |
|
executing and delivering acquittances, receipts and releases
in respect of Collateral; and |
|
|
(viii) |
|
exercising any other right or remedy available to the Collateral Agent under
the other Finance Documents or any other agreement between the parties. |
8.3 |
|
Collections after an Event of Default |
|
(a) |
|
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Grantor must hold all
funds and other property received or collected in respect of the Collateral in trust
for the Collateral Agent, and must keep these funds and this other property segregated
from all other funds and property so as to be capable of identification. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor must deliver those funds and that other property to the Collateral
Agent in the identical form received, properly endorsed or assigned when required to
enable the Collateral Agent to complete collection. |
|
|
(c) |
|
After the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the
Grantor may not settle, compromise, adjust, discount or release any claim in respect of
Collateral, and the Grantor may not accept any returns of merchandise other than in the
ordinary course of business. |
8.4 |
|
Collateral Agents rights upon default |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as the Grantors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in the
Grantors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at the Grantors
expense, to take any of the actions authorized by this Agreement or |
17
|
|
|
permitted under applicable law upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an
Event of Default, without notice to or the consent of the Grantor. This power of
attorney is a power coupled with an interest and cannot be revoked. The Grantor
ratifies and confirms all actions taken by the Collateral Agent or its agents under
this power of attorney. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor agrees that 10 days notice shall constitute reasonable notice in
connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of Collateral. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Collateral Agent may comply with any applicable state or federal law
requirements in connection with a disposition of Collateral and compliance will not be
considered adversely to affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of Collateral. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The grant to the Collateral Agent under this Agreement of any right, power or
remedy does not impose upon the Collateral Agent any duty to exercise that right, power
or remedy. The Collateral Agent will have no obligation to take any steps to preserve
any claim or other right against any person or with respect to any Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Grantor bears the risk of loss, damage, diminution in value, or destruction
of the Collateral. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Collateral Agent will have no responsibility for any act or omission of any
courier, bailee, broker, bank, investment bank or any other person chosen by it with
reasonable care. |
|
|
(g) |
|
The Collateral Agent makes no express or implied representations or warranties
with respect to any Collateral or other property released to the Grantor or its
successors and assigns. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The Grantor agrees that the Collateral Agent will have met its duty of care
under applicable law if it holds, maintains and disposes of Collateral in the same
manner that it holds, maintains and disposes of property for its own account. |
|
|
(i) |
|
Except as set forth in this Clause or as required under applicable law, the
Collateral Agent will have no duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise
with respect to the Collateral. |
|
|
(j) |
|
The sale, transfer or other disposition under this Agreement of any right,
title, or interest of the Grantor in any item of Collateral will: |
|
(i) |
|
operate to divest the Grantor permanently and all persons
claiming under or through the Grantor of that right, title, or interest, and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, to any claims by
the Grantor or any person claiming under or through the Grantor |
18
|
|
with respect to that item of Collateral. |
|
8.5 |
|
No marshaling |
|
(a) |
|
The Collateral Agent need not, and the Grantor irrevocably waives and agrees
that it will not invoke or assert any law requiring the Collateral Agent to: |
|
(i) |
|
attempt to satisfy the Secured Liabilities by collecting them
from any other person liable for them; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
marshal any security or guarantee securing payment or
performance of the Secured Liabilities or any particular asset of the Grantor. |
|
(b) |
|
The Collateral Agent may release, modify or waive any collateral or guarantee
provided by any other person to secure any of the Secured Liabilities, without
affecting the Collateral Agents rights against the Grantor. |
8.6 |
|
Grant of Intellectual Property License |
For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent, during the continuance of an Event of
Default, to exercise rights and remedies under this Clause 8 hereof at such time as
the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, and
for no other purpose, the Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, to the extent
assignable, an irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use, assign, license or sublicense any
of the Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Grantor, wherever the
same may be located. Such license shall be subject, in the case of Trademarks, to
sufficient rights to quality control and inspection in favor of the Grantor to avoid the
risk of invalidation of said Trademarks. Such license shall include access to all media in
which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer programs used
for the compilation or printout hereof.
9. |
|
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS |
|
|
|
Any moneys received in connection with the Collateral by the Collateral Agent after this
Security has become enforceable must be applied in the following order of priority: |
|
(a) |
|
first, in or towards payment of or provision for all costs and expenses
incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with the enforcement of this Security; |
|
|
(b) |
|
second, in or towards payment of, or provision for, the Secured Liabilities;
and |
|
|
(c) |
|
third, in payment of the surplus (if any) to the Grantor or any other Person
entitled to it under applicable law. |
|
|
This Clause is subject to the payment of any claims having priority over this Security under
mandatory provisions of applicable law. This Clause does not prejudice the right of any
Noteholder to recover any shortfall from the Grantor. |
19
10. |
|
EXPENSES AND INDEMNITY |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor must pay promptly on demand to the Collateral Agent all costs and
expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent, any Noteholder, attorney, manager, delegate,
sub-delegate, agent or other person appointed by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement for the purpose of enforcing its rights under this Agreement. This includes: |
|
(i) |
|
costs of foreclosure and of any transfer, disposition or sale
of Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
costs of maintaining or preserving the Collateral or assembling
it or preparing it for transfer, disposition or sale; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
costs of obtaining money damages; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
fees and expenses of attorneys employed by the Collateral Agent
for any purpose related to this Agreement or the Secured Liabilities, including
consultation, preparation and negotiation of any amendment or restructuring,
drafting documents, sending notices or instituting, prosecuting or defending
litigation or arbitration. |
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor must indemnify and keep indemnified the Collateral Agent, the
Noteholders and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, representatives and
agents from and against all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, judgments, costs and expenses of any kind (including attorneys fees and
expenses) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them by any
person (including any Noteholder) in any way relating to or arising out of: |
|
(i) |
|
this Agreement; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
the Collateral Agents security interest in the Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
any Event of Default; |
|
|
(v) |
|
any action taken or omitted by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement or any exercise or enforcement of rights or remedies under this
Agreement; or |
|
|
(vi) |
|
any transfer sale or other disposition of or any realization on
Collateral. |
|
(c) |
|
The Grantor will not be liable to an indemnified party to the extent any
liability results from that indemnified partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Payment by an indemnified party will not be a condition precedent to the obligations
of the Grantor under this indemnity. |
20
|
(d) |
|
This Clause survives the issuance of the Notes, the repayment of the Notes, any
transfer or assignment of the Notes and the termination of this Agreement. |
11. |
|
EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS |
|
|
|
In the absence of manifest error, the records of the Collateral Agent are conclusive
evidence of the existence and the amount of the Secured Liabilities. |
|
12. |
|
CHANGES TO THE PARTIES |
|
12.1 |
|
Grantor |
|
|
|
The Grantor may not assign, delegate or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the consent of the Collateral Agent, and any purported assignment,
delegation or transfer in violation of this provision shall be void and of no effect. |
|
12.2 |
|
Collateral Agent |
|
|
|
The Collateral Agent may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement
in the manner permitted under the Indenture. |
|
12.3 |
|
Successors and assigns |
|
|
|
This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and
permitted assigns of the Grantor and the Collateral Agent. |
|
13. |
|
MISCELLANEOUS |
|
13.1 |
|
Amendments and waivers |
|
|
|
Any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived only by the written agreement of the
Grantor and the Collateral Agent. |
|
13.2 |
|
Waivers and remedies cumulative |
|
(a) |
|
The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
may be exercised as often as necessary; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under applicable
law; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
may be waived only in writing and specifically. |
|
(b) |
|
Delay in exercising, or non-exercise, of any right or remedy under this
Agreement is not a waiver of that right or remedy. |
21
13.3 |
|
Counterparts |
|
|
|
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the
signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement. |
|
14. |
|
SEVERABILITY |
|
|
|
If any term of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction, that will not affect: |
|
(a) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other term
of this Agreement; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in any other jurisdiction of that or
any other term of this Agreement. |
15. |
|
RELEASE |
|
|
|
At the end of the Security Period, the Collateral Agent must, at the request and cost of the
Grantor, take whatever action is necessary to release the Collateral from this Security in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture. |
|
16. |
|
NOTICES |
|
16.1 |
|
Notices |
|
|
|
Any communication in connection with this Agreement must be in writing and, unless otherwise
stated, must be given in person or by fax. |
|
16.2 |
|
Contact details |
|
(a) |
|
The contact details of the Grantors for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vector Tobacco Inc. |
|
|
Address:
|
|
One Park Drive |
|
|
|
|
Suite 150 |
|
|
|
|
Post Office Box 13818 |
|
|
|
|
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(305) 579-8016 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
Marc N. Bell |
|
(b) |
|
The contact details of the Collateral Agent for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association |
|
|
Address:
|
|
60 Livingston Avenue |
|
|
|
|
EP-MN-WS3C |
|
|
|
|
St. Paul, MN 55107-2292 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(651) 495-8097 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
Rick Prokosch |
22
|
(c) |
|
Either party may change its contact details by giving five Business Days
notice to the other party. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Where a party nominates a particular department or officer to receive a
communication, a communication will not be effective if it fails to specify that
department or officer. |
|
(a) |
|
Except as provided below, any communication in connection with this Agreement
will be deemed to be given as follows: |
|
(i) |
|
if delivered in person, at the time of delivery; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
if by fax, when sent with confirmation of transmission. |
|
(b) |
|
A communication given under this Clause but received on a non-working day or
after business hours in the place of receipt will only be deemed to be given on the
next working day in that place. |
17. |
|
GOVERNING LAW |
|
|
|
This Agreement, the relationship between the Grantor, the Collateral Agent and the
Noteholders and any claim or dispute (whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or
otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that relationship shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with law of the State of New York including section 5-1401 of the
New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict of law rules that would
lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of a jurisdiction
other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to the
perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any particular Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of
perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable. |
|
18. |
|
ENFORCEMENT |
|
18.1 |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
(a) |
|
Each of the Parties agrees that any New York State court or Federal court
sitting in the City and County of New York has jurisdiction to settle any disputes in
connection with this Agreement and accordingly submits to the jurisdiction of those
courts. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Each of the Parties: |
|
(i) |
|
waives objection to the New York State and Federal courts on
grounds of personal jurisdiction, inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards
proceedings in connection with this Agreement; and |
23
|
(ii) |
|
agrees that a judgment or order of a New York State or Federal
court in connection with this Agreement is conclusive and binding on it and may
be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
|
(c) |
|
Nothing in this Clause limits the right of the Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder to bring proceedings against the Grantor in connection with this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
in any other court of competent jurisdiction; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
concurrently in more than one jurisdiction. |
|
(a) |
|
The Grantor irrevocably appoints CT Corporation System, 111 8th Avenue, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10011 as its agent for service of process in relation to
proceedings before any courts located in the State of New York in connection with this
Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantor agrees to maintain an agent for service of process in the State of
New York until the end of the Security Period. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Grantor agrees that failure by a process agent to notify the Grantor of the
process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The Grantor consents to the service of process relating to any proceedings by a
notice given in accordance with Clause 16 (Notices) above. |
|
|
(e) |
|
If the appointment of any person mentioned in paragraph (a) above ceases to be
effective, the Grantor must immediately appoint a further person in the State of New
York to accept service of process on its behalf in the State of New York, and, if the
Grantor does not appoint a process agent within 15 days, the Grantor authorizes the
Collateral Agent to appoint a process agent for the Grantor. |
18.3 |
|
Complete Agreement |
|
|
|
This Agreement and the other Finance Documents contain the complete agreement between the
parties on the matters to which they relate and supersede all prior commitments, agreements
and understandings, whether written or oral, on those matters. |
|
18.4 |
|
Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
|
|
THE GRANTOR AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT (FOR ITSELF AND ON BEHALF OF THE NOTEHOLDERS) WAIVE ANY
RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON OR ARISING
FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. In the event of
litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court. |
24
The undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed and delivered this Agreement on the
date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
25
SCHEDULE 1
COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
None.
26
SCHEDULE 2
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Copyrights:
Registrations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owner |
|
Registration No. |
|
Registration Date |
|
Title |
Vector Tobacco Inc.
|
|
VA-1-390-735
|
|
December 22, 2005
|
|
QUEST 1 CIGARETTE
PACKAGING IN BLUE |
Applications:
None.
Copyright Licenses:
None.
Patents:
Registrations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application No. |
|
Priority |
|
Date |
|
Filing Date |
|
|
Title |
|
Country |
|
Patent
No. |
|
Date |
|
Filed on |
|
Entitled |
|
Issue Date |
Modifying
Nicotine And
Nitrosamine
Levels In
Tobacco
|
|
USA
|
|
10/729,121 6,789,548
|
|
6/8/01
|
|
12/5/03
|
|
6/6/02
|
|
9/14/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method Of
Making A
Smoking
Composition
|
|
USA
|
|
10/007724 6,789,548
|
|
11/10/00
|
|
11/9/01
|
|
11/9/01
|
|
9/14/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method Of
Making A
Smoking
Composition
|
|
USA
|
|
10/871863 6,959,712
|
|
11/10/00
|
|
6/18/04
|
|
6/18/04
|
|
11/1/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
Applications:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application No. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
Country |
|
Patent No. |
|
Priority Date |
|
Date Filed on |
|
Filing Date Entitled |
|
Issue Date |
Modifying Nicotine
And Nitrosamine
Levels In Tobacco
|
|
USA
|
|
11/285,537
|
|
6/8/01
|
|
11/22/05
|
|
6/6/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modifying Nicotine
And Nitrosamine
Levels In Tobacco
|
|
USA
|
|
11/416,270
|
|
6/8/01
|
|
5/1/06
|
|
6/6/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modifying Nicotine
And Nitrosamine
Levels In Tobacco
|
|
USA
|
|
11/077,752
|
|
6/8/01
|
|
3/10/05
|
|
6/6/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modifying Nicotine
And Nitrosamine
Levels In Tobacco
|
|
USA
|
|
11/416,262
|
|
6/8/01
|
|
5/1/06
|
|
6/6/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco Having
Reduced Nicotine
and Nitrosamines
|
|
USA
|
|
10/943346
|
|
4/9/02
|
|
9/17/04
|
|
4/7/03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method Of Making A
Smoking Composition
|
|
USA
|
|
11/253,430
|
|
11/10/00
|
|
10/19/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method of Reducing
the Harmful Effects
of Orally or
Transdermally
Delivered Nicotine
|
|
USA
|
|
11/293,680
|
|
|
|
12/2/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method of Reducing
the Harmful Effects
of Orally or
Transdermally
Delivered Nicotine
|
|
USA
|
|
11/415,817
|
|
|
|
5/02/06 |
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application No. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title |
|
Country |
|
Patent No. |
|
Priority Date |
|
Date Filed on |
|
Filing Date Entitled |
|
Issue Date |
Method of Reducing
the Harmful Effects
of Orally or
Transdermally
Delivered Nicotine
|
|
USA
|
|
10/559,113
|
|
|
|
12/2/05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method and
Composition for
Mentholation of
Charcoal Filtered
Cigarettes
|
|
USA
|
|
10/838876
|
|
11/9/01
|
|
5/3/04
|
|
11/7/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method and
Compositions for
Imparting Cooling
Effect to Tobacco
Products
|
|
USA
|
|
10/838872
|
|
12/19/01
|
|
5/3/04
|
|
12/18/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Method and
Composition for
Mentholation of
Cigarettes
|
|
USA
|
|
10/838521
|
|
12/19/01
|
|
5/3/04
|
|
12/18/02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco Product
Labeling System
|
|
USA
|
|
11/393,176
|
|
10/2/03
|
|
3/30/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tobacco Product
Labeling System
|
|
USA
|
|
11/412,492
|
|
10/2/03
|
|
4/27/06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patent Licenses:
None.
Trademarks:
Registrations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2748408
8/5/2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 and Design
|
|
|
|
2849708
6/1/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
New 1 & Design
|
|
|
|
3,053,228
1/31/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
2 and Design
|
|
|
|
2849709
6/1/2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
New 2 & Design
|
|
|
|
3,053,229
1/31/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 and Design
|
|
|
|
2,849,710
6/1/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
New 3 & Design
|
|
|
|
3,053,230
1/31/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EAGLE 20S
|
|
|
|
1041041
6/8/1976 |
|
|
|
|
|
EAGLE 20s & Design
|
|
|
|
1900069
6/13/1995 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MAKE IT YOUR QUEST
|
|
|
|
2782773
11/11/2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
MERIDIAN & Design
|
|
|
|
1863306
11/15/1994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NICOTINE FREE SIMPLE AS 1-2-3
|
|
|
|
2883026
09/07/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
OMNI
|
|
|
|
1159377
6/30/1981 |
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST (Stylized)
|
|
|
|
2,858,950
6/29/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 1
|
|
|
|
2837372
4/27/2004 |
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
QUEST 1
(Black & White Packaging)
|
|
|
|
2979617
7/26/2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 1
(Blue Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,038,371
1/31/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 1 (Green Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,091,066
5/9/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 2
|
|
|
|
2837373
4/27/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 2
(Black & White Packaging)
|
|
|
|
2979618
7/26/2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 2 (Blue Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,086,264
4/25/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 2 (Green Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,091,067
5/9/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 3
|
|
|
|
2837374
4/27/2004 |
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
QUEST 3
(Black & White Packaging)
|
|
|
|
2979619
7/26/2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 3
(Blue Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,056,373
1/31/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
QUEST 3 (Green Packaging)
|
|
|
|
3,071,883
3/21/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
REDUCED CARCINOGENS. PREMIUM TASTE.
|
|
|
|
2696969
3/18/2003 |
|
|
|
|
|
SILVER EAGLE
|
|
|
|
3,140,520
9/5/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
STEP TO NICOTINE FREE!
|
|
|
|
2,875,596
8/17/2004 |
Applications:
|
|
|
|
|
APPLICATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
APPLICATION DATE |
MONTERA
|
|
78/411,476
4/30/2004 |
|
|
|
QUEST
|
|
78/718,785
9/22/2005 |
|
|
|
QUEST
|
|
78/891,393
5/24/2006 |
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
|
APPLICATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
APPLICATION DATE |
V (Service Mark)
|
|
78/409,580
4/28/2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trademark Licenses:
None.
Trade Secret Licenses:
None.
33
SIGNATORIES
In Witness Whereof, the Grantor has caused this Security Agreement to be duly
executed by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
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Grantor |
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VECTOR TOBACCO INC. |
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By:
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/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name:
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Francis G. Wall |
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Title:
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Vice President |
|
|
(Signature Page to Security Agreement Vector Tobacco Inc.)
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|
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Collateral Agent |
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
|
|
as Collateral Agent |
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|
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By:
|
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/s/ Richard Prokosch
|
|
|
|
Name:
|
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Richard Prokosch |
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Vice President |
|
|
(Signature Page to Security Agreement Vector Tobacco Inc.)
EXHIBIT 1
Form of Patent Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF
PATENT SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This PATENT SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], 2007 (as may be amended,
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement), is made
by [ ], a [ ] corporation (the Grantor) in favor of U.S. Bank
National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent) for
the Noteholders (as defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantor has guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of
[ ], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantor and certain of the
Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that the Grantor shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement, dated
as of August [ ], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented, replaced
or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantor has granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of the
Grantor to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantor agrees as follows:
1.
DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Terms Defined in the Security Agreement. All capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Security
Agreement.
1.2 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
Assignment of Patents has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
Patent Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
PTO means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise provided herein, the rules of
construction set forth in Section 1.2 of the Security Agreement shall be applicable to this
Agreement.
2.
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
2.1 Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance in full
of all of the Secured Liabilities, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the
benefit of the Collateral Agent and the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing security
interest in and first priority lien on all of such Grantors rights, title and interests in all
Patents and Patent Licenses, including the Patents and Patent Licenses referred to on Schedule
A hereto, in each case whether now or hereafter existing or arising or in which such Grantor
now has or hereafter owns, acquires or develops an interest and wherever located (collectively, the
Patent Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Patents upon Default. Each Grantor acknowledges that the Collateral
Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent hereunder and
under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Patents and Patent Licenses that
constitute Patent Collateral in substantially the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (each an
Assignment of Patents) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise
of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, each
Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with the PTO an
Assignment of Patents on behalf of such Grantor upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
an Event of Default for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its
remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
2.3 Conditional Assignment. In addition to, and not by way of limitation of, the
grant and pledge of the Patent Collateral provided in Section 2.1, each Grantor grants, assigns,
transfers, conveys and sets over to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, such
Grantors entire right, title and interest in and to the Patent Collateral; provided, that such
grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance shall be and become of force and effect only (a) in
connection with the Collateral Agents exercise of its rights and remedies in strict accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (b) upon or after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and (c) either (i) upon the written demand of the Collateral
Agent at any time during such continuance or (ii) immediately and automatically (without notice or
action of any kind by the Collateral Agent) upon an Event of Default for which acceleration of the
payment of the Notes is automatic under the Indenture or upon the sale or other disposition of or
foreclosure upon the Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement and applicable law (including
the transfer or other disposition of the Collateral by any Grantor to the Collateral Agent or its
nominee in lieu of foreclosure).
2.4 Supplemental to Security Agreement. Pursuant to the Security Agreement the
Grantor has granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and first lien on the Collateral (including the Patent Collateral). The
Security Agreement, and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral
(including the Patent Collateral) thereunder, are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.
In no event shall this Agreement, the grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Patent
Collateral hereunder, or the recordation of this Agreement (or any other document hereunder) with
the PTO, adversely affect or impair, in any way or to any extent, the Security Agreement, the
security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral (including the Patent Collateral)
pursuant to the Security Agreement, the attachment and perfection of such security interest under
the UCC (including the security interest in the Patent Collateral), or any present or future rights
and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral under or in connection with the
Security Agreement or the UCC. Any and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to
the Patent Collateral (and any and all obligations of the Grantors with respect to the Patent
Collateral) provided herein, or arising hereunder or in connection herewith, shall only supplement
and be cumulative and in addition to the rights and interests of the Collateral Agent (and the
obligations of the Grantors) in, to or with respect to the Collateral (including the Patent
Collateral) provided in or arising under or in connection with the Security Agreement and shall not
be in derogation thereof.
3.
AFTER-ACQUIRED PATENTS
3.1 After-acquired Patents. If, after the execution of this Agreement and before the
end of the Secured Period, any Grantor shall obtain any right, title or interest in or to any new
patentable inventions or become entitled to the benefit of any Patents or Patent Licenses for any
reissue, division, or continuation, of any Patent, the provisions of this Agreement shall
automatically apply thereto and such Grantor shall promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice
thereof in writing and execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as
the Collateral Agent may reasonably request further to implement, preserve or evidence the
Collateral Agents interest therein.
3.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement and the Assignments of Patents, without the necessity of such Grantors further approval
or signature, by amending Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Patents to
include any future or other Patents or Patent Licenses that become part of the Patent Collateral
under Section 2 or Section 3.1.
4.
GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder and any claim or dispute
(whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that
relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of the State of New York
including section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict
of law rules that would lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of
a jurisdiction other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to
the perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any Patent Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of perfection,
priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
5.1 Headings. The headings of each section of this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not define or limit the provisions thereof. This Agreement and all rights and
obligations hereunder shall be binding upon the Grantor and its respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the other Noteholders and their respective
successors and assigns. If any term of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this
Agreement shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term
had not been included herein. The Grantor acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.
5.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Signatures begin on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Patent Security and Pledge Agreement has been executed and delivered
by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
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[ ], as Grantor
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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U.S. Bank National Association, as
Collateral Agent
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Schedule A
to the Patent Security and Pledge Agreement
[To be completed by the Grantor]
Grantor: [___]
Issued U.S. Patents of Grantor
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Patent No. |
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Issue Date |
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Title |
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Schedule A
to the Patent Security and Pledge Agreement
Pending U.S. Patent Applications of Grantor
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Serial No. |
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Filing Date |
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Title |
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EXHIBIT 1
ASSIGNMENT OF PATENTS
WHEREAS, , a organized and existing under the laws of the
State of , having a place of business at (the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the patents (the Patents)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Patents; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Patents;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Patent Collateral
Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of [ ] ___, 20[ ] (as may be amended,
Patent Collateral Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the
meanings given such terms in the Patent Collateral Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Patents, together with (i) the Issued Patents and Patent Applications identified on
the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, (ii) the goodwill of the business
symbolized by and associated with the Patents, and (iii) the right to sue and recover for, and the
right to profits or damages due or accrued arising out of or in connection with, any and all past,
present or future infringements of or damage or injury to the Patents or such associated goodwill.
This Assignment of Patents is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the Assignee
shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Patents below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, , on this ___ day of ___, 20___.
The foregoing assignment of the Patents by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted as
of the ___ day of , 20___.
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[COLLATERAL AGENT]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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COMMONWEALTH OR STATE OF )
) ss.
COUNTY OF
On this the ___ day of , 20___, before me appeared , the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the of , and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
.
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Notary Public
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[Seal] |
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My commission expires: |
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|
ANNEX
U.S. PATENT REGISTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
|
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App. No. |
|
Patent No. |
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Title |
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Filing Date |
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Issue Date |
|
Security Interest |
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EXHIBIT 2
Form of Trademark Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF
TRADEMARK SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This TRADEMARK SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT, dated as of August [ ], 2007 (as may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement),
is made by [ ], a [ ] corporation (the Grantor) in favor of U.S.
Bank National Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent)
for the Noteholders (as defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantor has guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of August
[ ], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantor and certain of the
Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that the Grantor shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement, dated
as of August [ ], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented, replaced
or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantor has granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of the
Grantor to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantor agrees as follows:
1.
DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Terms Defined in the Security Agreement. All capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Security
Agreement.
1.2 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
Assignment of Marks has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
PTO means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Trademark Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise provided herein, the rules of
construction set forth in Section 1.2 of the Security Agreement shall be applicable to this
Agreement.
2.
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
2.1 Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance in full
of all of the Secured Liabilities, the Grantor hereby pledges and grants to the Collateral Agent,
for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and first priority lien on all of such Grantors rights, title and interests
in all Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets and Trade Secret Licenses, including the
Trademarks, Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret Licenses referred to on Schedule A hereto
(as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), in each case whether now or
hereafter existing or arising or in which such Grantor now has or hereafter owns, acquires or
develops an interest and wherever located (collectively, the Trademark Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Trademarks upon Default. The Grantor acknowledges that the
Collateral Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent
hereunder and under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Trademarks that constitute
Trademark Collateral in the form attached as Annex 1 hereto (each an Assignment of
Trademarks) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its remedies
under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Grantor hereby
authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with the PTO an Assignment of
Trademarks on behalf of such Grantor upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its remedies under
Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
2.3 Conditional Assignment. In addition to, and not by way of limitation of, the
grant and pledge of the Trademark Collateral provided in Section 2.1, the Grantor grants, assigns,
transfers, conveys and sets over to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, such
Grantors entire right, title and interest in and to the Trademark Collateral; provided, that such
grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance shall be and become of force and effect only (a) in
connection with the Collateral Agents exercise of its rights and remedies in strict accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (b) upon or after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and
(c) either (i) upon the written demand of the Collateral Agent at any time during such
continuance or (ii) immediately and automatically (without notice or action of any kind by the
Collateral Agent) upon an Event of Default for which acceleration of the payment of the Notes is
automatic under the Indenture or upon the sale or other disposition of or foreclosure upon the
Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement and applicable law (including the transfer or other
disposition of the Collateral by the Grantor to the Collateral Agent or its nominee in lieu of
foreclosure).
2.4 Supplemental to Security Agreement. Pursuant to the Security Agreement the
Grantor has granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and first lien on the Collateral (including the Trademark Collateral). The
Security Agreement, and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral
(including the Trademark Collateral) thereunder, are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.
In no event shall this Agreement, the grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Trademark
Collateral hereunder, or the recordation of this Agreement (or any other document hereunder) with
the PTO, adversely affect or impair, in any way or to any extent, the Security Agreement, the
security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral (including the Trademark Collateral)
pursuant to the Security Agreement, the attachment and perfection of such security interest under
the UCC (including the security interest in the Trademark Collateral), or any present or future
rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral under or in connection with
the Security Agreement or the UCC. Any and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and
to the Trademark Collateral (and any and all obligations of the Grantor with respect to the
Trademark Collateral) provided herein, or arising hereunder or in connection herewith, shall only
supplement and be cumulative and in addition to the rights and interests of the Collateral Agent
(and the obligations of the Grantor) in, to or with respect to the Collateral (including the
Trademark Collateral) provided in or arising under or in connection with the Security Agreement and
shall not be in derogation thereof.
3.
AFTER-ACQUIRED TRADEMARKS
3.1 After-acquired Trademarks. If, after the execution of the Agreement and before
the end of the Security Period, the Grantor shall obtain any right, title or interest in or to any
other or new Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret Licenses or become
entitled to the benefit of any Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret
Licenses, the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply thereto and such Grantor shall
promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice thereof in writing and execute and deliver to the
Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request
further to implement, preserve or evidence the Collateral Agents interest therein.
3.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement and the Assignments of Trademarks, without the necessity of such Grantors further
approval or signature, by amending Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Trademarks
to include any future or other Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret
Licenses that become part of the Trademark Collateral under Section 2 or Section 3.1.
4.
GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder and any claim or dispute
(whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that
relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of the State of New York
including section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict
of law rules that would lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of
a jurisdiction other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to
the perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any Trademark Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of
perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Headings. The headings of each section of this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not define or limit the provisions thereof. This Agreement and all rights and
obligations hereunder shall be binding upon the Grantor and its respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the Noteholders and their respective
successors and assigns. If any term of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this
Agreement shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term
had not been included herein. The Grantor acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.
(b) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Signatures begin on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Trademark Security and Pledge Agreement has been executed and
delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
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[ ], as Grantor
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U.S. Bank National Association, as
Collateral Agent
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ANNEX 1
ASSIGNMENT OF TRADEMARKS
WHEREAS, , a organized and existing under the laws of the
State of , having a place of business at (the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the trademarks (the Trademarks)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Patents; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Patents;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Trademark Security and
Pledge Agreement, dated as of [ ] ___, 20[___] (as may be amended, Trademark
Collateral Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meanings given
such terms in the Trademark Collateral Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Patents, together with (i) the Trademarks, Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret
Licenses identified on the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, (ii) the
goodwill of the business symbolized by and associated with the Trademarks, and (iii) the right to
sue and recover for, and the right to profits or damages due or accrued arising out of or in
connection with, any and all past, present or future infringements of or damage or injury to the
Trademarks or such associated goodwill.
This Assignment of Trademarks is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the
Assignee shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Trademarks
below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, on this ___ day of , 20___.
The foregoing assignment of the Trademarks by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted
as of the ___ day of , 20___.
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[COLLATERAL AGENT]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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COMMONWEALTH OR STATE OF )
) ss.
COUNTY OF
On this the ___ day of , 20___, before me appeared , the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the of , and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
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Notary Public
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[Seal] |
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My commission expires: |
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Schedule A
to the Trademark Security and Pledge Agreement
(to be completed by the Grantor)
Grantor: [ ]
United States Trademark Registrations of Grantor
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Registration No./ |
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Registration Date/ |
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Trademark |
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Application No. |
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Application Date |
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EXHIBIT 3
Form of Copyright Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT
This Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of [], 2007 (as amended, restated, amended
and restated or otherwise modified, this Agreement), is made by [ ], a [ ] [corporation] [limited liability company] (the Grantor) in favor of U.S. Bank National
Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent) for the Noteholders (as
defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantor has guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of August
[], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantor and certain of the
Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that the Grantor shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement, dated
as of August [], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented, replaced
or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantor has granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of the
Grantor to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Copyright Office
and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantor agrees as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the
Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Security Agreement.
Assignment of Copyrights has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
Copyright Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
SECTION 2.
4
2.1 Grant of Security Interest in Copyright Collateral. Each Grantor hereby pledges
and grants to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a security interest in all of
such Grantors right, title and interest in, to and under the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses,
including the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses referred to on Schedule I hereto, whether
presently existing or hereafter created or acquired (collectively, the Copyright
Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Copyrights upon Default. Each Grantor acknowledges that the
Collateral Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent
hereunder and under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Copyrights and Copyright
Licenses that constitute Copyright Collateral in substantially the form of Annex 1 hereto
(each an Assignment of Copyrights) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral
Agents exercise of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the
foregoing, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with
the United States Copyright Office an Assignment of Copyrights on behalf of such Grantor upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default for the sole purpose of effecting the
Collateral Agents exercise of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this
Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent for
the Noteholders pursuant to the Security Agreement and Grantors hereby acknowledge and affirm that
the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent with respect to the security interest in the
Copyright Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement,
the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth
herein. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Security
Agreement, the provisions of the Security Agreement shall control.
SECTION 4. After-Acquired Copyrights. If, after the execution of the Agreement and
before the end of the Security Period, the Grantor shall obtain any right, title or interest in or
to any other or new Copyrights or Copyright Licenses or become entitled to the benefit of any
Copyrights or Copyright Licenses, the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply
thereto and such Grantor shall promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice thereof in writing
and execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as the Collateral
Agent may reasonably request further to implement, preserve or evidence the Collateral Agents
interest therein.
SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Applicable Law. This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder
and any claim or dispute (whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to
this Agreement or that relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of
the State of New York including section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law but
excluding any other conflict of law rules that would lead to the application of the law of another
jurisdiction. If the law of a
5
jurisdiction other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable
to the perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any Copyright Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of
perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement, without the necessity of such Grantors further approval or signature, by amending
Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Copyrights to include any future or other
Copyrights or Copyright Licenses that become part of the Copyright Collateral under Section 2 or
Section 4.
SECTION 6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Grantor has caused this Copyright Security Agreement to be executed
and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
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[ ],
as Grantor
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Title: |
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U.S. Bank National Association,
as Collateral Agent
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SCHEDULE I
to
COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Registrations
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Registration No.
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Registration Date
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Applications
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Application No.
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Application Date
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ANNEX 1
ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHTS
WHEREAS, , a
organized and existing under the laws of the
State of , having a place of business at (the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the copyrights (the Copyrights)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Copyrights; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Copyrights;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Copyright Security
Agreement, dated as of [ ] ___, 20[___] (as may be amended, Copyright Security
Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meanings given such terms
in the Copyright Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses, including the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses
identified on the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
This Assignment of Copyrights is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the
Assignee shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Copyrights
below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, , on this ___ day of , 20___.
The foregoing assignment of the Copyrights by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted
as of the ___ day of , 20___.
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[COLLATERAL AGENT]
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By: |
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Title: |
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COMMONWEALTH OR STATE OF )
) ss.
COUNTY OF
On this the ___ day of , 20___, before me appeared , the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the of , and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
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Notary Public |
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[Seal] |
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My commission expires: |
EX-4.4 Security Agreement (Liggett and Maple)
Exhibit 4.4
SECURITY AGREEMENT
DATED August 16, 2007
between
EACH OF THE GRANTORS PARTY HERETO
and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Collateral Agent
CONTENTS
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Clause |
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1.
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Interpretation
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2.
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Secured liabilities
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3.
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Creation of security
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4.
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Perfection and further assurances
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5.
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Representations and warranties
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6.
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Undertakings
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13 |
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7.
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When security becomes enforceable
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8.
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Enforcement of security
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9.
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Application of proceeds
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10.
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Expenses and indemnity
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11.
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Evidence and calculations
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12.
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Changes to the parties
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13.
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Miscellaneous
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14.
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Severability
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15.
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Release
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16.
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Notices
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17.
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Governing law
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18.
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Enforcement
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SCHEDULE 1 COMMERCIAL TORT
CLAIMS
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SCHEDULE 2 INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY
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SIGNATORIES
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EXHIBIT 1 Form of Patent Security and Pledge Agreement |
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EXHIBIT 2 Form of Trademark Security and Pledge Agreement |
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EXHIBIT 3 Form of Copyright Security Agreement |
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i
THIS AGREEMENT is dated August 16, 2007
BETWEEN:
(1) |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and 100 MAPLE LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, as grantors (each a Grantor and, collectively, the Grantors); and |
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Noteholders under the Indenture
described below (in this capacity, the Collateral Agent). |
BACKGROUND:
The Grantors enter into this Agreement in connection with the Indenture dated August 16, 2007 (the
Indenture) by and among Vector Group Ltd. (Vector Group), the Guarantors party thereto and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee (the Trustee) under the Indenture. Pursuant to the
Indenture, Vector Group is issuing Notes and the Grantors are guaranteeing the Notes as provided in
the Indenture. The Grantors now wish to secure their obligations under the Indenture by entering
into this Agreement.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Agreement:
ABL Debt has the meaning given to that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.
Affiliate means, with respect to a specified Person, any Person that, directly or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the specified Person.
The term Collateral means all personal property, wherever located, in which any Grantor now
has or later acquires any right, title or interest, including all:
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accounts; |
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goods (including equipment, inventory and fixtures); |
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health-care-insurance receivables; |
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instruments (including promissory notes); |
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documents; |
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letter-of-credit rights; |
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general intangibles (including payment intangibles and software); |
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the commercial tort claims described in Schedule 1 (Commercial Tort
Claims); |
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supporting obligations; |
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Intellectual Property; |
and to the extent not listed above as original Collateral, proceeds and products of, and
accessions to, each of the above assets. The term Collateral excludes (i) any property,
right or interest in which a security interest may not be granted under applicable law, (ii)
any equity interest of a Grantor in any Affiliate of such Grantor, (iii) any equipment to
the extent a grant of a security interest in such equipment would be precluded by or require
a consent under the terms and conditions of any existing or future purchase money or other
financing of such equipment permitted under the terms of the Indenture, (iv) any
intent-to-use trademark application prior to the filing of a Statement of Use or
Amendment to Allege Use with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely
during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair
the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use trademark application under applicable
federal law, (v) any aircraft or aircraft engines, (vi) any deposit accounts, (vii) any cash
and (viii) any investment property.
Copyright Licenses shall mean any and all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for
the granting of any right in or to Copyrights or otherwise providing for a covenant not to
sue (whether a Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation,
each agreement referred to in Schedule 2 under the heading Copyright Licenses (as
such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time).
Copyrights shall mean all United States copyrights (including Community designs), including
but not limited to copyrights in software and all rights in and to databases, and all Mask
Works (as defined under 17 U.S.C. 901 of the U.S. Copyright Act), whether registered or
unregistered, moral rights, reversionary interests, termination rights, and, with respect to
any and all of the foregoing: (a) all registrations and applications therefor including,
without limitation, the registrations and applications required to be listed in Schedule
2 under the heading Copyrights (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from
time to time), (b) all extensions and renewals thereof, (c) all rights to sue for past,
present and future infringements thereof, and (d) all proceeds of the foregoing, including,
without limitation, licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages and proceeds of
suit.
Event of Default means an event specified as such in Clause 8.1 (Events of
Default).
Finance Documents means the Indenture, all Notes issued from time to time under the
Indenture, the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, this Agreement and all
other pledges, security agreements, control agreements and all other agreements and
documents entered into the connection with the transactions contemplated by the Indenture.
2
First Priority Debt has the meaning given to that term in the Intercreditor Agreement.
Guarantors means the Grantors and the other guarantors under the Indenture.
Intellectual Property shall mean, collectively, the Copyrights, the Copyright Licenses, the
Patents, the Patent Licenses, the Trademarks, the Trademark Licenses, the Trade Secrets, and
the Trade Secret Licenses.
Intellectual Property Licenses shall mean, collectively, the Copyright Licenses, Patent
Licenses, Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret Licenses.
Intercreditor Agreement means that the Intercreditor and Lien Subordination Agreement dated
August 16, 2007 between Wachovia Bank, National Association and the Collateral Agent and
Liggett Group LLC.
Lien means any security interest, lien, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, charge, assignment,
hypothecation, adverse claim, claim, or restriction on assignment, transfer or pledge or any
other arrangement having the effect of conferring security.
Note means any note issued from time to time under the Indenture, including any exchange
notes.
Noteholder means any Person which from time to time is the holder of a Note.
Obligors means Vector Group and the Guarantors.
Patent Licenses shall mean all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for the granting
of any right in or to Patents or otherwise providing for a covenant not to sue (whether a
Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder) including, without limitation, each agreement
referred to in Schedule 2 under the heading Patent Licenses (as such schedule may
be amended or supplemented from time to time).
Patents shall mean all United States patents and certificates of invention, or similar
industrial property rights, and applications for any of the foregoing, including, but not
limited to: (a) each patent and patent application required to be listed in Schedule
2 hereto under the heading Patents (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented
from time to time), (b) all reissues, divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part,
extensions, renewals, and reexaminations thereof, (c) all inventions and improvements
described therein, (d) all rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof,
(e) all licenses, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit arising therefrom, and (f) all
proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation, licenses, royalties, income,
payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.
Person means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
corporation, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any department or agency
thereof or any entity similar to any of the foregoing.
Priority Liens means the Liens securing the First Priority Debt.
3
Relevant State means the state under whose laws a Grantor is incorporated or organized.
Secured Liabilities means each liability and obligation specified in Clause 2
(Secured Liabilities).
Security means any security interest created by this Agreement.
Security Period means the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the
date on which all the Secured Liabilities have been indefeasibly, unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The Security Period will be extended to take into
account any extension or reinstatement of this Agreement under Clause 3.2(b)
(General). Furthermore, if the Collateral Agent considers that an amount paid to it or a
Noteholder under a Finance Document is capable of being avoided or otherwise set aside on
the bankruptcy, liquidation, insolvency or administration of the payer or otherwise then
that amount will not be considered to have been irrevocably paid for the purposes of this
Agreement.
Trademark Licenses shall mean any and all agreements, licenses and covenants providing for
the granting of any right in or to Trademarks or otherwise providing for a covenant not to
sue or permitting co-existence (whether a Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder)
including, without limitation, each agreement required to be listed in Schedule 2
under the heading Trademark Licenses (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from
time to time).
Trademarks shall mean all United States trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company
names, business names, fictitious business names, Internet domain names, service marks,
certification marks, collective marks, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs
and general intangibles of a like nature, all registrations and applications for any of the
foregoing including, but not limited to: (a) the registrations and applications referred to
in Schedule 2 under the heading Trademarks (as such schedule may be amended or
supplemented from time to time), (b) all extensions or renewals of any of the foregoing, (c)
all of the goodwill of the business connected with the use of and symbolized by the
foregoing, (d) the right to sue for past, present and future infringement or dilution of any
of the foregoing or for any injury to goodwill, and (e) all proceeds of the foregoing,
including, without limitation, licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and
proceeds of suit.
Trade Secret Licenses shall mean any and all agreements providing for the granting of any
right in or to Trade Secrets (whether a Grantor is licensee or licensor thereunder)
including, without limitation, each agreement referred to in Schedule 2 under the
heading Trade Secret Licenses (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time
to time).
Trade Secrets shall mean all trade secrets and all other confidential or proprietary
information and know-how whether or not such Trade Secret has been reduced to a writing or
other tangible form, including all documents and things embodying, incorporating, or
referring in any way to such Trade Secret, including but not limited to:
4
(a) the right to sue for past, present and future misappropriation or other violation of any
Trade Secret, and (b) all proceeds of the foregoing, including, without limitation,
licenses, royalties, income, payments, claims, damages, and proceeds of suit.
UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New
York.
1.2 Construction
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Any term defined in the UCC and not defined in this Agreement has the meaning
given to that term in the UCC. |
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Any term defined in the Indenture and not defined in this Agreement or the UCC
has the meaning given to that term in the Indenture. |
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(c) |
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No reference to proceeds in this Agreement authorizes any sale, transfer or
other disposition of Collateral by a Grantor. |
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(d) |
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In this Agreement, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to: |
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(i) |
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an amendment includes a supplement, novation, restatement or
re-enactment and amended will be construed accordingly; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
a Clause, a Subclause, an Exhibit or a Schedule is a reference
to a Clause or Subclause of, or an Exhibit or Schedule to, this Agreement; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
a law is a reference to that law as amended or re-enacted and
to any successor law; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
an agreement is a reference to that agreement as amended; |
|
|
(v) |
|
fraudulent transfer law means any applicable U.S. Bankruptcy
Law or state fraudulent transfer or conveyance statute, and the related case
law; and |
|
|
(vi) |
|
law includes any law, statute, regulation, regulatory
requirement, rule, ordinance, ruling, decision, treaty, directive, order,
guideline, regulation, policy, writ, judgment, injunction or request of any
court or other governmental, inter-governmental or supranational body, officer
or official, fiscal or monetary authority, or other ministry or public entity
(and their interpretation, administration and application), whether or not
having the force of law. |
|
(i) |
|
includes and including are not limiting; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
or is not exclusive; and |
5
|
(iii) |
|
the headings are for convenience only, do not constitute part
of this Agreement and are not to be used in construing it. |
2. SECURED LIABILITIES
2.1 Secured Liabilities
Each obligation and liability whether:
|
(a) |
|
present or future, actual, contingent or unliquidated; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
owed jointly or severally (or in any other capacity whatsoever), |
of any Grantor to any Noteholder under or in connection with each Finance Document is a
Secured Liability.
2.2 Specification of Secured Liabilities
The Secured Liabilities include any liability or obligation for:
|
(a) |
|
repayment of the principal of any Note; |
|
|
(b) |
|
payment of interest and any other amount payable under the Financing Documents; |
|
|
(c) |
|
payment and performance of all other obligations and liabilities of any Obligor
under the Finance Documents; |
|
|
(d) |
|
payment of any amount owed under any amendment, modification, renewal,
extension or novation of any of the above obligations; and |
|
|
(e) |
|
payment of an amount which arises after a petition is filed by, or against, any
Obligor under the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 even if the obligations do not accrue
because of the automatic stay under Section 362 of the US Bankruptcy Code of 1978 or
otherwise. |
3. CREATION OF SECURITY
3.1 Security Interest
As security for the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Liabilities
when due (whether due because of stated maturity, acceleration, mandatory prepayment, or
otherwise) and to induce the Noteholders to purchase the Notes, the Grantors, jointly and
severally, grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Noteholders a continuing
security interest in the Collateral.
3.2 General
|
(a) |
|
All the Security created under this Agreement: |
6
|
(i) |
|
is continuing security for the irrevocable and indefeasible
payment in full of the Secured Liabilities, regardless of any intermediate
payment or discharge in whole or in part; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
is in addition to, and not in any way prejudiced by, any other
security now or subsequently held by the Collateral Agent. |
|
(b) |
|
If, at any time for any reason (including the bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, reorganization, dissolution or liquidation of any Obligor or the
appointment of any receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or agent or similar official
for, any Obligor or any of their respective properties), any payment received by the
Collateral Agent or any Noteholder in respect of the Secured Liabilities is rescinded
or avoided or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder, that payment will not be considered to have been made for purposes of this
Agreement, and this Agreement will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, if
necessary, as if that payment had not been made. |
|
|
(c) |
|
This Agreement is enforceable against the Grantors to the maximum extent
permitted by the fraudulent transfer laws. |
4. PERFECTION AND FURTHER ASSURANCES
4.1 General perfection
Each Grantor must take, at its own expense, promptly, and in any event within any applicable
time limit:
|
(a) |
|
whatever action is necessary or reasonably desirable; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
any action which the Collateral Agent may reasonably require, |
to ensure that this Security is as of the date Notes are first issued under the Indenture,
and will continue to be until the end of the Security Period, a validly created, attached,
enforceable and perfected continuing security interest in the Collateral, subject to no
Liens other then Liens securing the ABL Debt and subject in priority to no Liens other than
Priority Liens, in all relevant jurisdictions, securing payment and performance of the
Secured Liabilities.
This includes the giving of any notice, order or direction, the making of any filing or
registration, the passing of any resolution and the execution and delivery of any documents
or agreements which the Collateral Agent may think expedient.
4.2 Filing of financing statements
|
(a) |
|
Each Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to prepare and file, at such
Grantors expense: |
|
(i) |
|
financing statements describing the Collateral; |
7
|
(ii) |
|
continuation statements; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
any amendment in respect of those statements. |
|
(b) |
|
Promptly after filing an initial financing statement in respect of the
Collateral, each Grantor must provide the Collateral Agent with an official report from
the Secretary of State of such Grantors Relevant State indicating that the Collateral
Agents security interest in the Collateral provided by such Grantor incorporated or
organized under the laws of such Relevant State is prior to all other security
interests or other interests reflected in the report other than Liens securing the ABL
Debt. |
4.3 Intellectual Property Recording Requirements
|
(a) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of U.S. Patents and Patent Licenses in
respect of U.S. Patents for which any Grantor is the licensee, such Grantor shall
execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Patent Security Agreement in
substantially the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (or a supplement thereto) covering
all such Patents and Patent Licenses in appropriate form for recordation with the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the security interest of the Collateral
Agent. |
|
|
(b) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of U.S. Trademarks and Trademark
Licenses in respect of U.S. Trademarks for which any Grantor is the licensee, such
Grantor shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Trademark Security
Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit 2 hereto (or a supplement
thereto) covering all such Trademarks and Trademark Licenses in appropriate form for
recordation with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with respect to the security
interest of the Collateral Agent. |
|
|
(c) |
|
In the case of any Collateral consisting of registered U.S. Copyrights and
Copyright Licenses in respect of U.S. Copyrights for which any Grantor is the licensee,
such Grantor execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent a Copyright Security Agreement
in substantially the form of Exhibit 3 hereto (or a supplement thereto)
covering all such Copyright and Copyright Licenses is in appropriate form for
recordation with the U.S. Copyright Office with respect to the security interest of the
Collateral Agent. |
4.4 Further assurances
|
(a) |
|
The Grantors must take, at their own expense, promptly, and in any event within
any applicable time limit, whatever action the Collateral Agent may reasonably require
for: |
|
(i) |
|
creating, attaching, perfecting and protecting, and maintaining
the priority of, any security interest intended to be created by this
Agreement; |
8
|
(ii) |
|
facilitating the enforcement of this Security or the exercise
of any right, power or discretion exercisable by the Collateral Agent or any of
its delegates or sub-delegates in respect of any Collateral; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
facilitating the assignment or transfer of any rights and/or
obligations of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement. |
This includes the execution and delivery of any transfer, assignment or other agreement or
document, whether to the Collateral Agent or its nominee, which the Collateral Agent may
think expedient.
|
(b) |
|
Each Grantor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as such Grantors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in such
Grantors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at such Grantors
expense, to take any of the actions referred to in paragraph (a) above without notice
to or the consent of such Grantor. This power of attorney is a power coupled with an
interest and cannot be revoked. Each Grantor ratifies and confirms all actions taken
by the Collateral Agent or its agents under this power of attorney. |
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 Representations and warranties
The representations and warranties set out in this Clause are made by each Grantor to the
Collateral Agent and each Noteholder.
5.2 The Grantors
|
(a) |
|
It is organized under the laws of the state indicated in the preamble to this
Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
In the case of Liggett Group LLC: |
|
(i) |
|
Its exact legal name, as it appears in the public records of
its jurisdiction organization, is as stated in the preamble to this Agreement.
It has not changed its name, whether by amendment of its organizational
documents, reorganization, merger or otherwise, since its date of organization,
December 13, 2005. |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Its organizational identification number, as issued by its
jurisdiction of organization is 2232980. |
|
(c) |
|
In the case of 100 Maple LLC: |
|
(i) |
|
Its exact legal name, as it appears in the public records of
its jurisdiction organization, is as stated in the preamble to this Agreement.
It has not changed its name, whether by amendment of its organizational
documents, |
9
|
|
|
reorganization, merger or otherwise, since its date of organization, May 3,
1999. |
|
(ii) |
|
Its organizational identification number, as issued by its
jurisdiction of organization is 3037646. |
|
(d) |
|
It keeps at its address indicated in Clause 16 (Notices) its corporate
records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating to or
evidencing Collateral. |
5.3 The Collateral
|
(a) |
|
Except as permitted under the Indenture: |
|
(i) |
|
it is the sole legal and beneficial owner of, and has the power
to transfer and grant a security interest in, the Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
none of the Collateral is subject to any Lien other than the
Collateral Agents security interest and Liens securing the ABL Debt; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
it has not agreed or committed to sell, assign, pledge,
transfer, license, lease or encumber any of the Collateral, or granted any
option, warrant or right with respect to any of the Collateral; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
no effective mortgage, deed of trust, financing statement,
security agreement or other instrument similar in effect is on file or of
record with respect to any Collateral, except for those that create, perfect or
evidence the Collateral Agents security interest or Liens securing the ABL
Debt. |
|
(b) |
|
No litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or pending
or, to its knowledge, threatened, involving or affecting the Collateral, and none of
the Collateral is subject to any order, writ, injunction, execution or attachment. |
5.4 No liability
|
(a) |
|
Its rights, interests, liabilities and obligations under contractual
obligations that constitute part of the Collateral are not affected by this Agreement
or the exercise by the Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement; |
|
|
(b) |
|
Neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder, unless it expressly agrees in
writing, will have any liabilities or obligations under any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Collateral as a result of this Agreement, the exercise by the
Collateral Agent of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise; and |
|
|
(c) |
|
Neither the Collateral Agent nor any Noteholder has or will have any obligation
to collect upon or enforce any contractual obligation or claim that constitutes part of
the Collateral, or to take any other action with respect to the Collateral. |
10
5.5 Consideration and solvency
|
(a) |
|
Terms used in this Clause have the meanings given to them in, and must be
construed in accordance with, the fraudulent transfer laws. |
|
|
(b) |
|
It will receive valuable direct and indirect benefits as a result of the
transactions financed by the issuance of the Notes and these benefits constitute
reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration. |
|
|
(c) |
|
To the best of its knowledge, the Collateral Agent and the Noteholders have
acted in good faith in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The sum of its debts (including its obligations under this Agreement) is less
than the value of its property (calculated at the lesser of fair valuation and present
fair saleable value). |
|
|
(e) |
|
Its capital is not unreasonably small to conduct its business as currently
conducted or as proposed to be conducted. |
|
|
(f) |
|
It has not incurred, does not intend to incur and does not believe it will
incur debts beyond its ability to pay as they mature. |
|
|
(g) |
|
It has not made a transfer or incurred an obligation under this Agreement with
the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any of its present or future creditors. |
5.6 Intellectual Property
|
(a) |
|
It is the sole and exclusive owner of the entire right, title, and interest in
and to all Intellectual Property listed on Schedule 2 (as such schedule may be
amended or supplemented from time to time), and owns or has the valid right to use and,
where such Grantor does so, sublicense others to use, all other Intellectual Property
used in or necessary to conduct its business, free and clear of all Liens, claims,
encumbrances and licenses, except for Liens securing the ABL Debt and the licenses set
forth on Schedule 2 (as such schedule may be amended or supplemented from time
to time). |
|
|
(b) |
|
All Intellectual Property is subsisting and has not been adjudged invalid or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, nor, in the case of Patents, is any of the
Intellectual Property the subject of a reexamination proceeding, and such Grantor has
performed all acts and has paid all renewal, maintenance, and other fees and taxes
required to maintain each and every registration and application of Copyrights, Patents
and Trademarks in full force and effect. |
|
|
(c) |
|
All Intellectual Property is valid and enforceable; no holding, decision,
ruling, or judgment has been rendered in any action or proceeding before any court or
administrative authority challenging the validity or scope of, such Grantors right
to register, or such Grantors rights to own or use, any Intellectual Property and
|
11
|
|
|
no such action or proceeding is pending or, to the best of such Grantors knowledge,
threatened. |
|
|
(d) |
|
All registrations and applications for Copyright registrations, Patents and
Trademark registrations are standing in the name of such Grantor, and none of the
Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights or Trade Secrets has been licensed by any Grantor to
any Affiliate or third party, except as disclosed in Schedule 2 (as such
schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), and all exclusive Copyright
Licenses have been properly recorded in the U.S. Copyright Office. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Such Grantor has not made a previous assignment, sale, transfer, exclusive
license or agreement constituting a present or future assignment, sale, transfer,
exclusive license or agreement of any Intellectual Property that has not been
terminated or released. |
|
|
(f) |
|
Such Grantor has been using appropriate statutory notice of registration in
connection with its use of registered Trademarks, proper marking practices in
connection with the use of Patents, and appropriate notice of copyright in connection
with the publication of Copyrights. |
|
|
(g) |
|
Such Grantor uses adequate standards of quality in the manufacture,
distribution, and sale of all products sold and in the provision of all services
rendered under or in connection with all Trademark Collateral and has taken all action
necessary to insure that all licensees of the Trademark Collateral owned by such
Grantor use such adequate standards of quality. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The conduct of such Grantors business does not infringe upon or misappropriate
or otherwise violate any trademark, patent, copyright, trade secret or other
intellectual property right of any other Person; no claim has been made that the use of
any Intellectual Property owned or used by such Grantor (or any of its respective
licensees) infringes upon, misappropriates or otherwise violates the asserted rights of
any other Person, and no demand that such Grantor enter into a license or co-existence
agreement has been made but not resolved. |
|
|
(i) |
|
To the best of such Grantors knowledge, no other Person is infringing upon,
misappropriating or otherwise violating any rights in any Intellectual Property owned,
licensed or used by such Grantor, or any of its respective licensees. |
|
|
(j) |
|
No settlement or consents, covenants not to sue, co-existence agreements,
non-assertion assurances, or releases have been entered into by such Grantor or binds
such Grantor in a manner that could adversely affect such Grantors rights to own,
license or use any Intellectual Property. |
5.7 Times for making representations and warranties
|
(a) |
|
The representations and warranties set out in this Agreement (including in this
Clause) are made on the date of this Agreement. |
12
|
(b) |
|
Unless a representation and warranty is expressed to be given at a specific
date, all representations and warranties under this Agreement are deemed to be repeated
by the Grantors on the date of each issuance of Notes under the Indenture with
reference to the facts and circumstances then existing. |
|
|
(c) |
|
When representations and warranties are repeated, they are applied to the
circumstances existing at the time of repetition. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The representations and warranties of the Grantors contained in this Agreement
or made by any Grantor in any certificate, notice or report delivered under this
Agreement will survive each issuance of Notes, the repayment of the Notes, and any
transfer or assignment of the Notes. |
6. UNDERTAKINGS
6.1 Undertakings
The Grantors agree to be bound by the covenants set out in this Clause.
6.2 The Grantors
|
(a) |
|
Except as permitted under the Indenture, each Grantor must preserve its limited
liability company existence and will not, except as permitted by the Indenture, in one
transaction or a series of related transactions, merge into or consolidate with any
other entity, or sell all or substantially all of its assets. |
|
|
(b) |
|
No Grantor may change the jurisdiction of its organization without providing
the Collateral Agent with at least 30 days prior written notice. |
|
|
(c) |
|
No Grantor may change its name without providing the Collateral Agent with at
least 30 days prior written notice. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Each Grantor must keep at its address indicated in Clause 16 (Notices)
its corporate records and all records, documents and instruments constituting, relating
to or evidencing Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Each Grantor will permit the Collateral Agent and its agents and
representatives, during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice, to inspect
the Collateral, to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records referred
to in paragraph (d) above, and to discuss matters relating to the Collateral directly
with such Grantors officers and employees. |
|
|
(f) |
|
At the Collateral Agents request, the Grantors must provide the Collateral
Agent with any information concerning the Collateral that the Collateral Agent may
reasonably request. |
6.3 The Collateral
13
|
(a) |
|
Except as expressly permitted by the Indenture or this Agreement, the Grantors: |
|
(i) |
|
must maintain sole legal and beneficial ownership of the
Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
must not permit any Collateral to be subject to any Lien other
than the Collateral Agents security interest and Liens securing the ABL Debt
and must at all times warrant and defend the Collateral Agents security
interest in the Collateral against all other Liens (other than Priority Liens)
and claimants; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
must not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, license, lease or
further encumber, or grant any option, warrant, or right with respect to, any
of the Collateral, or agree or contract to do any of the foregoing; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
must not waive, amend or terminate, in whole or in part, any
accessory or ancillary right or other right in respect of any Collateral; and |
|
|
(v) |
|
must not take any action which would result in a reduction in
the value of any Collateral. |
|
(b) |
|
The Grantors must pay when due (and in any case before any penalties are
assessed or any Lien is imposed on any Collateral) all taxes, assessments and charges
imposed on or in respect of Collateral and all claims against the Collateral, including
claims for labor, materials and supplies. |
|
|
(c) |
|
In any suit, legal action, arbitration or other proceeding involving the
Collateral or the Collateral Agents security interest, the Grantors must take all
lawful action to avoid impairment of the Collateral Agents security interest or the
Collateral Agents rights under this Agreement or the imposition of a Lien on any
Collateral. |
6.4 Intellectual Property
|
(a) |
|
It shall not do any act or omit to do any act whereby any of the Intellectual
Property which is material to the business of such Grantor or which is of material
value may lapse, or become abandoned, dedicated to the public, or unenforceable, or
which would adversely affect the validity, grant, or enforceability of the security
interest granted therein. |
|
|
(b) |
|
It shall not, with respect to any Trademarks, cease the use of any of such
Trademarks or fail to maintain the level of the quality of products sold and services
rendered under any of such Trademark at a level at least substantially consistent with
the quality of such products and services as of the date hereof, and such Grantor shall
take all steps necessary to insure that licensees of such Trademarks use such
consistent standards of quality. |
|
|
(c) |
|
It shall, within thirty (30) days of the creation or acquisition or exclusive
license of any Copyrightable work which is material to the business of such Grantor or
otherwise of material value, apply to register the Copyright and, in the case of an |
14
|
|
|
exclusive Copyright License, record such license, in the United States Copyright
Office. |
|
(d) |
|
It shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent if it knows or has reason to know
that any item of Intellectual Property material to its business may become (i)
abandoned or dedicated to the public or placed in the public domain, (ii) invalid or
unenforceable, (iii) subject to any adverse determination or development (including the
institution of proceedings) in any action or proceeding in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office or (iv) be the subject of any
reversion or termination rights. |
|
|
(e) |
|
It shall take all reasonable steps in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office, the United States Copyright Office to pursue any application and maintain any
registration of each Trademark, Patent, and Copyright owned by or exclusively licensed
to such Grantor which is now or shall become included in the Intellectual Property
including, but not limited to, those items on Schedule 2 (as such may be
amended or supplemented from time to time). |
|
|
(f) |
|
It shall hereafter use best efforts so as not to permit the inclusion in any
contract to which it hereafter becomes a party of any provision that could or might in
any way materially impair or prevent the creation of a security interest in, or the
assignment of, such Grantors rights and interests in any property included within the
definitions of any Intellectual Property acquired under such contracts. |
|
|
(g) |
|
In the event that any Intellectual Property owned by or exclusively licensed to
the Grantor is infringed, misappropriated, or diluted by a third party, such Grantor
shall promptly take all reasonable actions to stop such infringement, misappropriation,
or dilution and protect its rights in such Intellectual Property including, but not
limited to, the initiation of a suit for injunctive relief and to recover damages. |
|
|
(h) |
|
It shall take all steps reasonably necessary to protect the secrecy of all
Trade Secrets, including, without limitation, entering into confidentiality agreements
with employees and consultants and labeling and restricting access to secret
information and documents. |
|
|
(i) |
|
It shall use proper statutory notice in connection with its use of any of the
Intellectual Property. |
|
|
(j) |
|
It shall continue to collect, at its own expense, all amounts due or to become
due to such Grantor in respect of the Intellectual Property or any portion thereof. In
connection with such collections, such Grantor may take (and, at the Collateral Agents
reasonable direction, shall take) such action as such Grantor or the Collateral Agent
may deem reasonably necessary or advisable to enforce collection of such amounts.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time,
to notify, or require such Grantor to notify, any |
15
|
|
|
obligors with respect to any such amounts of the existence of the security interest
created hereby. |
6.5 Notices
|
(a) |
|
The Grantors must give the Collateral Agent prompt notice of the occurrence of
any of the following events: |
|
(i) |
|
any pending or threatened claim, suit, legal action,
arbitration or other proceeding involving or affecting any Grantor or any
Collateral which could reasonably be expected to impair the Collateral Agents
security interest or the Collateral Agents rights under this Agreement or
result in the imposition of a Lien on any Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
any loss or damage to any material portion of the Collateral;
or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement is
or becomes untrue, incorrect or incomplete in any material respect. |
|
(b) |
|
Each notice delivered under this Clause, must include: |
|
(i) |
|
reasonable details about the event; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Grantors proposed course of action. |
Delivery of a notice under this Clause does not affect any Grantors obligations to comply
with any other term of this Agreement.
7. WHEN SECURITY BECOMES ENFORCEABLE
This Security may be enforced by the Collateral Agent at any time after an Event of Default
has occurred.
8. ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
8.1 Events of Default
Each of the events set out in this Subclause is an Event of Default.
|
(a) |
|
Any Grantor fails to comply with Clause 6.3(a) (The Collateral); |
|
|
(b) |
|
Any Grantor fails to comply with any other term of this Agreement or any
Control Agreement unless the non-compliance: |
|
(i) |
|
is capable of remedy; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
is remedied within 14 days of the Collateral Agent giving
notice to such Grantor; |
16
|
(c) |
|
A representation or warranty made or repeated in this Agreement or any Control
Agreement, is untrue or incorrect in any material aspect when made or deemed to be
repeated; |
|
|
(d) |
|
Any attachment, execution or levy is made in respect of any part of the
Collateral; or |
|
|
(e) |
|
An Event of Default (as that term is defined in the Indenture) occurs. |
8.2 General
|
(a) |
|
After this Security has become enforceable, the Collateral Agent may
immediately, in its absolute discretion but subject to the Intercreditor Agreement,
exercise any right under: |
|
(i) |
|
applicable law; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
this Agreement, |
to enforce all or any part of the Security in respect of any Collateral in any manner or
order it sees fit.
|
(i) |
|
any rights and remedies available to the Collateral Agent under
applicable law and under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the
affected Collateral and regardless of whether or not the UCC is the law of the
jurisdiction where the rights or remedies are asserted) as if those rights and
remedies were set forth in this Agreement in full; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
transferring or assigning to, or registering in the name of,
the Collateral Agent or its nominees any of the Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
exercising any consent and other rights relating to any
Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
performing or complying with any contractual obligation that
constitutes part of the Collateral; |
|
|
(v) |
|
receiving, endorsing, negotiating, executing and delivering or
collecting upon any check, draft, note, acceptance, account, instrument,
document, letter of credit, contract, agreement, receipt, release, bill of
lading, invoice, endorsement, assignment, bill of sale, deed, security, share
certificate, stock power, proxy, or instrument of conveyance or transfer
constituting or relating to any Collateral; |
|
|
(vi) |
|
asserting, instituting, filing, defending, settling,
compromising, adjusting, discounting or releasing any suit, action, claim,
counterclaim, right of set-off or other right or interest relating to any
Collateral; |
17
|
(vii) |
|
executing and delivering acquittances, receipts and releases
in respect of Collateral; and |
|
|
(viii) |
|
exercising any other right or remedy available to the Collateral Agent under
the other Finance Documents or any other agreement between the parties. |
8.3 Collections after an Event of Default
Subject to the rights of the holders of First Priority Debt under the Intercreditor
Agreement:
|
(a) |
|
if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Grantors must hold all
funds and other property received or collected in respect of the Collateral in trust
for the Collateral Agent, and must keep these funds and this other property segregated
from all other funds and property so as to be capable of identification; |
|
|
(b) |
|
the Grantors must deliver those funds and that other property to the Collateral
Agent in the identical form received, properly endorsed or assigned when required to
enable the Collateral Agent to complete collection; and |
|
|
(c) |
|
after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, no
Grantor may settle, compromise, adjust, discount or release any claim in respect of
Collateral, and no Grantor may accept any returns of merchandise other than in the
ordinary course of business. |
8.4 Collateral Agents rights upon default
|
(a) |
|
Each Grantor irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, with
full power of substitution, as such Grantors true and lawful attorney-in-fact, in such
Grantors name or in the Collateral Agents name or otherwise, and at such Grantors
expense, to take any of the actions authorized by this Agreement or permitted under
applicable law upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default,
without notice to or the consent of such Grantor. This power of attorney is a power
coupled with an interest and cannot be revoked. Each Grantor ratifies and confirms all
actions taken by the Collateral Agent or its agents under this power of attorney. |
|
|
(b) |
|
The Grantors agree that 10 days notice shall constitute reasonable notice in
connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of Collateral. |
|
|
(c) |
|
The Collateral Agent may comply with any applicable state or federal law
requirements in connection with a disposition of Collateral and compliance will not be
considered adversely to affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of Collateral. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The grant to the Collateral Agent under this Agreement of any right, power or
remedy does not impose upon the Collateral Agent any duty to exercise that right, |
18
|
|
|
power or remedy. The Collateral Agent will have no obligation to take any steps to
preserve any claim or other right against any person or with respect to any
Collateral. |
|
|
(e) |
|
The Grantors bear the risk of loss, damage, diminution in value, or destruction
of the Collateral. |
|
|
(f) |
|
The Collateral Agent will have no responsibility for any act or omission of any
courier, bailee, broker, bank, investment bank or any other person chosen by it with
reasonable care. |
|
|
(g) |
|
The Collateral Agent makes no express or implied representations or warranties
with respect to any Collateral or other property released to the Grantors or their
respective successors and assigns. |
|
|
(h) |
|
The Grantors agree that the Collateral Agent will have met its duty of care
under applicable law if it holds, maintains and disposes of Collateral in the same
manner that it holds, maintains and disposes of property for its own account. |
|
|
(i) |
|
Except as set forth in this Clause or as required under applicable law, the
Collateral Agent will have no duties or obligations under this Agreement or otherwise
with respect to the Collateral. |
|
|
(j) |
|
The sale, transfer or other disposition under this Agreement of any right,
title, or interest of any Grantor in any item of Collateral will: |
|
(i) |
|
operate to divest such Grantor permanently and all persons
claiming under or through such Grantor of that right, title, or interest, and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, to any claims by
such Grantor or any person claiming under or through such Grantor |
with respect to that item of Collateral.
8.5 No marshaling
|
(a) |
|
The Collateral Agent need not, and the Grantors irrevocably waive and agree
that they will not invoke or assert any law requiring the Collateral Agent to: |
|
(i) |
|
attempt to satisfy the Secured Liabilities by collecting them
from any other person liable for them; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
marshal any security or guarantee securing payment or
performance of the Secured Liabilities or any particular asset of any Grantor. |
|
(b) |
|
The Collateral Agent may release, modify or waive any collateral or guarantee
provided by any other person to secure any of the Secured Liabilities, without
affecting the Collateral Agents rights against the Grantors. |
19
8.6 Grant of Intellectual Property License
For the purpose of enabling the Collateral Agent, during the continuance of an Event of
Default, to exercise rights and remedies under this Clause 8 hereof at such time as
the Collateral Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, and
for no other purpose, the Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, to the extent
assignable, an irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use, assign, license or sublicense any
of the Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, wherever the
same may be located. Such license shall be subject, in the case of Trademarks, to
sufficient rights to quality control and inspection in favor of the Grantor to avoid the
risk of invalidation of said Trademarks. Such license shall include access to all media in
which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer programs used
for the compilation or printout hereof.
9. APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
Any moneys received in connection with the Collateral by the Collateral Agent after this
Security has become enforceable must be applied in the following order of priority:
|
(a) |
|
first, in or towards payment of or provision for all costs and expenses
incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with the enforcement of this Security; |
|
|
(b) |
|
second, in or towards payment of, or provision for, the Secured Liabilities;
and |
|
|
(c) |
|
third, in payment of the surplus (if any) to the Grantors or any other Person
entitled to it under applicable law. |
This Clause is subject to the prior payment of First Priority Debt in accordance with the
terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and claims having priority over this Security under
mandatory provisions of applicable law. This Clause does not prejudice the right of any
Noteholder to recover any shortfall from the Grantors, and the preceding sentence shall not
be deemed or interpreted as a waiver or modification of Clause 6.3(a) (The
Collateral).
10. EXPENSES AND INDEMNITY
|
(a) |
|
The Grantors must pay promptly on demand to the Collateral Agent all costs and
expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent, any Noteholder, attorney, manager, delegate,
sub-delegate, agent or other person appointed by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement for the purpose of enforcing its rights under this Agreement. This includes: |
|
(i) |
|
costs of foreclosure and of any transfer, disposition or sale
of Collateral; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
costs of maintaining or preserving the Collateral or assembling
it or preparing it for transfer, disposition or sale; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
costs of obtaining money damages; and |
20
|
(iv) |
|
fees and expenses of attorneys employed by the Collateral Agent
for any purpose related to this Agreement or the Secured Liabilities, including
consultation, preparation and negotiation of any amendment or restructuring,
drafting documents, sending notices or instituting, prosecuting or defending
litigation or arbitration. |
|
(b) |
|
The Grantors must indemnify and keep indemnified the Collateral Agent, the
Noteholders and their respective affiliates, directors, officers, representatives and
agents from and against all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, judgments, costs and expenses of any kind (including attorneys fees and
expenses) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any of them by any
person (including any Noteholder) in any way relating to or arising out of: |
|
(i) |
|
this Agreement; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
the Collateral; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
the Collateral Agents security interest in the Collateral; |
|
|
(iv) |
|
any Event of Default; |
|
|
(v) |
|
any action taken or omitted by the Collateral Agent under this
Agreement or any exercise or enforcement of rights or remedies under this
Agreement; or |
|
|
(vi) |
|
any transfer sale or other disposition of or any realization on
Collateral. |
|
(c) |
|
The Grantors will not be liable to an indemnified party to the extent any
liability results from that indemnified partys gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Payment by an indemnified party will not be a condition precedent to the obligations
of any Grantor under this indemnity. |
|
|
(d) |
|
The obligations of the Grantors under this Clause 10 (Expenses and
Indemnity) are joint and several. |
|
|
(e) |
|
This Clause survives the issuance of the Notes, the repayment of the Notes, any
transfer or assignment of the Notes and the termination of this Agreement. |
11. EVIDENCE AND CALCULATIONS
In the absence of manifest error, the records of the Collateral Agent are conclusive
evidence of the existence and the amount of the Secured Liabilities.
12. CHANGES TO THE PARTIES
12.1 Grantors
21
The Grantors may not assign, delegate or transfer any of their respective rights or
obligations under this Agreement without the consent of the Collateral Agent, and any
purported assignment, delegation or transfer in violation of this provision shall be void
and of no effect.
12.2 Collateral Agent
The Collateral Agent may assign or transfer its rights and obligations under this Agreement
in the manner permitted under the Indenture.
12.3 Successors and assigns
This Agreement shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and
permitted assigns of the Grantors and the Collateral Agent.
13. MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 Amendments and waivers
Any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived only by the written agreement of the
Grantors and the Collateral Agent.
13.2 Waivers and remedies cumulative
|
(a) |
|
The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent under this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
may be exercised as often as necessary; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under applicable
law; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
may be waived only in writing and specifically. |
|
(b) |
|
Delay in exercising, or non-exercise, of any right or remedy under this
Agreement is not a waiver of that right or remedy. |
13.3 Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and this has the same effect as if the
signatures on the counterparts were on a single copy of this Agreement.
14. SEVERABILITY
If any term of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction, that will not affect:
|
(a) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other term
of this Agreement; or |
22
|
(b) |
|
the legality, validity or enforceability in any other jurisdiction of that or
any other term of this Agreement. |
15. RELEASE
At the end of the Security Period, the Collateral Agent must, at the request and cost of the
Grantors, take whatever action is necessary to release the Collateral from this Security in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
16. NOTICES
16.1 Notices
Any communication in connection with this Agreement must be in writing and, unless otherwise
stated, must be given in person or by fax.
16.2 Contact details
|
(a) |
|
The contact details of the Grantors for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
Address:
|
|
100 Maple Lane |
|
|
|
|
Mebane, NC 27302 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(919) 990-3505 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
John R. Long |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 Maple LLC |
|
|
Address:
|
|
100 S. E. Second Street |
|
|
|
|
32nd Floor |
|
|
|
|
Miami, FL 33131 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(919) 990-3505 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
John R. Long |
23
|
(b) |
|
The contact details of the Collateral Agent for this purpose are: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association |
|
|
Address:
|
|
60 Livingston Avenue |
|
|
|
|
EP-MN-WS3C |
|
|
|
|
St. Paul, MN 55107-2292 |
|
|
Fax:
|
|
(651) 495-8097 |
|
|
Attention:
|
|
Richard Prokosch |
|
(c) |
|
Any party may change its contact details by giving five Business Days notice
to the other parties. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Where a party nominates a particular department or officer to receive a
communication, a communication will not be effective if it fails to specify that
department or officer. |
|
(a) |
|
Except as provided below, any communication in connection with this Agreement
will be deemed to be given as follows: |
|
(i) |
|
if delivered in person, at the time of delivery; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
if by fax, when sent with confirmation of transmission. |
|
(b) |
|
A communication given under this Clause but received on a non-working day or
after business hours in the place of receipt will only be deemed to be given on the
next working day in that place. |
17. |
|
GOVERNING LAW |
|
|
|
This Agreement, the relationship between the Grantors, the Collateral Agent and the
Noteholders and any claim or dispute (whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or
otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that relationship shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with law of the State of New York including section 5-1401 of the
New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict of law rules that would
lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of a jurisdiction
other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to the
perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any particular Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of
perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable. |
|
18. |
|
ENFORCEMENT |
|
18.1 |
|
Jurisdiction |
24
|
(a) |
|
Each of the Parties agree that any New York State court or Federal court
sitting in the City and County of New York has jurisdiction to settle any disputes in
connection with this Agreement and accordingly submits to the jurisdiction of those
courts. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Each of the Parties: |
|
(i) |
|
waives objection to the New York State and Federal courts on
grounds of personal jurisdiction, inconvenient forum or otherwise as regards
proceedings in connection with this Agreement; and |
|
|
(ii) |
|
agrees that a judgment or order of a New York State or Federal
court in connection with this Agreement is conclusive and binding on it and may
be enforced against it in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
|
(c) |
|
Nothing in this Clause limits the right of the Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder to bring proceedings against any Grantor in connection with this Agreement: |
|
(i) |
|
in any other court of competent jurisdiction; or |
|
|
(ii) |
|
concurrently in more than one jurisdiction. |
|
(a) |
|
Liggett Group LLC irrevocably appoints CT Corporation System, 111 8th Avenue,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10011 as its agent for service of process in relation to
proceedings before any courts located in the State of New York in connection with this
Agreement. 100 Maple LLC irrevocably appoints The Corporation Trust Company,
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 as its agent for
service of process in relation to proceedings before any courts located in the State of
New York in connection with this Agreement. |
|
|
(b) |
|
Each Grantor agrees to maintain an agent for service of process in the State of
New York until the end of the Security Period. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Each Grantor agrees that failure by a process agent to notify such Grantor of
the process will not invalidate the proceedings concerned. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Each Grantor consents to the service of process relating to any proceedings by
a notice given in accordance with Clause 16 (Notices) above. |
|
|
(e) |
|
If the appointment of any person mentioned in paragraph (a) above ceases to be
effective, any affected Grantor must immediately appoint a further person in the State
of New York to accept service of process on its behalf in the State of New York, and,
if such Grantor does not appoint a process agent within 15 days, the Grantor authorizes
the Collateral Agent to appoint a process agent for such Grantor. |
25
18.3 |
|
Complete Agreement |
|
|
|
This Agreement and the other Finance Documents contain the complete agreement between the
parties on the matters to which they relate and supersede all prior commitments, agreements
and understandings, whether written or oral, on those matters. |
|
18.4 |
|
Waiver of Jury Trial |
|
|
|
THE GRANTORS AND THE COLLATERAL AGENT (FOR ITSELF AND ON BEHALF OF THE NOTEHOLDERS) WAIVE
ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED ON OR ARISING
FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. In the event of
litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent to a trial by the court. |
The undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have executed and delivered this Agreement on the
date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
26
SCHEDULE 1
COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
NONE.
27
SCHEDULE 2
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
COPYRIGHTS:
Registrations
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
Applications
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
COPYRIGHT LICENSES:
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
PATENTS:
Registrations
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
Applications
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
PATENT LICENSES:
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
TRADEMARKS:
Registrations
100 Maple LLC None.
28
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
BALANCE |
|
978016 |
|
|
2/5/1974 |
|
|
|
BECAUSE YOURE A WOMAN |
|
3,024,191 |
|
|
12/6/2005 |
|
|
|
BRONSON |
|
1821601 |
|
|
2/15/1994 |
|
|
|
CANYON |
|
2010445 |
|
|
10/22/1996 |
|
|
|
CLASS A & Design |
|
1576705 |
(Colors Blue & Gold) |
|
1/9/1990 |
|
|
|
CLASS A & Design |
|
1576706 |
(Red, Gold, & Blue) |
|
1/9/1990 |
|
|
|
CLASS A & Design |
|
1576707 |
(Colors Green, Gold & Blue) |
|
1/9/1990 |
|
|
|
DEVON |
|
743290 |
|
|
1/8/1963 |
|
|
|
DORADO |
|
739917 |
|
|
10/30/1962 |
|
|
|
DORSET |
|
863406 |
|
|
1/14/1969 |
|
|
|
DUKE |
|
652970 |
|
|
10/15/1957 |
|
|
|
DUKE OF DURHAM |
|
652971 |
|
|
10/15/1957 |
|
|
|
EPIC |
|
1029542 |
|
|
1/6/1976 |
|
|
|
EVE |
|
872454 |
|
|
4/8/1969 |
29
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
EVE & Design |
|
1550482 |
|
|
8/1/1989 |
|
|
|
FM |
|
734059 |
|
|
7/10/1962 |
|
|
|
FRONTIER |
|
897238 |
|
|
8/25/1970 |
|
|
|
GENERATION |
|
1084223 |
|
|
1/31/1978 |
|
|
|
GOLD LEAF |
|
1233860 |
|
|
4/5/1983 |
|
|
|
GOLD LEAF & Design |
|
1564954 |
|
|
11/7/1989 |
|
|
|
GRAND PRIX |
|
1453454 |
|
|
8/18/1987 |
|
|
|
JADE Holographic Label |
|
2730207 |
|
|
6/24/2003 |
|
|
|
KING OF LOW PRICE |
|
2722518 |
|
|
6/3/2003 |
|
|
|
KINGSPORT & Design |
|
1863305 |
|
|
11/15/1994 |
|
|
|
Liggett Group Inc. design logo |
|
2815517 |
(black/white) |
|
2/17/2004 |
|
|
|
LIGET |
|
745060 |
|
|
1/12/1963 |
|
|
|
LIGGETT GROUP |
|
2023349 |
|
|
12/17/1996 |
30
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
LIGGETT SELECT |
|
2961769 |
|
|
6/14/2005 |
|
|
|
LOWEST PRICE FIGHTER |
|
3,259,428 |
|
|
7/03/2007 |
|
|
|
LYRIC |
|
741833 |
|
|
12/11/1962 |
|
|
|
M & Design |
|
3,108,068 |
|
|
6/20/2006 |
|
|
|
MONTEGO |
|
1900071 |
|
|
6/13/1995 |
|
|
|
OASIS |
|
658448 |
|
|
2/18/1958 |
|
|
|
OASIS & Design |
|
657653 |
|
|
1/28/1958 |
|
|
|
OASIS & Design |
|
664863 |
|
|
7/22/1958 |
|
|
|
PARKWAY |
|
739918 |
|
|
10/30/1962 |
|
|
|
PELHAM |
|
751937 |
|
|
7/2/1963 |
|
|
|
PREMIUM TASTE THAT RULES |
|
2693292 |
|
|
3/4/2003 |
|
|
|
PYRAMID |
|
1273822 |
|
|
4/10/1984 |
|
|
|
Pyramid & Design |
|
1804692 |
|
|
11/16/1993 |
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
REGISTRATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
REGISTRATION DATE |
Pyramid & Design |
|
2569345 |
|
|
5/14/2002 |
|
|
|
Q & Design |
|
1327319 |
|
|
3/26/1985 |
|
|
|
Q QUALITY BLEND & Design |
|
1344930 |
|
|
6/25/1985 |
|
|
|
Q QUALITY BLEND & Design Label |
|
1462175 |
|
|
10/20/1987 |
|
|
|
QUALITY LIGHTS Leaf Design |
|
1434164 |
|
|
3/24/1987 |
|
|
|
QUOTA |
|
897240 |
|
|
8/25/1970 |
|
|
|
RENO |
|
1865400 |
|
|
11/29/1994 |
|
|
|
RESPONSE |
|
1101686 |
|
|
9/5/1978 |
|
|
|
TASTE OF AMERICA |
|
1802889 |
|
|
11/2/1993 |
|
|
|
TASTE SHINES THROUGH |
|
2754308 |
|
|
8/19/2003 |
|
|
|
VIRGINIA BRIGHTS |
|
133272 |
|
|
7/20/1920 |
32
Applications
100 Maple LLC None.
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
APPLICATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
APPLICATION DATE |
212 |
|
78586445 |
|
|
3/14/2005 |
|
|
|
919 |
|
78586436 |
|
|
3/14/2005 |
|
|
|
APEX |
|
78559653 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
BENS BEST |
|
78570662 |
|
|
2/18/2005 |
|
|
|
CALYPSO |
|
78842980 |
|
|
3/22/2006 |
|
|
|
CANNON |
|
78586456 |
|
|
3/14/2005 |
|
|
|
CHASSIS |
|
78559677 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
DRAFT |
|
78559754 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
DUKES |
|
78623173 |
|
|
5/4/2005 |
|
|
|
DUSTERS |
|
78559758 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
FLAGSTAFF |
|
78559768 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
GOLD LEAF PACK DESIGN |
|
76679888 |
|
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7/25/2007 |
|
|
|
LOWEST LEGAL PRICE FIGHTER |
|
78692955 |
|
|
8/15/2005 |
|
|
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LUXURY FOR LESS |
|
76599950 |
|
|
6/30/2004 |
|
|
|
RUMBLERS |
|
78560166 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
SAPPHIRE |
|
78842913 |
|
|
3/22/2006 |
|
|
|
SANDSTONE |
|
78560180 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
STAGHORN |
|
78560192 |
|
|
2/3/2005 |
|
|
|
STAGHORN Pack Design |
|
78599495 |
|
|
3/31/2005 |
|
|
|
STARFIRE |
|
78561858 |
|
|
2/7/2005 |
|
|
|
TRACERS |
|
78561880 |
|
|
2/7/2005 |
|
|
|
TWENTY-20 |
|
78561907 |
|
|
2/7/2005 |
33
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
|
APPLICATION NUMBER / |
MARK |
|
APPLICATION DATE |
TURN 3 |
|
78561897 |
|
|
2/7/2005 |
|
|
|
VENTURO |
|
78561940 |
|
|
2/7/2005 |
|
|
|
WORLD CUP |
|
78791295 |
|
|
1/13/2006 |
TRADEMARK LICENSES:
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
TRADE SECRET LICENSES:
Liggett Group LLC None.
100 Maple LLC None.
34
SIGNATORIES
In Witness Whereof, the Grantors have caused this Security Agreement to be duly
executed by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
Grantors
LIGGETT GROUP LLC
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name:
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Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title:
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Manager/President and Chief Executive Officer |
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100 MAPLE LLC
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name:
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Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title:
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Manager |
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(Signature Page to Security Agreement Liggett Group LLC and 100 Maple LLC)
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Collateral Agent |
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
as Collateral Agent |
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By:
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/s/ Richard Prokosch |
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Name:
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Richard Prokosch |
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Title:
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Vice President |
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(Signature Page to Security Agreement Liggett Group LLC and 100 Maple LLC)
EXHIBIT 1
Form of Patent Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF
PATENT SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This PATENT SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ], 2007 (as may be amended,
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement), is made
by [ ], a [ ] limited liability company and [ ], a [
] limited liability company (the Grantor) in favor of U.S. Bank National Association,
as collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent) for the Noteholders (as
defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantors have guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of
[ ], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantors and certain of
the Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that each Grantor shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement,
dated as of August [ ], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented,
replaced or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, each Grantor has granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of such
Grantor to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantor agrees as follows:
1.
DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Terms Defined in the Security Agreement. All capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Security
Agreement.
1.2 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
Assignment of Patents has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
Patent Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
PTO means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise provided herein, the rules of
construction set forth in Section 1.2 of the Security Agreement shall be applicable to this
Agreement.
2.
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
2.1 Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance in full
of all of the Secured Liabilities, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the
benefit of the Collateral Agent and the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing security
interest in and lien on all of such Grantors rights, title and interests in all Patents and Patent
Licenses, including the Patents and Patent Licenses referred to on Schedule A hereto, in
each case whether now or hereafter existing or arising or in which such Grantor now has or
hereafter owns, acquires or develops an interest and wherever located (collectively, the
Patent Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Patents upon Default. Each Grantor acknowledges that the Collateral
Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent hereunder and
under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Patents and Patent Licenses that
constitute Patent Collateral in substantially the form of Exhibit 1 hereto (each an
Assignment of Patents) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise
of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, each
Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with the PTO an
Assignment of Patents on behalf of such Grantor upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
an Event of Default for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its
remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
2.3 Conditional Assignment. In addition to, and not by way of limitation of, the
grant and pledge of the Patent Collateral provided in Section 2.1, each Grantor grants, assigns,
transfers, conveys and sets over to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, such
Grantors entire right, title and interest in and to the Patent Collateral; provided, that such
grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance shall be and become of force and effect only (a) in
connection with the Collateral Agents exercise of its rights and remedies in strict accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (b) upon or after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and (c) either (i) upon the written demand of the Collateral
Agent at any time during such continuance or (ii) immediately and automatically (without notice or
action of any kind by the Collateral Agent) upon an Event of Default for which acceleration of the
payment of the Notes is automatic under the Indenture or upon the sale or other disposition of or
foreclosure upon the Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement and applicable law (including
the transfer or other disposition of the Collateral by any Grantor to the Collateral Agent or its
nominee in lieu of foreclosure).
2.4 Supplemental to Security Agreement. Pursuant to the Security Agreement the
Grantor has granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and lien on the Collateral (including the Patent Collateral). The Security
Agreement, and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral (including
the Patent Collateral) thereunder, are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. In no event
shall this Agreement, the grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Patent Collateral
hereunder, or the recordation of this Agreement (or any other document hereunder) with the PTO,
adversely affect or impair, in any way or to any extent, the Security Agreement, the security
interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral (including the Patent Collateral) pursuant to
the Security Agreement, the attachment and perfection of such security interest under the UCC
(including the security interest in the Patent Collateral), or any present or future rights and
interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral under or in connection with the Security
Agreement or the UCC. Any and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the
Patent Collateral (and any and all obligations of the Grantors with respect to the Patent
Collateral) provided herein, or arising hereunder or in connection herewith, shall only supplement
and be cumulative and in addition to the rights and interests of the Collateral Agent (and the
obligations of the Grantors) in, to or with respect to the Collateral (including the Patent
Collateral) provided in or arising under or in connection with the Security Agreement and shall not
be in derogation thereof.
3.
AFTER-ACQUIRED PATENTS
3.1 After-acquired Patents. If, after the execution of this Agreement and before the
end of the Secured Period, any Grantor shall obtain any right, title or interest in or to any new
patentable inventions or become entitled to the benefit of any Patents or Patent Licenses for any
reissue, division, or continuation, of any Patent, the provisions of this Agreement shall
automatically apply thereto and such Grantor shall promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice
thereof in writing and execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as
the Collateral Agent may reasonably request further to implement, preserve or evidence the
Collateral Agents interest therein.
3.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement and the Assignments of Patents, without the necessity of such Grantors further approval
or signature, by amending Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Patents to
include any future or other Patents or Patent Licenses that become part of the Patent Collateral
under Section 2 or Section 3.1.
4.
GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder and any claim or dispute
(whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that
relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of the State of New York
including section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict
of law rules that would lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of
a jurisdiction other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to
the perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any Patent Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of perfection,
priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
5.1 Headings. The headings of each section of this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not define or limit the provisions thereof. This Agreement and all rights and
obligations hereunder shall be binding upon the Grantor and its respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the other Noteholders and their respective
successors and assigns. If any term of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this
Agreement shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term
had not been included herein. The Grantor acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.
5.2 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Signatures begin on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Patent Security and Pledge Agreement has been executed and delivered
by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
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[ ], as Grantor
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral
Agent
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Schedule A
to the Patent Security and Pledge Agreement
[To be completed by the Grantor]
Grantor: [ ]
Issued U.S. Patents of Grantor
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Patent No. |
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Issue Date |
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Title |
Schedule A
to the Patent Security and Pledge Agreement
Pending U.S. Patent Applications of Grantor
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Serial No. |
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Filing Date |
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Title |
EXHIBIT 1
ASSIGNMENT OF PATENTS
WHEREAS,
_________, a _________ organized and existing under the laws of the
State of ___, having a place of business at _________(the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the patents (the Patents)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Patents; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Patents;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Patent Collateral
Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of [___] ___, 20[___] (as may be amended,
Patent Collateral Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the
meanings given such terms in the Patent Collateral Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Patents, together with (i) the Issued Patents and Patent Applications identified on
the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, (ii) the goodwill of the business
symbolized by and associated with the Patents, and (iii) the right to sue and recover for, and the
right to profits or damages due or accrued arising out of or in connection with, any and all past,
present or future infringements of or damage or injury to the Patents or such associated goodwill.
This Assignment of Patents is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the Assignee
shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Patents below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, , on this ___ day of ___, 20___.
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[_______________] |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
The foregoing assignment of the Patents by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted as
of the ___ day of ___, 20___.
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[COLLATERAL AGENT] |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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COMMONWEALTH OR STATE OF |
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) |
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) ss.
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COUNTY OF
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On
this the ___ day of ___, 20___, before me appeared ___, the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the ___ of ___, and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
___.
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Notary Public |
[Seal] |
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My commission expires: |
ANNEX
U.S. PATENT REGISTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
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App. No. |
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Patent No. |
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Title |
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Filing Date |
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Issue Date |
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Security Interest |
EXHIBIT 2
Form of Trademark Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF
TRADEMARK SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT
This TRADEMARK SECURITY AND PLEDGE AGREEMENT, dated as of August [], 2007 (as may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement),
is made by [ ], a [ ] limited liability company and [ ], a [ ]
limited liability company (the Grantors) in favor of U.S. Bank National Association, as
collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent) for the Noteholders (as defined
in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantors have guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of August
[], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantors and certain of
the Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that the Grantors shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement,
dated as of August [], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented,
replaced or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantors have granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of the
Grantors to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantors agree as follows:
1.
DEFINITIONS.
1.1 Terms Defined in the Security Agreement. All capitalized terms used in this
Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Security
Agreement.
1.2 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
Assignment of Marks has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
PTO means the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Trademark Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless otherwise provided herein, the rules of
construction set forth in Section 1.2 of the Security Agreement shall be applicable to this
Agreement.
2.
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
2.1 Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance in full
of all of the Secured Liabilities, each Grantor hereby pledges and grants to the Collateral Agent,
for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and lien on all of such Grantors rights, title and interests in all
Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets and Trade Secret Licenses, including the Trademarks,
Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret Licenses referred to on Schedule A hereto (as such
schedule may be amended or supplemented from time to time), in each case whether now or hereafter
existing or arising or in which such Grantor now has or hereafter owns, acquires or develops an
interest and wherever located (collectively, the Trademark Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Trademarks upon Default. Each Grantor acknowledges that the
Collateral Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent
hereunder and under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Trademarks that constitute
Trademark Collateral in substantially the form of Annex 1 hereto (each an Assignment
of Trademarks) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its
remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Grantor
hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with the PTO an Assignment
of Trademarks on behalf of such Grantor upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event
of Default for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral Agents exercise of its remedies under
Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
2.3 Conditional Assignment. In addition to, and not by way of limitation of, the
grant and pledge of the Trademark Collateral provided in Section 2.1, each Grantor grants, assigns,
transfers, conveys and sets over to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, such
Grantors entire right, title and interest in and to the Trademark Collateral; provided, that such
grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance shall be and become of force and effect only (a) in
connection with the Collateral Agents exercise of its rights and remedies in strict accordance
with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (b) upon or after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and
(c) either (i) upon the written demand of the Collateral Agent at any time during such
continuance or (ii) immediately and automatically (without notice or action of any kind by the
Collateral Agent) upon an Event of Default for which acceleration of the payment of the Notes is
automatic under the Indenture or upon the sale or other disposition of or foreclosure upon the
Collateral pursuant to the Security Agreement and applicable law (including the transfer or other
disposition of the Collateral by the Grantor to the Collateral Agent or its nominee in lieu of
foreclosure).
2.4 Supplemental to Security Agreement. Pursuant to the Security Agreement each
Grantor has granted to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a continuing
security interest in and lien on the Collateral (including the Trademark Collateral). The Security
Agreement, and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral (including
the Trademark Collateral) thereunder, are hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. In no
event shall this Agreement, the grant, assignment, transfer and conveyance of the Trademark
Collateral hereunder, or the recordation of this Agreement (or any other document hereunder) with
the PTO, adversely affect or impair, in any way or to any extent, the Security Agreement, the
security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral (including the Trademark Collateral)
pursuant to the Security Agreement, the attachment and perfection of such security interest under
the UCC (including the security interest in the Trademark Collateral), or any present or future
rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral under or in connection with
the Security Agreement or the UCC. Any and all rights and interests of the Collateral Agent in and
to the Trademark Collateral (and any and all obligations of any Grantor with respect to the
Trademark Collateral) provided herein, or arising hereunder or in connection herewith, shall only
supplement and be cumulative and in addition to the rights and interests of the Collateral Agent
(and the obligations of any Grantor) in, to or with respect to the Collateral (including the
Trademark Collateral) provided in or arising under or in connection with the Security Agreement and
shall not be in derogation thereof.
3.
AFTER-ACQUIRED TRADEMARKS, ETC.
3.1 After-acquired Trademarks. If, after the execution of the Agreement and before
the end of the Security Period, any Grantor shall obtain any right, title or interest in or to any
other or new Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret Licenses or become
entitled to the benefit of any Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret
Licenses, the provisions of this Agreement shall automatically apply thereto and such Grantor shall
promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice thereof in writing and execute and deliver to the
Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request
further to implement, preserve or evidence the Collateral Agents interest therein.
3.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement and the Assignments of Trademarks, without the necessity of such Grantors further
approval or signature, by amending Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Trademarks
to include any future or other Trademarks, Trademark Licenses, Trade Secrets or Trade Secret
Licenses that become part of the Trademark Collateral under Section 2 or Section 3.1.
4.
GOVERNING LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder and any claim or dispute
(whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to this Agreement or that
relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of the State of New York
including section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict
of law rules that would lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of
a jurisdiction other than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to
the perfection, priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in
respect of any Trademark Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of
perfection, priority or enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.
MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Headings. The headings of each section of this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not define or limit the provisions thereof. This Agreement and all rights and
obligations hereunder shall be binding upon the Grantor and its respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent, the Noteholders and their respective
successors and assigns. If any term of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this
Agreement shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term
had not been included herein. The Grantor acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.
(b) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Signatures begin on next page]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Trademark Security and Pledge Agreement has been executed and
delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above written.
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[ ], as Grantor |
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[ ], as Grantor |
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ANNEX 1
ASSIGNMENT OF TRADEMARKS
WHEREAS,
___, a ___ organized and existing under the laws of the
State of ___, having a place of business at
___ (the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the trademarks (the Trademarks)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Patents; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Patents;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Trademark Security and
Pledge Agreement, dated as of [___] ___, 20[___] (as may be amended, Trademark
Collateral Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meanings given
such terms in the Trademark Collateral Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Patents, together with (i) the Trademarks, Trademark Licenses and Trade Secret
Licenses identified on the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, (ii) the
goodwill of the business symbolized by and associated with the Trademarks, and (iii) the right to
sue and recover for, and the right to profits or damages due or accrued arising out of or in
connection with, any and all past, present or future infringements of or damage or injury to the
Trademarks or such associated goodwill.
This Assignment of Trademarks is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the
Assignee shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Trademarks
below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, , on this ___ day of ___, 20___.
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The foregoing assignment of the Trademarks by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted
as of the ___ day of ___, 20___.
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On
this the ___ day of ___, 20___, before me appeared ___, the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the ___ of ___, and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
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Notary Public |
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Schedule A
to the Trademark Security and Pledge Agreement
(to be completed by the Grantor)
Grantor: [ ]
United States Trademark Registrations of [ ]
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Registration No./ |
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Grantor: [ ]
United States Trademark Registrations of [ ]
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EXHIBIT 3
Form of Copyright Security Agreement
(see attached)
FORM OF COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT
This Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of [], 2007 (as amended, restated, amended
and restated or otherwise modified, this Agreement), is made by [ ],
a [ ] [corporation] [limited liability company] (the Grantor) in favor of U.S. Bank National
Association, as collateral agent (in such capacity, the Collateral Agent) for the Noteholders (as
defined in the Security Agreement referred to below).
WHEREAS, the Grantor has guaranteed the Notes issued under the Indenture, dated as of August
[], 2007 (as amended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the
Indenture) among Vector Group Ltd. (the Issuer), the Grantor and certain of the
Issuers other direct and indirect subsidiaries and the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as
trustee thereunder.
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligations of the Collateral Agent under the
Indenture that the Grantor shall have executed and delivered that certain Security Agreement, dated
as of August [], 2007, in favor of the Collateral Agent (as amended, supplemented, replaced
or otherwise modified from time to time, the Security Agreement).
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Security Agreement, the Grantor has granted a security
interest in certain Property, including, without limitation, certain Intellectual Property of the
Grantor to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders, and have agreed as a
condition thereof to execute this Agreement for recording with the United States Copyright Office
and other applicable Governmental Authorities.
WHEREAS, this Agreement is supplemental to the provisions contained in the Security Agreement
and, in the event of an inconsistency among them, the Security Agreement shall control over this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, the Grantor agrees as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the
Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Security Agreement.
Assignment of Copyrights has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2 herein.
Copyright Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 herein.
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SECTION 2.
2.1 Grant of Security Interest in Copyright Collateral. Each Grantor hereby pledges
and grants to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholders, a security interest in all of
such Grantors right, title and interest in, to and under the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses,
including the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses referred to on Schedule I hereto, whether
presently existing or hereafter created or acquired (collectively, the Copyright
Collateral).
2.2 Assignment of Copyrights upon Default. Each Grantor acknowledges that the
Collateral Agent has the right, pursuant to the power of attorney granted the Collateral Agent
hereunder and under the Security Agreement, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, to execute on behalf of such Grantor an assignment of Copyrights and Copyright
Licenses that constitute Copyright Collateral in substantially the form of Annex 1 hereto
(each an Assignment of Copyrights) for the sole purpose of effecting the Collateral
Agents exercise of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement. In furtherance of the
foregoing, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to complete, execute and record with
the United States Copyright Office an Assignment of Copyrights on behalf of such Grantor upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default for the sole purpose of effecting the
Collateral Agents exercise of its remedies under Section 8 of the Security Agreement.
SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this
Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent for
the Noteholders pursuant to the Security Agreement and Grantors hereby acknowledge and affirm that
the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent with respect to the security interest in the
Copyright Collateral made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement,
the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth
herein. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Security
Agreement, the provisions of the Security Agreement shall control.
SECTION 4. After-Acquired Copyrights. If, after the execution of
the Agreement and before the end of the Security Period, the Grantor shall obtain any right, title
or interest in or to any other or new Copyrights or Copyright Licenses or become entitled to the
benefit of any Copyrights or Copyright Licenses, the provisions of this Agreement shall
automatically apply thereto and such Grantor shall promptly provide to the Collateral Agent notice
thereof in writing and execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such documents or instruments as
the Collateral Agent may reasonably request further to implement, preserve or evidence the
Collateral Agents interest therein.
SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Applicable Law. This Agreement, the relationship between the parties hereunder
and any claim or dispute (whether sounding in contract, tort, statute or otherwise) relating to
this Agreement or that relationship shall be governed by and construed in accordance with law of
the State of New York including section 5-1401 of
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the New York General Obligations Law but excluding any other conflict of law rules that would
lead to the application of the law of another jurisdiction. If the law of a jurisdiction other
than New York is, under section 1-105(2) of the UCC, mandatorily applicable to the perfection,
priority or enforcement of any security interest granted under this Agreement in respect of any
Copyright Collateral, that other law shall apply solely to the matters of perfection, priority or
enforcement to which it is mandatorily applicable.
5.2 Amendment to Schedule. The Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to modify this
Agreement, without the necessity of such Grantors further approval or signature, by amending
Schedule A hereto and the Annex to each Assignment of Copyrights to include any future or other
Copyrights or Copyright Licenses that become part of the Copyright Collateral under Section 2 or
Section 4.
SECTION 6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Grantor has caused this Copyright Security Agreement to be executed
and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
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SCHEDULE I
to
COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Registrations
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ANNEX 1
ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHTS
WHEREAS,
___, a ___ organized and existing under the laws of the
State of ___, having a place of business at
___ (the
Assignor), has adopted and used and is using the copyrights (the Copyrights)
identified on the Annex hereto, and is the owner of such Copyrights; and
WHEREAS, [COLLATERAL AGENT], having a place of business at [ADDRESS] (the Assignee),
is desirous of acquiring the Copyrights;
WHEREAS, the Assignor and the Assignee have entered into that certain Copyright Security
Agreement, dated as of [___] ___, 20[___] (as may be amended, Copyright Security
Agreement). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein have the meanings given such terms
in the Copyright Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
the Assignor does hereby assign, sell and transfer unto the Assignee all right, title and interest
in and to the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses, including the Copyrights and Copyright Licenses
identified on the Annex attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
This Assignment of Copyrights is intended to and shall take effect at such time as the
Assignee shall complete this instrument by signing its acceptance of this Assignment of Copyrights
below.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor, by its duly authorized officer, has executed this
assignment, , on this ___ day of ___, 20___.
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The foregoing assignment of the Copyrights by the Assignor to the Assignee is hereby accepted
as of the ___ day of ___, 20___.
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On
this the ___ day of ___, 20___, before me appeared ___, the person who signed this
instrument, who acknowledged that (s)he is the ___ of ___, and that being
duly authorized (s)he signed such instrument as a free act on behalf of
___.
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EX-4.5 Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit 4.5
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
by and among
VECTOR GROUP LTD.,
VGR HOLDING LLC
LIGGETT GROUP LLC
LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS INC.
VECTOR RESEARCH LLC
LIGGETT & MYERS HOLDINGS INC.
LIGGETT & MYERS INC.
100 MAPLE LLC
V.T. AVIATION LLC
VGR AVIATION LLC
EVE HOLDINGS INC.
VECTOR TOBACCO INC.
And
JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
Dated as of August 16, 2007
This Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007 (this Agreement), is
entered into by and among (i) Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Issuer),
(ii) VGR Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, Liggett Vector Brands Inc., a Delaware corporation, Vector Research LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation, Liggett
& Myers Inc., a Delaware corporation, 100 Maple LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, V.T.
Aviation LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, VGR Aviation LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, Eve Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and Vector Tobacco Inc., a Virginia corporation
and (iii) Jefferies & Company, Inc. (the Initial Purchaser), which has agreed to purchase
the Issuers 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Series A Notes) pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement (as defined below).
This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2007 (the
Purchase Agreement), by and among the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchaser.
In order to induce the Initial Purchaser to purchase the Series A Notes, the Issuer and the
Guarantors have agreed to provide, subject to the conditions in this Agreement, the registration
rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to
the obligations of the Initial Purchaser set forth in Section 9 of the Purchase Agreement.
Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning assigned to them in
the Indenture, dated August 16, 2007 (the Indenture), among the Issuer, the Guarantors
and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the Series A Notes and the Series B
Notes (defined below).
The parties hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of
the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Rule 144 of the Act.
Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Broker-Dealer means any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.
Business Day means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which
banking institutions in the City of New York, or in the city of the corporate trust office of the
Trustee, are authorized or obligated by law or regulation to close.
Closing Date means the date of this Agreement.
Consummate means, and an Exchange Offer shall be deemed Consummated for purposes of
this Agreement upon, the occurrence of (a) the filing and effectiveness under the Act of the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Series B Notes to be issued in the
Exchange Offer, (b) the maintenance of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously
effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the period required
pursuant to Section 3(b) and (c) the delivery by the Issuer to the Registrar under the Indenture of
Series B Notes in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Series A
Notes tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
Consummation Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Offer Effectiveness Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
Exchange Offer Filing Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
Exchange Offer means the exchange and issuance by the Issuer of a principal amount
of Series B Notes (which shall be registered pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement)
equal to the outstanding principal amount of Series A Notes that are validly tendered by Holders in
connection with such exchange and issuance.
Exchange Offer Registration Statement means the Registration Statement relating to
the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.
Free Writing Prospectus means each offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy
the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes that would constitute a free writing prospectus (if the
offering of the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes was made pursuant to a registered offering
under the Act) as defined in Rule 405 under the Act, prepared by or on behalf of the Issuer or used
or referred to by the Issuer in connection with the sale of the Series A Notes or the Series B
Notes.
Guarantors has the meaning set forth in the Indenture.
Holders shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.
Indemnified Party has the meaning set forth in Section 8(c).
Indemnifying Party has the meaning set forth in Section 8(c).
Indenture has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Initial Purchaser has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Issuer has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or
other entity.
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Prospectus means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement at the time
such Registration Statement is declared effective (including without limitation, a prospectus that
discloses information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective
Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430A under the Act), as amended or supplemented by any
prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including (i) post-effective amendments
and (ii) any Free Writing Prospectus, and all material incorporated by reference into such
prospectus.
Purchase Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Recommencement Date has the meaning set forth in Section 6(d).
Registration Default has the meaning set forth in Section 5.
Registration Statement means any registration statement of the Issuer and the
Guarantors relating to (a) an offering of Series B Notes pursuant to an Exchange Offer or (b) the
registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration
Statement, in each case, (i) that is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (ii)
including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and materials incorporated by reference therein.
Rule 144 means Rule 144 promulgated under the Act.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Series A Notes has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
Series B Notes means the Issuers 11% Series B Senior Secured Notes due 2015 to be
issued pursuant to the Indenture (a) in the Exchange Offer or (b) as contemplated by Section 4.
Shelf Effectiveness Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
Shelf Filing Deadline has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
Shelf Registration Statement has the meaning set forth in Section 4(a).
Suspension Notice has the meaning set forth in Section 6(d).
TIA means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in effect on the date of the Indenture.
Transfer Restricted Securities means each Series A Note until (i) the date on which
such Series A Note has been exchanged by a Person other than a Broker-Dealer for a Series B Note in
the Exchange Offer; (ii) following the exchange by a Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer of a
Series A Note for a Series B Note, the date on which the Series B Note is sold or otherwise
disposed of to a purchaser who receives from such Broker-Dealer on or prior to the date of such
sale a copy of the prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement; (iii) the
date on which such Series A Note has been registered under the Act and
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disposed of in accordance with the Shelf Registration Statement; or (iv) the date on which
such Series A Note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144.
SECTION 2. HOLDERS
A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (a Holder)
whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.
SECTION 3. REGISTERED EXCHANGE OFFER
(a) Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, the
Issuer and the Guarantors shall (i) cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be filed
with the SEC not later than 240 days after the Closing Date (such 240th day being the Exchange
Offer Filing Deadline), (ii) use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Exchange
Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC not later than 330 days after the
Closing Date (such 330th day being the Exchange Offer Effectiveness Deadline), and (iii)
commence the Exchange Offer promptly following the declaration of effectiveness of such Exchange
Offer Registration Statement and use all commercially reasonable efforts to Consummate the Exchange
Offer on or prior to the date 30 Business Days (or longer if there is a change in the federal
securities laws that requires an issuer exchange offer for its debt securities to remain open for
more than 30 Business Days) after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective
(such date being the Consummation Deadline). The Exchange Offer shall be on the
appropriate form permitting (x) registration of the Series B Notes to be offered in exchange for
the Series A Notes that are Transfer Restricted Securities and (y) resales of Series B Notes by
Broker-Dealers that tendered into the Exchange Offer Series A Notes that such Broker-Dealer
acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities
(other than Series A Notes acquired directly from the Issuer or any of its Affiliates) as
contemplated by Section 3(c).
(b) The Issuer and the Guarantors shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously, and shall keep the Exchange
Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable securities
laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be
less than 20 Business Days. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply
with all applicable securities laws. No securities other than the Series B Notes shall be included
in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.
(c) The Issuer and the Guarantors shall include a Plan of Distribution section in the
Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and indicate therein that any
Broker-Dealer who holds Transfer Restricted Securities that were acquired for the account of such
Broker-Dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than
Series A Notes acquired directly from the Issuer or any of its Affiliates), may exchange such
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Such Plan of Distribution section
shall also contain all other information with respect to such sales by such Broker-Dealers that the
SEC may require in order to permit such sales pursuant thereto, but such Plan of Distribution
shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Transfer
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Restricted Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer, except to the extent required by the SEC
as a result of a change in policy, rules or regulations after the date of this Agreement.
Because any such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the
Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Act in connection
with the initial sale of any Series B Notes received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer,
the Issuer and the Guarantors shall permit the use of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement by such Broker-Dealer to satisfy such prospectus delivery requirement.
To the extent necessary to ensure that the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement is available for sales of Series B Notes by Broker-Dealers, the Issuer and the Guarantors
agree to use all commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
continuously effective, supplemented, amended and current as required by and subject to the
provisions of Section 6(a) and (c) and in conformity with the requirements of this Agreement, the
Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the SEC as announced from time to time, for a period
of 180 days from the Consummation Deadline or such shorter period as will terminate when all
Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold pursuant
thereto. The Issuer and the Guarantors shall provide sufficient copies of the latest version of
such Prospectus to such Broker-Dealers, promptly upon request, and in no event later than one day
after such request, at any time during such period.
SECTION 4. SHELF REGISTRATION
(a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law
or SEC policy (after the Issuer and the Guarantors have complied with the procedures set forth in
Section 6(a)(iii)(A)) or (ii) any Holder notifies the Issuer prior to the 20th Business Day
following the Consummation Deadline that (A) it is prohibited by law or SEC policy from
participating in the Exchange Offer, (B) it may not resell the Series B Notes acquired by it in the
Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the Prospectus contained in the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such
Holder or (C) it is a Broker-Dealer and holds Series A Notes acquired directly from the Issuer or
any of its Affiliates, then the Issuer and the Guarantors will:
(x) use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be filed, not later
than 90 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which the Issuer determines that
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement cannot be filed as a result of clause
(a)(i) of this Section 4 and (ii) the date on which the Issuer receives the notice
specified in clause (a)(ii) of this Section 4 (such earlier date, the Shelf
Filing Deadline), a shelf registration statement for an offering to be made on
a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act (which may be an amendment to
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) (the Shelf Registration
Statement) relating to all Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, however,
that, notwithstanding this Section 4(a)(x), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not
be required to file the Shelf Registration Statement prior to the Exchange Offer
Filing Deadline; and
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(y) use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration
Statement to become effective not later than 180 days after the earlier of (i) the
date on which the Issuer determines that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
cannot be filed as a result of clause (a)(i) of this Section 4 and (ii) the date on
which the Issuer receives the notice specified in clause (a)(ii) of this Section 4
(such 180th day the Shelf Effectiveness Deadline).
If, after the Issuer has filed an Exchange Offer Registration Statement that satisfies the
requirements of Section 3(a), the Issuer is required to file and make effective a Shelf
Registration Statement solely because the Exchange Offer is not permitted under applicable law
(i.e., clause (a)(i) of this Section 4), then the filing of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of clause (x) of this Section 4(a); provided,
however, that in such event, the Issuer shall remain obligated to meet the Shelf Effectiveness
Deadline set forth in clause (y) of this Section 4(a).
To the extent necessary to ensure that the Shelf Registration Statement is available for sales
of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders thereof entitled to the benefit of this Section
4(a) and the other securities required to be registered therein pursuant to Section 6(b)(ii), the
Issuer and the Guarantors shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to keep any Shelf
Registration Statement required by this Section 4(a) continuously effective, supplemented, amended
and current as required by and subject to the provisions of Section 6(b) and (c) and in conformity
with the requirements of this Agreement, the Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the SEC
as announced from time to time, for a period of at least two years (as extended pursuant to Section
6(d)) following the Closing Date, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer
Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant thereto.
(b) Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration
Statement. No Holder may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf
Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the
Issuer in writing, within 10 days after receipt of a request therefor, the information specified in
Item 507 or 508 of Regulation S-K, as applicable, of the Act for use in connection with any Shelf
Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary prospectus included therein. No Holder shall
be entitled to liquidated damages pursuant to Section 5 unless and until such Holder shall have
provided all such information. Each selling Holder agrees to promptly furnish additional
information as requested by the SEC or as required to be disclosed in order to make the information
previously furnished to the Issuer by such Holder not materially misleading.
SECTION 5. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
If (a) any Registration Statement required by this Agreement is not filed with the SEC on or
prior to the applicable Exchange Offer Filing Deadline or Shelf Filing Deadline, (b) any such
Registration Statement has not been declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the applicable
Exchange Offer Effectiveness Deadline or Shelf Effectiveness Deadline, (c) the Exchange Offer has
not been Consummated on or prior to the Consummation Deadline or (d) the Shelf Registration
Statement or the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is filed and declared effective but
thereafter ceases to be effective or usable in connection with resales of Transfer
6
Restricted Securities during the periods specified in this Agreement (each such event referred
to in clauses (a) through (d) above, a Registration Default), then the Issuer and the
Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree to pay to each Holder of Transfer Restricted
Securities affected thereby liquidated damages at a rate equal to 0.25% per annum on the
outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holder with respect to
the first 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of the first Registration Default.
The amount of the liquidated damages shall increase at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the outstanding
principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holder with respect to each
subsequent 90-day period until all Registration Defaults have been cured, up to a maximum rate of
liquidated damages of 1.00% per annum of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted
Securities held by such Holder; provided, however, that the Issuer and the Guarantors shall in no
event be required to pay liquidated damages for more than one Registration Default at any given
time. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, (i) upon filing of the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement) in the case
of clause (a) of this Section 5, (ii) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement (and/or, if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement) in the case of clause (b) of
this Section 5, (iii) upon Consummation of the Exchange Offer in the case of clause (c) of this
Section 5 or (iv) upon the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or an
additional Registration Statement that causes the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (and/or, if
applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement) to again be declared effective or made usable in the
case of clause (d) of this Section 5, the liquidated damages payable with respect to the Transfer
Restricted Securities as a result of such clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this Section 5, as
applicable, shall cease.
All accrued liquidated damages will be paid by the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Holders
entitled thereto, in the manner provided for the payment of interest in the Indenture, on the next
scheduled Interest Payment Date (as such date is defined in the Indenture), as more fully set forth
in the Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding the fact that any Notes for which liquidated
damages are due cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities, all obligations of the Issuer and the
Guarantors to pay such accrued liquidated damages with respect to securities shall survive until
such time as such obligations with respect to the Notes have been satisfied in full. The
liquidated damages set forth above shall be the exclusive monetary remedy available to the Holders
for a Registration Default.
SECTION 6. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
(a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the
Issuer and the Guarantors shall (i) comply with all applicable provisions of Section 6(c), (ii) use
all commercially reasonable efforts to effect such exchange and to permit the resale of Series B
Notes by Broker-Dealers that tendered in the Exchange Offer Series A Notes that such Broker-Dealer
acquired for its own account as a result of its market-making activities or other trading
activities (other than Series A Notes acquired directly from the Issuer or any of its Affiliates)
being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and (iii)
comply with all of the following provisions:
(A) If, following the date hereof, there has been announced a change in SEC
policy with respect to exchange offers such as the Exchange Offer that, in
7
the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Issuer, raises a substantial question
as to whether the Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable law, the Issuer and the
Guarantors hereby agree to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from
the SEC allowing the Issuer and the Guarantors to Consummate an Exchange Offer for
such Transfer Restricted Securities. The Issuer and the Guarantors hereby agree to
pursue the issuance of such a decision to the SEC staff level. In connection with
the foregoing, the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby agree to take all such other
commercially reasonable actions as may be requested by the SEC or otherwise required
in connection with the issuance of such decision, including without limitation (1)
participating in telephonic conferences with the SEC, (2) delivering to the SEC
staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the Issuer setting forth the legal basis,
if any, upon which such counsel has concluded that such an Exchange Offer should be
permitted and (3) diligently pursuing a resolution (which need not be favorable) by
the SEC staff.
(B) As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer, each Holder of
Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Holder who is a
Broker-Dealer) shall furnish, if requested by the Issuer, prior to the Consummation
of the Exchange Offer, a written representation to the Issuer and the Guarantors
(which shall be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement or be deemed made by virtue of tendering into the
Exchange Offer pursuant to the provisions of the Exchange Offer Prospectus) to the
effect that (1) it is not an Affiliate of the Issuer, (2) it is not engaged in, and
does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any
Person to participate in, a distribution of the Series B Notes to be issued in the
Exchange Offer and (3) it is acquiring the Series B Notes in its ordinary course of
business. As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer, each Holder
using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the Series B Notes
shall acknowledge and agree that, if the resales are of Series B Notes obtained by
such Holder in exchange for Series A Notes acquired directly from the Issuer or an
Affiliate thereof, it (x) could not, under SEC policy as in effect on the date of
this Agreement, rely on the position of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley and
Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings
Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SECs letter to
Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters
(including, if applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause
(a)(iii)(A) of this Section 6) and (y) must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Act in connection with a secondary resale
transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction must be covered by an
effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information
required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K.
(C) To the extent required by SEC policies and procedures, prior to
effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Issuer and the
Guarantors shall provide a supplemental letter to the SEC (1) stating that the
Issuer and the Guarantors are registering the Exchange Offer in reliance on the
position of the SEC enunciated in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation
(available
8
May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) as
interpreted in the SECs letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993,
and, if applicable, any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (a)(iii)(A) of
this Section 6, (2) including a representation that neither the Issuer nor any
Guarantor has entered into any arrangement or understanding with any Person to
distribute the Series B Notes to be received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the
best of the Issuers and each Guarantors information and belief, each Holder
participating in the Exchange Offer is acquiring the Series B Notes in its ordinary
course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to
participate in the distribution of the Series B Notes received in the Exchange Offer
and (3) any other undertaking or representation required by the SEC as set forth in
any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (a)(iii)(A) of this Section 6, if
applicable.
(b) Shelf Registration Statement. In connection with the Shelf Registration
Statement, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall:
(i) comply with all the provisions of Section 6(c) and use all commercially reasonable
efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities
being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof (as
indicated in the information furnished to the Issuer pursuant to Section 4(b)), and pursuant
thereto the Issuer and the Guarantors shall prepare and file with the SEC a Registration
Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Act, which form
shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the
intended method or methods of distribution thereof within the time periods and otherwise in
accordance with the provisions hereof; and
(ii) issue, upon the request of any Holder or purchaser of Series A Notes covered by
any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, Series B Notes having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Series A Notes sold
pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement and surrendered to the Issuer for cancellation;
the Issuer shall register the Series B Notes on the Shelf Registration Statement for this
purpose and issue the Series B Notes to the purchaser(s) of securities subject to the Shelf
Registration Statement in the names as such purchaser(s) shall designate.
(c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement and any related
Prospectus required by this Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall:
(i) use all commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement
continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements for the period
specified in Sections 3 or 4 of this Agreement, as applicable. Upon the occurrence of any
event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein
(A) to contain an untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of the Prospectus or
any supplement thereto, in the circumstances in which they were made) or (B) not to be
effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the
9
period required by this Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall file promptly an
appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement or a supplement to the relevant
Prospectus curing such defect, and, if SEC review is required, use all commercially
reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective as soon as practicable;
(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the
applicable Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement
effective for the period specified in Sections 3 or 4 of this Agreement, as applicable;
cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so
supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and to comply fully with Rules
424, 430A, 430B and 462, as applicable, under the Act in a timely manner; and comply with
the provisions of the Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such
Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method
or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement
or supplement to the Prospectus;
(iii) advise the Initial Purchaser and, with respect to a Shelf Registration Statement,
the underwriter(s), if any, and the selling Holders and, if requested by such Persons, to
confirm such advice in writing (which notice shall not contain any material non-public
information, unless such Holder agrees to keep such information confidential) (A) when the
Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and,
with respect to any applicable Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment
thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the SEC for amendments to
the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional
information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Act or of the suspension by any
state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for
offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the
preceding purposes, or (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that
makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus,
any amendment or supplement thereto or any document incorporated by reference therein
untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration
Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or that requires the
making of any additions to or changes in the Prospectus in order to make the statements
therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If
at any time the SEC shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority
shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the
Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or Blue Sky laws, the Issuer and the
Guarantors shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting
of such order at the earliest possible time;
(iv) subject to Section 6(c)(i), if any fact or event contemplated by Section
6(c)(iii)(D) shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment
to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document
10
incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as
thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus
shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading;
(v) furnish to the Initial Purchaser and with respect to a Shelf Registration
Statement, each Holder named in such Shelf Registration Statement, in connection with such
exchange or sale, if any, before filing with the SEC, copies of any Registration Statement
or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration
Statement or Prospectus (other than documents incorporated by reference after the initial
filing of such Registration Statement), which documents shall be subject to the review and
comment of such Holders in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five
Business Days, and the Issuer shall not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus
or any amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (other than
documents incorporated by reference) to which such Holders shall reasonably object within
five Business Days after such Holders receipt thereof. A Holder shall be deemed to have
reasonably objected to such filing if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or
supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains an untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading or fails to comply with the applicable requirements of the Act;
(vi) in connection with any underwritten offering, make available, during reasonable
business hours, for inspection by each Holder who would be an underwriter as a result of
either (A) the sale by such Holder of Series A Notes covered by such Shelf Registration
Statement or (B) the sale during the period referred to in Section 3(c) and any attorney or
accountant retained by any such Person (collectively, the Inspectors), all
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents of the Issuer and the Guarantors
(collectively, Records) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to
exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause the Issuers and the
Guarantors officers, directors and employees to supply all information in each case
reasonably requested by any such Inspector, in connection with such Registration Statement
or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its
effectiveness. Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and
any Records which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the
Inspectors unless (X) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a
material misstatement or omission in such Registration Statement or any post-effective
amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness, (Y) the
release of such Records is required by applicable law or SEC policy or ordered pursuant to a
subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction or (Z) the information in
such Records has been generally available to the public. Each selling Holder of such
Transfer Restricted Securities and each such Broker-Dealer will be required to agree that
information obtained by it as a result of such inspections shall be deemed confidential and
shall not be used by it as the basis for any market transactions in securities unless and
until such is made generally available to the public. Each selling Holder of such Transfer
Restricted Securities and each such Broker-
11
Dealer will be required to further agree that it will, upon learning that disclosure of
such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Issuer and
allow the Issuer at its expense to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the
Records deemed confidential;
(vii) if requested by any Holders in connection with such exchange or sale, promptly
include in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or
post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such Holders may reasonably
request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the
Plan of Distribution of the Transfer Restricted Securities; and make all required filings
of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the
Issuer is notified of the matters to be included in such Prospectus supplement or
post-effective amendment;
(viii) furnish to each Holder in connection with such exchange or sale without charge,
at least one copy of the Registration Statement, as first filed with the SEC, and of each
amendment thereto, including all documents incorporated by reference therein and all
exhibits, including exhibits incorporated therein by reference, if so requested by such
Holder;
(ix) deliver to each Holder without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including
any preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons
reasonably may request; the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby consent to the use (in
accordance with law) of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each
selling Holder in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted
Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;
(x) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the
selling Holders and their counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of
the Transfer Restricted Securities under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such
jurisdictions as the selling Holders may reasonably request and do any and all other acts or
things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the
Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the applicable Registration Statement; provided,
however, that neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to register or qualify
as a foreign corporation where it is not now so qualified or to take any action that would
subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation, other than as to matters and
transactions relating to the Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not now
so subject;
(xi) in connection with any sale of Transfer Restricted Securities that will result in
such securities no longer being Transfer Restricted Securities, (A) cooperate with the
Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing
Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends and (B)
register such Transfer Restricted Securities in such denominations and such names as the
selling Holders may request at least two Business Days prior to such sale of Transfer
Restricted Securities;
12
(xii) use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the disposition of the Transfer
Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or
approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable
the seller or sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted
Securities, subject to the proviso contained in clause (x) of this Section 6(c);
(xiii) pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, issue, upon the request of any Holder of
Series A Notes covered by the Shelf Registration Statement, Series B Notes, having an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Series A Notes
surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder;
such Series B Notes to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the
purchaser(s) of such Notes, as the case may be; in return, the Series A Notes held by such
Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation;
(xiv) provide a CUSIP number for all Transfer Restricted Securities not later than the
effective date of a Registration Statement covering such Transfer Restricted Securities and
provide the Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for the Transfer
Restricted Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust
Company;
(xv) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the NASD and in the
performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any qualified
independent underwriter) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the NASD;
(xvi) otherwise use all commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC, and make generally available to the Holders with regard to
any applicable Registration Statement, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings
statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 (which need not be audited) covering a
twelve-month period beginning after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as
such term is defined in paragraph (c) of Rule 158 under the Act);
(xvii) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the TIA not later than the effective
date of the first Registration Statement contemplated or required by this Agreement, as
applicable, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to
effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so
qualified in accordance with the terms of the TIA; and execute and use all commercially
reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute all documents that may be required to
effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to
enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner; and
(xviii) provide promptly to each Holder, upon request, each document filed with the SEC
pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(d) Restrictions on Holders. Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer
Restricted Security that, upon receipt of the notice referred to in Section 6(c)(iii)(C) or any
notice
13
from the Issuer of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) (in
each case, a Suspension Notice), such Holder shall forthwith discontinue disposition of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until (i) such
Holder has received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section
6(c)(iv), or (ii) such Holder is advised in writing by the Issuer that the use of the Prospectus
may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are
incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (in each case, the Recommencement Date).
Each Holder receiving a Suspension Notice hereby agrees that it shall either (i) destroy any
Prospectuses, other than permanent file copies, then in such Holders possession which have been
replaced by the Issuer with more recently dated Prospectuses or (ii) deliver to the Issuer (at the
Issuers expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Holders possession of
the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt
of the Suspension Notice. The time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration
Statement set forth in Sections 3 or 4 herein, as applicable, shall be extended by a number of days
equal to the number of days in the period from and including the date of delivery of the Suspension
Notice to the Recommencement Date.
(e) Participation in Underwritten Registration. In the event of an offer and sale of
Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to an underwriting agreement and Registration Statement
contemplated by this Agreement, no Holder may participate in such offer and sale unless such Holder
(i) agrees to sell such Holders Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in the
underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to approve such arrangements and (ii)
completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting
agreements, lock-up letters and other documents reasonably required under the terms of the
underwriting arrangements.
SECTION 7. REGISTRATION EXPENSES
(a) All expenses incident to the Issuers and the Guarantors performance of or compliance
with this Agreement shall be borne by the Issuer and the Guarantors, regardless of whether a
Registration Statement becomes effective, including without limitation: (i) all registration and
filing fees and expenses; (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and
state Blue Sky or securities laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates
for the Series B Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger
and delivery Service and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Issuer and
the Guarantors and, subject to the limitations in Section 7(b), the fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; (v) all application and filing fees in
connection with listing the Series B Notes on a national securities exchange or automated quotation
system pursuant to the requirements hereof; and (vi) all fees and disbursements of independent
certified public accountants of the Issuer and the Guarantors (including the expenses of any
special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance).
The Issuer (or the Issuer and the Guarantors) shall, in any event, bear its and the
Guarantors internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of their
officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit
14
and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Issuer or
the Guarantors.
(b) In connection with any Registration Statement contemplated or required by this Agreement,
as applicable (including, without limitation, the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the
Shelf Registration Statement), the Issuer and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Initial Purchaser
and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities who are tendering Series A Notes into in the
Exchange Offer and/or selling or reselling Series A Notes or Series B Notes pursuant to the Plan
of Distribution contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or the Shelf Registration
Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements in an amount not to exceed
$10,000 of not more than one counsel, who shall be Latham & Watkins LLP unless another firm shall
be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities
for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared.
SECTION 8. INDEMNIFICATION
(a) The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless
each Holder, its directors, officers and each Person, if any, who controls such Holder (within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act), from and against any and all
losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments (including without limitation, any reasonable
legal or other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any matter,
including any action that could give rise to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
judgments) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
in any Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus, Prospectus, (or any amendment or supplement
thereto) or any issuer information (as defined in Rule 433 of the Act) provided by the Issuer to
any Holder or any prospective purchaser of Series B Notes or registered Series A Notes, or caused
by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or judgments are caused by, arise out of, or are based on an untrue statement
or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission (i) made in reliance upon and in conformity
with written information furnished to the Issuer or Guarantors by or on behalf of such Holder or
any underwriter with respect to such Holder, expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or
any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or
(ii) contained in any preliminary prospectus if such Holder or such underwriter failed to send or
deliver a copy of the Prospectus (in the form it was first provided to such parties for
confirmation of sales) to the person asserting such losses, claims, damages or liabilities on or
prior to the delivery of such written confirmation of any sale of securities covered thereby to
such party in any case where the Issuer shall have previously furnished copies thereof to such
Holder or such underwriter, as the case may be, in accordance with this Agreement, at or prior to
the written confirmation of the sale of such securities to such party and the untrue statement
contained in or the omission from the preliminary prospectus was corrected in or the omission from
the preliminary prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto). Any amounts advanced by the Issuer to an indemnified party pursuant to this Section 8 as
a result of such losses shall be returned to the Issuer if it shall be finally determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment not subject to appeal or final review that such
indemnified party was not entitled to indemnification by the Issuer.
15
(b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuer
and the Guarantors, and their respective directors and officers, and each person, if any, who
controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the
Issuer, or the Guarantors to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Issuer and the
Guarantors set forth in Section 8(a), but only with reference to information relating to such
Holder furnished in writing to the Issuer by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use in any
Registration Statement, preliminary prospectus or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement
thereto). In no event shall any Holder, its directors, officers or any Person who controls such
Holder be liable or responsible for any amount in excess of the total amount received by such
Holder with respect to its sale of Transfer Restricted Securities giving rise to the
indemnification obligation.
(c) In case any action shall be commenced involving any person in respect of which indemnity
may be sought pursuant to Section 8(a) or 8(b) (the Indemnified Party), the Indemnified
Party shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the
Indemnifying Party) in writing and the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense of
such action, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party
and the payment of all fees and expenses of such counsel, as incurred (except that in the case of
any action in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to both Sections 8(a) and 8(b), a
Holder shall not be required to assume the defense of such action pursuant to this Section 8(c),
but may employ separate counsel and participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses
of such counsel, except as provided below, shall be at the expense of the Holder). Any Indemnified
Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action and participate in the
defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the
Indemnified Party unless (i) the employment of such counsel shall have been specifically authorized
in writing by the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay the
fees and expenses of such counsel, (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed to assume the
defense of such action or employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party or (iii)
the named parties to any such action (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnified
Party and the Indemnifying Party, and the Indemnified Party shall have been advised by such counsel
that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional
to those available to the Indemnifying Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have
the right to assume the defense of such action on behalf of the Indemnified Party). In any such
case, the Indemnifying Party shall not, in connection with any one action or separate but
substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general
allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one
separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Parties and all
such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Such firm shall be designated in
writing by a majority of the Holders, in the case of the parties indemnified pursuant to Section
8(a), and by the Issuer, in the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 8(b). The
Indemnifying Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from and against any and
all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and judgments by reason of any settlement of any action
effected with its written consent, which consent shall not be withheld unreasonably. No
Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any
settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of judgment with respect to, any pending or
threatened action in respect of which the Indemnified Party is or could have been a party and
indemnity or contribution may be or could have been
16
sought hereunder by the Indemnified Party, unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i)
includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party from all liability on claims arising out
of such action and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or
a failure to act, by or on behalf of the Indemnified Party.
(d) To the extent that the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an
Indemnified Party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments referred to
therein, then each Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or judgments (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on
the other hand or (ii) if the allocation provided by Section 8(d)(i) is not permitted by applicable
law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in
Section 8(d)(i) but also the relative fault of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and
of the Holder, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in
such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or judgments, as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations. The relative fault of the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and of the
Holder, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the
untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state
a material fact relates to information supplied by the Issuer or such Guarantor, on the one hand,
or by the Holder, on the other hand, and the parties relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
The Issuer, the Guarantors and each Holder agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 8(d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the
Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which
does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or judgments referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be
deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating or defending any
matter, including any action that could have given rise to such losses, claims, damages,
liabilities or judgments. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no Holder, its
directors, its officers or any Person, if any, who controls such Holder shall be required to
contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the total discount
received by such Holder with respect to the Series A Notes exceeds the amount of any damages which
such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the
meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders obligations to contribute pursuant to
this Section 8(d) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Transfer
Restricted Securities held by each Holder hereunder and not joint. No party shall be liable for
contribution with respect to any action or claim settled without its prior written consent;
provided, however, that such written consent was not unreasonably withheld.
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SECTION 9. RULE 144A AND RULE 144
The Issuer and the Guarantors agree with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted
Securities remain outstanding and during any period in which the Issuer or the Guarantors (i) are
not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to make available upon request of any
Holder, to such Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any
sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities designated by
such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Act in order
to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A; and (ii) are
subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to make all filings required thereby in a
timely manner in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule
144.
SECTION 10. JOINDER OF FUTURE GUARANTORS
In order to facilitate the purposes of this Agreement, the Issuer and Guarantors agree that,
if at any time prior to the termination of this Agreement, Issuer or any Guarantor (as defined in
the Indenture) creates or acquires any subsidiary that is required by the Indenture to become a
Guarantor thereunder, they shall cause such subsidiary to execute a joinder to, and thereby become
a party to and Guarantor under, this Agreement.
SECTION 11. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) Remedies. The Issuer and the Guarantors acknowledge and agree that any failure by
the Issuer and/or the Guarantors to comply with their respective obligations under Sections 3 and 4
may result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchaser or the Holders for which there
is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries
precisely and that, in the event of any such failure, the Initial Purchaser or any Holder may
obtain such relief as may be required to specifically enforce the Issuers and the Guarantors
obligations under Sections 3 and 4. The Issuer and the Guarantors further agree to waive the
defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.
(b) Free Writing Prospectus. The Issuer and the Guarantors represent, warrant and
covenant that they (including their agents and representatives) will not prepare, make, use,
authorize, approve or refer to any written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act) in connection with the issuance and sale of the Series A Notes and the Series B
Notes, other than (i) any communication pursuant to Rule 134, Rule 135 or Rule 135c under the
Securities Act, (ii) any document constituting an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy
the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes that falls within the exception from the definition of
prospectus in Section 2(a)(10)(a) of the Securities Act or (iii) a prospectus satisfying the
requirements of section 10(a) of the Act or of Rule 430, Rule 430A, Rule 430B, Rule 430C or Rule
431 under the Act.
(c) No Inconsistent Agreements. Neither the Issuer nor the Guarantors shall, on or
after the date of this Agreement, enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is
inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with
the provisions of this Agreement. Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor is a party to any
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agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its securities to any Person. The
rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent
with the rights granted to the holders of the Issuers and the Guarantors securities under any
agreement in effect on the date hereof.
(d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended,
modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions of this
Agreement may not be given unless (i) in the case of Section 5 and this Section 11(c)(i), the
Issuer has obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted
Securities and (ii) in the case of all other provisions of this Agreement, the Issuer has obtained
the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer
Restricted Securities (excluding Transfer Restricted Securities held by the Issuer or its
Affiliates). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to or departure from the
provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose Transfer Restricted
Securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer, and that does not affect directly or
indirectly the rights of other Holders whose Transfer Restricted Securities are not being tendered
pursuant to such Exchange Offer, may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding
principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities subject to such Exchange Offer.
(e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder
shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return
receipt requested), fax, telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:
(i) if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the
Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar under the Indenture.
(ii) if to the Initial Purchaser:
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Jefferies & Company, Inc.
11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 10th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
Attention: Brian Wolfe
Fax: (310) 575-5166
with a copy to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
633 West Fifth Street
Los Angeles, California 90071
Attn: Mary Ellen Kanoff and Cynthia A. Rotell
Fax: (213) 891-8763 |
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(iii) if to the Issuer or any Guarantor:
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Vector Group Ltd.
100 S. E. 2nd Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
Attention: Richard J. Lampen and Marc N. Bell, Esq.
Fax: (305) 579-8009
with a copy to:
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
340 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10173
Attention: Eric R. Reimer and Stephen E. Older
Fax: (212) 547-5444 |
All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time
delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail,
postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if sent by fax, and on the next Business
Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.
Any party, by notice to the other parties may designate additional or different addresses for
notices hereunder.
Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by
the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address specified in the Indenture.
(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including without limitation and
without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided, however, that nothing
herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Transfer
Restricted Securities in violation of the terms hereof or of the Purchase Agreement or the
Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Transfer Restricted Securities in any
manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Transfer Restricted Securities shall be held
subject to all of the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Transfer Restricted
Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform
all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, including the restrictions on resale set forth
in this Agreement and, if applicable, the Purchase Agreement, and such Person shall be entitled to
receive the benefits hereof.
(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in various counterparts which together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(h) Headings; Section References. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience
of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning of this Agreement. Unless
otherwise indicated, references in this agreement to Sections are to the sections of this
Agreement.
(i) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.
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(j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained
herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the
remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.
(k) Third Party Beneficiary. The Holders shall be third party beneficiaries to the
agreements made hereunder between the Issuer and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial
Purchaser, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the
extent they may deem such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of
Holders hereunder.
(l) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression
of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and
understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are
no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to
herein with respect to the registration rights granted with respect to the Transfer Restricted
Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties
with respect to such subject matter.
(signature pages follow)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written
above.
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Very truly yours,
Issuer:
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
Executive Vice President |
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Guarantors:
VGR HOLDING LLC
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
Manager |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
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LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
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VECTOR RESEARCH LLC.
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer |
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VECTOR TOBACCO INC.
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
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LIGGETT & MYERS HOLDINGS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
President |
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LIGGETT & MYERS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
President |
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100 MAPLE LLC
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
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Name: |
Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title: |
Manager |
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V.T. AVIATION LLC
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer |
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VGR AVIATION LLC
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By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
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Name: |
Francis G. Wall |
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Title: |
Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer |
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EVE HOLDINGS INC.
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By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
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Name: |
Richard J. Lampen |
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Title: |
President |
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Accepted and Agreed to:
JEFFERIES & COMPANY, INC.
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By: |
/s/ David Losito
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Name: |
David Losito |
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Title: |
Managing Director |
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EX-4.6 Fifth Amendment
Exhibit 4.6
LIGGETT GROUP LLC
100 MAPLE LLC
100 Maple Lane
Mebane, North Carolina 27302
Re: Amendment No. 5 to Financing Agreements
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the financing arrangements between Wachovia Bank, National Association,
successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation (Lender) and Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, as successor to Liggett Group Inc. (Borrower) and 100 Maple LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (Maple), pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004 (as the same may now exist or may hereafter
be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or replaced, the Loan Agreement).
Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Loan Agreement,
unless otherwise defined herein.
Maple and Borrower have requested that Lender provide a secured term loan to Maple and make
certain amendments to the Loan Agreement, and Lender has agreed to the foregoing subject to the
terms hereof.
In consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants contained herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Amendment to Definitions. The definitions of Mebane Loan and Mebane Note as set forth in
Section 1 of the Loan Agreement are hereby amended and restated as follows:
Mebane Loan shall mean the borrowing by Maple from Lender on
or about August 13, 2007 of the principal amount of $8,000,000 which
is secured by a first mortgage and lien in favor of Lender on the
Mebane Premises.
Mebane Note shall mean the Term Promissory Note in the
original principal amount of $8,000,000, dated August 10, 2007
executed by Maple in favor of Lender, as the same may be amended,
modified, supplemented, renewed, extended, restated or replaced from
time to time.
2. Amendment to the Mebane Loan. Section 2.4 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and
restated in its entirety as follows:
2.4 Mebane Loan. Pursuant to the terms of the Mebane Note,
Lender is making the Mebane Loan to Maple, which loan is secured by
a first deed of trust and lien in favor of Lender on the Mebane
Premises and all guaranties, security agreements and other
agreements, documents and instruments now or at any time hereafter
executed and/or delivered by Borrower, Maple or any other party in
connection therewith, and Lender is entitled to all of the benefits
and rights of this Agreement, which loan shall be repaid according
to the terms of the Mebane Note. From and after September 1, 2007,
Maple shall be required to make the regularly scheduled principal
installments as set forth in the Mebane Note. Upon the occurrence
of an Event of Default or if this Agreement shall be terminated or
not renewed for any reason whatsoever, then and in any such event,
in addition to all rights and remedies of Lender hereunder, or under
applicable law or otherwise, all such rights and remedies being
cumulative, not exclusive, and enforceable alternatively,
successively and concurrently, Lender may, at its option, declare
all amounts owing under the Mebane Note to be due and payable,
whereupon the then unpaid balance of the Mebane Note, together with
all interest accrued thereon, shall forthwith become due and
payable, together with interest accruing thereafter at the then
applicable interest rate set forth in the Mebane Note until the
indebtedness evidenced by the Mebane Note is paid in full, plus the
costs and expenses of collection of the Mebane Note, including but
not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses
actually incurred.
3. Extension of Term. The first sentence of Section 12.1(a) of the Loan Agreement is hereby
amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
This Agreement and the other Financing Agreements shall become
effective as of the date set forth on the first page hereof and
shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending March 8,
2012 (the Renewal Date), and from year to year thereafter, unless
sooner terminated pursuant to the terms hereof. Lender or Borrower
may terminate this Agreement and the other Financing Agreements
effective on the Renewal Date or on the anniversary of the Renewal
Date in any year by giving to the other party at least sixty (60)
days prior written notice; provided, that, this Agreement and all
other Financing Agreements must be terminated simultaneously.
4. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. In addition to the continuing representations,
warranties and covenants heretofore or hereafter made by Borrower and Maple to Lender pursuant to
the Financing Agreements, Borrower and Maple hereby represent, warrant and covenant with and to
Lender as follows (which representations, warranties and covenants are
continuing and shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and shall be incorporated into
and made a part of the Financing Agreements):
(a) No Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof, after
giving effect to the terms of this Amendment.
(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and Maple and is in full
force and effect as of the date hereof, and the agreements and obligations of Borrower and Maple
contained herein constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower and Maple
enforceable against Borrower and Maple in accordance with its terms.
5. Amendment Fee. In consideration of Lender entering into this Amendment, the Mebane Note
and Lenders agreements hereunder, Borrower and Mebane shall pay to Lender an amendment fee in the
amount of $11,000, which fee shall be fully earned and due and payable on the date hereof, and
which may be charged by Lender to Borrowers loan account with Lender.
6. Conditions Precedent. The amendments and consents set forth in this Amendment, shall not
be effective until each of the following conditions precedent are satisfied in a manner
satisfactory to Agent:
(a) the receipt by Lender of an original of this Amendment, duly authorized and executed by
Borrower and Maple;
(b) the receipt by Lender of the original Mebane Note, in form and substance satisfactory to
Lender, duly authorized and executed by Borrower;
(c) the receipt by Lender of Amendment No. 4 to Fee and Leasehold Deed of Trust and Security
Agreement among Maple, Kenneth M. Greene, Trustee, of Guilford County, North Carolina, Lender, and
Borrower;
(d) the receipt by Lender of the Amendment Fee payable under Section 5 above; and
(e) no Event of Default shall exist or have occurred and no event or condition shall have
occurred or exist which notice or passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default
(after giving effect to the amendments made and waivers granted by Agent pursuant to this
Amendment).
7. Effect of this Amendment. This Amendment shall be effective upon execution by Lender,
Maple and Borrower and contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all correspondence, memoranda, communications, discussions and
negotiations with respect thereto. No existing defaults or Events of Default and no rights or
remedies of Lender have been or are being waived hereby and no changes or modifications to the
Financing Agreements have been or are being made or are intended hereby, except as expressly set
forth herein, and in all other respects the Financing Agreements are hereby specifically ratified,
restated and confirmed by all parties hereto as of the date hereof. In the event that any term or
provision of this Amendment conflicts with any term or provision of the Financing Agreements, the
term or provision of this Amendment shall control.
8. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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Very truly yours, |
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WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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By:
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/s/ Constantine Krikos |
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Title:
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Associate |
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED: |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC |
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By:
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/s/ John Long |
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John Long |
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Title:
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Vice President & General Counsel |
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100 MAPLE LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr. |
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Charles M. Kingan, Jr. |
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Title:
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Manager |
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EX-4.7 Sixth Amendment
Exhibit 4.7
LIGGETT GROUP LLC
100 MAPLE LLC
100 Maple Lane
Mebane, North Carolina 27302
Re: Amendment No. 6 to Financing Agreements
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the financing arrangements between Wachovia Bank, National Association,
successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation (Lender) and Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, as successor to Liggett Group Inc. (Borrower), 100 Maple LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (Maple) and Epic Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation,
pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of April
14, 2004 (as the same may now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended,
renewed, restated or replaced, the Loan Agreement). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the
meanings assigned thereto in the Loan Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein.
Maple and Borrower have requested that Lender provide its consent to the transactions under
the New Notes Indenture (as defined below) and make certain amendments to the Loan Agreement in
connection therewith or related thereto, and Lender has agreed to the foregoing subject to the
terms hereof.
In consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants contained herein and other good and
valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Amendments to Definitions. Section 1 (Definitions) of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended
by:
(a) adding the following definitions in the appropriate alphabetical order:
(i) Additional Permitted New Notes means any and all notes issued under the New Notes
Indenture to the extent that the issuance of such notes does not cause Vector Group Ltd. to breach
the Secured Leverage Ratio covenant relating to the incurrence of indebtedness and descried in
the New Notes Indenture as in effect on August 16, 2007.
(ii) New Notes shall mean, collectively, (a) the 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
(including exchange notes), in the original principal amount of $165,000,000, and (b) any
Additional Permitted New Notes, issued by Vector Group, Ltd. pursuant to the New Notes Indenture,
as the same now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended,
renewed, restated, refinanced or replaced (to the extent not prohibited by this Agreement and
the New Notes Intercreditor Agreement).
(iii) New Notes Indenture shall mean the Indenture dated as of August 16, 2007, by and among
Vector Group, Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors a party thereto and New Notes Trustee, as trustee,
with respect to the New Notes, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified,
supplemented, extended, renewed, restated, refinanced or replaced (to the extent not prohibited by
this Agreement and the New Notes Intercreditor Agreement).
(iv) New Notes Intercreditor Agreement shall mean the Intercreditor Agreement, dated of even
date herewith, executed by and among Lender, the New Notes Trustee, Borrower and Maple, as the same
now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or
replaced.
(v) New Notes Trustee shall mean U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee
under the New Notes Indenture for the holders of the Class A Notes issued pursuant to, and as such
term is defined in, the New Notes Indenture and any successor, replacement or additional trustee
under the New Notes Indenture, and their respective successors and assigns.
(b) Section 1.36 (Excess Availability) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to
read as follows:
Excess Availability shall mean the amount, as determined by Lender,
calculated at any time, equal to: (a) the lesser of (i) the amount of the
Loans available to Borrower as of such time as provided in Section 2.1 and
(ii) the Maximum Credit, MINUS (b) the sum of: (i) the amount of all then
outstanding and unpaid Obligations, PLUS (ii) the aggregate amount of all
trade payables owed to suppliers of Borrower which are more than sixty (60)
days past due as of such time.
2. Amendment to the Loan Agreement.
(a) Section 5.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
5.1 Grant of Security Interest.
To secure payment and performance of all Obligations, Borrower hereby
grants to Lender, and confirms, reaffirms and restates its prior grant to
Lender of, a continuing security interest in, a lien upon, and a right of
set off against, and hereby assigns to Lender as security, all personal and
real property and fixtures and interests in property and fixtures of
Borrower, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or existing, and wherever
located (together with all other collateral security for the Obligations at
any time granted to or held or acquired by Lender, collectively, the
Collateral), including:
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(a) all Accounts arising from the sale or other disposition of
Inventory;
(b) all general intangibles, including, without limitation, all
Intellectual Property;
(c) all Inventory;
(d) all Equipment;
(e) all chattel paper (including all tangible and electronic chattel
paper), in each case arising in connection with or related to, or
constituting identifiable proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute
Collateral, any Inventory or any of the other Collateral;
(f) all instruments (including all promissory notes), in each case
arising in connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable
proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory
or any of the other Collateral;
(g) all documents arising in connection with or related to, or
constituting identifiable proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute
Collateral, any Inventory or any of the other Collateral;
(h) all deposit accounts;
(i) all letters of credit, bankers acceptances and similar instruments
and including all letter-of-credit rights, in each case arising in
connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of, any
of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of the
other Collateral;
(j) all supporting obligations and all present and future liens,
security interests, rights, remedies, title and interest in, to and in
respect of Receivables arising from the sale or other disposition of
Inventory or any of the other Collateral, including (i) rights and remedies
under or relating to guaranties, contracts of suretyship, letters of credit
and credit and other insurance related to the Collateral, (ii) rights of
stoppage in transit, replevin, repossession, reclamation and other rights
and remedies of an unpaid vendor, lienor or secured party, (iii) goods
described in invoices, documents, contracts or instruments with respect to,
or otherwise representing or evidencing, Receivables arising from the sale
or other disposition of Inventory or any of the other Collateral, including
returned, repossessed and reclaimed goods, and (iv) deposits by and property
of account debtors or other persons securing the obligations of account
debtors;
(k) all (i) investment property (including securities, whether
certificated or uncertificated, securities accounts, security entitlements,
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commodity contracts or commodity accounts), in each case arising in
connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of any
Collateral and (ii) monies, credit balances, deposits and other property of
Borrower now or hereafter held or received by or in transit to Lender or its
Affiliates or at any other depository or other institution from or for the
account of Borrower, whether for safekeeping, pledge, custody, transmission,
collection or otherwise (including, without limitation, any Cash Collateral
at any time held by Lender);
(l) all commercial tort claims, including, without limitation, those
identified in the Information Certificate, in each case arising in
connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of, any
of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of the
other Collateral;
(m) to the extent not otherwise described above, all Receivables
arising from the sale or other disposition of Inventory or of any other
Collateral;
(n) all Records; and
(o) all products and proceeds of the foregoing, in any form, including
insurance proceeds and all claims against third parties for loss or damage
to or destruction of or other involuntary conversion of any kind or nature
of any or all of the other Collateral.
As used herein, Collateral shall not include (i) any of Borrowers Real
Property other than the Mebane Premises, (ii) any of Borrowers Equipment to
the extent any grant of a lien to Lender in such Equipment would be
precluded by or require a consent under the terms and conditions of any
purchase money or other financing of any such Equipment, whether now owned
or hereafter acquired, or (C) any proceeds of such assets and property that
are excluded from Collateral.
(b) Section 9.8 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the . after Section
9.8(i) and adding immediately thereafter a new Section 9.8(j) as follows:
and (j) the security interests and liens in the Collateral granted to the
New Notes Trustee to secure Indebtedness under the New Notes and the New
Notes Indenture, which shall be subject to and in accordance with the New
Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
(c) Section 9.9 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the . after Section
9.9(f) and adding immediately thereafter a new Section 9.9(g) as follows:
and (g) the guaranty by Borrower and Maple of the Indebtedness owing with
respect to the New Notes and the New Notes Indenture and any refinancing,
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refunding, extensions, renewals, issuances or replacements thereof to the
extent permitted by Section 9.17(n) hereof;
(d) Section 9.10 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the and after clause
(b) and the . after Section 9.10(c) and adding immediately thereafter a new Section 9.10(d) as
follows:
and (d) the guaranty by Borrower and Maple of the Indebtedness owing with
respect to the New Notes and the New Notes Indenture and any refinancing,
refunding, extensions, renewals, issuances or replacements thereof to the
extent permitted by Section 9.17(n) hereof.
(e) Section 9.12 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by adding a new clause (d) prior to
the proviso as follows:
and (d) the guaranty by Borrower and Maple of the Indebtedness owing with
respect to the New Notes and the New Notes Indenture and any refinancing,
refunding, extensions, renewals, issuances or replacements thereof to the
extent permitted by Section 9.17(n) hereof
(f) Section 9.17 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the and at the end of
clause (l) and replacing the period at the end of clause (m) with a semi-colon and adding a new
clause (n) as follows:
and (n) the guaranty by Borrower and Maple of the Indebtedness owing with
respect to the New Notes and the New Notes Indenture and any refinancing,
refunding, extensions, renewals, issuances, replacements, amendments or
modifications thereof to the extent permitted by the New Notes Intercreditor
Agreement. Borrower shall furnish to Lender all notices or demands relating
to an event of default under or acceleration of the maturity of such
Indebtedness either received by Borrower or on its behalf, promptly after
the receipt thereof, or sent by Borrower or on its behalf, concurrently with
the sending thereof, as the case may be.
(g) Section 10.1 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the . after Section
10.1(q) and adding immediately thereafter a new Section 10.1(r) as follows:
(r) a default occurring and continuing under the New Notes Indenture as a
result of the failure of the Borrower to pay any principal or interest on
the New Notes when due and the expiration of any cure period with respect to
such default and demand being made on the Borrower and Maple under their
respective guaranty of the New Notes and the expiration of ten Business Days
from the date of such demand.
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3. Conditions Precedent. The amendments and consents set forth in this Amendment, shall not
be effective until each of the following conditions precedent are satisfied in a manner
satisfactory to Agent:
(a) the receipt by Lender of an original of this Amendment, duly authorized and executed by
Borrower and Maple;
(b) the receipt by Lender of an original Trademark Security Agreement and Patent Security
Agreement, each in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, duly authorized and executed by
Borrower;
(c) the transactions under the New Notes Indenture shall have been consummated and Lender and
the New Notes Trustee shall have entered into and executed the New Notes Intercreditor Agreement,
in form and substance satisfactory to Lender;
(d) the receipt by Lender of the Amendment Fee payable under Section 5 below; and
(e) no Event of Default shall exist or have occurred and no event or condition shall have
occurred or exist which notice or passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default
(after giving effect to the amendments made and waivers granted by Agent pursuant to this
Amendment).
4. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. In addition to the continuing representations,
warranties and covenants heretofore or hereafter made by Borrower and Maple to Lender pursuant to
the Financing Agreements, Borrower and Maple hereby represent, warrant and covenant with and to
Lender as follows (which representations, warranties and covenants are continuing and shall survive
the execution and delivery hereof and shall be incorporated into and made a part of the Financing
Agreements):
(a) no Event of Default exists or has occurred and is continuing on the date hereof, after
giving effect to the terms of this Amendment and
(b) this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and Maple and is in full
force and effect as of the date hereof, and the agreements and obligations of Borrower and Maple
contained herein constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower and Maple
enforceable against Borrower and Maple in accordance with its terms.
5. Amendment Fee. In consideration of Lender entering into this Amendment, Borrower and Maple
shall pay to Lender an amendment fee in the amount of $25,000, which fee shall be fully earned and
due and payable on the date hereof, and which may be charged by Lender to Borrowers loan account
with Lender.
6. Effect of this Amendment. Except as modified pursuant hereto, no other changes or
modifications to the Financing Arrangements are intended or implied and in all other respects the
Financing Agreements are hereby specifically ratified, restated and confirmed by all parties hereto
as of the effective date hereof. To the extent of conflict between the terms of this Amendment and
the other Financing Agreements, the terms of this Amendment shall control. The Loan Agreement and
this Amendment shall be read and construed as one agreement.
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7. No Waivers; Reservation of Rights. Except as otherwise provided herein, Agent has not
waived and has no intention of waiving any Events of Default which may be continuing on the date
hereof or any Events of Default which may occur after the date hereof. Agent hereby reserves all
its rights, in its sole discretion, to exercise any or all of Agents rights and remedies under the
Financing Agreements as a result of any existing Events of Default or any Events of Default which
may occur after the date hereof, and Agent has not waived any such rights or remedies, and nothing
in this Amendment, and no delay on Agents part in exercising any such rights or remedies, should
be construed as a waiver of any rights or remedies.
8. Further Assurances. The parties hereto shall execute and deliver such additional documents
and take such additional action as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the provisions and
purposes of this Amendment.
9. Governing Law. The rights and obligations hereunder of each of the parties hereto shall be
governed by and interpreted and determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New
York (without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws).
10. Binding Effect. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
11. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, but all of
such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. In making proof of
this Amendment, it shall not be necessary to produce or account for more than one counterpart
thereof signed by each of the parties hereto.
[Signature Page Follows]
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Very truly yours, |
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WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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By:
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/s/ Marc Breier |
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Title:
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Director |
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AGREED AND ACCEPTED: |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title
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Manager |
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100 MAPLE LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title:
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Manager |
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[Signature Page to
Amendment No. 6]
EX-99.1 Intercreditor Agreement
Exhibit 99.1
INTERCREDITOR AND LIEN SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
among
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as ABL Lender
and
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Collateral Agent
and
LIGGETT GROUP LLC,
as Borrower
and
100 MAPLE LLC,
as Loan Party
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION |
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2 |
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1.1 Definitions |
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2 |
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1.2 Terms Generally |
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7 |
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SECTION 2. LIEN PRIORITIES |
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8 |
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2.1 Subordination |
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2.2 Prohibition on Contesting Liens |
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2.3 No New Liens |
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2.4 Similar Liens and Agreements |
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9 |
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SECTION 3. ENFORCEMENT |
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9 |
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3.1 Exercise of Rights and Remedies |
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3.2 Rights As Unsecured Creditors |
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3.3 Release of Liens on ABL Collateral |
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3.4 Insurance and Condemnation Awards |
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14 |
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SECTION 4. PAYMENTS |
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4.1 Application of Proceeds |
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4.2 Payments Over |
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SECTION 5. BAILEE FOR PERFECTION |
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5.1 Each Lender as Bailee |
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5.2 Transfer of Pledged ABL Collateral |
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SECTION 6. INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS |
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6.1 General Applicability |
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6.2 Bankruptcy Financing |
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6.3 Relief from the Automatic Stay |
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6.4 Adequate Protection |
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6.5 Reorganization Securities |
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6.6 Separate Classes |
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6.7 Asset Dispositions |
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6.8 Preference Issues |
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6.9 Certain Waivers as to Section 1111(b)(2) of Bankruptcy Code |
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6.10 Other Bankruptcy Laws |
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SECTION 7. NOTEHOLDER SECURED PARTIES PURCHASE OPTION |
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(i)
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7.1 Exercise of Option |
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7.2 Purchase and Sale |
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7.3 Payment of Purchase Price |
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7.4 Representations Upon Purchase and Sale |
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7.5 Notice from ABL Lender Prior to Lien Enforcement Action |
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SECTION 8. RELIANCE; WAIVERS; ETC. |
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8.1 Reliance |
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8.2 No Warranties or Liability |
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8.3 No Waiver of Lien Priorities |
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SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS |
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9.1 Conflicts |
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9.2 Continuing Nature of this Intercreditor Agreement; Severability |
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9.3 When Discharge of ABL Debt Deemed to Not Have Occurred |
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9.4 Amendments to Noteholder Documents |
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9.5 Amendments; Waivers |
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9.6 Subrogation; Marshalling |
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9.7 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waivers |
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9.8 Notices |
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9.9 Further Assurances |
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9.10 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial |
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9.11 Governing Law |
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9.12 Binding on Successors and Assigns |
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9.13 Specific Performance |
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9.14 Section Titles; Time Periods |
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9.15 Counterparts |
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9.16 Authorization |
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9.17 No Third Party Beneficiaries |
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(ii)
INTERCREDITOR AND LIEN SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT
INTERCREDITOR AND LIEN SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT, dated as of August 16, 2007 (this
Intercreditor Agreement as hereinafter further defined), among Wachovia Bank, National
Association (the ABL Lender as hereinafter further defined), for itself and on behalf of
the other ABL Secured Parties (as hereinafter defined), U.S. Bank National Association, in its
capacity as collateral agent for the Noteholder Secured Parties (in such capacity, Collateral
Agent as hereinafter further defined), Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, as successor to Liggett Group Inc., and 100 Maple LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (Maple).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Borrower and the other ABL Loan Parties (each as hereinafter defined) have entered
into a secured revolving credit facility with ABL Lender as set forth in the ABL Loan Agreement (as
hereinafter defined) pursuant to which ABL Lender has made and from time to time may make loans and
provide other financial accommodations to Borrower and secured by the ABL Collateral (as
hereinafter defined);
WHEREAS, pursuant to an Indenture dated as of August 16, 2007 among Vector Group Ltd. (the
Issuer), certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (including the Borrower) (the
Issuer and such subsidiaries being referred to as the Indenture Loan Parties) and U.S.
Bank National Association, in its capacity as trustee thereunder (in such capacity, Indenture
Trustee, as hereinafter further defined) (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or
otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the Noteholder Agreement), the Issuer
intends to issue its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (including any related exchange notes and
any additional notes issued pursuant to the Noteholder Agreement), in an initial aggregate
principal amount of $165.0 million, which will be guaranteed by, among others, Borrower, Maple and
certain other direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Issuer, and secured by certain security
interests in and pledges of certain assets and properties, including assets and properties of the
Indenture Loan Parties;
WHEREAS, ABL Lender, on its own behalf and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, and
Collateral Agent, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Noteholder Secured Parties, desire to
enter into this Intercreditor Agreement to (i) confirm the relative priority of the security
interests of ABL Secured Parties and Noteholder Secured Parties in the ABL Collateral, (ii) provide
for the orderly sharing among them, in accordance with such priorities, of proceeds of such ABL
Collateral upon any foreclosure thereon or other disposition thereof and (iii) address related
matters;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and obligations herein
set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are
hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION.
1.1 Definitions. As used in this Intercreditor Agreement, the following terms have the
meanings specified below:
ABL Collateral shall mean any and all of the assets and properties of the ABL Loan
Parties as set forth on Schedule A hereto. All capitalized terms used on Schedule A hereto and not
defined elsewhere in this Intercreditor Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in the
ABL Loan Agreement.
ABL Debt shall mean all Obligations as such term is defined in the ABL Loan
Agreement, including, without limitation, obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind,
nature and description owing by any ABL Loan Party to any ABL Secured Party, including principal,
interest, charges, fees, premiums, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as
principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, arising under any of the ABL Documents,
whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or
any renewal term of the ABL Documents or after the commencement of any case with respect to any ABL
Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (and
including, without limitation, any principal, interest, fees, costs, expenses and other amounts,
which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such
amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding), whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary,
liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured.
ABL Documents shall mean, collectively, the ABL Loan Agreement and all agreements,
documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by any ABL Loan Party to, with or
in favor of any ABL Secured Party in connection therewith, as all of the foregoing now exist or may
hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated, refinanced, replaced or
restructured (in whole or in part and including any agreements with, to or in favor of any other
lender or group of lenders that at any time refinances, replaces or succeeds to all or any portion
of the ABL Debt) in accordance with the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement.
ABL Event of Default shall mean any Event of Default as defined in the ABL Loan
Agreement.
ABL Lender shall mean, collectively, Wachovia Bank, National Association and any
other lender or group of lenders that at any time refinances, replaces or succeeds to all or any
portion of the ABL Debt or is otherwise party to the ABL Documents as a lender in accordance with
the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement.
ABL Loan Agreement shall mean the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement,
dated as of April 14, 2004, by and among Borrower, the other ABL Loan Parties and ABL Lender, as
the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed,
restated or replaced in accordance with the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement.
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ABL Loan Parties shall mean, collectively, (a) Borrowers, (b) Maple and (c) their
respective successors and permitted assigns; sometimes being referred to herein individually as an
ABL Loan Party.
ABL Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, (a) the ABL Lender, (b) the issuing
bank or banks of letters of credit or similar instruments under the ABL Loan Agreement, (c) each
other person to whom any of the ABL Debt (including ABL Debt constituting Bank Product Obligations)
is owed and (d) the successors, replacements and assigns of each of the foregoing; sometimes being
referred to herein individually as a ABL Secured Party.
Bank Product Obligations shall mean Cash Management Obligations and Hedging
Obligations.
Bankruptcy Code shall mean the United States Bankruptcy Code, being Title 11 of the
United States Code, as the same now exists or may from time to time hereafter be amended, modified,
recodified or supplemented.
Bankruptcy Law shall mean the Bankruptcy Code and any similar Federal, state or
foreign law for the relief of debtors.
Borrowers shall mean collectively, (a) Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company, as successor to Liggett Group, Inc., and (b) its successors and assigns;
sometimes being referred to herein individually as a Borrower.
Business Day shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day that is a
legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or on which banking institutions in the State
of New York are required or authorized by law or other governmental action to close.
Cash Management Obligations shall mean, with respect to any ABL Borrower, the
obligations of such ABL Borrower in connection with (a) credit cards or (b) cash management or
related services, including (i) the automated clearinghouse transfer of funds or overdrafts or (ii)
controlled disbursement services.
Collateral Agent shall mean U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as
Collateral Agent under the Noteholder Documents, and also includes any successor, replacement or
agent acting on its behalf as Collateral Agent for the Noteholder Secured Parties under the
Noteholder Documents.
DIP Financing shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
Discharge of ABL Debt shall mean (a) the termination or expiration of the
commitments of ABL Lender and the financing arrangements provided by ABL Lender to ABL Loan Parties
under the ABL Documents, (b) except to the extent otherwise provided in Sections 4.1 and
4.2, the payment in full in cash of the ABL Debt (other than (i) the ABL Debt described in
clause (c) of this definition, (ii) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has
been made and (iii) obligations under agreements with ABL Secured Parties which continue
notwithstanding the termination of the commitments and repayment of the ABL Debt described herein),
and (c) payment in full in cash of cash collateral, or at ABL Lenders option, the delivery to ABL
Lender of a letter of
3
credit payable to ABL Lender, in either case as required under the terms of the ABL Loan
Agreement, in respect of letters of credit issued under the ABL Documents and Bank Product
Obligations.
Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt shall mean, except to the extent otherwise
provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2, the final payment in full in cash of the
Noteholder Debt.
Discharge of Priority Debt shall mean except to the extent otherwise provided in
Sections 4.1 and 4.2, the final payment in full in cash of the First Priority Debt
(other than as described in the definition of Discharge of ABL Debt).
Excess ABL Debt means ABL Debt which does not constitute First Priority Debt.
First Priority Debt means ABL Debt to the extent it constitutes Maximum Priority ABL
Debt.
Hedging Obligations shall mean, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such
Person under (a) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate
collar agreements and (b) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in interest rates or the value of foreign currencies.
Indenture Loan Parties has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding shall mean (a) any voluntary or involuntary
case or proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law with respect to any ABL Loan Party, (b) any other
voluntary or involuntary insolvency, reorganization or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any
receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding with respect to any
ABL Loan Party or with respect to any of their respective assets, (c) any proceeding seeking the
appointment of any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other insolvency official with
similar powers with respect to such Person or any or all of its assets or properties, (d) any
liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or winding up of any ABL Loan Party whether voluntary or
involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy or (e) any assignment for the
benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of any ABL Loan Party.
Intercreditor Agreement shall mean this Intercreditor and Lien Subordination
Agreement, as amended, renewed, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof.
Lien shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment,
deposit arrangement, security interest, encumbrance (including, but not limited to, easements,
rights of way and the like), lien (statutory or other), security agreement or transfer intended as
security, including without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
the interest of a lessor under a capital lease or any financing lease having substantially the same
economic effect as any of the foregoing.
Lien Enforcement Action shall mean (a) any action by any Secured Party to foreclose
on the Lien of such Person in all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral or exercise any right
of repossession, levy, attachment, setoff or liquidation against all or a material portion of the
ABL
4
Collateral, (b) any action by any Secured Party to take possession of, sell or otherwise
realize (judicially or non judicially) upon all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral
(including, without limitation, by setoff), (c) any action by any Secured Party to facilitate the
possession of, sale of or realization upon all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral
including the solicitation of bids from third parties to conduct the liquidation of all or any
material portion of the ABL Collateral, the engagement or retention of sales brokers, marketing
agents, investment bankers, accountants, auctioneers or other third parties for the purpose of
valuing, marketing, promoting or selling all or any material portion of the ABL Collateral, (d) the
commencement by any Secured Party of any legal proceedings against or with respect to all or a
material portion of the ABL Collateral to facilitate the actions described in (a) through (c)
above, or (e) any action to seek or request relief from or modification of the automatic stay or
any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of all or a material portion
of the ABL Collateral, or any proceeds thereof. For the purposes hereof, (i) the notification of
account debtors to make payments to ABL Lender shall constitute a Lien Enforcement Action if and
only if such action is coupled with an action to take possession of all or a material portion of
the ABL Collateral or the commencement of any legal proceedings or actions against or with respect
to ABL Loan Parties of all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral, and (ii) a material portion
of the ABL Collateral shall mean ABL Collateral having a value in excess of $10,000,000.
Maximum Priority ABL Debt shall mean, as of any date of determination, (a) principal
of the ABL Debt (including undrawn amounts under any letters of credit issued under the ABL
Documents) up to $65,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, plus (b) any interest on
such amount (and including, without limitation, any interest which would accrue and become due but
for the commencement of Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are
allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding), plus (c) the Maximum
Priority Cash Management Obligations, plus (d) the Maximum Priority Hedging Obligations, plus (e)
any fees, costs, expenses and indemnities payable under any of the ABL Documents (and including,
without limitation, any fees, costs, expenses and indemnities which would accrue and become due but
for the commencement of Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are
allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding) minus (f) the amount
of all permanent reductions in the commitments under the ABL Documents and minus (g) the amount of
all permanent repayments of ABL Debt to the extent such repayments result in a reduction of the
commitments under the ABL Documents.
Maximum Priority Cash Management Obligations shall mean, as of any date of
determination, the amount of the ABL Debt constituting Cash Management Obligations outstanding on
such date, up to $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.
Maximum Priority Hedging Obligations shall mean, as of any date of determination,
the amount of the ABL Debt constituting Hedging Obligations outstanding on such date, up to
$5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.
Noteholder Agreement shall mean the Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007, by and
among Vector Group, Ltd., the Indenture Loan Parties and the Noteholder Trustee, as the same now
exists or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated or
replaced.
5
Noteholder Debt shall mean all Obligations as such term is defined in the
Noteholder Agreement, including, without limitation, obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of
every kind, nature and description owing by any Indenture Loan Party to any Noteholder Secured
Party, including principal, interest, charges, fees, premiums, indemnities and expenses, however
evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, arising under any of the
Noteholder Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or
after the initial or any renewal term of the Noteholder Documents or after the commencement of any
case with respect to any Indenture Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding (and including, without limitation, any principal, interest, fees, costs,
expenses and other amounts, which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such
case, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or
similar proceeding), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or
not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured.
Noteholder Default shall mean any Event of Default as defined in the Noteholder
Agreement.
Noteholder Documents shall mean, collectively, the Noteholder Agreement and all
agreements, documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by any Indenture Loan
Party to, with or in favor of any Noteholder Secured Party in connection therewith, as all of the
foregoing now exist or may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed,
restated, refinanced, replaced or restructured (in whole or in part and including any agreements
with, to or in favor of any other lender or group of lenders that at any time refinances, replaces
or succeeds to all or any portion of the Noteholder Debt).
Noteholder Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, (a) the Noteholder Trustee,
solely in its capacity as trustee under the Noteholder Agreement and the other Noteholder
Documents, (b) each holder of any Note or Notes, solely in its capacity as such holder, and each
other person to whom any of the Noteholder Debt is transferred or owed, solely in its capacity as
such, (c) the Collateral Agent, and (d) the successors, replacements and assigns of each of the
foregoing; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a Noteholder Secured Party.
Noteholder Trustee shall mean U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as
trustee under the Noteholder Agreement, and also includes any successor, replacement or agent
acting on its behalf as Noteholder Trustee for the Noteholder Secured Parties under the Noteholder
Documents.
Notes shall mean any notes issued pursuant to the Noteholder Agreement, whether
issued pursuant to the initial offering or subsequently, including any exchange notes and
additional notes.
Permitted Actions shall mean any of the following: (a) in any Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding, filing a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the
Noteholder Debt or Excess ABL Debt, as the case may be; (b) taking any action to preserve or
protect the validity, enforceability, perfection or priority of the Liens securing the Noteholder
Debt or the Excess ABL Debt, as the case may be, provided that no such action is, or could
reasonably be expected to be, (i) as to any action by any Noteholder Secured Party, adverse to the
Liens securing the First Priority Debt or the rights of the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured
Party to exercise remedies in respect thereof to the extent not expressly prohibited by this
Agreement, (ii) as to any action by any
6
ABL Secured Party, adverse to the Liens securing the Noteholder Debt or the rights of the
Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party to exercise remedies in respect thereof to
the extent not expressly prohibited by this Intercreditor Agreement, or (iii) otherwise
inconsistent with the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement, including the automatic release of
Liens provided in Section 3.3; (c) filing any responsive or defensive pleadings in
opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person
objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Noteholder Secured Parties
or the claims of the ABL Secured Parties with respect to Excess ABL Debt, including any claims
secured by the ABL Collateral or otherwise making any agreements or filing any motions pertaining
to the Noteholder Debt or Excess ABL Debt, in each case, to the extent not inconsistent with the
terms of this Intercreditor Agreement; (d) exercising rights and remedies as unsecured creditors,
as provided in Section 3.2; and (e) the enforcement by the Collateral Agent and the
Noteholder Secured Parties of any of their rights and exercise any of their remedies with respect
to the ABL Collateral after the termination of the Standstill Period (as defined in Section
3.1) or the enforcement by the ABL Lender or the ABL Secured Parties of any of their rights and
exercise of any of their remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral after Discharge of Priority
Noteholder Debt.
Person or person shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, corporation (including, without imitation, any corporation which elects subchapter S
status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), limited liability company, limited
liability partnership, business trust, unincorporated association, joint stock company, trust,
joint venture, or other entity or any government or any agency or instrumentality or political
subdivision thereof.
Pledged ABL Collateral shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).
Qualified Financier shall mean (a) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the
United States, or any state thereof, and having total assets in excess of $500,000,000, (b) a
commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development or a political subdivision of any such country and which
has total assets in excess of $500,000,000; provided that such bank is acting through a branch or
agency located in the United States, and (c) a commercial finance company, insurance company or
other financial institution that is engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in
commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business and having total assets in excess of
$500,000,000
Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, the ABL Secured Parties and the Noteholder
Secured Parties.
Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of Borrower as defined in the ABL Loan Agreement.
Uniform Commercial Code or UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to
time in effect in the State of New York.
1.2 Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular
and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include
the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and
including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will
7
shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context
requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other
document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as
from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (b) any reference herein to any
Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, and as to any Borrower,
any Guarantor or any other ABL Loan Party shall be deemed to include a receiver, trustee or
debtor-in-possession on behalf of any of such person or on behalf of any such successor or assign,
(c) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import, shall be construed
to refer to this Intercreditor Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision
hereof, (d) all references herein to Sections shall be construed to refer to Sections of this
Intercreditor Agreement and (e) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the
same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties,
including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 2. LIEN PRIORITIES.
2.1 Subordination. Notwithstanding the date, manner or order of grant, attachment or
perfection of any Liens granted to the ABL Lender or the ABL Secured Parties or the Collateral
Agent or the Noteholder Secured Parties and notwithstanding any provision of the UCC, or any
applicable law or any provisions of the ABL Documents or the Noteholder Documents or any other
circumstance whatsoever:
(a) The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties,
hereby agrees that: (i) any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the First Priority Debt now or
hereafter held by or for the benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee
therefor shall be senior in right, priority, operation, effect and in all other respects to any
Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit
or on behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor; and (ii) any Lien on
the ABL Collateral securing any of the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit
or on behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how
acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior
and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any First Priority
Debt.
(b) The ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, hereby agrees
that: (i) any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or
for the benefit or on behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor shall
be senior in right, priority, operation, effect and in all other respects to any Lien on the ABL
Collateral securing the principal amount of Excess ABL Debt now or hereafter held by or for the
benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor; and (ii) any Lien
on the ABL Collateral securing any Excess ABL Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit or
on behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired,
whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and
subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any Noteholder Debt.
2.2 Prohibition on Contesting Liens. Each of the ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of
the other ABL Secured Parties, and the Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other
Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or
8
support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding involving any ABL Loan Party), the perfection, priority, validity or enforceability of a
Lien held by or for the benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party in any ABL Collateral or by
or on behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party in any ABL Collateral, as the case may be;
provided that nothing in this Intercreditor Agreement shall be construed to prevent
or impair the rights of any ABL Secured Party or Noteholder Secured Party to enforce this
Intercreditor Agreement, including the priority of the Liens as provided in Section 2.1.
2.3 No New Liens. So long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not occurred, none of the
ABL Loan Parties shall grant any additional Liens on any assets to secure the Noteholder Debt
unless it has granted, or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a lien on such asset to
secure the ABL Debt or grant any additional Liens on any assets to secure the ABL Debt unless it
has granted, or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a Lien on such asset to secure
the Noteholder Debt, all of which Liens shall be subject to the terms of this Intercreditor
Agreement. Further, the parties hereto agree that, after the Discharge of Priority Debt and so
long as the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has not occurred, none of the ABL Loan Parties
shall grant any additional Liens on any asset to secure any Excess ABL Debt unless it has granted,
or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a Lien on such asset to secure the Noteholder
Debt. To the extent that the provisions of this Section 2.3 are not complied with for any
reason, without limiting any other right or remedy available to the ABL Lender or any other ABL
Secured Party or the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder Secured Party, the Collateral Agent agrees,
for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, and the ABL Lender agrees, for
itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, that any amount received by or distributed
to any Noteholder Secured Party or any ABL Secured Party pursuant to or as a result of any Lien
granted in contravention of this Section shall be subject to Section 3 hereof
2.4 Similar Liens and Agreements. The parties hereto agree, subject to the other
provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement, upon request by the ABL Lender or the Collateral Agent,
as the case may be, to advise the other from time to time of the ABL Collateral for which such
party has taken steps to perfect its Liens and to identify the parties obligated under the ABL
Documents or Noteholder Documents, as the case may be.
SECTION 3. ENFORCEMENT.
3.1 Exercise of Rights and Remedies. (a) Until the Discharge of Priority Debt, the
Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that it:
(i) will not enforce or exercise, or seek to enforce or exercise, any rights or remedies
(including any right of setoff or notification of account debtors) with respect to any ABL
Collateral (including the enforcement of any right under any lockbox agreement, account control
agreement, landlord waiver or bailees letter or any similar agreement or arrangement to which the
Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party is a party) or commence or join with any
Person (other than ABL Lender) in commencing, or filing a petition for, any action or proceeding
with respect to such rights or remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral (including any
foreclosure action or proceeding or any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding); provided,
however, that (A) the Collateral Agent and the Noteholder Secured Parties may take Permitted
Actions, and (B) the Collateral Agent may exercise any or all of such rights or remedies after a
period of 180 days has
9
elapsed since the date on which any ABL Secured Party has commenced a Lien Enforcement Action
and prior to or at the time of such exercise, the Collateral Agent shall have (1) declared the
existence of a Noteholder Default, (2) demanded the repayment of all the principal amount of the
Noteholder Debt and (3) notified the ABL Lender of such declaration of a Noteholder Default and
demand (the Standstill Period); provided, further, that,
notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period or anything herein to the contrary, in no
event shall the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party enforce or exercise any
rights or remedies with respect to any ABL Collateral, or commence or petition for any such action
or proceeding (including any foreclosure action or proceeding or any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding), at any time during which the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party shall have
commenced and shall be pursuing diligently a Lien Enforcement Action;
(ii) will not contest, protest or object to any foreclosure action or proceeding brought by
the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party, or any other enforcement or exercise by any ABL
Secured Party of any rights or remedies relating to the ABL Collateral under the ABL Documents, so
long as the Liens of the Collateral Agent attach to the proceeds thereof subject to the relative
priorities set forth in Section 2.1 and such actions or proceedings are being pursued in
good faith in accordance with applicable law;
(iii) subject to the Noteholder Secured Parties rights under Section 3.1(a)(i), will
not object to the forbearance by the ABL Lender or the other ABL Secured Parties from commencing or
pursuing any foreclosure action or proceeding or any other enforcement or exercise of any rights or
remedies with respect to any of the ABL Collateral;
(iv) will not except for actions permitted under Sections 3.1(a)(i), take or receive
any ABL Collateral, or any proceeds thereof or payment with respect thereto, in connection with the
exercise of any right or remedy (including any right of setoff) with respect to any ABL Collateral
or in connection with any insurance policy award or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of
condemnation) relating to the ABL Collateral;
(v) will not object to the manner in which the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party may
seek to enforce or collect the ABL Debt or the Liens of such ABL Secured Party securing First
Priority Debt, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the ABL Lender
or any other ABL Secured Party is, or could be, adverse to the interests of the Noteholder Secured
Parties, and will not assert, and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right
to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or claim the benefit of any marshalling, appraisal,
valuation or other similar right that may be available under applicable law with respect to the ABL
Collateral or any other rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law with respect
to the matters described in this clause (v), provided that at all times ABL Lender is acting in
good faith in accordance with applicable law; and
(vi) will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceeding or otherwise, to
challenge or question the validity or enforceability of any First Priority Debt, any Lien of ABL
Lender securing the First Priority Debt or this Intercreditor Agreement, or the validity or
enforceability of the priorities, rights or obligations established by this Intercreditor
Agreement.
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(b) After the Discharge of Priority Debt and until the Discharge of the Noteholder Debt has
occurred, the ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, with respect
to Excess ABL Debt agrees that it:
(i) will not, enforce or exercise, or seek to enforce or exercise, any rights or remedies
(including any right of setoff or notification of account debtors) with respect to any ABL
Collateral (including the enforcement of any right under any lockbox agreement, account control
agreement, landlord waiver or bailees letter or any similar agreement or arrangement to which the
ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party is a party) or commence or join with any Person (other
than Collateral Agent or Noteholder Secured Parties) in commencing, or filing a petition for, any
action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral
(including any foreclosure action or proceeding or any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding);
provided, however, that the ABL Lender and the ABL Secured Parties may take
Permitted Actions;
(ii) will not contest, protest or object to any foreclosure action or proceeding brought by
the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party, or any other enforcement or exercise by
any Noteholder Secured Party of any rights or remedies relating to the ABL Collateral under the
Noteholder Documents, so long as the Liens of ABL Secured Parties attach to the proceeds thereof
subject to the relative priorities set forth in Section 2.1 and such actions or proceedings
are being pursued in good faith in accordance with applicable law;
(iii) subject to the ABL Secured Parties rights under Section 3.1(b)(i), will not
object to the forbearance by the Collateral Agent or the other Noteholder Secured Parties from
commencing or pursuing any foreclosure action or proceeding or any other enforcement or exercise of
any rights or remedies with respect to any of the ABL Collateral;
(iv) will not except for actions permitted under Sections 3.1(b)(i), take or receive
any ABL Collateral, or any proceeds thereof or payment with respect thereto, in connection with the
exercise of any right or remedy (including any right of setoff) with respect to any ABL Collateral
or in connection with any insurance policy award or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of
condemnation) relating to the ABL Collateral;
(v) will not object to the manner in which the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder
Secured Party may seek to enforce or collect the Noteholder Debt or the Liens of such Noteholder
Secured Party securing Noteholder Debt, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on
behalf of the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party is, or could be, adverse to
the interests of the ABL Secured Parties with respect to the Excess ABL Debt and Liens securing
such Excess ABL Debt, and will not assert, and hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or claim the benefit of any
marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may be available under applicable law
with respect to the ABL Collateral or any other rights a junior secured creditor may have under
applicable law with respect to the matters described in this clause (v) in each case to the extent
that the ABL Collateral secures Excess ABL Debt, provided that at all times the Collateral Agent is
acting in good faith in accordance with applicable law; and
(vi) will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceeding or otherwise, to
challenge or question the validity or enforceability of any Noteholder Debt or any
11
Lien of the Collateral Agent or the Noteholder Secured Parties securing the Noteholder Debt or
this Intercreditor Agreement, or the validity or enforceability of the priorities, rights or
obligations established by this Intercreditor Agreement.
3.2 Rights As Unsecured Creditors. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral Agent and the other Noteholder Secured Parties may exercise
rights and remedies as an unsecured creditor against any ABL Loan Party in accordance with the
terms of the Noteholder Documents and applicable law. For purposes hereof, the rights of an
unsecured creditor do not include the rights of a creditor that holds a judgment lien to enforce
such lien. Nothing in this Intercreditor Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Collateral
Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Parties of the payments of any Noteholder Debt so long as
such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the Collateral Agent or any
other Noteholder Secured Party of foreclosure rights with respect to any ABL Collateral or other
remedies as a secured creditor of any ABL Party or enforcement in contravention of this
Intercreditor Agreement of any Lien held by any of them in any ABL Collateral or any other act in
contravention of this Intercreditor Agreement.
3.3 Release of Liens on ABL Collateral.
(a) Prior to Discharge of Priority Debt, if (i) in connection with any sale, lease, license,
exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL Collateral (A) permitted under the terms of the
ABL Documents (whether or not an event of default or equivalent event thereunder, and as defined
therein, has occurred and is continuing) or (B) consented to or approved by ABL Lender, but in the
case of (A) or (B) only if permitted under the terms of the Noteholder Documents or (ii) in
connection with the exercise of the ABL Lenders remedies in respect of the ABL Collateral provided
for in Section 3.1 (provided that after giving effect to the release and application of
proceeds, ABL Debt (other than Excess ABL Debt) secured by the first priority Liens on the
remaining ABL Collateral remains outstanding), the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of any of
the other ABL Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the ABL Collateral, then
effective upon the consummation of such sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other
disposition:
(A) the Liens, if any, of the Collateral Agent, for itself or for the benefit of the
Noteholder Secured Parties, on such ABL Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally and
simultaneously released to the same extent as the release of ABL Lenders Liens,
(B) the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the Noteholder Secured Parties, shall
promptly upon the request of ABL Lender execute and deliver such release documents and
confirmations of the authorization to file UCC amendments and terminations provided for herein, in
each case as ABL Lender may require in connection with such sale or other disposition by ABL
Lender, ABL Lenders agents or any ABL Loan Party with the consent of ABL Lender to evidence and
effectuate such termination and release; provided, that, any such release or UCC
amendment or termination by Collateral Agent shall not extend to or otherwise affect any of the
rights, if any, of Collateral Agent and Noteholder Secured Parties to the proceeds from any such
sale or other disposition of ABL Collateral, and
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(C) the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties,
shall be deemed to have authorized ABL Lender to file UCC amendments and terminations covering the
ABL Collateral so sold or otherwise disposed of as to UCC financing statements between any ABL Loan
Party and Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party to evidence such release and
termination.
(b) After Discharge of Priority Debt but prior to Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt, if
(i) in connection with any sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL
Collateral (A) permitted under the terms of the Noteholder Documents (whether or not an event of
default or equivalent event thereunder, and as defined therein, has occurred and is continuing) or
(B) consented to or approved by Noteholder Secured Parties, but in the case of (A) and (B), only if
permitted under the terms of the ABL Documents, or (ii) in connection with the exercise of the
Collateral Agents or any Noteholder Secured Partys remedies in respect of the ABL Collateral
provided for in Section 3.1 (provided that after giving effect to the release and
application of proceeds, Noteholder Debt secured by the Liens on the remaining ABL Collateral
remain outstanding), the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of any of the other Noteholder
Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the ABL Collateral, then effective upon
the consummation of such sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition:
(A) the Liens, if any, of the ABL Lender, for itself or for the benefit of the ABL Secured
Parties, on such ABL Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released
to the same extent as the release of the Collateral Agents Liens,
(B) the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, shall promptly upon
the request of the Collateral Agent execute and deliver such release documents and confirmations of
the authorization to file UCC amendments and terminations provided for herein, in each case as the
Collateral Agent may require in connection with such sale or other disposition by the Collateral
Agent or any Noteholder Secured Party, or any of their agents or any ABL Loan Party with the
consent of Noteholder Secured Parties to evidence and effectuate such termination and release;
provided, that, any such release or UCC amendment or termination by ABL Lender
shall not extend to or otherwise affect any of the rights, if any, of ABL Lender and ABL Secured
Parties to the proceeds from any such sale or other disposition of ABL Collateral, and
(C) the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, shall be deemed
to have authorized the Collateral Agent to file UCC amendments and terminations covering the ABL
Collateral so sold or otherwise disposed of as to UCC financing statements between any ABL Loan
Party and ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party to evidence such release and termination.
(c) The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties,
hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the ABL Lender and any officer or agent of the ABL
Lender, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full
irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Collateral Agent or such holder, from
time to time in the ABL Lenders discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this
Section 3.3(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents
and instruments which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section
3.3(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or
release. The ABL Lender,
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for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Collateral Agent and any officer or agent of the Noteholder, with full power of
substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in
the place and stead of the ABL Lender or any ABL Secured Party, from time to time in the Collateral
Agents discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 3.3(b), to
take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may
be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 3.3(b), including any
termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
(c) Nothing contained in this Intercreditor Agreement shall be construed to modify the
obligation of ABL Lender or the Collateral Agent to act in a commercially reasonable manner in the
exercise of its rights to sell, lease, license, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of any ABL
Collateral.
3.4 Insurance and Condemnation Awards.
(a) So long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not occurred, the ABL Lender and the other
ABL Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of ABL Loan
Parties under the ABL Documents, to settle and adjust claims in respect of ABL Collateral under
policies of insurance and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding,
or any deed in lieu of condemnation in respect of the ABL Collateral. So long as the Discharge of
Priority Debt has not occurred, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award, or any payments
with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation, shall (i) first be paid to the ABL Lender for the
benefit of the ABL Secured Parties to the extent required under the ABL Documents until the
Priority Debt has been paid in full, (ii) second, be paid to the Collateral Agent for the benefit
of the Noteholder Secured Parties to the extent required under the applicable Noteholder Documents
until the Discharge of Noteholder Debt has occurred, (iii) third, be paid to the ABL Lender for the
benefit of the ABL Secured Parties to the extent required under the ABL Documents until the ABL
Debt has been paid in full, and (iv) fourth, be paid to the owner of the subject property or as a
court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct or may otherwise be required by applicable
law. Until the Discharge of Priority Debt, if the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured
Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award or
payment, it shall pay such proceeds over to the ABL Lender in accordance with the terms of
Section 4.2.
(b) After the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred but before the Discharge of Priority
Noteholder Debt has occurred, the Collateral Agent and the other Noteholder Secured Parties shall
have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of ABL Loan Parties under the Noteholder
Documents, to settle and adjust claims in respect of ABL Collateral under policies of insurance and
to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding, or any deed in lieu of
condemnation in respect of the ABL Collateral. After the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred
but before the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred, all proceeds of any such policy
and any such award, or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation, shall (i) first
be paid to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Noteholder Secured Parties to the extent
required under the Noteholder Documents until the Noteholder Debt has been paid in full, (ii)
second, be paid to the ABL Lender for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties to the extent required
under the ABL Documents until the Excess ABL Debt has been paid in full, and (iii) third, be paid
to
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the owner of the subject property or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct
or may otherwise be required by applicable law. After the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred
but before the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred, if the ABL Lender or any other
ABL Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such
award or payment, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Collateral Agent in accordance with the
terms of Section 4.2.
SECTION 4. PAYMENTS.
4.1 Application of Proceeds.
(a) So long as the Discharge of ABL Debt has not occurred, the ABL Collateral or proceeds
thereof received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, or collection on, such ABL
Collateral upon the exercise of remedies, shall be applied in the following order of priority:
(i) first, to the ABL Priority Debt (including for cash collateral as required under
the ABL Documents), and in such order as specified in the relevant ABL Documents until the
Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred;
(ii) second, to the Noteholder Debt in such order as specified in the relevant
Noteholder Documents until the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred; and
(iii) third, to the Excess ABL Debt until the Discharge of ABL Debt has occurred.
(b) Upon the Discharge of Priority Debt, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the ABL
Lender shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, without representation or recourse, any proceeds of
ABL Collateral held by it at such time in the same form as received, with any necessary
endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the
Collateral Agent to the Noteholder Debt in such order as specified in the relevant Noteholder
Documents.
(c) The foregoing provisions of this Section 4.1 are intended solely to govern the
respective Lien priorities as between the Collateral Agent and the Noteholder Secured Parties, on
the one hand, and the ABL Lender and the other ABL Secured Parties, on the other hand, and shall
not impose on ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party or on Collateral Agent or any other
Noteholder Secured Party any obligations in respect of the disposition of proceeds of foreclosure
on any ABL Collateral which would conflict with prior perfected claims therein in favor of any
other person or any order or decree of any court or other governmental authority or any applicable
law.
4.2 Payments Over. So long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not occurred, whether or
not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any ABL Loan Party,
the Collateral Agent agrees, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, that
any ABL Collateral or proceeds from the enforcement of remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral
(including any right of set-off) with respect to the ABL Collateral, and including in connection
with any insurance policy claim or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) with
respect to ABL Collateral, shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly
15
transferred or paid over to the ABL Lender for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties in the same
form as received, with any necessary endorsements or assignments or as a court of competent
jurisdiction may otherwise direct. After the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred but before
the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any ABL Loan Party, the ABL Lender agrees,
for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, that any ABL Collateral or proceeds from
the enforcement of remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral or payment with respect thereto
received by the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party (including any right of set-off) with
respect to the ABL Collateral, and including in connection with any insurance policy claim or any
condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) with respect to ABL Collateral, shall be
segregated and held in trust and promptly transferred or paid over to the Collateral Agent for the
benefit of the Noteholder Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary
endorsements or assignments or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The ABL
Lender or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements
or assignments as agent for the other. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is
irrevocable.
SECTION 5. BAILEE FOR PERFECTION.
5.1 Each Lender as Bailee.
(a) Each of ABL Lender and Collateral Agent (each, for purposes of this Section 5, an
Agent) agrees to hold any ABL Collateral that can be perfected or the priority of which
can be enhanced by the possession or control of such ABL Collateral or of any account in which such
ABL Collateral is held, and if such ABL Collateral or any such account is in fact in the possession
or under the control of an Agent, or of agents or bailees of such Agent (such ABL Collateral being
referred to herein as the Pledged ABL Collateral), as bailee and agent for and on behalf
of the other Agent solely for the purpose of perfecting the Lien granted to the other Agent in such
Pledged ABL Collateral or enhancing the priority of such Lien (including, but not limited to, any
securities or any deposit accounts or securities accounts, if any) pursuant to the ABL Documents or
Noteholder Documents, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.
(b) Until the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred, the ABL Lender shall be entitled to
deal with the Pledged ABL Collateral in accordance with the terms of the ABL Documents subject to
the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement and to the ABL Loan Parties rights under the ABL
Documents.
(c) Each of ABL Lender and Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the other
Agent or any other Secured Party to assure that the Pledged ABL Collateral is genuine or owned by
any of the ABL Loan Parties or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set
forth in this Section 5. The duties or responsibilities of each of ABL Lender and
Collateral Agent under this Section 5 shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged ABL
Collateral as bailee and agent for and on behalf of the other Agent for purposes of perfecting or
enhancing the priority of the Lien held by the other Agent.
(d) Each of ABL Lender and Collateral Agent shall not have by reason of the ABL Documents, the
Noteholder Documents or this Intercreditor Agreement or any other document
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a fiduciary relationship in respect of the other Agent or any of the other Secured Parties and
shall not have any liability to the other Agent or any other Secured Party in connection with its
holding the Pledged ABL Collateral, other than for its gross negligence or willful misconduct as
determined by a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
5.2 Transfer of Pledged ABL Collateral. Upon the Discharge of Priority Debt, to the extent
permitted under applicable law, the ABL Lender shall, without recourse or warranty, transfer the
possession and control of the Pledged ABL Collateral, if any, then in its possession or control to
Collateral Agent, except in the event and to the extent (a) the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured
Party has retained or otherwise acquired such ABL Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of any
of the ABL Debt, (b) such ABL Collateral is sold or otherwise disposed of by the ABL Lender or any
other ABL Secured Party or by a ABL Loan Party as provided herein or (c) it is otherwise required
by any order of any court or other governmental authority or applicable law. The foregoing
provision shall not impose on the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party any obligations which
would conflict with prior perfected claims therein in favor of any other person or any order or
decree of any court or other governmental authority or any applicable law. In connection with any
transfer described herein to Collateral Agent, the Agent agrees to take reasonable actions in its
power (with all costs and expenses in connection therewith to be for the account of the Collateral
Agent and to be paid by Borrowers) as shall be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to
permit the Collateral Agent to obtain, for the benefit of the Noteholder Secured Parties, a first
priority Lien in the Pledged ABL Collateral.
SECTION 6. INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION PROCEEDINGS.
6.1 General Applicability. This Intercreditor Agreement shall be applicable both before
and after the institution of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding involving Borrower or any
other ABL Loan Party, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or against
Borrower or any other ABL Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other Bankruptcy Law
and all converted or subsequent cases in respect thereof, and all references herein to Borrower or
any ABL Loan Party shall be deemed to apply to the trustee for Borrower or such ABL Loan Party and
Borrower or such ABL Loan Party as debtor-in-possession. The relative rights of the ABL Secured
Parties and the Noteholder Secured Parties in or to any distributions from or in respect of any ABL
Collateral or proceeds of ABL Collateral shall continue after the institution of any Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding involving Borrower or any other ABL Loan Party, including, without
limitation, the filing of any petition by or against Borrower or any other ABL Loan Party under the
Bankruptcy Code or under any other Bankruptcy Law and all converted cases and subsequent cases, on
the same basis as prior to the date of such institution, subject to (i) any court order approving
the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, Borrower or any other ABL Loan Party as
debtor-in-possession, or (ii) any other court order affecting the rights and interests of the
parties hereto, in either case so long as such court order is not in conflict with this
Intercreditor Agreement. This Agreement shall constitute a Subordination Agreement for the
purposes of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and shall be enforceable in any Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with its terms.
6.2 Bankruptcy Financing. If any ABL Loan Party becomes subject to any Insolvency or
Liquidation Proceeding, until the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred, the Collateral Agent,
for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that:
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(a) each Noteholder Secured Party will raise no objection to, nor support any other Person
objecting to, and will be deemed to have consented to, the use of any ABL Collateral constituting
cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other
Bankruptcy Law or any post-petition financing, provided by any ABL Secured Party or any Qualified
Financier (which agrees to be bound by Section 8 hereof) under Section 364 of the
Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law (a DIP
Financing), will not request or accept adequate protection or any other relief in connection
with the use of such cash collateral or such DIP Financing except as set forth in Section
6.4 below and will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) the Liens
granted to Noteholder Secured Parties to such DIP Financing on the same terms as such Liens are
subordinated to the Liens granted to ABL Lender hereunder (and such subordination will not alter in
any manner the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement), to any adequate protection provided to the
ABL Secured Parties and to any carve out agreed to by the ABL Lender; provided
that:
(i) the ABL Lender does not oppose or object to such use of cash collateral or DIP Financing,
(ii) the aggregate principal amount of such DIP Financing, together with the ABL Debt as of
such date, does not exceed the principal component of Maximum Priority ABL Debt, and the DIP
Financing is treated as ABL Debt hereunder,
(iii) the Liens granted to the ABL Secured Parties or Qualified Financier in connection with
such DIP Financing are subject to this Intercreditor Agreement and considered to be Liens of ABL
Lender for purposes hereof,
(iv) the Collateral Agent retains a Lien on the ABL Collateral (including proceeds thereof)
with the same priority as existed prior to such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (except to the
extent of any carve out agreed to by the ABL Lender),
(v) the Collateral Agent receives replacement Liens on all assets, including post-petition
assets, of any ABL Loan Party in which any of the ABL Lender obtains a replacement Lien, or which
secure the DIP Financing, with the same priority relative to the Liens of ABL Lender as existed
prior to such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, and
(vi) the Noteholder Secured Parties may oppose or object to such use of cash collateral or DIP
Financing on the same bases as an unsecured creditor, so long as such opposition or objection is
not based on the Noteholder Secured Parties status as secured creditors.
(b) no Noteholder Secured Party shall, directly or indirectly, provide, or seek to provide,
DIP Financing secured by Liens equal or senior in priority to the Liens on the ABL Collateral of
ABL Lender, without the prior written consent of ABL Lender.
6.3 Relief from the Automatic Stay. The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the
other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that, so long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not
occurred, no Noteholder Secured Party shall, without the prior written consent of the ABL Lender,
seek or request relief from or modification of the automatic stay or any other stay in any
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of any part of the ABL Collateral, any proceeds
thereof or any Lien securing any of the Noteholder Debt. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
set forth in this
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Intercreditor Agreement, no ABL Loan Party waives or shall be deemed to have waived any rights
under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code.
6.4 Adequate Protection.
(a) The Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees
that none of them shall object, contest, or support any other Person objecting to or contesting,
(i) any request by the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties for adequate protection
of the First Priority Debt or any adequate protection provided to the ABL Lender or other ABL
Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Debt or (ii) any objection by the ABL Lender or
any of the other ABL Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on a claim
of a lack of adequate protection for the First Priority Debt or (iii) the payment of interest,
fees, expenses or other amounts to the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party with respect to
the First Priority Debt under Section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise.
(b) The Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees
that none of them shall seek or accept adequate protection with respect to the Noteholder Debt
secured by Liens on the ABL Collateral without the prior written consent of the ABL Lender;
except, that, the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the other Noteholder
Secured Parties, or the Noteholder Secured Parties shall be permitted (i) to obtain adequate
protection in the form of the benefit of additional or replacement Liens on the ABL Collateral
(including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding), or additional or replacement ABL Collateral to secure the Noteholder Debt, in
connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral as provided for in Section 6.2
above, or in connection with any such adequate protection obtained by ABL Lender and the other ABL
Secured Parties, as long as in each case, the ABL Lender is also granted such additional or
replacement Liens or additional or replacement ABL Collateral and such Liens of Collateral Agent or
any other Noteholder Secured Party are subordinated to the Liens securing the ABL Debt to the same
extent as the Liens of Collateral Agent and the other Noteholder Secured Parties on the ABL
Collateral are subordinated to the Liens of ABL Lender and the other ABL Secured Parties hereunder
and (ii) to obtain adequate protection in the form of reports, notices, inspection rights and
similar forms of adequate protection to the extent granted to the ABL Lender.
6.5 Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt
obligations of any reorganized ABL Loan Party secured by Liens upon any property of such
reorganized ABL Loan Party are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization, on account of
both the ABL Debt and the Noteholder Debt, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on
account of the ABL Debt and on account of the Noteholder Debt are secured by Liens upon the same
assets or property, the provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement will survive the distribution of
such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing
such debt obligations.
6.6 Separate Classes. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably acknowledges and agrees that
(a) the claims and interests of the ABL Secured Parties and the Noteholder Secured Parties are not
substantially similar within the meaning of Section 1122 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any
comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, (b) the grants of the Liens to secure the ABL
Debt and the grants of the Liens to secure the Noteholder Debt constitute two separate and distinct
19
grants of Liens, (c) the ABL Secured Parties rights in the ABL Collateral are fundamentally
different from the Noteholder Secured Parties rights in the ABL Collateral and (d) as a result of
the foregoing, among other things, the ABL Debt and the Noteholder Debt must be separately
classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding.
6.7 Asset Dispositions. Until the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred, the Collateral
Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that, in the event
of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, the Noteholder Secured Parties will not object or
oppose (or support any Person in objecting or opposing) a motion to any sale, lease, license,
exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL Collateral free and clear of the Liens of
Collateral Agent and the other Noteholder Secured Parties or other claims under Section 363 of the
Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law and shall be deemed to have
consented to any such any sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL
Collateral under Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code that has been consented to by the ABL
Lender; provided, that, (a) the proceeds of such sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of any ABL Collateral to be applied to the ABL Debt or the Noteholder Debt are applied
in accordance with Section 4.1. Nothing herein shall prevent the Collateral Agent or the
Noteholder Secured Parties from taking Permitted Actions or action permitted under Section 3.2
permitted to unsecured creditors.
6.8 Preference Issues.
(a) If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, all or part of any payment
with respect to the First Priority Debt previously made shall be rescinded for any reason
whatsoever, then the First Priority Debt shall be reinstated to the extent of the amount so
rescinded and, if theretofore terminated, this Intercreditor Agreement shall be reinstated in full
force and effect and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or
otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the ABL Secured
Parties and the Noteholder Secured Parties provided for herein.
(b) If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, all or part of any payment
with respect to the Noteholder Debt previously made shall be rescinded for any reason whatsoever
and the Discharge of Priority Debt shall, subject to (for the avoidance of doubt) the immediately
preceding clause (a), have occurred, then the Noteholder Debt shall be reinstated to the extent of
the amount so rescinded and, if theretofore terminated, this Intercreditor Agreement shall be
reinstated in full force and effect and such prior termination shall not diminish, release,
discharge, impair or otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations
of the Noteholder Secured Parties and any Person that holds ABL Excess Debt provided for herein
solely with respect to any ABL Excess Claims and for the avoidance of doubt, not with respect to
any First Priority Debt.
6.9 Certain Waivers as to Section 1111(b)(2) of Bankruptcy Code. The Collateral Agent, for
itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, waives any claim any Noteholder
Secured Party may hereafter have against any ABL Secured Party arising out of the election by any
ABL Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, or any
comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law. The ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the
other ABL Secured Parties, waives any claim any ABL Secured Party may hereafter have against
20
any Noteholder Secured Party arising out of the election by any Noteholder Secured Party of the
application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provision of any other
Bankruptcy Law.
6.10 Other Bankruptcy Laws. In the event that an Insolvency of Liquidation Proceeding is
filed in a jurisdiction other than the United States or is governed by any Bankruptcy Law other
than the Bankruptcy Code, each reference in this Intercreditor Agreement to a section of the
Bankruptcy Code shall be deemed to refer to the substantially similar or corresponding provision of
the Bankruptcy Law applicable to such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, or in the absence of
any specific similar or corresponding provision of the Bankruptcy Law, such other general
Bankruptcy Law as may be applied in order to achieve substantially the same result as would be
achieved under each applicable section of the Bankruptcy Code.
SECTION 7. NOTEHOLDER SECURED PARTIES PURCHASE OPTION.
7.1 Exercise of Option. On or after the occurrence and during the continuance of an ABL
Event of Default and either the acceleration of all of the ABL Debt or the receipt by Collateral
Agent of written notice from ABL Lender of its intention to commence a Lien Enforcement Action as
provided in Section 7.5 below, the Noteholder Secured Parties shall have the option at any time
within ninety (90) days of such acceleration or written notice, upon five (5) Business Days prior
written notice by Collateral Agent to ABL Lender, to purchase all (but not less than all) of the
ABL Debt from the ABL Secured Parties. Such notice from Collateral Agent to ABL Lender shall be
irrevocable.
7.2 Purchase and Sale. On the date specified by Collateral Agent in the notice referred to
in Section 7.1 (which shall not be less than five (5) Business Days, nor more than twenty (20)
days, after the receipt by ABL Lender of the notice from Collateral Agent of its election to
exercise such option), ABL Secured Parties shall, subject to any required approval of any court or
other regulatory or governmental authority then in effect (the time to obtain any such approval
shall extend the proposed date of sale and purchase), if any, sell to Noteholder Secured Parties,
and Noteholder Secured Parties shall purchase from ABL Secured Parties, all of the ABL Debt.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in connection with any such purchase and
sale, ABL Secured Parties shall retain all rights under the ABL Documents to be indemnified or held
harmless by ABL Loan Parties in accordance with the terms thereof.
7.3 Payment of Purchase Price.
(a) Upon the date of such purchase and sale, Noteholder Secured Parties shall (i) pay to ABL
Lender for the account of the ABL Secured Parties as the purchase price therefor the full amount of
all of the ABL Debt then outstanding and unpaid (including principal, interest, fees and expenses,
including reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses), (ii) furnish cash collateral to ABL
Lender in such amounts as ABL Lender determines is reasonably necessary to secure ABL Secured
Parties in connection with any issued and outstanding letters of credit issued under the ABL
Documents (but not in any event in an amount greater than one hundred five (105%) percent of the
aggregate undrawn face amount of such letters of credit) (ABL Lender agrees to refund this cash
collateral to the Noteholder Secured Parties to the extent any letter of credit expires or is
terminated or any amount is reimbursed from other sources), and (iii) agree to reimburse ABL
Secured Parties
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for any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys fees and legal
expenses) in connection with any commissions, fees, costs or expenses related to any issued and
outstanding letters of credit as described above and any checks or other payments provisionally
credited to the ABL Debt, and/or as to which ABL Secured Parties have not yet received final
payment.
(b) Such purchase price and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer in federal
funds to such bank account of ABL Lender as ABL Lender may designate in writing to Collateral Agent
for such purpose. Interest shall be calculated to but excluding the Business Day on which such
purchase and sale shall occur if the amounts so paid by Noteholder Secured Parties to the bank
account designated by ABL Lender are received in such bank account prior to 12:00 noon, New York
City time and interest shall be calculated to and including such Business Day if the amounts so
paid by Noteholder Secured Parties to the bank account designated by ABL Lender are received in
such bank account later than 12:00 noon, New York City time.
7.4 Representations Upon Purchase and Sale. Such purchase shall be expressly made without
representation or warranty of any kind by ABL Secured Parties as to the ABL Debt, the ABL
Collateral or otherwise and without recourse to ABL Secured Parties, except that each ABL Secured
Party shall represent and warrant, severally, as to it: (a) the amount of the ABL Debt being
purchased from it are as reflected in the books and records of such ABL Secured Party (but without
representation or warranty as to the collectibility, validity or enforceability thereof), (b) that
such ABL Secured Party owns the ABL Debt being sold by it free and clear of any liens or
encumbrances and (c) such ABL Secured Party has the right to assign the ABL Debt being sold by it
and the assignment is duly authorized. Upon the purchase by Noteholder Secured Parties of the ABL
Debt, Noteholder Secured Parties agree to indemnify and hold ABL Secured Parties harmless from and
against all loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses)
suffered or incurred by ABL Secured Parties arising from or in any way relating to acts or
omissions of Collateral Agent or any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties after the purchase.
Subject to the foregoing, ABL Secured Parties shall execute and deliver such instruments of
transfer and other documents as shall be necessary or desirable to fully vest title to the ABL Debt
in the Noteholder Secured Parties (or their designee) and to effectively transfer all Liens
securing the ABL Debt to the Noteholder Secured Parties (or their designee).
7.5 Notice from ABL Lender Prior to Lien Enforcement Action. ABL Lender agrees that it
will give Collateral Agent ten (10) Business Days prior written notice of its intention to commence
a Lien Enforcement Action. In the event that during such ten (10) Business Day period, Collateral
Agent shall send to ABL Lender the irrevocable notice of the intention of the Noteholder Secured
Parties to exercise the purchase option given by ABL Secured Parties to Noteholder Secured Parties
under this Section 7, ABL Secured Parties shall not commence any foreclosure or other action to
sell or otherwise realize upon the ABL Collateral, provided, that, the purchase and sale with
respect to the ABL Debt provided for herein shall have closed within thirty (30) Business Days
thereafter and ABL Secured Parties shall have received final payment in full of the ABL Debt as
provided for herein within such thirty (30) Business Day period.
SECTION 8. RELIANCE; WAIVERS; ETC.
8.1 Reliance. The consent by the ABL Secured Parties to the execution and delivery of the
Noteholder Documents and the grant to the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Noteholder Secured
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Parties of a Lien on the ABL Collateral and all loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed
made on and after the date hereof by the Noteholder Secured Parties to any ABL Loan Party shall be
deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Intercreditor Agreement.
8.2 No Warranties or Liability. The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the
other Noteholder Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that each of the ABL Lender and the other
ABL Secured Parties have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with
respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectibility or enforceability of any
of the ABL Documents, the ownership of any ABL Collateral or the perfection or priority of any
Liens thereon. The Collateral Agent agrees, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder
Secured Parties, that the ABL Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their
respective loans and extensions of credit under the ABL Documents in accordance with law and as
they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the ABL Secured Parties may
manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the
Collateral Agent or any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties have in the ABL Collateral or
otherwise, in each case except as otherwise provided in this Intercreditor Agreement. The ABL
Lender, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that neither
the Collateral Agent nor any other Noteholder Secured Party has made any express or implied
representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality,
completeness, collectibility or enforceability of any of the Noteholder Documents, the ownership of
any ABL Collateral or the perfection of priority of any Liens thereon. The ABL Lender agrees, for
itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, that the Collateral Agent and the Noteholder
Secured Parties will be entitled to manage the Noteholder Debt under the Noteholder Documents in
accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the
Collateral Agent and the Noteholder Secured Parties may manage their Noteholder Debt without regard
to any rights or interests that the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties have in the
ABL Collateral or otherwise, in each case except as otherwise provided in this Intercreditor
Agreement. Neither the ABL Lender nor any of the other ABL Secured Parties shall have any duty to
the Collateral Agent or any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, and neither the Collateral
Agent or any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties shall have any duty to the ABL Lender or any
of the ABL Secured Parties, to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in,
the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with any ABL
Loan Party (including the Noteholder Documents or any ABL Documents), regardless of any knowledge
thereof which they may have or be charged with.
8.3 No Waiver of Lien Priorities.
(a) No right of the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties or of the Collateral
Agent or the Noteholder Secured Parties to enforce any provision of this Intercreditor Agreement or
any of the ABL Documents or Noteholder Documents, as the case may be, shall at any time in any way
be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of any ABL Loan Party, or by any
noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Intercreditor
Agreement, any of the ABL Documents or any of the Noteholder Documents, regardless of any knowledge
thereof which the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties or the Collateral Agent or the
Noteholder Secured Parties may have or be otherwise charged with.
23
(b) Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to the
rights of the ABL Loan Parties under the ABL Documents and the rights of the Noteholder Secured
Parties under the Noteholder Documents), the ABL Lender and any of the other ABL Secured Parties
may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Collateral Agent
or any other Noteholder Secured Party, without incurring any liabilities to the Collateral Agent or
any other Noteholder Secured Party and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other
benefits provided in this Intercreditor Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right
or remedy of the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party is affected, impaired or
extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:
(i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or change or extend the time of payment of,
or amend, renew, exchange, increase or alter, the terms of any of the ABL Debt or any Lien on any
ABL Collateral or guaranty thereof or any liability of any ABL Loan Party, or any liability
incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof (including any increase in or extension of the
ABL Debt, without any restriction as to the amount, tenor or terms of any such increase or
extension) or otherwise amend, renew, exchange, extend, modify or supplement in any manner any
Liens held by the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties, the ABL Debt or any of the
ABL Documents; except that the ABL Lender and the ABL Secured Parties may not
consent to any amendment, modification or waiver to the ABL Documents that:
(A) results in the sum of (1) the aggregate principal amount of loans outstanding under the
ABL Documents, plus (2) the unused portion of the revolving commitments under the ABL Documents,
plus (3) the aggregate face amount of all letters of credit issued or deemed issued and outstanding
under the ABL Documents plus (4) the Cash Management Obligations plus the Hedging Obligations (in
the case of each of the foregoing, as determined after giving effect to such amendment,
modification or waiver) exceeding $75,000,000,
(B) increase the Applicable Margins or similar component of the interest rate under the ABL
Loan Agreement in a manner that would result in the total yield on the ABL Date to exceed by more
than two (2%) percent per annum the total yield on the ABL Debt as in effect on the date hereof
(excluding increases resulting from the accrual or payment of interest at the default rate),
(C) modify or add any covenant or event of default under the ABL Documents that directly
restricts Borrower or its subsidiaries from making payments of the Noteholder Debt that would
otherwise be permitted under the ABL Documents as in effect on the date hereof,
(D) contractually subordinate the Liens of the ABL Secured Parties to any other debt of ABL
Loan Parties,
(E) extend the stated maturity date of the Indebtedness under the ABL Loan Agreement to a date
beyond the stated maturity date of the Notes (as in effect on the date hereof or as hereafter
extended), or
(F) contravene the provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement;
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(ii) until Discharge of Priority Debt, sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon,
enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any part of the ABL Collateral or any
liability of any ABL Loan Party to the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties, or any
liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof in accordance with the terms hereof;
(iii) settle or compromise any of the ABL Debt or any other liability of any ABL Loan Party or
any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof and apply
any sums by whomsoever paid and however realized to any liability (including the ABL Debt) in any
manner or order, but subject however to the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement; and
(iv) exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against any ABL Loan
Party or any other Person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with any ABL Loan Party or
any ABL Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of any ABL Loan Party to any
of the ABL Secured Parties or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof, but
subject however to the terms of this Intercreditor Agreement.
(c) Each of the Collateral Agent and the ABL Lender agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to
the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or
otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that
may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the ABL Collateral or any other
similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law with respect to the ABL
Collateral.
SECTION 9. MISCELLANEOUS.
9.1 Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Intercreditor
Agreement and the provisions of the ABL Documents or the Noteholder Documents, the provisions of
this Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
9.2 Continuing Nature of this Intercreditor Agreement; Severability. This Agreement shall
continue to be effective until the earlier of (a) the Discharge of ABL Debt or (b) the final
payment in full in cash of the Noteholder Debt and the termination and release by each Noteholder
Secured Party of any Liens to secure the Noteholder Debt. This is a continuing agreement of Lien
subordination and the ABL Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the
Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party, to extend credit and other financial
accommodations and lend monies to or for the benefit of any ABL Loan Party constituting ABL Debt in
reliance hereon and the Noteholder Secured Parties may purchase Notes constituting Noteholder Debt
in reliance hereon. Each of the Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Noteholder
Secured Parties, and the ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, hereby
waives any right it may have under applicable law to revoke this Intercreditor Agreement or any of
the provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement. The terms of this Intercreditor Agreement shall
survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
Any provision of this Intercreditor Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or
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unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.
9.3 When Discharge of ABL Debt Deemed to Not Have Occurred. If substantially
contemporaneously with the Discharge of ABL Debt, Borrower refinances indebtedness outstanding
under the ABL Documents, then after written notice to Collateral Agent, (a) the indebtedness and
other obligations arising pursuant to such refinancing of the then outstanding indebtedness under
the ABL Documents shall automatically be treated as ABL Debt for all purposes of this Intercreditor
Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of ABL Collateral
set forth herein, provided that such indebtedness would have been a permitted modification or
amendment under Section 8.3(b) hereof, (b) the credit agreement and the other loan documents
evidencing such new indebtedness shall automatically be treated as the ABL Loan Agreement and the
ABL Documents for all purposes of this Intercreditor Agreement and (c) the administrative agent
under the new ABL Loan Agreement shall be deemed to be the ABL Lender for all purposes of this
Intercreditor Agreement.
9.4 Amendments to Noteholder Documents. Without the prior written consent of the ABL
Lender, no Noteholder Document may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, and no new
Noteholder Document may be entered into, to the extent such amendment, supplement or other
modification or new document would contravene the provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement.
9.5 Amendments; Waivers. No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of
this Intercreditor Agreement by the Collateral Agent or the ABL Lender shall be deemed to be made
unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of the party making the same or its authorized
agent and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance
involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations
of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time. The ABL Loan Parties
shall not have any right to consent to or approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any
provision of this Intercreditor Agreement except to the extent their rights or obligations are
directly affected.
9.6 Subrogation; Marshalling.
(a) The Collateral Agent agrees that no payment or distribution to any ABL Secured Party
pursuant to the provisions of this Intercreditor Agreement shall entitle any Noteholder Secured
Party to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the Discharge of Priority Debt
shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of Priority Debt, each the ABL Lender agrees to
execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder
Secured Party may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any the Collateral
Agent, for the benefit of the Noteholder Secured Parties, of an interest in the First Priority Debt
resulting from payments or distributions to such ABL Secured Party by such Person, so long as all
reasonable costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in
connection therewith by such ABL Secured Party are paid by such Person upon request for payment
thereof.
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(b) Noteholder Secured Parties hereby waives any and all rights to have any ABL Collateral or
any part thereof granted to or held by ABL Lender marshaled upon any foreclosure or other
disposition of such ABL Collateral by ABL Lender or any ABL Loan Party with the consent of ABL
Lender and ABL Secured Parties hereby waive any and all rights to have any ABL Collateral or any
part thereof granted to or held by Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party marshaled
upon any foreclosure or other disposition of such ABL Collateral by Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder Secured Party or any ABL Loan Party with the consent of Noteholder Secured Parties, in
each case subject to the other terms of this Intercreditor Agreement.
9.7 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waivers. The parties hereto consent to the jurisdiction of
any state or federal court located in New York, New York, and consent that all service of process
may be made by registered mail directed to such party as provided in Section 9.9 below for such
party. The parties hereto waive any objection to any action instituted hereunder based on forum
non conveniens, and any objection to the venue of any action instituted hereunder. Each of the
parties hereto waives any right it may have to trial by jury in respect of any litigation based on,
or arising out of, under or in connection with this Intercreditor Agreement, or any course of
conduct, course of dealing, verbal or written statement or action of any party hereto.
9.8 Notices. All notices to the Noteholder Secured Parties and the ABL Secured Parties
permitted or required under this Intercreditor Agreement may be sent to the Collateral Agent and
the ABL Lender, respectively. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other
communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and may be personally
served, electronically mailed or sent by courier service, facsimile transmission or U.S. mail and
shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of
a facsimile transmission or electronic mail or four (4) Business Days after deposit in the U.S.
mail (registered or certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed). For the purposes
hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth below, or, as to each party, at
such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other
parties.
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Collateral Agent:
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingstone Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292
Attention: Rick Prokosch
Facsimile No.: 651-495-8097
ABL Lender:
Wachovia Bank, National Association
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
Attention: Portfolio Administrator Liggett
Facsimile No.: 212-545-4283
Each ABL Loan Party:
Liggett Group LLC
100 Maple Lane
Mebane, North Carolina 27302
Attention: John Long
Facsimile No.: 919-990-3505
9.9 Further Assurances.
(a) The Collateral Agent agrees that it shall, for itself and on behalf of the Noteholder
Secured Parties, take such further action and shall execute and deliver to the ABL Lender such
additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the ABL Lender may
reasonably request to effectuate the terms of and the lien priorities contemplated by this
Intercreditor Agreement.
(b) The ABL Lender agrees that it shall, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties,
take such further action and shall execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such additional
documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the Collateral Agent may reasonably
request to effectuate the terms of and the lien priorities contemplated by this Intercreditor
Agreement.
9.10 Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
AND WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT.
9.11 Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of this Intercreditor Agreement
shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York but excluding any principles of
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conflicts of law or any other rule of law that would result in the application of the law of any
jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of New York.
9.12 Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the ABL
Lender, the other ABL Secured Parties, the Collateral Agent, the other Noteholder Secured Parties,
ABL Loan Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns.
9.13 Specific Performance. The ABL Lender or the Collateral Agent may demand specific
performance of this Intercreditor Agreement. The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the
Noteholder Secured Parties, and the ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the ABL Secured
Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any
other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which
may be brought by the ABL Lender or the Collateral Agent, as applicable.
9.14 Section Titles; Time Periods. The section titles contained in this Intercreditor
Agreement are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are
not a part of this Intercreditor Agreement.
9.15 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be an original and all of which shall together constitute one and the same document.
9.16 Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Intercreditor Agreement
on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly
authorized to execute this Intercreditor Agreement.
9.17 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall
inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and
shall inure to the benefit of each of the holders of ABL Debt and Noteholder Debt. No other Person
shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Intercreditor Agreement as of the
date first written above.
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ABL LENDER: |
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BORROWERS AND OTHER LOAN PARTIES: |
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WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as ABL Lender |
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LIGGETT GROUP LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Marc Breier
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title:
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Director
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Title:
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Manager |
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100 MAPLE LLC |
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By:
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein |
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Title:
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Manager |
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COLLATERAL AGENT: |
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U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, |
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as the Collateral Agent |
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By:
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/s/ Richard Prokosch |
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Title:
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Vice President |
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Intercreditor & Subordination Agreement
Schedule A
To
Intercreditor and Lien Subordination Agreement
ABL Collateral
(a) all Accounts arising from the sale or other disposition of Inventory;
(b) all general intangibles, including, without limitation, all Intellectual Property;
(c) all Inventory;
(d) all Equipment;
(e) all chattel paper (including all tangible and electronic chattel paper), in each case
arising in connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of, any of the
Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of the other Collateral;
(f) all instruments (including all promissory notes), in each case arising in connection with
or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute
Collateral, any Inventory or any of the other Collateral;
(g) all documents arising in connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable
proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of the other
Collateral;
(h) all deposit accounts;
(i) all letters of credit, bankers acceptances and similar instruments and including all
letter-of-credit rights, in each case arising in connection with or related to, or constituting
identifiable proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of
the other Collateral;
(j) all supporting obligations and all present and future liens, security interests, rights,
remedies, title and interest in, to and in respect of Receivables arising from the sale or other
disposition of Inventory or any of the other Collateral, including (i) rights and remedies under or
relating to guaranties, contracts of suretyship, letters of credit and credit and other insurance
related to the Collateral, (ii) rights of stoppage in transit, replevin, repossession, reclamation
and other rights and remedies of an unpaid vendor, lienor or secured party, (iii) goods described
in invoices, documents, contracts or instruments with respect to, or otherwise representing or
evidencing, Receivables arising from the sale or other disposition of Inventory or any of the other
Collateral, including returned, repossessed and reclaimed goods, and (iv) deposits by and property
of account debtors or other persons securing the obligations of account debtors;
Sch-1
(k) all (i) investment property (including securities, whether certificated or uncertificated,
securities accounts, security entitlements, commodity contracts or commodity accounts), in each
case arising in connection with or related to, or constituting identifiable proceeds of any
Collateral and (ii) monies, credit balances, deposits and other property of Borrower now or
hereafter held or received by or in transit to Lender or its Affiliates or at any other depository
or other institution from or for the account of Borrower, whether for safekeeping, pledge, custody,
transmission, collection or otherwise (including, without limitation, any Cash Collateral at any
time held by Lender);
(l) all commercial tort claims, including, without limitation, those identified in the
Information Certificate, in each case arising in connection with or related to, or constituting
identifiable proceeds of, any of the Accounts that constitute Collateral, any Inventory or any of
the other Collateral;
(m) to the extent not otherwise described above, all Receivables arising from the sale or
other disposition of Inventory or of any other Collateral;
(n) the land, buildings, fixtures and other improvements at 100 Maple Lane, Mebane, North
Carolina (the Mebane Premises);
(o) all Records; and
(p) all products and proceeds of the foregoing, in any form, including insurance proceeds and
all claims against third parties for loss or damage to or destruction of or other involuntary
conversion of any kind or nature of any or all of the other Collateral.
As used herein, Collateral shall not include (i) any of Borrowers Real Property other than the
Mebane Premises, (ii) any of Borrowers Equipment to the extent any grant of a lien to Lender in
such Equipment would be precluded by or require a consent under the terms and conditions of any
purchase money or other financing of any such Equipment, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
or (iii) any proceeds of such assets and property that are excluded from Collateral.
Sch-2
EX-99.2 Press Release
Exhibit 99.2
NEWS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact:
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Paul Caminiti/Carrie |
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Bloom/Jonathan Doorley |
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Sard Verbinnen & Co |
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212/687-8080 |
VECTOR GROUP LTD. COMPLETES SALE OF SENIOR SECURED NOTES
MIAMI, FL, August 16, 2007 Vector Group Ltd. (NYSE: VGR) (the Company) announced today
that it has completed the sale of $165 million of its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the
Notes) through an offering to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933. The Notes are and will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a
joint and several basis by all of the domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are engaged in the
conduct of the Companys cigarette businesses.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the issuance for general corporate purposes which
may include working capital requirements, the financing of capital expenditures, future
acquisitions, the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, payment of dividends and
the repurchase of all or any part of its outstanding convertible notes.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the
Notes. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any
state securities laws. Unless so registered, the Notes may not be offered or sold in the United
States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify
these forward-looking statements using words such as anticipates, believes, estimates,
expects, plans, intends and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Companys
current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which
could cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from
those expressed in, or implied by, such statements.
Vector Group is a holding company that indirectly owns Liggett Group LLC, Vector Tobacco Inc. and
New Valley LLC. Additional information concerning the Company is available on the Companys
website, www.VectorGroupLtd.com.
# # #